More fun!?

I guess I'm packing in the posts to boost my total for the year...or could it be that Aaron is at the Scout overnighter with Tanner tonight and Quinn is FINALLY asleep!?

Some have asked. Here's the scoop. I feel like I went to a BBQ and I was the kabob! No more slicing and dicing on this girl (at least for awhile). It's all about the insurance, of course. I am really not a fan of spending time in doctor's offices. Ultimately, I can thank my six beautiful children!

I had a lovely laser take care of a diseased section of veins in my right leg on Monday. Even though they numbed things up pretty well, I could feel the catheters/sheath literally moving up through veins. I really had to focus on something else when that burn smell began wafting through the room. Basically, the blood flow will take a detour now through healthier veins and the pain in my legs will decrease. The entire length of my leg was tightly bandaged until this morning when I told the nurse over the phone of my plan to remove it all a day early. She could tell I was serious so she gave 'permission' but told me not to shower until tomorrow. I get to wear my most favorite compression stockings I've donned so many times before for about three weeks and then all will be well. I'm not hurrying back to get the other leg 'fixed' any time soon but it will eventually need to be taken care of. I'm done having fun for awhile.

Happy 10th Brinley!

After an early morning, Brinley was excited to return home from church so she could open a birthday gift. We were all dressed and ready and in the Bishop's office by 8:15am for Tanner's Aaronic Priesthood ordination. He was able to pass the sacrament to the congregation for the first time this morning. It has been a terrific day for all of us!
We had both sets of grandparents along with Brandon, Stephanie and Matt over for Brinley's birthday dinner. She chose lasagna, garlic bread, salad, steamed broccoli with cheese and homemade rolls (thanks to G-ma M). For dessert, her selection was "Better Than..." cake and vanilla ice cream. Happy Birthday Brinley! We love you!

Christmas at last!

Christmas night G-ma and G-pa P arrived for a weekend visit. Quinn loves his baths and G-ma P loves to accommodate! What a cutie!
The new Christmas pj's.
I think these four were up most of the night and here they are heading down to see what Santa brought. We let Quinn and Elsie sleep a little longer.
We enjoyed Christmas Eve with Aaron's side of the family eating the traditional snack foods, acting out the Christmas story from the Bible and delivering Sub-for-Santa gifts to local families - 'ring and run' style. Here Jantzen smiles as one of the 'wise guys', I mean, 'wise men'.
Elsie played her part well - whatever it was? We had plenty of cast members.

'Center Stage' or not...

Brinley and Anna worked hard on their 'creation' and enjoyed sampling the candy during the construction project. We had three houses going on at the same time so everybody had their fill.
Brinley played beautifully in a recent recital but was quick to exit 'center stage'...
But not Anna! She thoroughly enjoyed being 'center stage' during her ballet performance in the "Nutcracker" - the Clown dance.
And she ABSOLUTELY loved wearing make-up for all three of the performances!!!

'Tis the Season'

How long has it been since I've uploaded pictures to this blog? Too long. Hence the reason the pics are out of order... Here Anna is opening a birthday gift before school. She turned 6 on December 17th and had a great day!
Tanner turned the "Big 12" on December 16th. He loves his new backpack!
He was willing to humor us all and wear this little party hat during breakfast on his birthday. Aaron and I enjoyed taking him to a nice restaurant for dinner that evening and then finished things off at home with his favorite 'mud pie' with mint chocolate chip ice cream.
All four enjoyed performing in a recent TaVaci concert singing and dancing...even though this pic shows otherwise (sorry, it's what I had guys).

We Like Surprises!

Okay, so I was a little disappointed that none of the sibs had updated blogs within the past 24 hours....that is a favorite Sunday activity around our place! Never mind the fact that I am the most 'delinquent' of the bloggers....

It seems we are still doing the bedtime routine thing around here....it's similar to playing the old "Whack-A-Mole" game at amusement parks. Just when you think you've got one down, another one pops up! Anyway, that aside, I did want to mention the wonderful time we had attending the David Archuletta concert recently! Yes, I am a professed groupie of that amazingly talented kid! Hey, he's an MHS grad after all, isn't he?

Since December is also birthday month around here, we decided to take the four oldest to the concert for their birthday gift from us. It was a complete surprise to them up until we loaded into the car. David sang his little heart out and did not disappoint! The crowds were fantastic and he sounded just as good live which is hard to pull off even for seasoned performers! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves together.

Here are a few of Anna's comments the following morning.

"I'm so glad David Archuletta is real and not a cartoon."

"I didn't know he was actually real!?"

"I want to marry him."

Okay, she's turning six! Yikes.

And can you guess where David was just hours before the concert began? At the temple. We just so happen to know a few people who work there and they helped him out while he was visiting. What a guy!

Tic-Tac-Toe...

Is it really December already? I need to add a few more posts to get my numbers up for the year! Seems like several of them have been medical updates...so here's just one more for the record.

On Monday morning Aaron drove me to the hospital where I checked myself in at the familiar wing of Day Surgery. I literally laughed out loud when the nurse showed me to my 'room'. Could it possibly be the SAME nurse that endured Anna's January visit and helped with Quinn's September visit? Yes, Melinda would be looking after me as well. I'm not sure it is such a great thing to be on a first name basis but we both chuckled like old-time friends! I may live in a small town but there are a lot of other nurses that work this part of the hospital. She is an excellent nurse so truthfully, I was glad to have Melinda around.

To make this all short and sweet for those who have not heard, I am now a walking tic-tac-toe board after enduring 43 incisions to remove benign tumors (lipomas) located mostly on my thighs and arms. Great places for a nursing mommy, eh? And I love the follow-up care that reminds me not to lift over 15 lbs. for two weeks. Such practical advice with a 7-month old in the house:) Fortunately, Mom stayed until early Friday morning and helped out tremendously. We could not have survived without all of her assistance! Thanks again Mom! And thanks for the prayers of you out there...I know they are helping with this healing process.

Obviously, this surgery was not life-threatening but I am already feeling a sense of relief at having at least 43 less tumors around (there are still more camping out). They were certainly 'cramping my style' and getting more painful/annoying as the years went by. Good times.

Unedited...

A few more tidbits from today's  random lunchtime conversation with my 'ever observant' kindergartener...

"Mom, are we going to have another baby?"

Me:  "I think 6 is a good number."

"Yeah, but can Heavenly Father send just one more?"

Me:  "Well,.... let's just enjoy baby Quinn."

"But I really want a VAN!  There's more room!"

Okay.  I guess she really liked the 12-passenger van we rented during our family vacation in Texas but that is certainly not motivation enough for me to add another one...:)

Continuing with her thoughts:

"Mom, Aleeya is poor.  Her dad looks like a grandpa."

Me:  So you think her dad looks older than your dad?  That doesn't make somebody poor.

"But she told me they only have 5 more potatoes and she doesn't like potatoes." (Her storytelling skills are coming out here).

And more:

"Mom, Aleeya is smart."

Me: "Oh?"

"Yeah, she knows what 100 plus infinity is!"

Lunchtime Conversation

My kindergartener just returned home from school and we are enjoying lunch together.  Here is just a sampling of the current conversation:

"I wish I had another mom."

Me: "Oh, really?"

"Yes, one that was prettier."

Me: "I am pretty."

"Well, a mom that has long hair and wears earrings."

Me: "Okay."

"Maybe you could just be our aunt and we could get a new mom."

Me: "I'll have to look into that.   I'm not sure where to get one."

"Sister Weber."

Me: "But she has short hair too."

"Well, her hair is longer than yours."

I guess we have an 'opening' here for a lady with long hair and earrings.  Good thing I have 'thick skin'!  It was picture day at school this morning so perhaps that is where this originated?  Kids are funny!

Justice vs. Mercy

It was early Friday afternoon and I had arranged for a babysitter to watch the kids so I could have a few hours to myself.  Hardly ever happens you know!  I made plans to attend a session at the nearby temple and was really looking forward to it.  Passing by the local middle school en route I observed the 25mph until the hill where speed increases to 35mph.  Lost in my thoughts, I stepped on the gas and paid no attention to my uphill speed until the car with lights brought me back to reality.   Oh, no!  He was turning around and pulled up behind me.  

With that sinking feeling, I slowed to a stop and sat there literally looking at the temple on my right. The police officer came to the window as I fumbled to get insurance info (only finding an expired one).  There on the seat next to me sat my temple bag and a baby gift I was going to drop by a friends' place afterwards.  I was dressed up and obviously running late to catch the next session but the officer was all business.  As he went back to his car, he glanced at my license plate and that's when I remembered that I had not renewed the vehicle registration.  The renewal card had come in the mail a while back and slipped behind the countertop into "no man's land".  I had forgotten all about it until that very moment.  Knowing the situation did not look good because he had clocked me going 45mph in a 35mph, I called Aaron on the cel phone to tell him of my predicament.  He said to ask for mercy...I told him there wasn't a chance!

I watched the minutes clip by and felt frustrated that I was going to miss the session.  I didn't have time to wait another 45 minutes until the next one because of the babysitting arrangements.  Alas, the police officer walked back to my car window and informed me that the car registration had expired.  At that moment, a flood of emotions erupted from me as I told him what sounded like a real story (it fell behind the counter, etc.).  I had never 'lost it' at such a moment as this but I really couldn't help myself.   The tears/sobs came and I actually apologized to him for being so emotional!  The officer looked at me and then the words came..."I'm going to give you a warning today - Do you have any more questions?"  I nodded my head and tried to mutter a thank-you but I'm not sure it even came out.  The law demanded justice but he extended mercy to me.

Amazed by the miracle that had just occurred, I turned into the temple parking lot and hurried inside.  I actually made it on time and worked to calm my racing heart and mind.  I spent the next hour and a half thinking about the role of Jesus Christ in my life.  I felt so thankful to that officer for the mercy he extended to me that afternoon.  I will be forever grateful for the mercy made available through the Savior's Atonement.

The Last Hurrah!

So, if you've read Tif's blog then you have a basic update about our latest family adventures.  No promises but I may post a few pics and add more details about the wonderful time we had in Texas this past week.  It's late and I'm tired but thought I'd mention the trip home.

You can imagine the scene.  The stares from onlookers ranged from admiration to pity and everything in between as we navigated our way through the airport....all eight of us.  Each 'duckling' strapped on their backpacks and pulled their wheeled suitcases through the maze of people and commotion while I 'wore' Quinn, tried to hold Elsie's hand and handle a few other items.  Aaron had double-duty with larger suitcases, a carseat, camera, etc.  Due to construction at the airport, there was no curb-side check-in which added to our fun.  I don't need to tell you how long it took us to go through security taking off shoes, jackets, belts, backpacks, computers and such!  And then there is always the 'hurry up and wait at the gate' game.  A few more diapers to change.  A baby to feed. The plane finally arrives.  We strategically make the seating assignments amongst the kids and wait some more.   Did I mention our flight was out at 2pm and Elsie was REALLY tired?  Didn't matter how many snacks or gadgets were packed in our bag of tricks this time around.  Aaron did his best to entertain Elsie while I had a work-out of my own with Quinn.  Then Jantzen decided his tummy hurt along with his ears (he's super sensitive to pressure changes).  

We were all happy to land and deplane in Salt Lake a few hours later.  The plan was for Aaron to take Quinn and get the Yukon in long term parking while I took the other five, picked up everything at baggage claim and met him outside in the pick-up area.  A few potty stops along the way and an overly tired toddler...but we got the luggage and somehow managed to get it to our designated location.  I was actually feeling pretty proud of myself for accomplishing such a feat when Aaron called to say the battery was dead (it was a NEW battery!).  More fun.  He would try to call my parents and hang out in long-term parking waiting for a good samaritan to come along.  That is when Jantzen discovered he left his new ball cap on the plane and was nearly in tears.  Moments later he started pointing (and I thought it was at the guy with all the earrings) for he spotted our very own Bishop Klingler with his wife and daughter. They were just returning from Florida themselves.  After noticing us, they came to learn of our plight and Bishop caught the next shuttle out to long-term parking to get his own car and meet Aaron.  Who was it that said there is no such thing as a coincidence?  Tender mercies abound!

That wasn't the end of our journey because we still had a 3-4 hour drive ahead complete with more tears, more potty stops, more feedings, more stinky diapers, more "I'm hungry's"...but we sure felt grateful for the Lord's tender mercy that evening.

Aaron boarded another plane at 6am this morning.  I remembered it was my Sunday to teach the Relief Society lesson.  And it was another party getting the sleepyheads out of bed for 9am church today.  

I think I need a vacation.  Alone. :)

September Highlights

I'm not one to spend much time blogging the details of my life but thought I would record some of the 'big moments' we've experienced in the past two weeks.

Aaron and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary.  It's been a great ride and I'm looking forward to many more....how lucky am I!  We also celebrated Aaron's 29th birthday again.

We broke ground on our next project.  Yes, we're building our 'dream home' for the second time.  I do anticipate being able to live in it longer than 15 months this time around but then again...:)

Quinn's stitches have finally dissolved and he is a much happier little boy.  It has been a long five months with lots of crying and sleepless nights for both of us.  He really is adorable and we love to see him smile and giggle!

Aaron and Tanner enjoyed their recent overnight scout camp-out.  Tanner has wonderful leaders and he is well on his way with the Boy Scout program already.

We have made countless trips to Salt Lake over recent months and this past weekend we made yet another less-than-24-hour trip.  I enjoyed attending the General RS Meeting with Mom and Hilary at the Conference Center and listening to nephew, Jordan, speak in church.  He'll be a great missionary!

After seven years of 'blood, sweat and tears', we are no longer the owners of Arbor Senior Care.  It was always part of our 'master plan' to develop and nurture this little business until it could be valued and cared for by another.  Aaron can now devote his full attention to another passion - Home Care Pulse.  This new business has been in its infancy for some time and we are excited to fill the growing need for quality satisfaction among the home care industry.

And finally, I am looking forward to our "surprise vacation" during the Harvest Break from school.  The kids have no idea we are taking them to Texas for a week to visit my sister and have some fun!  I'm sure they won't be reading this blog until we are already on the plane...but, shhhh!

Quinn's surgery

I am happy to report that Quinn's surgery yesterday was successful.  It was a mighty early morning for us (and a special thanks to Janene for getting the older kids off to school) which made for a long day.   However, we were happy the procedure ended up being straight-forward as there had been some differences of opinions between various doctors.  The tylenol/motrin routine is helping with the pain as it's looking pretty sore and raw under Quinn's tongue.  He is eating well and today has been a better day.  Thanks to all of you for your prayers!  Glad to have this one behind us...

Just an aside, the nurse assigned to Quinn's room in day surgery happened to be the same nurse that attended to Anna when she had her tonsils removed in January.  I remembered her because she was so wonderful and patient throughout Anna's ordeal but didn't say anything until she turned to me and said, "You're Anna's mom!".  Um, wow.  That girl really made an impression on the hospital staff....

Medical update

Apparently, the flu bug season has arrived early this year!  I'm playing 'hookey' from church today trying to get over the body aches, cough, etc.  Tanner and Brinley spent two full days in bed earlier this week with fever/chills/aches.  Aaron was out of town and he'll be leaving again soon so we hope it passes him by along with the other children.  We'll keep our fingers crossed and I'll keep my Lysol handy.  Looking on the bright side, no vomit has been involved :).

Quinn is scheduled for surgery this coming Thursday to take care of the submandibular duct obstruction in his mouth.  He was born with a fluid-filled sac type thing under his tongue and after consulting various doctors, we feel confident in proceeding here at home without having to travel to Primary Children's Hospital.  The technical term for the procedure is 'marsupialization of the duct' which means they will basically make a 'drain' where one did not develop.  The kids refer to Quinn's growth as a 'bubble' which is nicer than saying that he has 'an alien-looking double-tongue'.  It has gotten so large that his tongue sits at an angle!  Our greatest challenge will be getting him to nurse well after the surgery.  The hope is that I will not be spending HOURS a day feeding him because he'll be a more efficient eater without the bothersome 'bubble' interfering.  He's been a trooper. 

We are turning the colicky-corner with this little guy and once he recovers from the surgery, we may be able to get back on our feet.  It's been a wild and crazy summer for us on many fronts and I'm looking forward to having a boring life (not possible, I know).  Who knows...I could become a regular blogger?!  Now that may be taking things too far...

On another note, we received the sad news yesterday that Jantzen's best buddy, Jace, was diagnosed with leukemia late Friday afternoon.  He was at school earlier this week.  He is now at Primary Children's Hospital where the past 36 hours have been a flurry of medical procedures.  He is one very sick boy.  We've been following his story at www.ironmanjace.blogspot.com and have shed a few tears along with countless others.  It seems to really hit home when you have a child the same age.  Jantzen's prayers have taken on an added measure of faith as we include Jace and his family.  I know the Lord is mindful of them as He is of each of us.  

The Delinquent Tooth Fairy

Since our children have the 'inside scoop' on the Tooth Fairy, it was no surprise to hear questions like, "Mom, when will you remember to put money under my pillow?" Better yet was the request for a REAL $2.00 bill because TWO teeth were lost within a day of each other.  Seeing as I am up routinely during the wee hours of morning nursing a newborn you would think I could get the job done!  And then there was the 'no cash on hand' issue to resolve.  I committed to my 7-year old that I would get to the bank asap and deliver the goods soon...

After stopping by the bank, I cruised home and asked Brinley to run upstairs and put money under the pillow while Jantzen was playing outside.  Later that day while we were all in the car together, she casually asked him if he had been checking under his pillow.  Nothing more was said.  That evening while I was preparing dinner, Jantzen walked into the kitchen and handed me back the money he discovered.  He assumed Brinley had put it under his pillow and proceeded to inform me that just would not do.  He wanted it to be a surprise so I would need to try again some other time.  Umm, really?  What kid does that?  Okay.

The next day my Dad stopped in for a quick painting job (of course) and I asked him 'try again' for me on his way to retire for the night.  The money has now been under Jantzen's pillow (for the second time) for three days.  I wonder when he'll find it?  Guess I'm finally off the hook!

Another Relaxing Bedtime Routine...

As a parent, don't you just love those situations when children 'test the limits'?  For some kids it doesn't seem to matter how consistent a parent is...they just keep pushing against 'the fence' thinking the outcome will somehow be different.  Tonight's "threat" was that 911 would be called on me if (guess who) was not allowed to go outside and jump on the trampoline...haven't heard that one up until now....always a new adventure! 

Blogger Sighting!

I just had to chuckle at the recent sighting of what HAD to be a "mommy-blogger".  Who else takes a camera to Costco and gleefully snaps away while two little girls try out the various samples around the store?  I'm certain this lady was concocting catchy title headings for her next blog entry all the while.  In many ways, those 'serious bloggers' have revolutionized parenting!  All in a days' work.... 

Random Quote

I've been sorting through a pile in the kitchen tonight...here's a favorite quote of mine.

"Be not discouraged, neither allow the spirit of doubt or gloom or despondency to come into thy life, for these are tricks of the evil one to destroy thy faith and thy usefulness.

But look upon the bright side of life, to be cheerful, humble, prayerful, and pure in thy devotion, and in thy habits, and the Lord will remember thee in mercy.  His power and blessings will be upon thee.

Therefore, look unto the Lord in humility, and thou shalt be comforted in the answers to thy prayers and be guided in the path of thy duty, day and night."

--Hyrum Smith

Also, Quinn is officially one-month old tonight!  Pictures soon....

Happy Mother's Day!

I keep thinking I'll wait to post something when I have a few minutes....those ever-elusive 'few minutes'...

By now, most of you know we welcomed baby #6 on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 9:04pm.  We weighed 7 lb. 6 oz. and was 22 inches long with lots of dark hair.  The kids 'vetoed' my original name and 'voted' instead for Quinn Spori Marcum which is a good name for this little guy.  The Spori is after my great-great grandfather, Jacob Spori, who was the first principal of Ricks Academy (currently BYU-Idaho) and a man with an amazing history.  We've always liked the name Quinn.

Quinn was born at home and yes, we planned for that to happen.  It was really the all-natural home birth experience complete with midwives and herbal drops...  Dad looked in the backyard for the Indian pole and got a real kick out of the fact that we actually rented a 'birthing pool' which was set up in our bedroom.  Unfortunately, I'll never know if being in water really takes the 'edge off' the pain because labor went TURBO mode and I never set foot in the pool!  And to imagine that I actually thought of attending Jantzen's recital scheduled for that evening....

Honestly, it was a big decision to have Quinn at home and we are very grateful all went well.  It was a wonderful experience for Aaron and myself to welcome Quinn in this way.  After nine long months of pregnancy and the 18 days which have followed his birth, I can confidently say that the labor and delivery were the EASIEST part of this whole gig!  

Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there!  I'm certainly thankful for the 'mothers' in my life and for the extra helping hands we've been blessed with recently.  Adjusting to life with six children under age 11 has been even more challenging than I anticipated but I draw inspiration from knowing it has been done by others...

I think all of the crying outside my bedroom door is a sure signal that those 'few minutes' are up for now!

Seasons of Change...Enjoying the Journey

We like to keep things exciting around here...and since we enjoy complicating our lives...we have decided to relocate our family this summer to CV.   Aren't we known for our amazing abilities to have babies and move - usually around the same time?  At least I'll have a month of recovery...???

Our time in the north country has been a tender mercy in our lives.  We have no regrets about the short but sweet two years we will have spent here.  How many people get to dream of a 'dream home' and then create it?  How many children have the opportunity to spend time near both sets of grandparents and learn of their wonderful heritage first hand?  How many couples are allowed to be tour guides during a temple open house?  How many sons are privileged to serve in a bishopric under the inspiring leadership of a Stake President who happens to be their father? How fortunate is the daughter-in-law who rarely prepares a Sunday meal but enjoys a feast each week (I have been spoiled!)?  Our children have been surrounded by love and laughter and beauty here in the Upper Valley...amazing neighbors we admire, dedicated teachers who care and  true friends we will miss!  This has been a wonderful season for our family.

We know we will love our next adventure as well.  It is time for Aaron to be closer to his employment (and a major airport) as we begin another new business!  The Lord has blessed us with many 'mighty miracles' and we are certain there are more around the corner...thanks to you all!

Still here...

Yes, we're still here.  I've been a 'blogger-slacker'...guess it's a good thing I didn't put 'consistent blogging' on my list of resolutions for the new year of 2009.

Quick update:

Elsie is adorable as always and loves nursery (happy day).  She has added a few more words to her repertoire and loves dancing to David Archuletta with her siblings.

Anna is usually good at entertaining herself (while everyone is at school) and has quite the imagination.  She was excited to be in charge of the FHE lesson last night and planned the treat - "root-beard floats".

Jantzen has been 'begging' to join the local wrestling team and came home beaming after his first practice this evening.  The timing is really off for Aaron and myself but the kid is in his element so we decided to work it out since it's only for two months (I think).

Brinley got to play 'hooky' from school today after enduring a trip to the local community care last night.  She had her blood drawn and got a shot in her behind...not high on her list of favorite things to do (two needles - yikes)!  She's a trooper and feeling better already.

Tanner just finished typing his own version of a "Harry Potter Book of Spells" complete with color-coded instructions based on grade-level.  He also shared what he learned at school today from the Dare officer about meth/drugs.  Do they have to grow up?

Aaron is home this week and we are all happy about that.  He's juggling a zillion things right now and will be heading for Chicago all too soon.

Heather has about 6 weeks to go (but who's counting) and is trying to get over a cold/flu bug that has left her without a voice (sort of).  Coughing all night long at this point in time is not a good thing.  I should be 'stocking up' on my sleep right now!

There is a quick snap-shot version of life around here!  Life is good and we are blessed.

Important details...

Somehow I have managed to forget to blog about a few great highlights we've had...such as the trip Aaron and I took to San Antonio, Texas the day after Christmas to visit my sister and her family, my terrific 36th birthday, Tanner and Brinley's excursion with Aaron to visit G-ma and G-pa and so forth!  Whew, I guess I'm done now.

Doggone...

After a week of discussing and deciding, Dawson dog returned to where he came from yesterday afternoon.  Lots of tears and sadness accompanied the decision but the kids determined there would be a better home out there for him.  Last Sunday's 'break-in' certainly didn't help his case, but it was not the reason for Dawson's departure.  

It's no secret that we've dealt with dog-phobia in the past (who could blame a kid after being attacked by the neighbor's dog last summer?).  Great progress was being made by Jantzen and Anna.  After the first week of Dawson's arrival, they would go outside and pet/play with him with some measure of confidence.  Dawson never barked and loved being with the children.  Unfortunately, in his play he got too excited one day and jumped up on the younger ones...only to ignite their fear of dogs all over again.   Nothing we tried could successfully convince them otherwise and their concerns began interfering with everyday life (i.e.--getting on and off the bus without Mom, in and out of the car without Mom, etc.).  I talked with the lady at the animal shelter and she confided that a dog of this mix keenly senses the fear of others and takes advantage of it--so when Dawson started nipping at the kids this week, our decision was much easier to make!  That would have been good information about six weeks ago.

Tanner took excellent care of his dog and Brinley loved him like her own.  She has a HUGE heart!  They thoroughly enjoyed their time with Dawson and cried the most when it came time for him to leave.  Even Mom shed a few tears...mostly because she knew of their broken hearts.  It was a bittersweet experience even for Jantzen and Anna.  Overall, it has been a good experience for our family but we won't be acquiring another dog anytime soon.... 

Case in point....Dawson was already gone when Aaron discovered his 'overdue' software package out in the snow--completely destroyed!  How could the UPS driver miss the signs we posted around the front door and on the nearby container for him to PUT the packages into?!?  Dawson ended up being a very expensive dog to have around....

More snow arrived yesterday so Tanner and Brinley are having fun being pulled in the sled.

Aaron decked out in his gear with Jantzen on the 4-wheeler pulling the sled around the yard.

Anna loves the new mittens that match her coat and hat.

Bedtime for everybody.

Sunday Surprise!

We were just returning from our Sunday morning church meetings.  Tanner was the first to notice that our dog, Dawson, did not come running to greet us as the garage door opened.  That's the usual routine.  Oh, what a surprise awaited us inside the house.

Pictures would have been too graphic.  I'll summarize the scene by saying that the dog managed to push open the back door near the kitchen (it wasn't dead bolted) and explore every garbage can and room in the entire house.  He left a trail of dirty paw prints all over as he managed to haul stuff in and out of the open door for who knows how long?  Ugh.  It was pretty traumatic to find Brinley's American Girl doll (beloved Christmas treasure from Santa) out in the snow with several appendages missing.  Anna was also tearful (understatement) about the teddy bear she received from the hospital during her recent visit...with the face ripped off and stuffing littering the snow.  Shoes, a bag of apples, bread, decorative house pillows, etc. were scattered about outside.  The garbage cans revealed their treasures including wet diapers shredded about (at least the #2's were in the garage can--whew!) and so forth.  

I called Aaron (who was still at the church) to share the fun surprise and our good Bishop let him 'go home early' to help with the crisis.  After lots of tears and Aaron's pep talk about forgiveness (of Dawson), the kids are feeling better.   We are, however, working through a few other 'dog issues' so his future here is in question...

Home Sweet Home

The update.

I was happy when the nurses moved us out of day surgery and into a bigger recovery room BUT that also meant we were spending the night at the hospital.  Fortunately, I have the most awesome husband in the world and he volunteered to let me sleep in a real bed at home so we traded places.  I slept well.  He didn't.  Who designs those chair/bed pull-out things anyway?  Do they really expect people to actually sleep on them?  Between the comforts of his 'bed', helping Anna, and the nurses coming in every few hours, I doubt he slept at all.  What a guy!

After getting the other children off to school, I headed back to the hospital thinking positive thoughts about Anna's willingness to take the medication orally and drink enough fluids for the Dr. to give his okay.  Aaron took Elsie and returned home before G-pa Marcum arrived to 'babysit' for an hour and be there when Jantzen got off the school bus (Aaron had an appointment).  Thanks to Bob for helping out with that...I understand you had fun playing the Wii?

Anyway, we were not making a lot of progress until the Dr. arrived.  Perhaps I should have purchased a white jacket and looked 'intimidating' because that's what got the ball rolling!  Happy day.  Actually, I think Anna was getting tired of being in a hospital bed and thought going home would be a good thing. Regardless of the reason, we were headed home sweet home after a few more hours.

Much thanks for the prayers and phone calls and visits!  She hasn't been very talkative but I'm sure she's enjoyed the attention.  She's doing a little better today (after sleeping off and on for nearly 7 hours of it) and said she wants to go to church tomorrow.  Guess that means I'll be teaching after all!

Are We Done Yet?

This is the question of the day!

Our day started at an early hour as Anna and I made our way to the local hospital for the 'big event'....getting her tonsils and adenoids removed!  I nearly had myself talked out of proceeding with the surgery but after yesterday's pre-op appointment, I knew we needed to just get it over with.  The actually surgery only took 20 minutes but we've been at the hospital for hours and hours because our little trooper doesn't enjoy taking medicine (major understatement) and hasn't yet convinced herself that chocolate milkshakes really do make everything all better.  In fact, unless a miracle occurs, it looks like we'll both be spending the night here.

I'm full of love and sympathy but this little box with four sides (hospital room) seems to be getting smaller and smaller and my tiny chair just isn't cutting it for me...I've actually asked for another chair so I can elevate my legs (that's another story) but nothing has appeared quite yet. Being nearly 6 months pregnant isn't exactly comfortable in the best of circumstances and I think I'm getting a bit grumpy...but enough about me!

Anna's tonsils were enlarged and had infection all around them. The adenoids were of similar size and blocking nearly 90% of her airway (sleeping at night...not so fun).  She will be a much healthier and happier child in a few weeks as everything continues to heal.  Our main goal is keeping her hydrated and out of the hospital (once we make it home, that is!).  Poor girl...she is exhausted...physically, mentally and emotionally!  Her dramatic flair for life has certainly spilled over into the events of this day.  Even the nurses are shaking their heads and wishing me luck for the post-recovery period at home.  At least while Anna has an IV in, she is getting the necessary fluids and medication.   

I think she could use a few extra prayers!  To be continued...

Happy News Year!

Well, for those that haven't heard the news....the "Marcum caboose" is scheduled to arrive April 21, 2009 (give or take a few days).  I was going to post some of the ultrasound but things have gone techy at the Dr.'s office and I didn't want to take the time to figure it out (surprise).  So...the drum roll please....

We will have our very own 'Marcum Bunch' - another boy to even it all out!  I already knew that would be the case so it was nice to have the ultrasound confirm my hunch.  The kids were pretty certain it would be a boy also or at least hoped it would be....except for Anna who prefers girls at all times...

FYI--*I have a box or two of baby girl clothing I plan on giving to a neighbor (who has 5 boys and finally got a girl) unless there are any immediate takers out there (I'm not in to storing stuff these days).  Let me know!

Happy New Year 2009!