Catching Up

Back in June I was able to take several of Dude's cub scout troop to a day camp in Nauvoo, IL. The boys were all super behaved and we had a great time. After we got back home, Dude said, "Thanks for hosting this in our car, mom! It was just like a sleepover only in our car and not at night!"
Here's some pics of the pie eating contest.

Before we went to Idaho, the girls and I (and then later, Megaman) had a spa day. We did pedicures, manicures, massages, and facials. When we were done, Honey Bunch asked if we could do it everyday.

My Little Garden

And by little, I do mean little. I planted chives and peppers this year. For the first time, we could actually eat what I grew. Unfortunately, I didn't plan well because we were out of town for the five weeks. Oh well. I did enjoy some chives on my baked potato before leaving, and they were superb.

Of course.....

Since my husband is out of town we, of course, had a medical emergency. It all started on Thursday when I took the kids to swimming lessons. My kids all have different times so we are at the pool from 9-11. It works out great, though, because several of the cousins and an aunt take lessons at the same pool. The kids all play while they wait for their turn. Dude played around with his cousin and uncle until his turn. When he was swimming he kept coming up gasping for air. His teacher said that he kept panicking in the pool, which is unusual. Other than that he seemed fine. After his lesson we got in the car and began the 25 minute drive to my mom's house. When we got home I asked Dude to take the towels downstairs to the laundry. I tossed him the towels and he got angry and yelled at me that I was rude. Then he got a funny look on his face and started talking like his tongue was frozen. His words all slurred together and he was struggling with each word. He has been known to talk with a lisp on purpose, so I assumed he was being goofy and told him to talk normal. He started to cry and told me he couldn't. My mom had to run to the post office so she offered to take Dude. On the way he told her that his hand kept folding in and he couldn't move it. He also mentioned that he did a somersault at swimming lessons and hit his head. She had him tell me when they got back. I'm not sure why, but I asked him when his birthday was and he got a panicked look on his face and started sobbing. I then asked him what his name was and he started screaming. I tried to get a hold of Doctor, but couldn't reach him. I went to the E.R. and when the nurse asked Dude who I was, he just stared at me with no recollection. My brother, father-in-law, and brother-in-law came to the hospital and gave Dude a blessing. (Thanks guys!) The CT scan results came back normal, phew. And the best part of the CT scan is that it showed Dude's skull is all bone now, so that is a huge relief! Anyways....after a few hours it was determined that Dude had a concussion. They were preparing to release him but I was concerned because he still didn't know who he (or anyone for that matter) was. Just as we were getting ready to go he threw up, lied on the bed, then bolted upright. He got a big grin on his face and then pointed at me and told me my name. Then he pointed at his grandpa and told him his name. It was a great moment! He was miserable for the next day and a half, and then was back to his normal self. Only now he promises to tell me when he hits his head from now on!

For Journaling Purposes....

I have been avoiding this post for 4 weeks now. It's difficult to write about because it hits so close to my heart. I am writing mostly because this blog is our family journal and we want to remember how blessed we are and remember this experience.

On Sunday, May 22, 2011, a devastating F-5 tornado touched down in Joplin, Missouri. Joplin is a town that Doctor knows and loves. He has lived and worked there for several months over the last 3 years. In fact, he lived there the entire month of April. Three weeks after packing up and leaving the town for the last time, the tornado hit. Doctor was working at an Emergency Room in a neighboring town when he learned of the tornado and was unable to leave. He felt so helpless and had such a desire to go down and help. By the time he was able, they were asking that physicians no longer self-deploy. The stories from friends are heartbreaking. Yet, for every heartache there is a story that is equally uplifting. The damage was horrifying and extensive, and at the same time stories of hope and love of neighbor abound.

I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and for the safety of all we know and love. I pray for those who are suffering through the loss of loved ones and possessions. I hope and pray for a new Joplin, forever changed, but hopefully stronger.

Here is a beautiful video about the Joplin tornado that will hopefully remind you of God's love for all His children.

Kid Comedy

Megaman was riding his bike when his training wheels got caught on the curb. He was pedaling his heart out but was unable to go anywhere. He shouted to me, "Hey, Mom! The batteries died in my bike!"

Blast From the Past

The movie Shark Boy and Lava Girl came on TV the other day and it reminded us of this cute video of Dude. He was 3 1/2 at the time. Enjoy! Oh, and thanks to my awesome brother for the technical assistance, you rock!

The Squeamish Should Look AWAY!!!

My hat goes off to all the amazing seamstresses in the world. I am not even close. I tried to turn hole-in-the-knee pants into shorts for my kids and.................................................look away, you still have a chance...................................................................................................................I warned you, you can't say I didn't...............................................................................................................................................................I sewed my thumb!!!!!!!! Yes the needle went through the backside of my thumb and came out the fingernail. Then it broke. In my thumb. So deep you couldn't see it in my thumb. I felt the sharp point sticking out of my fingernail.
I LOVE my amazing husband. Have I said lately how grateful I am for him? He numbed me up and got the needle out while I screamed into a pillow. Needless to say, I am giving up on the shorts project.
By the way, isn't he so sexy in his magnifying glasses?

Fun Saturday

The town we live in has a safety expo every spring at the ambulance district. The firetrucks, ambulances, police cars, and air evac helicopter are on hand to tour and look through. There was also a clown making balloon animals (we got a penguin, lizard, puppy and butterfly), train rides, two bounce houses, free kettle corn, hot dogs, and drinks. The kids and I had a great time. The only thing that would have made it better is if Dad could have been there too.

Chip off the old block!

Dude had a 3rd grade track and field day a couple of weeks ago. His dad, a high school track star, was able to be there with us to cheer him on. AMAZING! Anyways, it was so fun to A) watch how truly awesome of a runner Dude is, and B) watch how proud Doctor was. Dude took first place overall for the 25 meter and his 75 meter relay team took second overall. He was also in 1st place for the frisbee toss for most of the morning but was beat out at the last minute. So fun, way to go Dude!
This is the 1st heat of the 25 meter. Dude is the one in the orange Boise State shirt.

Here is the 75 meter relay.

Great job, Dude!

How old?!?!

Megaman is, gasp, 3!!! How did that happen?!?! It really truly does shock me. He is adorable, though, and the older he gets the more his personality shines through, and I love it. Like him telling me that he can't put his p.j's on because he is too strong for them and they won't fit his big muscles. Or his crazy story telling. Did you know he fought a baby alligator on the way to school the other day?
The day before his birthday we were supposed to have a party at the park but it got rained out so we moved the bash to our house. His favorite friends were all here to play and eat cupcakes.
Then that night my awesome cousin came to town to help us celebrate. It was so fun to have her!
After opening presents, Princess made this cape for him out of tissue paper from a present. Watch for a future post explaining the nasty scab under his nose and goose-egg on his forehead.
This is a great pic of him fulfilling one of his "birthday missions." He had to eat some birthday cake with his hands behind his back. Of course HB was willing to help.

Megaman says thank you to everyone for the great cards, gifts, and money. And I say thank you, too. You guys are awesome! Happy Birthday, Megaman!