Monday, January 19, 2009
And that's the story of the first...
While visiting in Utah Sarah found a new favorite book. It is the story of Priscilla Mullins, one of our ancestors who came across on the Mayflower. Sarah loved the pictures and the story. Annie was so great to read it to her almost every night. One night when Annie was sick of the story she asked Sarah to read it. Happily, she obliged. Sarah turned the pages and accurately told the story and at the very end she said, "and that's the story of the very first Halloween." Who knew the pilgrims celebrated Halloween!?!
Partners in Time Out
Sarah frequently lands herself on "the step" for being naughty. Usually she has to sit there because she's hit, shoved, or sat on Grant. The funny thins is that as soon as Sarah is sent to the step, Grant follows her over and sits by her until she's done her time. It cracks me up every time.
Holidays 2008
We made the trek to Salt Lake City for the holidays. I must never make a flight reservation through Chicago during winter ever again! After being in the airport for five hours, we were finally told that the flight was canceled and that we needed to rebook. We were able to get on another flight to SLC the next day. This was definitely less than ideal, but through the process we made a new friend who ended up being our saving grace for the flight. Alisa, who was also trying to get to SLC, ended up coming back to our house to spend the night. She was willing to sit by us and help with the kids until we met Mom in Salt Lake. I truly don't know what I would have done without her. She was a Christmas Miracle!
It was great to be in Utah for Christmas. I love being near family and sharing all the fun traditions. I especially love for my kids to be near their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It is such a special thing for Sarah and Grant to see family. They thoroughly enjoy every second of the attention and love. And I thoroughly enjoy watching them entertain everyone they see. It's such a blessing to be able to visit every so often.
The kids and I were in Utah for almost three weeks. Steve was only able to be there for one week, which was more than we originally thought he would have. Steve was especially excited to ski, and the snow was perfect. I didn't make it up the mountain this visit. Since Grant was born, my arthritis/tendinitis has been acting up. The last 2-3 months it's been painful daily...to the point where I have to take one step at a time and I'm afraid of carrying kids around for fear my leg will give out on me. Needless to say, it has made me kind of grumpy and on edge and that kind of attitude is never helpful with toddlers around. So, while in Utah, Dad got me an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon (the doctor I've seen since I was 12 was out for the holiday) and I came away from that appointment completely deflated. He basically told me I had a congenital problem with the formation of my femur--that it actually is rotated wrong in my hip socket. His message: take some Tylenol for the pain and get a hip replacement in 4-5 years. Great. Not exactly what I wanted to hear. Oh, and he noticed some degeneration of the head of my femur, which could (but probably doesn't) make him think I may have cancer! Awesome. I was pretty stunned after that appointment and felt totally overwhelmed. It was if all the pain and struggle from my childhood had all come crashing back down on me. I felt like this health condition was one that I had beaten ten years ago. I had already gone through the struggle and I'd learned all my lessons from it. I wasn't in the mood to have to go through it all again. I was frustrated because I was hoping to get some support and relief from the pain and all I got was a bad prognosis. But after a slight cry I think I realized that maybe there is something valuable yet to learn from arthritis. The following Sunday some family members and close friends all had a fast for me. I was so touched and grateful by all the support in my hour of need. I truly feel so blessed to know of the power of fasting and prayer. I was really hoping to get into my original doctor the next day so I could get his opinion...and our prayers were answered. Dr. Toronto had a cancellation at 10, so I was able to see him! I was so relieved and hopeful that I would have better news. It was such a relief to see Dr. Toronto. He was the one who originally diagnosed me with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis 18 years ago.
He's been there every step of the way. I love his way of doctoring....he is so positive and encouraging. After I told him about what's been going on for the last year or so he asked me where it is that I want to be. I told him I didn't want to be in pain (and therefore be nice to my kids/husband) at every move and it would be great to run a 5K. He was completely reassuring that these things were well within my near future. I had an epiphany moment in the exam room that morning. Dr. Toronto asked me, "how do we get you to where you want to be?" He was totally hopeful and positive. He didn't say, "sorry, you have a major problem" and send me on my way. He admitted that there is a problem, but he didn't dwell on it. He very clearly and hopefully helped me create a plan to get me better and stronger. I've thought a lot about that conversation with Dr. Toronto. I love the positive attitude. I love the plan of action. I love the support. I love having a goal and working toward it. I hope to apply this attitude toward more areas in my life. I am truly so grateful to have a doctor like Dr. Toronto. It makes such a difference to have someone who knows me, my history, and how hard he can push me. I remember one time before a marathon--about two weeks before--I had pulled my hamstring and could barely walk. Rather than telling me not to run the race, Dr. Toronto gave me a plan that would allow me to do the race and not kill myself. I appreciate his opinion and support so much. I really was blessed to be able to get in to see him and get his direction. Wow, that was a lot longer than I planned. So, how am I doing now? I'm taking some medication, which helps. I'm stretching, which also helps. And I'm trying to strengthen my weak areas, which will help. I have good days and bad days. But I'm hoping the bad will become fewer and further between.
Steve and I also celebrated our 5th Anniversary (December 30th). We had to celebrate it early because he was going back to Detroit. We were able to go to Mikado for sushi--our favorite place to eat in Utah. It was so fun to be with Steve and eat really good food--two of my favorite things. I can't believe it's already been five years....time flies! I won't write all the gushy things here that I love about Steve (that's in a personal letter), but I do love and appreciate him. He works so hard for us and always makes time for us. He is a wonderful man and I'm so lucky to have him as my husband. Here's to another five!
This year's New Year's Eve was perhaps one of the most boring of my life (except for the one on my mission when I slept through the whole thing). It was Annie, Ryan and me and we sewed an apron. Then we had artichoke dip at midnight and went to bed. No offense, Annie and Ryan, but I much prefer your first anniversary (when we all slept in a king size bed in a sketchy, moldy hotel) to this New Year's Eve! It wasn't that it was bad company, we just were all tired and ready for bed.
On New Year's Day, Nate and Josh and their families came in. It was so fun to all be together. The boys were all so excited to go skiing and it had been snowing nonstop for a week. Unfortunately, at the end of the very first run Dad made a hefty spill and completely tore his shoulder. He has since had reconstructive surgery on it and is waiting to start rehab. Poor dad. He was surely disappointed, but he handled it pretty well.
A few other highlights: our duplex back in Detroit flooded while we were gone. Luckily, our neighbors are super nice and they helped out so much. I don't know what we would have done without them. The main floor bathroom had to be gutted and put back together--which all was completed by the time we got home.
Steve was pulled over for a minor violation and the officer informed him there was a warrant out for his arrest. Lucky for us, it was a different Steve Later...but still a bit jolting to hear that news.
Sarah got two princess dresses and a refrigerator for her kitchen set for Christmas. Grant got a few balls and some trucks. I gave Steve a Nintendo wii (for Christmas and our 5th Anniversary) and he gave me a Nikon D60 SLR camera (for my birthday, Christmas, and anniversary). I LOVE the new camera....it's so nice to push the button and capture the shot! I'll write more about it later.
Overall, we had a crazy, busy, fun and memorable holiday season.
It was great to be in Utah for Christmas. I love being near family and sharing all the fun traditions. I especially love for my kids to be near their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It is such a special thing for Sarah and Grant to see family. They thoroughly enjoy every second of the attention and love. And I thoroughly enjoy watching them entertain everyone they see. It's such a blessing to be able to visit every so often.
The kids and I were in Utah for almost three weeks. Steve was only able to be there for one week, which was more than we originally thought he would have. Steve was especially excited to ski, and the snow was perfect. I didn't make it up the mountain this visit. Since Grant was born, my arthritis/tendinitis has been acting up. The last 2-3 months it's been painful daily...to the point where I have to take one step at a time and I'm afraid of carrying kids around for fear my leg will give out on me. Needless to say, it has made me kind of grumpy and on edge and that kind of attitude is never helpful with toddlers around. So, while in Utah, Dad got me an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon (the doctor I've seen since I was 12 was out for the holiday) and I came away from that appointment completely deflated. He basically told me I had a congenital problem with the formation of my femur--that it actually is rotated wrong in my hip socket. His message: take some Tylenol for the pain and get a hip replacement in 4-5 years. Great. Not exactly what I wanted to hear. Oh, and he noticed some degeneration of the head of my femur, which could (but probably doesn't) make him think I may have cancer! Awesome. I was pretty stunned after that appointment and felt totally overwhelmed. It was if all the pain and struggle from my childhood had all come crashing back down on me. I felt like this health condition was one that I had beaten ten years ago. I had already gone through the struggle and I'd learned all my lessons from it. I wasn't in the mood to have to go through it all again. I was frustrated because I was hoping to get some support and relief from the pain and all I got was a bad prognosis. But after a slight cry I think I realized that maybe there is something valuable yet to learn from arthritis. The following Sunday some family members and close friends all had a fast for me. I was so touched and grateful by all the support in my hour of need. I truly feel so blessed to know of the power of fasting and prayer. I was really hoping to get into my original doctor the next day so I could get his opinion...and our prayers were answered. Dr. Toronto had a cancellation at 10, so I was able to see him! I was so relieved and hopeful that I would have better news. It was such a relief to see Dr. Toronto. He was the one who originally diagnosed me with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis 18 years ago.
He's been there every step of the way. I love his way of doctoring....he is so positive and encouraging. After I told him about what's been going on for the last year or so he asked me where it is that I want to be. I told him I didn't want to be in pain (and therefore be nice to my kids/husband) at every move and it would be great to run a 5K. He was completely reassuring that these things were well within my near future. I had an epiphany moment in the exam room that morning. Dr. Toronto asked me, "how do we get you to where you want to be?" He was totally hopeful and positive. He didn't say, "sorry, you have a major problem" and send me on my way. He admitted that there is a problem, but he didn't dwell on it. He very clearly and hopefully helped me create a plan to get me better and stronger. I've thought a lot about that conversation with Dr. Toronto. I love the positive attitude. I love the plan of action. I love the support. I love having a goal and working toward it. I hope to apply this attitude toward more areas in my life. I am truly so grateful to have a doctor like Dr. Toronto. It makes such a difference to have someone who knows me, my history, and how hard he can push me. I remember one time before a marathon--about two weeks before--I had pulled my hamstring and could barely walk. Rather than telling me not to run the race, Dr. Toronto gave me a plan that would allow me to do the race and not kill myself. I appreciate his opinion and support so much. I really was blessed to be able to get in to see him and get his direction. Wow, that was a lot longer than I planned. So, how am I doing now? I'm taking some medication, which helps. I'm stretching, which also helps. And I'm trying to strengthen my weak areas, which will help. I have good days and bad days. But I'm hoping the bad will become fewer and further between.
Steve and I also celebrated our 5th Anniversary (December 30th). We had to celebrate it early because he was going back to Detroit. We were able to go to Mikado for sushi--our favorite place to eat in Utah. It was so fun to be with Steve and eat really good food--two of my favorite things. I can't believe it's already been five years....time flies! I won't write all the gushy things here that I love about Steve (that's in a personal letter), but I do love and appreciate him. He works so hard for us and always makes time for us. He is a wonderful man and I'm so lucky to have him as my husband. Here's to another five!
This year's New Year's Eve was perhaps one of the most boring of my life (except for the one on my mission when I slept through the whole thing). It was Annie, Ryan and me and we sewed an apron. Then we had artichoke dip at midnight and went to bed. No offense, Annie and Ryan, but I much prefer your first anniversary (when we all slept in a king size bed in a sketchy, moldy hotel) to this New Year's Eve! It wasn't that it was bad company, we just were all tired and ready for bed.
On New Year's Day, Nate and Josh and their families came in. It was so fun to all be together. The boys were all so excited to go skiing and it had been snowing nonstop for a week. Unfortunately, at the end of the very first run Dad made a hefty spill and completely tore his shoulder. He has since had reconstructive surgery on it and is waiting to start rehab. Poor dad. He was surely disappointed, but he handled it pretty well.
A few other highlights: our duplex back in Detroit flooded while we were gone. Luckily, our neighbors are super nice and they helped out so much. I don't know what we would have done without them. The main floor bathroom had to be gutted and put back together--which all was completed by the time we got home.
Steve was pulled over for a minor violation and the officer informed him there was a warrant out for his arrest. Lucky for us, it was a different Steve Later...but still a bit jolting to hear that news.
Sarah got two princess dresses and a refrigerator for her kitchen set for Christmas. Grant got a few balls and some trucks. I gave Steve a Nintendo wii (for Christmas and our 5th Anniversary) and he gave me a Nikon D60 SLR camera (for my birthday, Christmas, and anniversary). I LOVE the new camera....it's so nice to push the button and capture the shot! I'll write more about it later.
Overall, we had a crazy, busy, fun and memorable holiday season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
