Well I don't have the money to send out Christmas cards this year but I do want to let everyone know how much we love them and miss them. We have had a very busy 2011 and can't believe the year is almost over already!
Let's start with Ray. He's been teaching at Hesperia 5 years now and has moved up to teaching Algebra 2 and Geometry. He loves this and with the Ace kids (high achieving classes) he is even happier! He has enough credits for a move on the pay scale to the Masters list so he was quite pleased with that also. He is now a counselor in the Young Men's presidency and that keeps him busy but we know he enjoys it. He gets to go camping once a month and is enjoying the "scouting" things that he previously didn't have time for. Now that he's not in school he's staying busy with his calling, tutoring those who need it, and running a club at the school. He's happy and was even able to play tuba at the Homecoming Football game this Fall (the kids loved it!).
Alex is 7 years old and in 2nd grade as of August this year. He has an assistant/aide (one for morning and one for afternoon) and that seems to really have made a difference. He is also receiving speech and daily OT at his school and he's working so hard, we're so proud of him. His writing is much better this year and his reading seems to really be moving as well. He is doing therapy to help him expand his very picky diet and has recently tried a few new foods, we couldn't be more thrilled! It's about time! He is still a loving and sweet boy who makes friends easily and has the most adorable laugh. We just adore him and can't believe he'll be baptised in March. Eek!
Ariana is 6 years old and is in 1st grade and loves it! She adores her teacher and has the nicest friends, it's great to watch her blossom and come out of her shell around the kids at school. She loves animals and can't get enough crafts. Always drawing, cutting paper, painting, everything artistic. This also leads to quite a mess... that's our girl! She has her own sense of style and isn't afraid to d what she wants and wear the patterns that she wants (her outfits are always modest but definitely a little crazy!) We love our sweet girl and she is a great sister and a kind heart.
Camden is 4 years old and enjoying his last year at home with mommy before heading off to Kindergarten next year. He's definitely ready for school, I think he's bored with me and he's just too smart for his own good. Poor guy, we try to do things at home to help him learn because preschool isn't an option for him at this point (we can't afford it). I tell him I'll be sad when he goes to school and his reply is always "it's okay mommy, I'll draw you pictures!" He is the family clown and is always making us laugh with his silly antics and funny jokes. Camden deals with asthma (no fun) but it's under control thanks to medicine. He's a huge dinosaur fan and can tell you all about them along with trains. He's such a sweet heart, I can't believe my baby is getting so old so quickly!
I am doing well too. I have had some health struggles in the last few years but none of them have been serious. I would love to have another baby and although everyone keeps asking us if/when we are having more this just hasn't happened. We've had a few very early miscarriages and this has been a real struggle so there, that's in the open so people don't have to ask. (It's been 3 1/2 years now of trying). I am still working at home as a digital scrapbook designer and have started my own photography business under the name Yellow Canary Photography. I am leaning towards newborns, families and seniors as a specialty but enjoy taking photos of people overall. I'm soaking all of the information in and working hard to keep the house organized amid all of this chaos.
Things are good for us, we are healthy and happy and we can't complain. We adopted two puppies this summer (golden labs) and they are just the sweetest. It's the best thing we've done for the kids in a long time, they adore these dogs and aren't afraid of dogs as they used to be. They really have thrived helping take care of these dogs and are loving them to pieces!
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and we love all of you, thank you for your love and support!
Love,
Anderson family
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Busy me
I've been so busy with kids homework, Ray finishing his Masters Degree (we're ALMOST THERE! It's only taken YEARS... lol). Oh and my work that I've been doing too. I've been desining like crazy and LOVE that. I also have started as a Heritage Makers consultant to help teach others how to digital scrapbook AND to get them published at a discounted price... something I myself am really looking forward to. Nothing like holding the project printed in your hands and NOT on your laptop.
We're good, just crazy busy. Here's an example of a recent layout I did... scrapbooking just makes me smile.
Nothing new with my body and miscarriages, still healing actually. I thought it shouldn't be this hard but dang, my heart aches! I've dealt with fertility and thought I could cope with anything but my heart hurts when I see baby clothes, babies, anything like that. I try to distance myself from it all but it's hard when everyone I care for is having more babies... happy for them sure but still hard. I hope this is the year we can finally keep a baby but only the Lord knows.
So that's what I've been up to, I'll share more layouts soon!
We're good, just crazy busy. Here's an example of a recent layout I did... scrapbooking just makes me smile.
Nothing new with my body and miscarriages, still healing actually. I thought it shouldn't be this hard but dang, my heart aches! I've dealt with fertility and thought I could cope with anything but my heart hurts when I see baby clothes, babies, anything like that. I try to distance myself from it all but it's hard when everyone I care for is having more babies... happy for them sure but still hard. I hope this is the year we can finally keep a baby but only the Lord knows.
So that's what I've been up to, I'll share more layouts soon!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Another miscarriage
It seems that I am going through yet another miscarriage. Thankfully it wasn't very far along, my body was gearing up for a pregnancy but something waved a red flag and everything shut back down. Not sure why that keeps happening but Ray thinks it may be the prozac causing my body to say "wait, hold on..." I am going to see my doctor soon and see if we can start going off that to help the problem and hopefully finally keep a baby. This has been a hard week but I know that I am able to get pregnant at least! If this doesn't work we'll have to talk to my doctor about progesterone to keep this going.
Prayers... that's all I can do right now is pray...
Prayers... that's all I can do right now is pray...
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Halloween 2010
I know, slacker I am.. never updating THIS blog. :) We are doing well though, although I'm still as baby hungry as ever (for those who aren't keeping track I've been "wanting" another baby for the last 2 1/2 years now... well more than wanting but hoping for one? We've had a few miscarriages but nothing too far along thankfully... they still suck...)
Anyways, Alex is doing really well. He had his MRI recently to check his spinal cord and it was FINE. NO sign of a tethered spinal cord and so now we are going to turn to OT and see what they can tell us about what we can do to train him. It's not his fault... we know that. He has two AMAZING aides this year, we couldn't be happier. Mrs Tammy is in the morning and Miss Jenn in the afternoon and I just adore them (more or less because they just LOVE Alex so that makes it easier.) Besides, I want to adopt Jenn as another sister (and she reads this blog so hey Jenn!) It's all good and they have been helping him so much. His teacher is amazing, we LOVE her too. It's just a huge blessing and a sigh of relief for me that we were so blessed. He's doing well, still struggles to hit the big 30 lbs mark (we were there but he dropped below 30 lbs again). Oh well. He's catching up a lot this year actually... if you look at his height next to the other kids he's still small but doesn't look like some preschooler who snuck in when no one was watching anymore. lol. His writing and reading are coming along (once again thanks to the many people that help him along with his teacher and aides). It's fabulous.
Ariana is doing well too, she's had a few bad days at school but mostly because she gets SO excited. It's the oposite of last year where they didn't know if she would talk. This year in Kindergarten she comes home and gushes about how she loves her teacher and someday wants to be a teacher "just like her" (ha... her daddy and grandpa are both teachers but she doesn't want to be like them, they are boys after all). lol. She''s so cute and is SO much taller than her brothers now. No one mistakes her and Alex for twins anymore, rather it's Alex and Camden. (Yes, that would be the longest pregnancy in history since they are 3 years apart...)
Speaking of Camden he's a booger but we love him. He's off the charts tall (they think he'll be at least 6'4 someday... 1 inch taller than daddy at least) and so he's proud of that. He's smart as can be (holy cow) and will be ready for school when his turn comes. We figure it helps that we work with the other two on letters/counting/etc and he is just picking up on it too. We don't mind, we love watching him learn. Sometimes we forget though that he IS just three because he's so tall and talks so well. Poor guy... He's not potty trained yet either but we know that his issue is that he watches Alex (who works hard at it) and since Alex isn't potty trained... well... neither is Camden despite our efforts. Stinker will get it someday, he's smart enough.
I'm doing great, I am on those thyroid medicines and FINALLY am feeling more normal. It's fabulous, I haven't felt this "normal" or like myself in a LONG time. It's amazing and I am not in a hurry to give up any of the medicines soon. I am hoping to wean off the 20mg of Prozac (lowest dose) but will stay on the low dose of thyroid meds. Good stuff. I'm praying for a baby... Ariana asks me all the time for a sister and I of course worry about a huge age gap after how close the other three are but it's not in my hands. The Lord knows what he's doing and honestly I'm grateful my body will be healthy (and my mental health... roflol) before another child. Definitely not ready to be done at the moment though.
Ray is working on his Masters project so he should have the Masters in Mathematics Education by Spring if it all goes well. Big relief! We also are NOT going to be moving to Idaho any time soon like we had hoped. We can't just sell our house at the moment and know we are where we need to be. Besides, we can't give up our aides for Alex. :) Ray is doing well though and we are all good.
Here are some great photos from Halloween to show you the kids (they kept changing their minds on their costumes).
This was Alex's sign that he wrote yesterday when home sick.. he was DYING to go back to school and wrote "I want to go to school" on the board. Well, at least he sounded it out. Whether the letters went where they were supposed to is another matter... lol. He even drew himself on there, how thoughtful of him.
Anyways, Alex is doing really well. He had his MRI recently to check his spinal cord and it was FINE. NO sign of a tethered spinal cord and so now we are going to turn to OT and see what they can tell us about what we can do to train him. It's not his fault... we know that. He has two AMAZING aides this year, we couldn't be happier. Mrs Tammy is in the morning and Miss Jenn in the afternoon and I just adore them (more or less because they just LOVE Alex so that makes it easier.) Besides, I want to adopt Jenn as another sister (and she reads this blog so hey Jenn!) It's all good and they have been helping him so much. His teacher is amazing, we LOVE her too. It's just a huge blessing and a sigh of relief for me that we were so blessed. He's doing well, still struggles to hit the big 30 lbs mark (we were there but he dropped below 30 lbs again). Oh well. He's catching up a lot this year actually... if you look at his height next to the other kids he's still small but doesn't look like some preschooler who snuck in when no one was watching anymore. lol. His writing and reading are coming along (once again thanks to the many people that help him along with his teacher and aides). It's fabulous.
Ariana is doing well too, she's had a few bad days at school but mostly because she gets SO excited. It's the oposite of last year where they didn't know if she would talk. This year in Kindergarten she comes home and gushes about how she loves her teacher and someday wants to be a teacher "just like her" (ha... her daddy and grandpa are both teachers but she doesn't want to be like them, they are boys after all). lol. She''s so cute and is SO much taller than her brothers now. No one mistakes her and Alex for twins anymore, rather it's Alex and Camden. (Yes, that would be the longest pregnancy in history since they are 3 years apart...)
Speaking of Camden he's a booger but we love him. He's off the charts tall (they think he'll be at least 6'4 someday... 1 inch taller than daddy at least) and so he's proud of that. He's smart as can be (holy cow) and will be ready for school when his turn comes. We figure it helps that we work with the other two on letters/counting/etc and he is just picking up on it too. We don't mind, we love watching him learn. Sometimes we forget though that he IS just three because he's so tall and talks so well. Poor guy... He's not potty trained yet either but we know that his issue is that he watches Alex (who works hard at it) and since Alex isn't potty trained... well... neither is Camden despite our efforts. Stinker will get it someday, he's smart enough.
I'm doing great, I am on those thyroid medicines and FINALLY am feeling more normal. It's fabulous, I haven't felt this "normal" or like myself in a LONG time. It's amazing and I am not in a hurry to give up any of the medicines soon. I am hoping to wean off the 20mg of Prozac (lowest dose) but will stay on the low dose of thyroid meds. Good stuff. I'm praying for a baby... Ariana asks me all the time for a sister and I of course worry about a huge age gap after how close the other three are but it's not in my hands. The Lord knows what he's doing and honestly I'm grateful my body will be healthy (and my mental health... roflol) before another child. Definitely not ready to be done at the moment though.
Ray is working on his Masters project so he should have the Masters in Mathematics Education by Spring if it all goes well. Big relief! We also are NOT going to be moving to Idaho any time soon like we had hoped. We can't just sell our house at the moment and know we are where we need to be. Besides, we can't give up our aides for Alex. :) Ray is doing well though and we are all good.
Here are some great photos from Halloween to show you the kids (they kept changing their minds on their costumes).
Our friend Shane did face painting for the kids at their Halloween party and this is what Ariana ended up with (although when he first offered she had a melt down, you just never know with her...)
This was Alex's sign that he wrote yesterday when home sick.. he was DYING to go back to school and wrote "I want to go to school" on the board. Well, at least he sounded it out. Whether the letters went where they were supposed to is another matter... lol. He even drew himself on there, how thoughtful of him.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
update on me
I am pretty sure I have hypothyroidism... and this is a relief and a frustration. A relief because maybe we can do something to get this worked out. A frustration because now I need to convince the doctors to stop ignoring my symptoms. I've done the research and I have the signs of it. Not only that but I have gained weight and no clue why it keeps happening (20 lbs). It's really not only annoying but difficult. My last doctor I complained to her that my periods were coming closer together than they should be. She just said this was "better for fertility so no harm done". That's when I knew I coouldn't see HER anymore. lol.
Sigh.
So I see a new doctor on Tuesday and am praying he can help me...
Sigh.
So I see a new doctor on Tuesday and am praying he can help me...
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Ramblings
I feel like I should be sad... I should be overwhelmed or frustrated. I have to admit that I am in fact on prozac... depression started after Ariana's birth 5 years ago and we are now looking at my thyroid to see if this can be solved. Until then I'm on a very low dose of prozac.
My great-grandmother died peacefully this morning. She was 92 and when I saw her 2 days ago we knew she was dying. She was a strong and amazing woman who would curse like a sailor (lol sorry Grandma) and was fiesty as can be. She loved her family though and loved the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and even the great-great-grandchildren. (lol.) She will be missed but she was so miserable at the end of her life that none of us can be too upset that she's finally happy. She's finally at peace and we look forward to seeing her someday but know she's up there with others we've lost and loved.
Her memorial will be on Monday. On Tuesday I get a biopsy on my thyroid... not thrilled but anxious to have this over with. I am also waiting on two fillings (I hate those) and Alex will be getting a sedated MRI here soon as well. Then beginning of August Alex will be in 1st grade and I'm just so nervous about that... he's supposed to get some aides for school but whether they happen right away is to be seen. I am nervous she will be someone we don't like so praying that it works out okay...
I should be sad... crushed... but I'm doing okay. I claim it's the medicine I'm on and that's most of it. :) I also know that Great-Grandma Vera is happy finally... finally free from that body that was no longer working. She's probably giving them heck for not letting her come sooner like she wanted. roflol.
That's what's on my mind today... just a lot that I am taking one day at a time.
My great-grandmother died peacefully this morning. She was 92 and when I saw her 2 days ago we knew she was dying. She was a strong and amazing woman who would curse like a sailor (lol sorry Grandma) and was fiesty as can be. She loved her family though and loved the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and even the great-great-grandchildren. (lol.) She will be missed but she was so miserable at the end of her life that none of us can be too upset that she's finally happy. She's finally at peace and we look forward to seeing her someday but know she's up there with others we've lost and loved.
Her memorial will be on Monday. On Tuesday I get a biopsy on my thyroid... not thrilled but anxious to have this over with. I am also waiting on two fillings (I hate those) and Alex will be getting a sedated MRI here soon as well. Then beginning of August Alex will be in 1st grade and I'm just so nervous about that... he's supposed to get some aides for school but whether they happen right away is to be seen. I am nervous she will be someone we don't like so praying that it works out okay...
I should be sad... crushed... but I'm doing okay. I claim it's the medicine I'm on and that's most of it. :) I also know that Great-Grandma Vera is happy finally... finally free from that body that was no longer working. She's probably giving them heck for not letting her come sooner like she wanted. roflol.
That's what's on my mind today... just a lot that I am taking one day at a time.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Happy 4th of July
I hope you all had a great weekend! We had a nice time last night with my parents and sister... nothing big (unfortunately) but I also didn't feel good so it worked out okay. The kids were loud at church but that was partly because my dad came and sat with us (lol). Oh well... it wasn't bad.
Today my heart is sad though so I thought why not blog. :) My great-grandmother is 92 years old and is dying... it's hard to watch. She's wanted to 'go' for a while but it just wasn't her time and we were happy to keep her around. The last few days she's gone down-hill quickly. Today we made a trip down to see her and my grandparents (who were visiting from out of town to see her). The kids had a blast because my great-aunt (who's house we were at) has a pool. Needless to say the adults didn't have quite as much fun. lol. It hurt to see her laying there, frail, sick... it was just so hard to see someone you love suffering. We're all ready to let her stop hurting but it still hurts my heart. The spirit was strong there around her... I've never been in a situation like that and it's definitely something I'll remember... I sure love her and hope her pain will soon end.
On happier news I got some great photos of the kids today. Wanted to share them with you. :)
Today my heart is sad though so I thought why not blog. :) My great-grandmother is 92 years old and is dying... it's hard to watch. She's wanted to 'go' for a while but it just wasn't her time and we were happy to keep her around. The last few days she's gone down-hill quickly. Today we made a trip down to see her and my grandparents (who were visiting from out of town to see her). The kids had a blast because my great-aunt (who's house we were at) has a pool. Needless to say the adults didn't have quite as much fun. lol. It hurt to see her laying there, frail, sick... it was just so hard to see someone you love suffering. We're all ready to let her stop hurting but it still hurts my heart. The spirit was strong there around her... I've never been in a situation like that and it's definitely something I'll remember... I sure love her and hope her pain will soon end.
On happier news I got some great photos of the kids today. Wanted to share them with you. :)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Umm... miss me? lol
It's been a little while... just a little. lol. I've been doing my "business" blog but not personal so I figured I better do it tonight.
Things are going here... going good and bad. roflol. My family is fine, just the normal trials the Lord helps us through and some days we end up feeling crazy. Camden is great and growing like mad, that kid is so solid compared to the light weights that his brother and sister are. Not fat at all, just really insanely tall. Sheesh, wonder where he gets that from! :) He's loved being home with me this year while Ariana was in preschool and Alex in K and I've really enjoyed it too. He's so insanely smart too and we laugh, he's learning to read letters and numbers right along with the other two and will be well on his way when school finally rolls around. He will be 3 in August but acts like he's bigger sometimes... makes me miss that baby... let's keep him at 2 for a while.
Ariana loves school and has done so well in Preschool. They are finished soon but she's really loved it and loves her friend Heidi from class (they hit it off the first day). She just turned 5 and had a cute Princess tea party birthday with a couple of friends. (2 friends from church and her cousin Deanna). She had a great time and I just laugh at the things she says and does. She's always drawing, this girl loves anything art. She is dressing up all the time too and is very opinionated about her hair. She's still a little princess and we like that, she's not in a hurry to grow up too quickly and we like it that way.
Alex is 6 and doing well also. He has struggled with Kindergarten but more in the fine motor area. Writing has been a real struggle and so have site words but he's getting them and ready to move on to first grade this fall. We're working hard to get him help he needs and he has been approved that they need an aide for him for school. We won't allow him to be put into "special day" class but he does need some help. He has his sensory issues and with everything going on around him he'd get too distracted and get left behind in 1st grade. We have his teacher requested (principal has approved thanks to his IEP carrier...) I'm anxious of course, 1st grade intimidates me with him being so small and thrown in with all the big kids. Thankfully all of the office staff and most teachers of the younger grades know who Alex is so he shouldn't be too bad (that kid talks to everyone!!!)
Ray is good, almost done with work and got a few more weeks after that of college. He'll start his "thesis" this fall... big relief for me and I'm more than DONE with him in college (10 years now with being married in college... well 10 years married in September). Somehow we've survived but it's time... lol.
I am hanging in there. I'm on a low dose of Prozac and hating the side effects. Been on it almost a year now and I just really need to see if there is another one that doesn't react quite like this one since I'll be on it for a while longer. It's just no fun... although better than PPD it's still not fun feeling nauseated, exhausted, and forgetful all the time. There is of course other things that I go through but they aren't as regular as those three. lol. I'm hanging in there though, fighting to get Alex what he needs and trying to take care of myself in all of this mess.
I am going to take Alex in for a physical here on Tuesday and then see the ENT for myself on Friday. I have a nodule on my thyroid that they want to biopsy and make sure they don't need to worry about cancer. Never a fun thing (hello, they want to stick a needle in me... freaks me out!) I will get that set up Friday... it's been known since Feb so this wait has been really frustrating. I also have Alex seeing the Neurologist next week... lots of fun goodies coming up.
So that's what's on our plates right now. It will be 2 years in June that I got baby hungry and started trying for another child and, well, obviously the Lord has other plans. I hate the trial of patience sometimes. lol.
Things are going here... going good and bad. roflol. My family is fine, just the normal trials the Lord helps us through and some days we end up feeling crazy. Camden is great and growing like mad, that kid is so solid compared to the light weights that his brother and sister are. Not fat at all, just really insanely tall. Sheesh, wonder where he gets that from! :) He's loved being home with me this year while Ariana was in preschool and Alex in K and I've really enjoyed it too. He's so insanely smart too and we laugh, he's learning to read letters and numbers right along with the other two and will be well on his way when school finally rolls around. He will be 3 in August but acts like he's bigger sometimes... makes me miss that baby... let's keep him at 2 for a while.
Ariana loves school and has done so well in Preschool. They are finished soon but she's really loved it and loves her friend Heidi from class (they hit it off the first day). She just turned 5 and had a cute Princess tea party birthday with a couple of friends. (2 friends from church and her cousin Deanna). She had a great time and I just laugh at the things she says and does. She's always drawing, this girl loves anything art. She is dressing up all the time too and is very opinionated about her hair. She's still a little princess and we like that, she's not in a hurry to grow up too quickly and we like it that way.
Alex is 6 and doing well also. He has struggled with Kindergarten but more in the fine motor area. Writing has been a real struggle and so have site words but he's getting them and ready to move on to first grade this fall. We're working hard to get him help he needs and he has been approved that they need an aide for him for school. We won't allow him to be put into "special day" class but he does need some help. He has his sensory issues and with everything going on around him he'd get too distracted and get left behind in 1st grade. We have his teacher requested (principal has approved thanks to his IEP carrier...) I'm anxious of course, 1st grade intimidates me with him being so small and thrown in with all the big kids. Thankfully all of the office staff and most teachers of the younger grades know who Alex is so he shouldn't be too bad (that kid talks to everyone!!!)
Ray is good, almost done with work and got a few more weeks after that of college. He'll start his "thesis" this fall... big relief for me and I'm more than DONE with him in college (10 years now with being married in college... well 10 years married in September). Somehow we've survived but it's time... lol.
I am hanging in there. I'm on a low dose of Prozac and hating the side effects. Been on it almost a year now and I just really need to see if there is another one that doesn't react quite like this one since I'll be on it for a while longer. It's just no fun... although better than PPD it's still not fun feeling nauseated, exhausted, and forgetful all the time. There is of course other things that I go through but they aren't as regular as those three. lol. I'm hanging in there though, fighting to get Alex what he needs and trying to take care of myself in all of this mess.
I am going to take Alex in for a physical here on Tuesday and then see the ENT for myself on Friday. I have a nodule on my thyroid that they want to biopsy and make sure they don't need to worry about cancer. Never a fun thing (hello, they want to stick a needle in me... freaks me out!) I will get that set up Friday... it's been known since Feb so this wait has been really frustrating. I also have Alex seeing the Neurologist next week... lots of fun goodies coming up.
So that's what's on our plates right now. It will be 2 years in June that I got baby hungry and started trying for another child and, well, obviously the Lord has other plans. I hate the trial of patience sometimes. lol.
Monday, December 21, 2009
I'm in the spotlight!!!
Okay, I've been SO excited about this for a while now... I am a spotlight designer at The Daily Digi today! Go check it out, snag a coupon from me, and even see what I donated to their grab bag (which is amazing!)
http://thedailydigi.com/
http://thedailydigi.com/
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thinking
Sorry I haven't posted in... well... forever. I've had a lot to think about and didn't know how to put it into writing. It's not bad, it's actually good. (No, not pregnant). lol.
The kids are doing well. Alex is really enjoying school although I still have my concerns. I don't get the feeling that his teacher likes him much but I think she's just over-worked and he's getting lost. He gets speech four days a week and OT once a week and they both just adore him. He has friends and enjoys playing. He's also writing his name and doing well with trying although with his Sensory Processing Disorder (recently diagnosed finally) he's too distracted by everything going on around him and he gets lost. I am debating whether this is going to be a real problem but he needs to be where he is. Time will tell how well he's doing, he's writing at least!!! SO proud of him!
Ariana is good too, she's in Preschool and LOVES it. She's smart as can be, they wanted to have her tested for intelligence apparently (because she gets so bored in class, she gets her work done so quickly). We just think she's a smarty pants and will LOVE Kindergarten when her turn comes. All in time... let's not get her too quickly into school here. She has made friends and is so chatty, it's been great for her.
Camden is good too, he really enjoys time with mommy in the mornings when everyone is at school. He's so cute and also very smart. He's counting to 12 on his own and can talk your ear off about things you didn't realize he understood. He's also the size of a three year old, so insanely tall. Ariana is too, she's gotten taller than Alexander now. So funny!
I'm good, gone through a lot of changes the last few months. First I started that Prozac in June of this year. 2 months later I went back and talked to the doctor, adjusted the dose slightly (it's still a really low dose), and made a plan. I have to remain on it for 6 months, at which point they will let me go off the prozac (assuming I feel good) and then we can be referred to a Fertility doctor for our problems getting pregnant. SO nervous about that but I love to have a plan. So February I go in and we start taking me off the medicine. I am feeling REALLY good btw and am grateful for modern medicine. :)
I've thought about it recently and realized that the last two years I had become more and more dulled to the spirit thanks to the depression I wasn't realizing I was battling. I was more and more not feeling it when I wanted so desperately too and more and more was having thoughts in my head that didn't belong and I didn't want them to. I knew I wasn't alone and wasn't a really depressed state but knew something was off, I was tired of being so moody, and really needed something to make it stop. Satan sure does have a way to get to us and knows our weaknesses so well, I look back now and am grateful I had help getting through that (not only from loved ones but people on the other side of the veil helping me I'm sure).
I am so happy to say that I feel the Spirit a LOT now and it's really such a comforting feeling. I did feel it before but now that my hormones are mellowed out and I'm happier I can finally feel that again. I love it so much and really missed it... I know it sounds silly but it's really such a relief to me.
I know this will seem arrogant but I know that Satan is especially mad that Ray and I are together. It's been something I've felt from the beginning, that Satan hates that we are together. Weird I know. He hates it though because we are happy... we love each other... and we have very amazing and strong children who are going to someday be amazing missionaries (well, they are already to be honest). He tries so hard to break us, he wants so badly for my family to not be a family. I really do feel that, it angers him that Ray and I are not only doing what we are supposed to but somehow our family is going to do great things and he doesn't want that. We were told in a blessing once that Ray and I were together before the world was ever created and that was such a beautiful insight to me... to think that we were supposed to do what we are doing right now (same as everyone on the earth at this moment, we all have a special plan). It just really is so sweet.
So that's my rambling for tonight, if you think I'm crazy well... okay. lol. I hope you are all doing well and Happy Thanksgiving!
The kids are doing well. Alex is really enjoying school although I still have my concerns. I don't get the feeling that his teacher likes him much but I think she's just over-worked and he's getting lost. He gets speech four days a week and OT once a week and they both just adore him. He has friends and enjoys playing. He's also writing his name and doing well with trying although with his Sensory Processing Disorder (recently diagnosed finally) he's too distracted by everything going on around him and he gets lost. I am debating whether this is going to be a real problem but he needs to be where he is. Time will tell how well he's doing, he's writing at least!!! SO proud of him!
Ariana is good too, she's in Preschool and LOVES it. She's smart as can be, they wanted to have her tested for intelligence apparently (because she gets so bored in class, she gets her work done so quickly). We just think she's a smarty pants and will LOVE Kindergarten when her turn comes. All in time... let's not get her too quickly into school here. She has made friends and is so chatty, it's been great for her.
Camden is good too, he really enjoys time with mommy in the mornings when everyone is at school. He's so cute and also very smart. He's counting to 12 on his own and can talk your ear off about things you didn't realize he understood. He's also the size of a three year old, so insanely tall. Ariana is too, she's gotten taller than Alexander now. So funny!
I'm good, gone through a lot of changes the last few months. First I started that Prozac in June of this year. 2 months later I went back and talked to the doctor, adjusted the dose slightly (it's still a really low dose), and made a plan. I have to remain on it for 6 months, at which point they will let me go off the prozac (assuming I feel good) and then we can be referred to a Fertility doctor for our problems getting pregnant. SO nervous about that but I love to have a plan. So February I go in and we start taking me off the medicine. I am feeling REALLY good btw and am grateful for modern medicine. :)
I've thought about it recently and realized that the last two years I had become more and more dulled to the spirit thanks to the depression I wasn't realizing I was battling. I was more and more not feeling it when I wanted so desperately too and more and more was having thoughts in my head that didn't belong and I didn't want them to. I knew I wasn't alone and wasn't a really depressed state but knew something was off, I was tired of being so moody, and really needed something to make it stop. Satan sure does have a way to get to us and knows our weaknesses so well, I look back now and am grateful I had help getting through that (not only from loved ones but people on the other side of the veil helping me I'm sure).
I am so happy to say that I feel the Spirit a LOT now and it's really such a comforting feeling. I did feel it before but now that my hormones are mellowed out and I'm happier I can finally feel that again. I love it so much and really missed it... I know it sounds silly but it's really such a relief to me.
I know this will seem arrogant but I know that Satan is especially mad that Ray and I are together. It's been something I've felt from the beginning, that Satan hates that we are together. Weird I know. He hates it though because we are happy... we love each other... and we have very amazing and strong children who are going to someday be amazing missionaries (well, they are already to be honest). He tries so hard to break us, he wants so badly for my family to not be a family. I really do feel that, it angers him that Ray and I are not only doing what we are supposed to but somehow our family is going to do great things and he doesn't want that. We were told in a blessing once that Ray and I were together before the world was ever created and that was such a beautiful insight to me... to think that we were supposed to do what we are doing right now (same as everyone on the earth at this moment, we all have a special plan). It just really is so sweet.
So that's my rambling for tonight, if you think I'm crazy well... okay. lol. I hope you are all doing well and Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Update on family
We are doing great! Sorry if this post is boring by the way. lol.
Camden is doing well, he's talking like a MAD man and is just so smart, this kid blows me away. He talks in sentences, counts to 5, and loves the color yellow. He's so sweet and loves his brother and sister being at school for mommy time where he can chatter my ear off but once it's time to get them from school he runs to the car so we can get there faster. Such a cutie. He knows he's the baby but that doesn't slow him down on his development thankfully. He isn't potty training yet but is so anal about dirty hands, makes him crazy! We offer and he's sat on it several times but it's just not time yet and I'm not about to push him. Shoot, no way dude am I doing that with him! lol. He just turned 2 and is the height of a 3 year old... and no I'm not kidding. His weight is fine, he's average on that, but his height is off the charts. No one believes that he just had his 2nd birthday... makes me laugh actually.
Ariana is really enjoying preschool. She has a new "best friend" every week it seems and loves the other girls in her class. She's a joy to them and is so smart, we love watching her blossom. We had a few meltdowns recently because her schedule was off due to holidays and missing school from smoke but she's getting back into the swing of it and loving it all. She's such a good girl. Now if only we could get her to stop sucking her thumb, arguing with me about what she wears every day (she's always had an opinion about her clothes, since she was a year I think it was that it started). Her hair looks crazy too, trying to decide what to do with that problem... got to love it!
Alexander, well, he's the reason I am doing this post. :) First off he loves school. He makes friends easily and really thinks it's just a blast to be there. Thank goodness! No one is mean to him in Kindergarten, why does that have to change as they get older I ask you. Oh well, we'll enjoy this stage now. We have been watching him though, that boy is so active and really a problem at school. He fidgets a lot, talks a lot, and stimulation distracts him. We had an IEP meeting today and have settled on the idea that he most likely has ADD. This is a relief to me because we know this runs in both families and can be worked with. My worst fear was more severe... glad I had it wrong actually. We knew he had a problem paying attention and this is finally getting adressed, whew! Still digesting a lot of the meeting tonight actually. We will start his Speech program on Monday and will meet with Occupational Therapy soon to learn what the plan is with that and what we can do at home to help him. He did OT when he was really young but was discharged when he was almost 3 (I think) and hasn't been seen since. The last year we've really pushed to get him back into an OT program but were denied, told that he can't until he's in Kindergarten. We've been patient enough and here we are, getting that taken care of finally and I couldn't be more happy!
We will be meeting with a Gastro intersomethingoranother soon... (GI doctor... digestion... etc). They will be checking that there isn't some weird blockage or anything going on and that he's digesting well since he's always had bowel problems. I don't honestly think they'll find anything and am determined to find a doctor that will look at the BIG PICTURE instead of picking on little things and making him go through tests that aren't necessary. Mothers instinct here... trust it already!
We also are still fighting to get him that juice he needed. It's high calorie, high protein, and totally amazing. If the insurance denies it again I'll have to keep fighting and go higher up and see what they will do for me. I'm willing to kick, scream, anything I have to in order to get that big red "failure to thrive" on his chart and get my kid that darn juice. Grr... don't mess with me.
I also am going to have them do an ultrasound or x-ray on his spinal cord. He had this checked at 9 months of age but he was maybe 10 lbs at that time? Teeny little thing, had to have an iv and sedation, it was awful! I think he was too small at the time and want a less invasive way to look at the same thing they were trying to check, is his spinal cord tethered? That would cause his in-ability to potty train and his uncle (Ray's brother) had this condition since birth and it was not diagnosed until high school. Long time to wear diapers dude and I'm not going to do it.
Ray and I are good, I'm digesting this still like I said and trying to figure out our next plan of action. All I can do is pray and hope that we are given the answers as we need them like we have so far.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, we are really hoping to see a big improvement in Alexander this year. :)
Camden is doing well, he's talking like a MAD man and is just so smart, this kid blows me away. He talks in sentences, counts to 5, and loves the color yellow. He's so sweet and loves his brother and sister being at school for mommy time where he can chatter my ear off but once it's time to get them from school he runs to the car so we can get there faster. Such a cutie. He knows he's the baby but that doesn't slow him down on his development thankfully. He isn't potty training yet but is so anal about dirty hands, makes him crazy! We offer and he's sat on it several times but it's just not time yet and I'm not about to push him. Shoot, no way dude am I doing that with him! lol. He just turned 2 and is the height of a 3 year old... and no I'm not kidding. His weight is fine, he's average on that, but his height is off the charts. No one believes that he just had his 2nd birthday... makes me laugh actually.
Ariana is really enjoying preschool. She has a new "best friend" every week it seems and loves the other girls in her class. She's a joy to them and is so smart, we love watching her blossom. We had a few meltdowns recently because her schedule was off due to holidays and missing school from smoke but she's getting back into the swing of it and loving it all. She's such a good girl. Now if only we could get her to stop sucking her thumb, arguing with me about what she wears every day (she's always had an opinion about her clothes, since she was a year I think it was that it started). Her hair looks crazy too, trying to decide what to do with that problem... got to love it!
Alexander, well, he's the reason I am doing this post. :) First off he loves school. He makes friends easily and really thinks it's just a blast to be there. Thank goodness! No one is mean to him in Kindergarten, why does that have to change as they get older I ask you. Oh well, we'll enjoy this stage now. We have been watching him though, that boy is so active and really a problem at school. He fidgets a lot, talks a lot, and stimulation distracts him. We had an IEP meeting today and have settled on the idea that he most likely has ADD. This is a relief to me because we know this runs in both families and can be worked with. My worst fear was more severe... glad I had it wrong actually. We knew he had a problem paying attention and this is finally getting adressed, whew! Still digesting a lot of the meeting tonight actually. We will start his Speech program on Monday and will meet with Occupational Therapy soon to learn what the plan is with that and what we can do at home to help him. He did OT when he was really young but was discharged when he was almost 3 (I think) and hasn't been seen since. The last year we've really pushed to get him back into an OT program but were denied, told that he can't until he's in Kindergarten. We've been patient enough and here we are, getting that taken care of finally and I couldn't be more happy!
We will be meeting with a Gastro intersomethingoranother soon... (GI doctor... digestion... etc). They will be checking that there isn't some weird blockage or anything going on and that he's digesting well since he's always had bowel problems. I don't honestly think they'll find anything and am determined to find a doctor that will look at the BIG PICTURE instead of picking on little things and making him go through tests that aren't necessary. Mothers instinct here... trust it already!
We also are still fighting to get him that juice he needed. It's high calorie, high protein, and totally amazing. If the insurance denies it again I'll have to keep fighting and go higher up and see what they will do for me. I'm willing to kick, scream, anything I have to in order to get that big red "failure to thrive" on his chart and get my kid that darn juice. Grr... don't mess with me.
I also am going to have them do an ultrasound or x-ray on his spinal cord. He had this checked at 9 months of age but he was maybe 10 lbs at that time? Teeny little thing, had to have an iv and sedation, it was awful! I think he was too small at the time and want a less invasive way to look at the same thing they were trying to check, is his spinal cord tethered? That would cause his in-ability to potty train and his uncle (Ray's brother) had this condition since birth and it was not diagnosed until high school. Long time to wear diapers dude and I'm not going to do it.
Ray and I are good, I'm digesting this still like I said and trying to figure out our next plan of action. All I can do is pray and hope that we are given the answers as we need them like we have so far.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, we are really hoping to see a big improvement in Alexander this year. :)
Friday, August 21, 2009
We love you Daniel
Well tonight was *the* night we had to say goodbye to my brother Daniel. He's going on his mission to Chile (speaking Spanish) and he leaves tomorrow morning for Utah, reports Wed Aug 26 to the MTC. We are so thrilled that he's doing this and know that it will be an amazing experience. Not at first maybe but he'll learn and grow so much. We look forward to all the crazy stories and hearing about the amazing people he met and loves. (We also look forward to the not so many people he couldn't stand). lol.
It was a good night. We had him set apart and it was a beautiful blessing. We came home for a small birthday party for Camden (he's 2 on Monday, Aug 24) and opened presents. When it was finally time to say goodbye the kids were not paying much attention thanks to the new toys. When Daniel started crying we all started up and, well, the kids pay more attention when the grown ups cry apparently. Poor Alexander was in the kitchen just balling and that of course was the worst, we all were dreading how he'd react to his beloved Uncle Daniel leaving him. We survived the farewells with many hugs and tears (and both boys telling him to not go and we'd miss him). The kids were really sweet and mean it, they will miss him.
It touches my heart and I am so sad to watch him leave for 2 years but this sacrifice is worth it. We all support him 100% and love him so much. After he left Alex cried with me for a few minutes and then told me "mommy... just breathe... deep breaths" (we tell him that when he's upset). Soon he proclaimed he felt better and knew everyone was going to be fine and left in search of a new toy from Camden. Silly boy.
We love you Daniel.
It was a good night. We had him set apart and it was a beautiful blessing. We came home for a small birthday party for Camden (he's 2 on Monday, Aug 24) and opened presents. When it was finally time to say goodbye the kids were not paying much attention thanks to the new toys. When Daniel started crying we all started up and, well, the kids pay more attention when the grown ups cry apparently. Poor Alexander was in the kitchen just balling and that of course was the worst, we all were dreading how he'd react to his beloved Uncle Daniel leaving him. We survived the farewells with many hugs and tears (and both boys telling him to not go and we'd miss him). The kids were really sweet and mean it, they will miss him.
It touches my heart and I am so sad to watch him leave for 2 years but this sacrifice is worth it. We all support him 100% and love him so much. After he left Alex cried with me for a few minutes and then told me "mommy... just breathe... deep breaths" (we tell him that when he's upset). Soon he proclaimed he felt better and knew everyone was going to be fine and left in search of a new toy from Camden. Silly boy.
We love you Daniel.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Well, it's a plan
Ray got things worked out with his Financial Aid for Fall meaning he can keep working on his Masters in Teaching Mathematics. Yay! This is a relief, once he's done with this we are planning on trying to sell our house (hoping the market is better in 2 years) and moving to Idaho.
I saw my doctor today and got my perscription adjusted (not a big deal, it's a very low dose). She knows we are trying to get pregnant and made a deal with me. We hold off for 6 months to get things "regular" again (aka mostly my hormones) and in 6 months they will help us with fertility aka start me on clomid to get things moving. What a relief to have someone willing to help us. I'm not thrilled but figure it's for the best so it looks like no babies in the next 6 months unless God intervenes. Glad to have a plan!
The kids are doing fabulous with school, Alex has already made a friend and Ariana is a fabulous kid at school (totally friendly and awesome). Just what they needed. I'm glad I didn't keep Alex out of school, what a relief!
I saw my doctor today and got my perscription adjusted (not a big deal, it's a very low dose). She knows we are trying to get pregnant and made a deal with me. We hold off for 6 months to get things "regular" again (aka mostly my hormones) and in 6 months they will help us with fertility aka start me on clomid to get things moving. What a relief to have someone willing to help us. I'm not thrilled but figure it's for the best so it looks like no babies in the next 6 months unless God intervenes. Glad to have a plan!
The kids are doing fabulous with school, Alex has already made a friend and Ariana is a fabulous kid at school (totally friendly and awesome). Just what they needed. I'm glad I didn't keep Alex out of school, what a relief!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Busy
Goodness we've been crazy lately. Alex got a fever two weeks ago and it was crazy high. It lasted several days and we got nervous a few times but thankfully no febrile seizures. Well 2 days later Camden gets a high fever (like serious high, not just a little bit) and ended up getting croup and bronchitis... I had to take him to Urgent Care on Thursday for x-rays (ooh, how fun THAT was) and it was miserable all around. Ariana also came down with a crazy high fever but hers included vomiting everywhere, I was up to my eyeballs in sick crabby kids for TWO WEEKS. Lovely. Today is the first real day of happy, healthy kids (well, still medicated in Camden's case). Yahoo, we survived!!!
In other news Ray started a new school year today, he's really looking forward to his smaller class sizes and I think he'll do well this year. This is his 4th year teaching, crazy! Alexander starts Kindergarten on Thursday, he's in morning and Mrs. Jacoby's class (thanks to mommy getting to the school at 6 the morning of registration and waiting in line for 2 hours, man the parents are competetive!) He will have Speech and OT during school hours, it's going to be AWESOME and he can't wait. Ariana is ALSO going to start school this year! She's been accepted the Preschool despite the fact that she's not some Spanish speaking child (don't get me started about THAT... they are priority over her and that ticked me off). Anyways, she also will be at the same school as Alexander and the same time. I am so looking forward to being with Camden even if it kills me to send her to school early like that. Oh well, it's only half day this year right?
In my own personal stuff I'm doing well, going to see the dr again next Tuesday and the medicine is working well. Might get it tweaked a little. Also going to talk to them about our fertility problems, we've had problems in the past that always corrected themselves but we've been trying to get pregnant 14 months now so I need to bring it up and see if they can help us. Ironic really, Alex took so long and here we are again. At least I know we *can* get pregnant right? :) Ha ha... three kids later.
Anyways, that's what is going on. Lots of doctor appts coming up soon and fighting insurance to get that juice Alex needs again. I had to call and file a grievance with my insurance today to fight them on it, they've denied it twice and I'll be darned if I'm going to roll over and let them get away with it!!
Please pray with us that the insurance will give us what we need, this is SO rediculous!
In other news Ray started a new school year today, he's really looking forward to his smaller class sizes and I think he'll do well this year. This is his 4th year teaching, crazy! Alexander starts Kindergarten on Thursday, he's in morning and Mrs. Jacoby's class (thanks to mommy getting to the school at 6 the morning of registration and waiting in line for 2 hours, man the parents are competetive!) He will have Speech and OT during school hours, it's going to be AWESOME and he can't wait. Ariana is ALSO going to start school this year! She's been accepted the Preschool despite the fact that she's not some Spanish speaking child (don't get me started about THAT... they are priority over her and that ticked me off). Anyways, she also will be at the same school as Alexander and the same time. I am so looking forward to being with Camden even if it kills me to send her to school early like that. Oh well, it's only half day this year right?
In my own personal stuff I'm doing well, going to see the dr again next Tuesday and the medicine is working well. Might get it tweaked a little. Also going to talk to them about our fertility problems, we've had problems in the past that always corrected themselves but we've been trying to get pregnant 14 months now so I need to bring it up and see if they can help us. Ironic really, Alex took so long and here we are again. At least I know we *can* get pregnant right? :) Ha ha... three kids later.
Anyways, that's what is going on. Lots of doctor appts coming up soon and fighting insurance to get that juice Alex needs again. I had to call and file a grievance with my insurance today to fight them on it, they've denied it twice and I'll be darned if I'm going to roll over and let them get away with it!!
Please pray with us that the insurance will give us what we need, this is SO rediculous!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Photos!
I know, it's been over 6 months since I changed my blog header photo, whew! :) We did photos at the park tonight and they turned out fabulous! My brother Michael is headed to BYU in 2 days and Daniel is going to his mission in Chile end of August so we had to get these done! Please don't tell me if we look like giant marshmallows though...
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Busy Summer?
I wish I could say summer has been packed but, as every July, we hit a brick wall and sit around... moaning about being bored and thinking that we may die because the kids are so restless and going to kill each other. Okay, so *every* day isn't that bad but we had a few of those last week. lol.
Things are good here, my brother Michael leaves for Utah here next week (ahh). He's going to attend BYU this fall, working on his medical degree and transferring as a Junior. He can't move to his dorm yet but can stay with my grandparents nearby until he gets to (ironically his move in date is the date my baby brother reports to the MTC down the street from his dorm!) Weird I tell you!
We're hoping to do family photos this next week, definitely crossing my fingers the kids will at least behave a little bit. Bribery... lots of bribery. lol. Got to love an almost 2 year old, they LOVE having photos taken with lots of people (insert eye rolling here). He is getting better, maybe this will work.
Things are good with us, I love my calling and can't say that enough. I am the Secretary for RS and really enjoy the sisters I serve with, they make me feel wanted and I appreciate them and their sweetness. Loving that. Just have to remember to do my duties every month. lol.
Drama at church still ensues, today was bad but I just have to learn to stop getting my feelings hurt (ha). Tricky isn't it? It's a problem I'm having with one sister in particular and it's really been hard. I thought it was going to be better but for some reason I ended up breaking down today after having a thirty second conversation with her! Stupid I know... poor bishop I think he's tired of me. She wasn't even that rude, just hurt my feelings. So hard to be a mom sometimes... only time will know how this one ends up. I won't say more or who it is, some of you know and that's not really the point. The point is she talks down to me and it reminds me too much of my MIL who I don't have a good relationship with. Enough said right? lol
Alex starts Kindergarten in a month, I'm really nervous but excited for him because I know how much he loved preschool. We're working hard to get Ariana into preschool but not sure she can get in. We made it into another one (we loved the director, it's her Sunbeam teacher) but it had to be turned down because I had no way to get them both to school and home at the same time, different sides of town. Oops. They transferred her application to the school Alex will be at (they do preschool there too) so now crossing our fingers.
Doctor update, we found that fablous new drink for Alex (a juice box that's 250 calories, it's wonderful!) We requested the drink but were denied, I was so angry but figured they would. Amazingly enough our doctor seems on top of it and is HELPING us fight this battle. Wow, that's new to me! Seriously, this is at least what... our FIFTH doctor? Ugh. Anyways, we have a nutriton appt next Tuesday (we've seen them for nutrition so this is just a formality). Definitely hoping for good results!
Alex is working hard on potty training, he gets constipated though (I know, TMI) and has always had bowel problems... so it's just not happening. The doctor wanted to send him to COUNSELING for it... seriously. I don't think that's necessary thank you, I know my son and he's just not mature enough yet... not sure why but he was preemie and still has that to work on. Oh well, won't ask the doctor anymore... he'll get it.
Ray is home for the summer and, well, bored. In other news we've decided once he's done with his Masters we're going to MOVE! It will take another 2 years and then we can put the house on the market (assuming the market is improving a little at least) and we really would like to move to Idaho, Boise area. Well, more like Meridian. My grandparents are looking at Star and I REALLY like that too. The schools are ranked highly and with Ray's degrees we have confidence we'll get a job there... so excited! I can't wait to get away from California/Mexico. Okay, so that's rude but we're the only white people in our neighborhood... it's so weird.
On another note we just had a new niece born a month ago (Isabelle... our 9th niece... cutest little thing from a white mommy and a hispanic daddy...) , a new nephew this week (our 2nd nephew, not sure what he looks like because they're far away but they have 4 girls so this was exciting!) We also have a great-nephew due next month and a nephew due in September from Ray's baby brother and his wife... so exciting and nuts!
By the way, still hoping to get pregnant. It's been a year now and I think I'm finally ready to actually admit we're trying (lol). Alex took 2 1/2 years so as long as it's not that long we're fine. :)
Things are good here, my brother Michael leaves for Utah here next week (ahh). He's going to attend BYU this fall, working on his medical degree and transferring as a Junior. He can't move to his dorm yet but can stay with my grandparents nearby until he gets to (ironically his move in date is the date my baby brother reports to the MTC down the street from his dorm!) Weird I tell you!
We're hoping to do family photos this next week, definitely crossing my fingers the kids will at least behave a little bit. Bribery... lots of bribery. lol. Got to love an almost 2 year old, they LOVE having photos taken with lots of people (insert eye rolling here). He is getting better, maybe this will work.
Things are good with us, I love my calling and can't say that enough. I am the Secretary for RS and really enjoy the sisters I serve with, they make me feel wanted and I appreciate them and their sweetness. Loving that. Just have to remember to do my duties every month. lol.
Drama at church still ensues, today was bad but I just have to learn to stop getting my feelings hurt (ha). Tricky isn't it? It's a problem I'm having with one sister in particular and it's really been hard. I thought it was going to be better but for some reason I ended up breaking down today after having a thirty second conversation with her! Stupid I know... poor bishop I think he's tired of me. She wasn't even that rude, just hurt my feelings. So hard to be a mom sometimes... only time will know how this one ends up. I won't say more or who it is, some of you know and that's not really the point. The point is she talks down to me and it reminds me too much of my MIL who I don't have a good relationship with. Enough said right? lol
Alex starts Kindergarten in a month, I'm really nervous but excited for him because I know how much he loved preschool. We're working hard to get Ariana into preschool but not sure she can get in. We made it into another one (we loved the director, it's her Sunbeam teacher) but it had to be turned down because I had no way to get them both to school and home at the same time, different sides of town. Oops. They transferred her application to the school Alex will be at (they do preschool there too) so now crossing our fingers.
Doctor update, we found that fablous new drink for Alex (a juice box that's 250 calories, it's wonderful!) We requested the drink but were denied, I was so angry but figured they would. Amazingly enough our doctor seems on top of it and is HELPING us fight this battle. Wow, that's new to me! Seriously, this is at least what... our FIFTH doctor? Ugh. Anyways, we have a nutriton appt next Tuesday (we've seen them for nutrition so this is just a formality). Definitely hoping for good results!
Alex is working hard on potty training, he gets constipated though (I know, TMI) and has always had bowel problems... so it's just not happening. The doctor wanted to send him to COUNSELING for it... seriously. I don't think that's necessary thank you, I know my son and he's just not mature enough yet... not sure why but he was preemie and still has that to work on. Oh well, won't ask the doctor anymore... he'll get it.
Ray is home for the summer and, well, bored. In other news we've decided once he's done with his Masters we're going to MOVE! It will take another 2 years and then we can put the house on the market (assuming the market is improving a little at least) and we really would like to move to Idaho, Boise area. Well, more like Meridian. My grandparents are looking at Star and I REALLY like that too. The schools are ranked highly and with Ray's degrees we have confidence we'll get a job there... so excited! I can't wait to get away from California/Mexico. Okay, so that's rude but we're the only white people in our neighborhood... it's so weird.
On another note we just had a new niece born a month ago (Isabelle... our 9th niece... cutest little thing from a white mommy and a hispanic daddy...) , a new nephew this week (our 2nd nephew, not sure what he looks like because they're far away but they have 4 girls so this was exciting!) We also have a great-nephew due next month and a nephew due in September from Ray's baby brother and his wife... so exciting and nuts!
By the way, still hoping to get pregnant. It's been a year now and I think I'm finally ready to actually admit we're trying (lol). Alex took 2 1/2 years so as long as it's not that long we're fine. :)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Healing
I keep staring at the permissions list to see who can read my blog and think I might be comfortable admitting this. Just promise me this won't get back to my inlaws in any form or I'll hunt you down and do horrible things to you. (bwa-ha-ha).
I have finally admitted that I have dealt with postpartum depression for the last 4 years. Some of you may be shocked, some of you are probably nodding and saying "yep, I can see why". I think the biggest factor is not just because they were all so close but because we went through *so* much with Alex. Ariana came along well before I had healed emotionally from the trauma that surrounded Alex's birth. She did a great deal to healing my heart but I know that my hormones were off after Ariana made her arrival.
I won't go into details, those aren't important, but I really was getting bad here recently and wondering was I crazy? Was something wrong with me? Why was I so angry anymore and what was going on to make this happen, it wasn't like me. I finally got enough nerve and asked my girls Kasey and Natalie at play group if they ever felt this way. (They have been great keeping my secret and I appreciate that). Kasey was especially helpful and let me cry on her shoulder as events unfolded the next few weeks and I waited to visit a doctor.
I'm happy to say that my case is mild and that I am on a low dose of Prozac that seems to be really helping. She explained my hormones in the brain have gotten out of wack, that it's normal, and I am definitely feeling relieved. It's not something I did, I am not a bad mother. It's just a fact and more women deal with it than think they do. Most women don't realize it or are scared to get help (I was scared they'd think I was an awful mother!)
I was also surprised to find out that if un-treated it can last for years. The few who do know about this were surprised they thought it was PPD but it's not true that you "grow out of" it over time if you have it badly enough. I think mine did seem to get better but the pregnancy and birth of Camden brought it back big time.
I look forward to the future of happy, nice mommy again and although I don't know how most of you will react I needed to get that off my chest. Talking about it is something I am supposed to do, I won't tell everyone but this is a select group of people I trust who can access my blog.
I have finally admitted that I have dealt with postpartum depression for the last 4 years. Some of you may be shocked, some of you are probably nodding and saying "yep, I can see why". I think the biggest factor is not just because they were all so close but because we went through *so* much with Alex. Ariana came along well before I had healed emotionally from the trauma that surrounded Alex's birth. She did a great deal to healing my heart but I know that my hormones were off after Ariana made her arrival.
I won't go into details, those aren't important, but I really was getting bad here recently and wondering was I crazy? Was something wrong with me? Why was I so angry anymore and what was going on to make this happen, it wasn't like me. I finally got enough nerve and asked my girls Kasey and Natalie at play group if they ever felt this way. (They have been great keeping my secret and I appreciate that). Kasey was especially helpful and let me cry on her shoulder as events unfolded the next few weeks and I waited to visit a doctor.
I'm happy to say that my case is mild and that I am on a low dose of Prozac that seems to be really helping. She explained my hormones in the brain have gotten out of wack, that it's normal, and I am definitely feeling relieved. It's not something I did, I am not a bad mother. It's just a fact and more women deal with it than think they do. Most women don't realize it or are scared to get help (I was scared they'd think I was an awful mother!)
I was also surprised to find out that if un-treated it can last for years. The few who do know about this were surprised they thought it was PPD but it's not true that you "grow out of" it over time if you have it badly enough. I think mine did seem to get better but the pregnancy and birth of Camden brought it back big time.
I look forward to the future of happy, nice mommy again and although I don't know how most of you will react I needed to get that off my chest. Talking about it is something I am supposed to do, I won't tell everyone but this is a select group of people I trust who can access my blog.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
He gained a POUND
For those who may not know, Alex got a new juice drink that's high in calorie and is really doing him well. They kept giving him milk based drinks and he refused them, a friend at church had a case of this fruit juice drink that's similar and he loves it! He drinks it every day and after only a few weeks has gained a pound!! (Okay, maybe the drink was part of it... maybe not). Time will tell. Please help us pray that his insurance will cover this drink, it's an absolute necessity for him and costs a *lot* of money.
I also got a call from their Sunbeam/CTR 5 teacher at church today saying that she had received Ariana's preschool application (she works as the director of a preschool I believe?) I was surprised and feel so guilty because I turned her down for that school. We need Ariana at Baldy Mesa (the same school Alex will be at Kindergarten at this Fall) if she does preschool. Otherwise there is no way to pick up both kids every day, they get out at the same time. I had forgotten that I had submitted her application in January with Alex's and now that she's 4 maybe she'll get in? That would be SO fabulous for her!!! Definitely praying for that now too.
We leave for Utah on Monday, going to see family. Should be fun, the kids will be thrilled. Off to feed them lunch but had to share my great news today. Hoping for a good outcome for both of those!!!
I also got a call from their Sunbeam/CTR 5 teacher at church today saying that she had received Ariana's preschool application (she works as the director of a preschool I believe?) I was surprised and feel so guilty because I turned her down for that school. We need Ariana at Baldy Mesa (the same school Alex will be at Kindergarten at this Fall) if she does preschool. Otherwise there is no way to pick up both kids every day, they get out at the same time. I had forgotten that I had submitted her application in January with Alex's and now that she's 4 maybe she'll get in? That would be SO fabulous for her!!! Definitely praying for that now too.
We leave for Utah on Monday, going to see family. Should be fun, the kids will be thrilled. Off to feed them lunch but had to share my great news today. Hoping for a good outcome for both of those!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New niece, new meds, and new calling
Hmm... lots of new things... maybe I shouldn't give it that title? lol.
First of all I got a new calling! I've been released as 2nd Counselor in Primary and put into Relief Society as Secretary! This if the first time I've done this calling so it's all new but it's such a blast! I love the presidency and have fit in very quickly. I can't say enough how much this has been a blessing to me and has made my heart happy.
New meds... well I went to the doctor and am now on some new meds (okay, so I wasn't on any before). Won't go into drastic details but things are good, I'm happy, and we'll all survive. lol. Not something I hide but not something I tell everyone KWIM?
Anyways, I also have a new niece (sheesh, forget that one? lol... should have been first I suppose). I haven't been in contact with SIL in over a year, I think the last time we were on friendly terms was when her MIL died and she had a miscarriage all at the same time (within a week). It was horrible and she'd had a previous miscarriage so we needed to be apart for a while. It's been hard, I've missed her. Anyways, she gave birth to a baby girl this morning at12:30 am (*really* early this morning). She's teeny at 6 lbs 3 oz (okay, for me a full term baby at that size would be a miracle as my "smallest" full term baby was 7 lbs 10 oz). She is named Isabelle JaeLynn and she's apparently cute as can be, very hispanic looking thanks to her daddy but also a little like her mom (a blondie). Cute. For those who may know them Janine is 41 I believe and her hubby is... in his early 60's. Not your typical family by any means... this is her 4th little girl. (She has girls that are grown... they are 21 and the other is 20 in September... and then the other daughter will be 7 in a few weeks). On another note her said soon to be 20 year old is pregnant along with her mom, she's having her 2nd baby (she has a daughter who will be 2 in Sept) and this one will be a boy.
Ray's brother Richard's wife is due next month with their first son, fifth child. Then my niece is due in August with her first son, second child. Then James, the baby, and his wife are due in September with their first baby, another boy. This is exciting though because at the moment there are 13 grand-kids (well, as of today) and only 3 of those 13 are boys. lol.
Looong story there, sorry. Off to drink some sprite, this medicine is making me nauseated... lovely... hope that doesn't last....
First of all I got a new calling! I've been released as 2nd Counselor in Primary and put into Relief Society as Secretary! This if the first time I've done this calling so it's all new but it's such a blast! I love the presidency and have fit in very quickly. I can't say enough how much this has been a blessing to me and has made my heart happy.
New meds... well I went to the doctor and am now on some new meds (okay, so I wasn't on any before). Won't go into drastic details but things are good, I'm happy, and we'll all survive. lol. Not something I hide but not something I tell everyone KWIM?
Anyways, I also have a new niece (sheesh, forget that one? lol... should have been first I suppose). I haven't been in contact with SIL in over a year, I think the last time we were on friendly terms was when her MIL died and she had a miscarriage all at the same time (within a week). It was horrible and she'd had a previous miscarriage so we needed to be apart for a while. It's been hard, I've missed her. Anyways, she gave birth to a baby girl this morning at12:30 am (*really* early this morning). She's teeny at 6 lbs 3 oz (okay, for me a full term baby at that size would be a miracle as my "smallest" full term baby was 7 lbs 10 oz). She is named Isabelle JaeLynn and she's apparently cute as can be, very hispanic looking thanks to her daddy but also a little like her mom (a blondie). Cute. For those who may know them Janine is 41 I believe and her hubby is... in his early 60's. Not your typical family by any means... this is her 4th little girl. (She has girls that are grown... they are 21 and the other is 20 in September... and then the other daughter will be 7 in a few weeks). On another note her said soon to be 20 year old is pregnant along with her mom, she's having her 2nd baby (she has a daughter who will be 2 in Sept) and this one will be a boy.
Ray's brother Richard's wife is due next month with their first son, fifth child. Then my niece is due in August with her first son, second child. Then James, the baby, and his wife are due in September with their first baby, another boy. This is exciting though because at the moment there are 13 grand-kids (well, as of today) and only 3 of those 13 are boys. lol.
Looong story there, sorry. Off to drink some sprite, this medicine is making me nauseated... lovely... hope that doesn't last....
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Temple
Today was the day I've waited for so long for... we went to the temple with the last of my siblings. We are all officially endowed... what an awesome feeling! My parents were of course so proud and I enjoyed sitting with my mom and sister for the endowment. It was funny though, with my other siblings it was "so weird" to have them there but with Daniel it was natural, like "where have you been all this time?" It was awesome! I surprised myself and totally did NOT cry but it was just awesome. Outside we did some photos, I didn't get all of them (have to snag them from my mom) but here are a few of them. We had a lot of fun, thanks again Kasey for watching our kids. (BTW, they said they had a lot of fun and want to come back so you didn't scar them for life. lol) I
Gotta love these goofy guys!
Ray, me and my baby... ahem, I mean Daniel. He's 8 years younger than I am and I love this kid to death...
My mom and Daniel, she was of course so happy
I am the oldest of all of us and yet the SHORTEST at almost 6 feet tall... gotta love it. We were all so goofy...don't let my dad fool you, he's goofy too...
Not sure what's going on with my dad's smile in this one....
What a beautiful day... maybe I'll share more photos as I get them. These were for my mom mostly. lol. Here's a shot Ray got of me... he loves it so I'll post it... lol
Ray, me and my baby... ahem, I mean Daniel. He's 8 years younger than I am and I love this kid to death...
My mom and Daniel, she was of course so happy
I am the oldest of all of us and yet the SHORTEST at almost 6 feet tall... gotta love it. We were all so goofy...don't let my dad fool you, he's goofy too...
Not sure what's going on with my dad's smile in this one....
What a beautiful day... maybe I'll share more photos as I get them. These were for my mom mostly. lol. Here's a shot Ray got of me... he loves it so I'll post it... lol
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