Health

I didn't know what to call this one. I just felt like 'journaling' I guess, if only for myself. I think I will just ramble for a bit.. feel free to skip this entry!
About a month or two ago I started worrying about Ry. It seemed like finding clothes that fit her was getting harder. I went over our lifestyle in my head, even made a few adjustments to our diets, but it just didn't add up. My poor children don't get a lot of treats and we eat lots of fruits and veggies. My kids are probably some of the only ones to request salads when we go out (especially her). I didn't think she was terribly overweight or anything, but her eating habits just didn't match the sizes I was having to buy for her. I decided to talk to our pediatrician who I trust and who knows me and my kids very well. As I was talking to her, I mentioned that hypothyroidism runs in both mine and Jeff's families. She had me bring Ry in and after looking at her and asking us both questions she felt that hypothyroidism was a plausible explanation for the weight gain. We (she) took some blood (she was so brave but hated every minute!) and when the doc got the results she sent us to a pediatric endocrinologist (I can pronounce it now!). After he and his associate examined her we yet again had more blood taken (by a crazy old man at the Draper LapCorp.. seriously, weird old man) and she had a thyroid ultrasound at the new Primary Children's outpatient facility in Riverton. Well, after getting those tests back, it was confirmed. So, treatment.. she is now taking a pill every morning, same time, with one glass of water, eating 30 minutes later. They say to try to be consistent because the hormone (pill) works best if it is taken consistently, keeping more even levels in the blood. She will be seen every 3 or 4 months for a few years, while we get her thyroid hormone adjusted and while she 'matures'.. I guess at this time of life it is important to monitor her condition more closely.
What was interesting to me throughout this process is the whole 'listening to your gut, trusting your instincts' thing. There were questions about tiredness (laziness), constipation, dry skin, etc. that I was like, well yeah, she does that. It was all 'normal' to me because she is my first child and everyone is different and I really didn't know what to expect. I realized that she has had things that have changed about her in the last few years... I was actually worried she was 'maturing' (that word again) early or something. I can just say that I am so happy that I finally called her doctor.
A shout out to Dr. Pari Mashkuri.. this is not the first time she's helped me catch something with one of my children. I was worried last winter because Paige had a cough that just wasn't going away. She was otherwise healthy, but when in the cold or going to bed, that cough would start up again. The good doctor took my concerns seriously and she has been diagnosed with mild asthma. She is usually just fine, but on occasion we need to give her a Singulair and/or help her use her inhaler. It has been amazing the difference. This last spring at her well child check she confirmed what I was suspecting that Paige should see an eye doctor. Now Paige has glasses and loves being able to see farther away. She didn't realize that it was strange that she couldn't see the board at school well, so she never complained. Now she loves to wear her glasses. On another occasion (I think a follow up for Paige's asthma), I said to the doc, "If AJ's breath stinks, I'm assuming it's something dental, but could it be medical?' To that she gets her chart and takes a look. Apparently, if you think your kids breath stinks, check their nose.. sinus infections can be a stinky affair. My lovely little 3 year old had stuck a tissue up her nose and it sat up there for over a week, causing an infection and just plain getting in the way. It was so funny, but seriously good to get that taken care of.
I guess that the moral of the story is that you never know what you're getting out of life. If you would've told me long ago that at ages 9 & 7 I would have one child with glasses and asthma and one with hypothyroidism, I would've felt overwhelmed and scared. Thank goodness for medical advancements and good health insurance! I think that I'm also grateful it is not worse, but I'm being careful what I say because they are still young and I have the 4 year old that has given me the most grief as far as 'stinker child' goes.. and yes, that means she is naughty and stubborn and stuck a tissue up her nose and cut her hair recently, but dang she's cute (good thing). Who knows what ailments are on the way.. I think I could use a few years off of this stuff. In the past 2 1/2 years, I have had 2 surgeries, Jeff 1 surgery, and all this new stuff with the kids.. maybe it's the new house. That's how long we've lived here!! Hmmmm....
Oh well! Time to go make dinner. I'm sorry for you if you read all of this, since like I said, it's just me rambling. Oh, and I'm not reading over this. It is a true first (and last) draft!

HoLy CoW!!!

So, I haven't posted in FOREVER! It got overwhelming to have to go private and so I guess I kept putting it off and then I just forgot. My mother-in-law said she'd come here and there was nothing new and I thought.. "What, people still want to read my blog????" So, I guess I will give a quick summary and then go private when I have some extra time.
Here goes:
Kids finished grade 3,1 and Preschool (first year), they had dance recitals, we went camping a few times, they started grade 4,2 and Preschool (PreK), Paige got glasses, we finished the downstairs family room, my parents sold their house, we went to Disney World, Rylee and Paige started piano, oh, and they are all in dance again, and I think that's most of it. Oh, and we just had Halloween. I will post some pics, cuz that's all any of you want anyway, right??
The new Family Room is so great! What you can't see is the 52" Samsung HDTV in front of the couch. Nice!

Jeff did an amazing job!


Paige looks so hip with her new glasses!

The house I grew up in. I'm gonna miss it!

Disney World!!!

It was hot and humid but lots of fun!

I'm going private..

I realize I have been a HUGE blog slacker recently. Good thing not many people are reading this, right? My loving hubby asked me awhile ago to go private for the safety of our family, so I am finally going to do it. If you would like an invite to this lovely blog, please leave me a comment with your name and email and I will add ya. I will keep this up for a week or two before I switch.
Thanks! Me

Up on the Housetop

Christmas 2008

Yes, I realize that it is now March, but I also realize that I never put any pictures of Christmas on here yet. What can I say, I've been busy.
Well, briefly, Christmas was fun. My children were spoiled beyond spoiled! Rylee got a DS and an MP3 player, Paige also got an MP3 player and a guitar and stuff for her doll (It's like an American Girl doll, but the ones you get at Target), and Ashlynn got a baby and a new kitchen. We had Christmas Eve with my family and then went down to St. George a week later and had Christmas with Jeff's parents. I hope my girls realize how good they have it and I hope that I am able to teach them about what's important and what Christmas is all about.
It truly is my favorite holiday and I hope that I remember this year to worry less about the presents and spending and all of my lists and just take time to remember why we celebrate it and also enjoy my friends and family.

25 Random Things

I was tagged on Facebook a little while ago with this and put in on there. I saw this on a friends blog and thought that it was a good idea, and since my posts have been few lately, it's a quick, easy thing I can blog about. Also, it was fun to think about what to write, so here are some things about me.
1. I am the third of four kids, and the other middle child is the only boy. I am totally a middle child!

2. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer and live in New York City.

3. I love to read!!! It beats housework any day. My favorites are: John Grisham, Stephenie Meyer, Diane Mott Davidson, Mary Higgins Clark.

4. I played the drums in middle school and was a yearbook editor in high school.

5. I've always wanted to write children's books. In fact, I have many rough drafts in various notebooks around my house.

6. Sometimes I am a perfectionist, and that is why I have a hard time doing big projects that I need or want to do (like organize my office. yuck!).. it would take forever to do them just right. Or maybe that's just an excuse. ??

7. Last week, I spent $58 at Bath and Body Works... mostly on soap.

8. I have been to at least 25 concerts in my life, from U2 to Def Leppard to Tim McGraw (five times) to Miley Cyrus and of course New Kids on the Block (two times).

9. I have a crush on Tim McGraw.

10. I have had the same best friend (besides my hubby, of course) since 9th grade. In fact, I have been to over half of those concerts with her.

11. I love to bake, and am actually good at some things.

12. I have the three sweetest, cutest, smartest little girls in the world!

13. I love to turn up the radio and dance around the house with my girls.

14. I want to go back to school when my kids are all in school and get my bachelors degree. I have my associates, so I'm half way there.

15. I don't know what I want to major in when I go back to school. Maybe something medical. Any suggestions?

16. I used to watch As the World Turns every day. It was genetic, I think. My great-grandma watched when it was brand new, then my grandma, and still my mom. Maybe I will have to take it up again and introduce it to my children. What a legacy to leave!

17. I have been to Hawaii and New York and many other places in between, but I have never left the country.

18. I really wish that "Monkees" reruns would come back to TV. That is the best show ever!!! I had a crush on Mickey Dolenz (yea, I know he's really old now).

19. I collect pins. (That is why facebook flair is the coolest!) I have one that says "I love Corey Haim!", lots of NKOTB, Batman, peace signs, etc. It takes me back.

20. I am not a fan of roller coasters, sledding, flying or anything that makes my heart jump into my throat. Boring, I know. Just give me a book.

21. I love Football, and I mean REAL football.. NFL. The Denver Broncos have been my favorite team since I was about seven years old.

22. I have absolutely no musical talent whatsoever, but I totally love music and appreciate all aspects of it. Taylor Swift and Colbie Caillat are some of my heroes because they can sing, play, and write their own stuff. And I also love to listen to them!

23. Half of the church callings I have had in my life have been in Beehives. I think I must relate well with 12 and 13 year olds. I am so mature!

24. One of my favorite things in the world is Cherry Diet Coke. I have discovered how to make it with Diet Coke and this Maraschino Syrup stuff. Oh, soooo good!

25. I am married to the BEST husband in the whole world!

Now you know something about me. Good for you!
I promise to blog about something more exciting next time (Maybe Christmas 2008- still haven't done that).

My Valentine

Since it is that time of year, I decided to give a shout out to my Valentine! This year we will be in St. George with family for Valentine's and have no romantic plans, so I decided I should at least acknowledge it.
As I tried to find pics to put on here, I realized that almost every picture I have of Jeff is of him holding one of his girls. In some they are opening birthday presents, some they are swimming, and some he is climbing or running down a mountain holding on tight. I took those pictures while yelling, "Get back here!" or "That's too steep!" I'm such a scaredy-cat. It's a good thing the girls have a fun dad!
I put some songs that remind me of Jeff and me on my playlist. The first song is how I feel about my sweet hubby, so it says it all. Love ya babe!

When you have all girls...

This is what we did this Monday. I call it a great Family Home Evening.
And no, those are not my feet.. way too hairy!! HaHa! It is Jeff.
That's what I call a good dad!!! What other dad would let his daughters give him a 'pedi'?

Soooo funny!!!

Busy Bee Me!

I have been so busy the last month, so I haven't blogged much. Here is an update, and I will post some pics and fun stuff later.
First, Jeff had surgery on Dec. 12th to repair his ACL that was completely torn at an elder's quorum football game. Give me a break! He mountain bikes, plays basketball all winter, softball the rest of the year, and he plays flag football once and he needs surgery! You just never know. He is STILL on crutches and I am ready for him to be off of them NOW! It has meant less help and lots more for me to do. I guess I took for granted the fact that he would clean up after dinner, take AJ potty, carry heavy stuff, and shovel all the snow. Oh, and I also have had to help him more... I guess you can't drive a manual car with your left leg in a brace, so I've taken him to work a lot, since I need my 4 wheel drive, more seating for kids car.
Next, I decided that December is a very busy time to be Primary Secretary. Holy forms & class lists & meetings Batman! All of that has kept me stressed and busy, but it hasn't been too bad, just one more thing to deal with.
Next, all the Christmas dance recitals, Preschool programs, class party's. I guess that's what you call having kids, so I can't really get out of that. It has just meant more stress and busy.
And last, December has this holiday in it.. Christmas! If I didn't worry about mailing Christmas cards, making neighbor gifts, buying kids friend gifts, getting the perfect gifts for all the family you don't know what to get, spoiling the kids.. oh, and making sure the kids are all somewhat even in the 'getting' department, and of course, stressing over the fact that my kids need to know and understand the true meaning of Christmas and that all the getting and stuff isn't so important.. (note to self: next year, just remember true meaning of Christmas and bag all the other stuff).
Oh, I am glad that December's over!!!
Happy New Year! I am going to bed!