Update, and Nater's in the monsoon...

Splash!


Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments! It has been a crazy couple of days, for sure! I got in to see the Urologist yesterday. She sent me over, to get an X-ray of my left kidney..the one that has been causing me fits! Then I walked the X-ray back over to the office, and dropped it off. I then headed to the store to pick a few things up, since I have pretty much been out of commission. By the time I had walked thru the door, the Dr.'s office had already called. The Dr. said that the stone is still in the kidney. She has put me on some medication to see if it can help things along. I go back in a week. So far things are going a tad better. I still have twinges of pain, but nothing like Sat.! Wow, that was one day!

I had to post these pictures. Before I bit the dust, I had taken them of Nate last Weds. He was outside playing in the rain during one of our monsoons. We have one area in the front yard that looks like a mini lake the way the water settles in. He sure had fun! I sure wish I had the energy he has! :)

under the weather...

It has been a crazy few days! I left for the cabin on Thursday. I was planning on staying until today some time. Anyhow, a few weeks ago I was going to go to girls camp. I started having real bad back cramps etc. To make a long story short, it was kidney stones. I ended up driving home yesterday, and to the hospital yesterday afternoon. The Dr. believes I have passed one stone, and have 1 more to pass. He said, the one that is still in the kidney, is 4 centimeters. Anything under 5 is passable, with out any kind of surgical help. I was relieved to hear that part. I wasn't relieved to hear that I still have 1 more stone to pass. The good news for me, is that I know what is wrong with me. Most of this month I just have not felt like my self. Lot's of cramping, and back pain. I will be laying low for the next little while. I am supposed to make an appointment to see a Urologist in the morning. Today I staying home from church. I am going to make a bed on the couch, drink lot's of water, take the meds. they gave me, and rest. It is so hard being sick with all of the kids home! I keep wanting to do so much, and know I can't.

I have been tagged! :)

I got tagged by Sheri! This was actually fun! I tag anyone that feels like sharing a little about themselves
4 Jobs I've had:
1. The first job I ever had was Chick-Fil-A! I loved it!
2. I worked at Burger King until after, I graduated from High school.
3. I worked at the Law Firm in downtown Phoenix. I loved this job so much, that I went back a few hours a week after Jake was born.
4. After Sarah was born we bought a restaurant in Provo. I worked many many hours there. Many days working while the kiddos where there assisting! hee hee!
4. Places I've lived:
1. I was born in Mesa, Arizona
2.Oregon, Medford, and Eugene
3.Sandy, Utah
4.Gilbert, Arizona...home! :)
4 favorite TV shows:
1. News Channel 3..I have been hooked for years!
2. Extreme Makeover! Love this one!
3. American Idol!!!!!!!!!!!
4. I love any show that is on HGTV that has to do with decorating.

4 Favorite foods:
1. Tacos, El Charro! I wish they would hurry, and re-open! They take 2 l-o--n-g months off in the summer.
2. Pizza
3. I Love a good Chef Salad
4. Sunday dinners...roast is a favorite.
4 websites I frequent:
1. My blog, and many others I Like to read.
2. Deseretnews.com
3. onlinewithterrio.com
4.Marthastewart.com
4 Places I'd rather be right now:
1. Midway, Utah
2. Heber, Arizona
3. Laguna Beach, California
4. Visiting family in Oregon


4 Movies I love:
1. How Harry met Sally
2. Marry Poppins
3. How to Beat the High Cost of Living
4. Cheaper by the Dozen

Bowling with friends...

the kiddos!

lovin the socks!
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the girls

Today was a fun summer day! One of those days when you wake up, and feel happy! I woke up this morning, and it soon started to rain! We need rain sooooo badly here in Arizona. This is a blessing!

We met Janae, and her kiddos for lunch at a yummy Japanese restaurant. I had Jake, and Sarah with me. We then headed over to go bowling. We got there, and they told us we where going to have about a 45 minute wait. Jake figured that he would go ahead, and go do something with Ben, instead of wait. I was a little nervous about him bowling, with the way his leg is. He is bound, and determined to have a fun summer hurt leg or not! K, I have not been bowling in probably 5-6 years. I have to admit...I am soo darn sore! I must be so incredibly out of shape it isn't even funny! Now Janae, if I talk to you tomorrow, and you tell me you feel great, I know I too need an elliptical! :) It has been so much fun hanging out with Janae, and the kids this summer. What a wonderful family! I am off to rest my bowling tired body! hee hee! :)

Cute!

I found this darling blog this afternoon, and just had to share. Enjoy! http://boutiquebloopers.blogspot.com/

Sunday...

How I wish this wasn't. Jake has been going thru surgeries, casts, walking boots, walking shoes, etc. We hit the 1 year mark 2 weeks ago. I hope tomorrow we set a time, and date for a new game plan. The next surgery is much more detailed. I am anxious to learn more tomorrow. It entails putting a cadaver bone in to help Jake get around better...finally!

Fun with Tonya, and Taylor!

I love this picture. This is Sarah standing on one side of a rain puddle, me on the other.

It has been an enjoyable Sunday. We have spent some time reading, relaxing, napping, , picture taking, and taking a ride in Tonya's Rhino. We have really had some of the best weather I could have asked for. For a good part of the day I have been in a sweatshirt. Nights are very cool. Mid 50's. We are headed home super early in tne morning. Then hopefully back up the mountain on Weds., or Thurs. Here are a few pictures of our day. I hope that everyone is enjoying their sabbath.

up the mountain we go...

Having Fun!


I woke up this morning,and had enough of the heat! I love love love Arizona, but NEVER have liked the heat. I never even have been able to get used, to the darn stuff! :) We headed up to the cabin around lunch time. We where here by 2:30. We left 102 temps, and it is now 56 outside! Crazy! We even saw hail on the side of the road, this afternoon. We spent the afternoon playing outside. We all did except Jake. He is still in cast, so decided to stay inside. We opened the window,and visited thru it. :)We meet with the Dr. Monday morning, to find out if Jake goes back into surgery. It is looking like he most likely will be. Jake has been such a trooper this year, with the challenges he has faced, and has yet to face. He has been a true example to me. Here are a few pictures of our day. Ben,Nate, and Desirae, we miss you!

PMS, and a better day...

It has been one of those days that has been a blessing. Yesterday was a really hard day for me. I don't have many of those. I have to admit though, PMS got the best of me yesterday. Today I got up, and was feeling only slightly better. I had some errands to run, in downtown Mesa. My first stop was Domestic Bliss.http://www.domesticblissdesign.com/ This is one of my favorite stores! It is very pricey, but oh so fun to walk around. While I was there I ran into my cousin Jodie!!! Jodie, is Ashley's Mom.http://believeittoseeit.blogspot.com/ I was SO happy to see her! Sarah was with me shopping. I was so happy that she was able to see Sarah, as a young lady. We visited for about 20 minutes or so. I have to say Ashley, your Mom does not age!!! I hope this is in our genes! :) Then I moved onto a hair/boutique,named Blossom. I was putting some items on the counter. I looked up, and saw Benjamin's teacher Mrs. Blackhurst! She was his 5th grade teacher. This lady was one of my all time favorite teachers. She is one of those people that dresses up every day of the week. Makeup done, nails done, etc. She still looks the same she did 9 years ago! She has now retired, and just got home from serving her second mission, with her husband. It was so fun to catch up with her. I went home feeling much better than when I left. I love the fact that after living in Mesa/Gilbert the most of my life, I am blessed to run into people that have left an impact in my life, or kids life's. I am off to do some laundry. I have mutual tonight. I am thinking it is going to be a hoot! We are going to be doing line dancing!!!! Also there is a dinner with barbecue. I told Jake that he still needs to go, even knowing we will be dancing. He asked me, HOW??? I am in a cast, and on crutches! Hey, I think he will have the best seat in the house. He can sit there, and watch all of the talent going on! :)

SPT-Geek Alert! :)

These glasses where Jake's that he wore in grade school. They sure looked good on him! I am thinking they don't do the trick for me! :)

This weeks challenge is to bring out the geek in us! Lelly, thanks for the challenge! :) There are some days that I wish I was a computer geek. I know so little about the computer. I like to think I do, but have so much to learn. I decided that since my computer skills are what I do need to work on I would take this picture with hope in my eyes! I hope that this year will be my year to become more computer savy!

Summer days...

Today has been one of those good ol' summer days! I have an inkling the kids are a little bored today. It is sooo hot outside that we chose to stay home. Ben, and Desirae did swim for a while. They came in, and Dez cut Ben's hair. Jake has pretty much been taking it easy all day. He can't drive because of his cast. Poor guy! Sarah had an orthodontist appt. this afternoon. We went there, and straight back home. I think the high today is supposed to be 113! When it is like that, home is the place to be. Nate is actually working out in it today! He works at a golf course. I am really feeling for him right now. The upside to working at the golf course is, he gets free golf. We where paying for him to play 5-6 days a week. Now it is FREE! Hopefully he is able to be indoors some today while he is at work. I keep reminding him to drink, drink, drink. What do you do when you are indoors with the kids? I am looking for some fun summer things to do at home. We just put in a movie for them to watch.

Sunday...

Today has been one of those Sundays' that I love! One of those Sunday's that when the end of the day is nearing, I sit, and ponder. It has been one of those days that everything just fell into place, right where it was supposed to. I got up this morning, and had my usualy quiet time. I love the peacefulness of the morning. The kids, and Steve got up about 1-2 hours later. We all visited, and just lounged until it was time to get ready for church. I did make a carrot cake though. I am really trying to better my cooking skills. This has been a goal of mine. I am actually feeling like there is progrss being made. Today in Sacrament the Young Women, and leaders sang. We sang our theme song from camp. Have you heard of, The Keepers of his light? It is so beautiful! The girls sounded like angels as they where singing it. It has been a great day, and for this I do feel blessed. I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday!

Back from Camp...

I think this picture says it all! Jake, and Sarah have always had the cutest relationship. They are the closest in age. Jake is 4 1/2 years older than Sarah. Sarah got home from camp around lunch time today. She loved it!!! I am so happy that she enjoyed it, the way she did. I feel so blessed that she was able to participate in something, that has such a positive impact on her. She let me know all that I missed! Next year! I snapped this picture of Jake, and Sarah a few minutes ago. They are going thru the High School year book. Sarah is showing Jake the girls from his school that attended camp. Tooo cute they are! We are going to take the kids to Harry Potter tonight! Everyone is excited to see it! Does the book come out next week? I want to pick up a copy. I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday.

Fun day, and yummy dessert!

Yesterday I was so lucky to go to lunch with Jenny from Texas, Janae, and Amy! All of these wonderful gals are on my sidebar. We went to lunch at Bajio's, for sure a favorite! I had never met Jenny before! We do know some of same people though. It can be such a small world! What a great person!!! Jenny will be moving back to the Gilbert area in the near future! We for sure will all have to get together again...so fun! I will post a pic. later. I am having some troubles with the pic. I took. Jenny, can I borrow your pic? :) I came home from a fun afternoon with the girls, and hopped in the pool. It is so hot! I then decided to run to the store to buy the ingredients to a dessert I have been wanting to try. I bought a great cookbook while I was in Midway. I found this recipe in it. I highly recommend it! So easy, and SOOO good! Turtle Dessert- 17 ice cream sandwiches, 1 jar caramel topping, 1 1/4 cup pecans, 1 12 oz. whipped topping, and 1 jar hot fudge. Place half of the ice cream bars on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Spread evenly with caramel topping, and sprinkle with 1 cup pecans. Top with 2 cups whipped topping. Add remaining ice cream bars. Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over whipped topping. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top. Cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours. Drizzle jar of hot fudge on top, before serving. This is seriously yum! I chose not to use the pecans last night. It can be made with or without.

a little better...

I just got done typing a post, and lost it to bloggerland! I just wanted to type a little update about my Dr.'s visit this afternoon. The good news is, I am going to live! Hee hee! I have the flu! My back is hurting from the runs! I know...gross!!! I wasn't even going to type that, but it is what it is! I am working on my second Gatorade tonight. The Dr. said that I was dehydrated from all of the runnings, and goings! Tonight I am just taking it easy at home. Sarah will leave for camp in the morning. I sure wish I was going to be able to go, but feel good about my decision about staying home. I am off to watch a little T.V. with the family. I hope everyone is having a nice summer night! Thank you all for your sweet words yesterday.

Not feeling well...

Well, I am sitting here while the family is at church. The night before we left to come home from Utah I started to not feel well. I originally thought that maybe I was coming down with the flu. In the past 48 things have gotten worse. I started having pain in the left part of my lower back. Now it is in the right side too. Ugggh! I am supposed to be leaving to Girls Camp day after tomorrow. I am beginning to think I will not be going. I am going to call the Dr. first thing in the morning, and try, and be seen first thing. The kids, and Steve just left for church. I am still in my night gown. This is so not me! This is how I know something isn't right. Enough booo hoooing out of me! :) Here are a few pictures of Steve, and I. We seem to rarely ever get our picture taken together. I think that is because I seem to be the one usually taking the a lot of the pictures! We snapped these shots in my Mother in Laws back yard in Holiday, the night we arrived from the airport. I could have stayed hours out there, enjoying all of the flowers that are in bloom.

Fun in Midway!

Lizzy, and Izzy

Steve, Laurie, and Rick...showing their injuries from the slide..hmmm the only three that got hurt!

Jake, and Sarah getting ready to ride the Alpine Slides in Park City!

Izzy being sooooo cute!

Jake and Izzy...

Stacie, and Sarah having fun!

I love you Miss Sarah



Happy 13th Birthday Sarah!

Fun times on the 4th!

Steve, and M.J.

Sarah, Nanny, and Jake

up up ,and away...

We made it home safe, and sound from Utah yesterday afternoon. We had so much fun!!! We where able to spend 8 days with family that we love so much! As I sit, and reflect on our time, it can bring tears to my eyes. One of my mottos in life is making memories. It isn't the cars we drive, the homes we live in, the clothes we wear that we will remember. I am all for taking as much time as we can, for making lasting memories with the ones we love. We did just that.