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!

Christmas Dances

The girls have been busy with dance recitals lately. R & P danced at the Festival of Trees and AJ danced at the grocery store, and they all have their big recital on Friday. Here are some pics of the big girls and the video from AJ's. So Cute!!!

My Crazy Rockstar!

This is video of us messing around a couple of months ago. Pause my music on the right to hear this... The shoulder moves are part of her 'stretching' routine at dance. It's her favorite dance move lately.

My Grandparents

Sometimes everything just fits together. I was watching some recorded John Edward Cross Country's today and using my blanket my Grandma made me when I was three, which is my FAVORITE. Then, I had to list my favorite pie on a funny email I got today, and it is my Grandma's Rhubarb Pie, and so today I was just thinking about and missing my Grandma. She's been gone just over 3 years and I can't believe it's already been that long. Then, my poor Grandpa had surgery on his hip today. He is 84 (I think), and has cancer, and it's bad. He was also in a really bad car accident less than a year ago.. he just keeps trucking. So then I was looking at pictures and came across this one, so with Christmas coming and all of this, I decided to post it. Aren't they cute?!

I won them!

So, I wrote about New Kids on the Block awhile ago.. I said that my friend and I wanted to go for old times sake, but the tickets were too much money... Well, about a week ago I won tickets! It is so silly, but I get a girls night, so I am excited!!! Just thought I'd share.

OK, so I just got home, and it was such a good concert! My expectations weren't real high to begin with, but it was awesome! I also have to give much kudos to Natasha Bedingfield. I was already a big fan of hers, but she is just amazing.. what a talent!!!

It was Kristi drooling over Joey and Me screaming for Jordan. Just like 18, 19, 20 years ago when we were doing the same thing! Some things never change. Except I don't have New Kids posters all over my bedroom anymore. I don't think that Jeff would appreciate that.. :)

Our Victorious Night!

Tonight was a rare Thursday in our house. Both Denver and Utah had big games. We had Jeff in the family room, me in the bedroom, and (for a first) a movie in the kids' room (so they would stay out of our way).

Both games were close, both teams were behind most of the game(s), and both teams had great 4th quarters!!! There was a lot of yelling, but I am SOOOO Happy to say that in the end it was..

Denver Broncos 34

Cleveland Browns 30... poor Joe :(

and...

Utah Utes 13

TCU 10

that ought to help their national ranking, hu?

Here we are, happy :)

HALLOWEEN

It was Halloween.. Hip Hip Hooray!
It's not my favorite, but that's OK.
Kids dress up, say trick or treat,
People give them lots of sugar to eat.
Snickers for mom, Butterfinger for dad,
If the kids see us sneak it, they will be mad.
Lots of bubblegum, nerds and suckers still there,
It doesn't hurt them one bit to share.
We saw goblins and fairies and Minnie Mouse.
Even Hannah Montana came to our house.
'Twas a night filled with lots of noise and fun.
I am so glad to say that it is all done!
Another holiday down, time for a pause....
What?! Suddenly I am seeing Santa Claus!
Now when you go to the store, all you can see
Is red and green lights for the CHRISTMAS tree!

Blessed

I don't usually get too mushy or religious on my blog, but I'm going to take a minute to do just that. The past few weeks/years ??? so much bad stuff has happened to people I care about. I see my friends dealing with hard things and they seem to handle it so well.. they see the big picture, learn, and move on. I see other's stress out, feel guilty, get angry, dwell on it, try to get over it, and not do a great job. The one thing I see differently about these people is that some have the gospel in their lives, while the others don't. Guess who has it and who doesn't?
Having the gospel is the difference between living in darkness and living in light. If you know that there is a bigger purpose to all this crap we deal with, if you know that there is someone who loves you no matter what, and will gladly forgive you your faults, if you know you have people here on earth to help you through your struggles... these things can make such a difference when you are dealing with earthly things.
I can see how smart and cunning Satan is.. things like drugs and pornography are so addictive, yet seem manageable and somewhat harmless at first... He has a way to get you and hook you.
I am SOOO thankful that I know better than to even test the waters of things that could drag me down! I once told someone that having the Word of Wisdom and other 'rules' the church encourages felt like it gave me more freedom. I think it has made my life easier. I don't have to decide at a party with peers if I'm going to drink a beer, I didn't have to think about how far things would go with a boyfriend in the heat of the moment. And I NEVER felt like I missed out on anything! I feel like my life is so blessed. I am truly happy, even with everything going on around me. This month's primary theme is "I am thankful to know that we are all children of God". I am so thankful to know it! I wish everyone I loved would know it, too!

My Groupie Group

When I was in middle school (like 5 or 6 years ago :) ), I was a HUGE New Kids on the Block fan. They were the Jonas Brothers or 'NSYNC of that time. So this is my little trip back to the good old days. Here's an old and current pic of the group. I am sad to say that I am not loving their new stuff nor attending their way expensive upcoming tour, but I did go and see them when I was 14.

Here, in the front, is my Jordan Nathaniel Marcel Knight, born May 17, 1970. I even had Paige on May 17, I am a true fan! :)


Here are the boys now. They are still cute, but it is just not the same. I think that this is a good thing.

New links to websites

I have added to the right.. (over there --->) some websites that I wanted to. Like 'Denver Broncos', cuz I bleed orange and blue, and 'Stephenie Meyer', cuz I am addicted to her books... 'Paul and Anny's diner' is the Tea Rose Diner located in Murray, and Paul is my brother. Anny is an awesome chef and my favorites on their menu are the grilled cheese sandwich w/ bacon & pears (YUM!) and the honey glazed pork. It is great food at a good price and a homey environment. And if you want to see a movie or see what's going on around town after your tasty dinner of grilled cheese w/ bacon & pears (YUM!), you can check out Sean's blogs (he writes for the Tribune and is my bro-in-law). Happy Surfing!

AJ and MORE lipstick!

OK, so I was going through some pictures while I was looking for something, and I came across some of Ashlynn back in April or May playing with guess what? Yup! Lipstick! I just added these pics to the slideshow down below. It's kind of funny, but I think she's getting worse at putting it on the more she does it. In these, the lipstick is at least MOSTLY on her lips!!!

Rylee playing softball

Rylee decided she wanted to play softball this fall and has loved it. She is learning so much and having lots of fun! Here are some pics of the pro.