They are growing up

It hit me today that they boys are really growing up. Tyler is over 5 feet tall, Davin is completely potty trained and Ryan is speaking in full sentences. Next year Tyler will be in Jr.High, Davin in kindergarten and Ryan in pre-school. To be totally honest, the baby phase was not really my thing. Don't get me wrong, I love babies, I just don't want them to be mine 24/7. I really enjoy the more self sufficient child that can tell me what they want- even if it includes the word no now and again.

I'm Drowning

OK so I'm not really drowning, but it sure has felt like there is not enough hours in a day!!! This is why it has taken me so long to post. The kids and I were able to go to the Navajo reservation in New Mexico and visit some of our dearest friends. We were able to take all the generous donations to their school to help those families with supplies. Thank you to everyone who gave of yourselves. It was so appreciated. It was such a wonderful experience, the only regret is that Trevor was not able to come with us. I also started my new job this week, and all I can say is the training is the most intense training I have ever been in. It is fascinating and I'm sure once I get the hang of it, I will be easier. We have one month of full time in class room training then two months of dispatch training. Then 6 months of probationary training until we are able to move to the level 1 position. They teach us to speak in codes and manage, multiple phones- 3 computer screens- several radio channels- two keyboards and multiple agencies/cities at the same time. I had no idea it was this intense. I am so grateful to my mom and friends who have helped me with the kids. It has been hard for me to not be in contact with them whenever they need me. You know the "poof what do you need, poof what do you need" scenario. Anyways Trevor and the boys are surviving and Tyler is doing a great job taking on more responsibilities around the house. At any rate, things will get better once I learn to swim!

National Institute of Health

So we just received word that Dr. Kastner and Dr. Holland want to see the boys at the Fever Clinic at the NIH the beginning of next year. We hope that this will give us some more detailed information on how to manage their disease. We have taken them off the Enbrel shots and both boys are now on Septra to bring down their T-cells and hopefully pull their immune systems back in line. Also, we think that Davin can build white blood cells to immunizations. So far the data is not conclusive, however, we think that he just might require more immunizations to get his titers to a protective level. We will find out in a month if it works. Hopefully he will not need a surgical port and monthly IVIG treatments. Right now we are hopeful that he will be able to attend school in the next year or two without issues. At any rate this is all good news:)

Processed Foods

Our one child who has re-defined the food guide pyramid to include chocolate, sugar, over-processed, over-refined and microwavable. Seriously how he can get as big as he is and insist on the food he does is beyond us. Our other children love their fruits, veggies and homemade foods. This one, well let's just say the more processed the better. Good thing we love him:)

Chasing Rainbows

A couple nights ago, Davin and I were out shopping when a fairly large storm hit. After 20 minutes of heavy rain, there was enough of a break to make it to the car. As I was loading up the car, Davin noticed a large rainbow that looked close to us. In his excitement he said we should go find the end of the rainbow. I figured, it wouldn't hurt. So off we went chasing the rainbow. As we crossed a main intersection, Davin noticed that the rainbow appeared to be touching the top of a book store building. He insisted that we stop and go in to investigate. No sooner was he out of his car seat than was in the store. He went running in saying "there is a rainbow in your store, a rainbow" then insisted on finding it. As I explained what was going on to the nice clerks, Davin started yelling "I found the rainbow". I thought to myself, kidding me? Next thing I know. He found a Noah Ark book that really looked like a rainbow was actually caught in the book. So excited, he asked the clerks if he could buy the book or if they needed to have the rainbow in the store. Of course they told him he could buy it, so I pulled out a gift card to that particular store that I won a couple days prior. Amazingly, it was for the exact amount. So to make a long story short, we are now the proud owners of a rainbow that we found. I guess it is out little pot of gold.

Davin's Drama

OK no surprise that Davin has health issues. I just feel so bad for him quite often. The current thought is that his allergies are exacterbating his TRAPS which in turn is causing recurrent sinus infections. Although we have treated his allergies aggressively, the Md's seem to think that even the slightest allergen will cause his other symptoms to flare. His eyes look like he has cataracts, but it is actually inflammation of the eye. When it covers a lot, he has difficulties seeing, but once the inflammation goes down he can see better. He still is sensitive to light so I bought him some sunglasses today with hopes that he will spend less time hiding out in the house or in doors. For now we are adding two more medications that will hopefully help him get over this hump.

Garden Harvest

Trevor and Tyler deffinately have green thumbs. We have been enjoying the "fruit" of their labors. It has been something that the boys have enjoyed taking a part of. They actually love the eat the veggies from their garden. Yumm! Great work guys. We have also had a lot of fun with playdates with some of our friends. Staying close to home has it's advantages and having great friends are even better. I think we have went though at least a dozen boxes of popcicles. All worth it!

July Fun

So much fun over the 4th of July. We went to Newdale, Idaho for Trevor's family reunion. It was a lot of fun to see all the extended family. I even got to visit with my old mission president and his wife (Pincocks). It was so amazing to see them. My cousin Stacy came into town for a couple of days and we had a chance to hang out. I sure have missed her!!! For now we are enjoying the summer, just playing it low key! Just relishing in my time before I have to work again:( Oh, by the way, I'm giving up sugar. So we will see how it goes. If I'm crabby for a couple of days. . . you will know why!