Aproaching the New Year

We are now aproaching 2009 with hope for a healthier New Year. We have had a virus hanging onto our family for several weeks now. Isaac has had croup twice in the last six weeks. We hope that all of our friends and family will be able to count their blessings throughout the years to follow. We see miracles happen often and Earthly Angels everywhere although it is hard to miss the opposing side all around us. This Christmas we have had several Earthly Angels send Annonymous gifts and money, and we are quite suprised at how generous people still are although the economy is in trouble. We feel very loved with this outpouring of love towards our family. We never even applied for any gifts through a Charity, the gifts and money came as a total surprise. I thank the Lord everyday for the friendships I have made through the local CHD support group, I also pray for these families daily and their struggles. I hope those who read this blog will find some plateaus at the top of their roller coaster throughout the coming year. We are so blessed to have your support, just knowing there is someone who understands our struggles means a lot.

December is Here

Winter is beautiful in many ways, but not always with health issues. Overall we're doing good in our family when you think noone has been hospitalized in months. We have had a long month of viruses. Daddy usually doesn't get sick, but wasn't so lucky this time, he lost his voice a few days after Lauren lost hers. The Barometric pressure has been given several of us pain in our joints including Isaac. Isaac had pain so bad in his foot for several hours and had to stay home from school. Isaac and his sisters are really excited for Christmas to come, tonight they will have dinner at the church and see Santa. Brianna is exited about leaving Santa some Barbeque chips (Brianna's favorite flavor) on Christmas Eve (since she heard through the grapevine that it was his favorite flavor of Chips) Lol.

Croup Group

Looks like Isaac has joined the Croup Group again. We've lost count how many times Isaac has had it. Isaac's pediatrician says I'm just another doctor, when she talked to me yesterday. I said "I'm just the croup expert". I don't ever want to be a doctor or nurse, I take care of my kids when they are sick, just because it is what I have to do (Not because I enjoy Nursing). Anyway, we have been out of touch with the Internet for a while, our computer had the croup and was "Vomiting me off of the Internet every-time I tryed to touch it. We took it to the computer doctor and it definately had a virus. The computer doctor bills were extremely expensive, because we don't have health insurance for our PC.

Isaac’s Song of Love

Yesterday, Isaac received his "Song of Love" in the mail. He really enjoys his new song, the music and lyrics were written so well for him. We are touched that someone with so much talent would care enough to take so much time to write a song especially for him. Songs of Love is a charitable organization devoted to providing personalized songs to children and young adults facing difficult medical challenges. Each song is one- of- a- kind and is Never duplicated. This song is truly a gift of inspiration and love. I am posting the lyrics below. If you are interested in hearing Isaac's Love Song you can either ask me to play it for you in my car or home or go directly to www.songsoflove.org and click on the Family and Friends Song & Ringtone Download link. Simply type in the Name "Yancey" in the child's last Name field and the number "16587" in the child's record number field. (Beware, the song has rythym and lyrics that are catchy and might make you sing and dance)

Isaac Yancey’s Song of Love

Okay lets go, gotta job to do.
Love to play Computer Games, Lego Racers too.
Watchin Nickelodeon, gotta see Spongebob.
Disney is a classic, makes me turn into a mob, C’mon.
(Chorus)
I’m Isaac Yancey, My feet are getting antsy.
Feel like Dancin’ to the Rock & Roll Music.
Let’s get fancy, hooo.

C’mon here we go
D-D-D-D-D-D-D-Dancin’
Gonna eat some Pizza and some Salad on the Side. (with Ranch Dressing)
Nacho Cheese Doritos Chips ("Fire Chips")
Might have a Lolllipop, then read a good book,
Back it with a video, then take a good look, C’mon.
(Chorus twice)
I’m Isaac Yancey, My feet are getting antsy.
Feel like Dancin’ to the Rock & Roll Music.
Let’s get fancy, hooo
I’m Isaac Yancey, My feet are getting antsy.
Feel like Dancin’ to the Rock & Roll Music.
Let’s get fancy, hooo
Mommy and Daddy, sisters Lauren and Brianna
Grandpa Yancey is the Pop Pop that I honor.
Grandma Southworth and Grandma Reenie
I feel so good inside, when they come to see me.
(Chorus twice)
I’m Isaac Yancey, My feet are getting antsy.
Feel like Dancin’ to the Rock & Roll Music.
Let’s get fancy, hooo
I’m Isaac Yancey, My feet are getting antsy.
Feel like Dancin’ to the Rock & Roll Music.
Let’s get fancy, hooo

Autumn Day

Welcome First Day of Fall!

We Love the Beautiful Colors!
I hope you find beautiful colors around you!

We are excited to watch the colors all around us.

Utah is a Beautiful Place to live, these photos are taken in Zions National Park, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Have a beautiful Fall Day!

Isaac's Microtia Before & After

Isaac as born with several congenital birth defects, one of them is Microtia. Microtia is an ear deformity that occurs once in every 6,000 to 12,000 births.Children with microtia and atresia usually have severe hearing loss on the affected ear.Although there is a hearing loss in children with microtia, the inner ears on both sides are usually normal. However, Isaac's left ear had no hearing when he was born and it improved to hearing a little less than normal range. He also was missing the Pinea on his left ear and his ear canal is extremely narrow. Dr. Muntz reconstructed a new pinea with all of the curves. Sorry if this last photo is so graphic, it is important to see the beginning stages, so the miracle of plastic surgery can be better understood later.

We are Home!

Isaac and I are home from the hospital now. He is feeling much better. He had a very diffucult time his first day, the anesthesia made him extremely sick, enough for me to seriously think of never doing it again. He is really sore in a couple of places. hopefully, I will do a good enough job taking care of him that it will heal well. Plastic surgery wound care is completely something new to me. Isaac mentioned today how he feels embarrased about his ear cover/bandage. He feels like people are making fun of him, and I never heard anyone at the hospital say anything rude. He will be in a lot of isolation for a while so it can heal well and he won't have to face the public shock of looking at it. He really looked concerned when he saw himself in the mirror for the first time. Sorry if I didn't post much until now, I was real busy taking care of Isaac, and when I slipped out for a minute to update the computers at Primary Children's didn't work out well enough for me.

GoodBye Little Ear, We'll Miss You!

Our hearts are heavy as we say good bye to Isaac's little ear. We really will miss this cute little ear, it is one of the things that makes Isaac unique. We honestly think it is such a cute little ear, but not everyone in Isaac's future will think it is so cute, therefore the doctors insist it is best to build him a new one. I feel so guilty as a mom putting him through another surgery, especially one that seems non-essential. Hopefully the new ear will help him wear sunglasses more easily and give him the self esteem he will need later. I know this isn't as serious as heart surgery, but it does worry me about the pain I am putting him through. When they do each stage of this surgery, they will harvest cartiledge from his ribs which sounds really painful. Please say a little prayer for Isaac that his surgery and recovery will go smoothly without a glitch. His sisters and Dad will miss seeing Isaac for a few days, hopefully we can make the time pass quickly. If you have time to visit on Thursday, Friday or maybe Saturday, please stop by his room for a visit. His surgery will probably be scheduled tomorrow morning and might last about two hours.

Tomatoes!

These are our first few Beautiful tomatoes we picked from our garden yesterday. It's a great accomplisment for our family. We are finally finding some delicious tomatoes to harvest. We haven't been sucessful for several years. Maybe there is hope for us in the future. We definately were not born with green thumbs. We all agreed last night that we had to blog about our tomatoes, so here it is.

Isaac's First Day of Kindergarten

Isaac went to his first day of Kindergarten at Hunter Elementary today, he is Mrs. Henderson's Class also known as "Miss Heidi's Class". Isaac enjoys his new Kindergarten and they enjoy him as well.

In Loving Memory of Isaac's Wonderful Grandpa Southworth

Sixteen years ago today, around this time of day, My dad (Isaac's Grandpa Southworth) passed away due to complications of Lymphoma Cancer. You would think after sixteen years I would be done with the grieving process. However, I never will until I see him again. I miss him so much and the emptiness is still there, nothing will fill that void. When I see others who are still enjoying spending time with their dad I often think "Do they really know how blessed they are to have their Dad or do they take it for granted?" I feel bad that my kids had to miss out on growing up with their Grandpa, he was a terrific grandpa to all of his grandkids while he was here and I am sure he his watching over them still. I often tell my kids, stories about their Grandpa, so that they know him better (however it brings them to tears knowing that they missed spending time with him on earth). This is my favorite picture of me and my Dad, it show's some of his personality and how much fun I had with my Dad. I have a lot of wonderful memories of my Dad. My Dad is such a role model to me, I could hardly ever find anything negative about my Dad. My Mom has let me know he made mistakes, but that just makes him human. He is the kind of Character I look up to in every way, he taught me so much and I will do my best to please him. I look forward to the day when we will meet again. I know his spirit is still alive and well, I feel his presence at times as well as his influence.

All in A Day

Shortly after midnight, early Monday morning we felt an Earthquake here in Magna. It was a bit scary, but no damage. Lauren had just nodded off to sleep when she awoke to me yelling Earthquake. Then I had to lie to convince her it was just Hercules or ATK testing their rocket boosters so that she would calm down and go back to sleep.

Monday was an average Monday, uneventful throughout the day. At a few minutes before midnight Mike called me to inform me that he was in an automobile accident on the way home from work just a few blocks from our house. The truck was "totaled" completely down the driver side of the truck. Mike wasn’t injured other than his body a little sore and his ears ringing from the loud bang. The girl that hit him was 16 and driving with only a learners permit, and had the confidence enough to text message as she was driving. Anyway, noone was badly injured because everyone wore their seatbelts. Because the truck was about twelve years old we probably won’t be able to afford to replace it, due to the low value. It will be difficult for a while, trying to walk places when Mike is at work, however it will probably get us in better physical shape. Isaac is not even upset about the truck. I asked Isaac if he is sad that he can’t ride in Daddy’s truck and he answered "No, cause we can walk". Isaac loves it when Daddy takes him for an occasional walk (usually he rides on Daddy’s shoulders or in his Stroller/wheelchair).

Isaac's PCMC Visit Yesterday

Isaac had his swallow study yesterday and everything was normal. After, we saw Dr. Muntz and discussed his ear issues. Dr. Muntz is going to do a three step surgery to rebuild Isaac's outer ear. He will have to cut away cartilege from Isaacs ribs in his chest each time to use for building his ear. The first of three surgeries will start in about a month and will be every six weeks until it is done. I am nervous and already getting presurgery jitters. I know some of you might be thinking this is a small surgery compared to heart surgery, and it is. However, It is still risky to do any surgery on anyone, especially a kid with heart issues. He is expected to be in the hospital approximately four days after surgery, however I understand things can not always go as expected but I will hope and pray for the best. After his outer ear is fixed, he will be getting his inner ear fixed, due to his hearing loss. but I think I will need more than a six week recess.

Isaac's Room Reveal

Nestled in a comfortable quiet neighborhood of South Jordan is the beautiful country cottage built by Peterson homes. Yesterday we were warmly greeted by many familiar friendly faces as we entered this home for Isaac's room reveal. Barrett Peterson gave a a tour of many of the rooms while we waited for all of the guests to arrive. Danyelle decorated the home quite beautifully in style. The moment arrived when Isaac entered the bedroom decorated in his honor. There on two walls, was was a large mural of beautiful sea life as weremembered from Isaac's Sea World wish. Isaac enjoyed every part of the room down to the last detail. In the room was also a fun table for art and play. This room as well as the rest of the home is a "must see". There are only a couple weeks left to see this in the Parade of Homes, if you haven't seen it yet, set a date and mark it on your calendar. We Thank All who contributed to this special room honoring Isaac, it means so much to our whole family. Here is Isaac along with Barrett Peterson and Danyelle Layton in the room. Behind them you can see the mural and some bubbles with live fish in them. On the bed are some sea life pillows as well as the sheets.

Our Family, from left to right, Mike, Isaac, Brianna, Me (Djinni), and Lauren

Isaac's Upper GI today

Isaac went to Primary Children's (PCMC) today for an Upper GI. I was real worried about him crying about hunger pains because the last time he ate was last night at dinner. He was so excited to go to Primary Children's, that he didn't even mention eating or drinking (an absolute miracle). He was a very good patient and completely cooperated, doing everything he was asked to do. I was amazed because he is such a picky eater and hates milk shakes, and even said the barium milk shake was horrible and he drank it anyway. After the Upper GI, I took him to The Park Station Cafe and he ate his favorite Lunch "Nacho Cheese Doritos" and three small bites of my turkey sandwich. Before we left we visited with Hollie for a few minutes in the PICU waiting room. On our way home we enjoyed a visit with Grandma Southworth at her Nursing Home. Isaac was exhausted when we headed home and took a short nap in the car. Thursday he has to go in for a "Modified Barium Swallow Study" and a visit to Dr. Muntz after.

Vote 4 my Girls Art

Please vote for Lauren &/or Brianna's artwork featured on KSL website. Here is the URL: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=495&sid=3554662
Three winners from each age category will receive a family membership to the UMFA, an art class with local artist Brian Kershisnik and a chance for their artwork to be featured on KSL's Studio 5. My girls dream of Sucess in the Arts, please help them suceed. Brianna watercolored some penguins and Lauren drew a Cheerleading Troll.

Also today is Lauren's 10th Birthday please stop by her blog to wish her a Happy Bitrthday. Thanks it will mean so-o much.

Salt Lake Parade of Homes

Salt Lake Parade of Homes will be featuring fully decorated homes with ten of them having a room featuring a childs wish. Isaac's wish will be featured in one of the Petersen Homes model's. Advance tickets are sold for a discount online for $10.00 each, one of those dollars will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah. Isaac's room won't be available to see until after the 5th of August. Please support this good cause if you can. We are very excited to see the "room reveal" in August. Here is the link to buy tickets: https://www.utahparade.com/bf/ut/slhba/mem/tickets.jsp

Isaac's Trip to The Orthodontist

Isaac and I went to see Dr. Yamashiro (The Orthodontist) yesterday, at Primary Children's Medical Center. The doctor took a look at Isaac and said that since his bones are still soft, if we straighten his jaw soon, we probably won't have to break it. His bones in his jaw are also small. The doctor told me we need to fix his ear first, then he can work on Isaac's jaw. Anyway, his next visit with Dr. Muntz is on August 7th, I'll know more then.
I was really enjoying this "normal" period; I guess it's back to surgeries once again.

July Is Here!

July is full of Memories...... The Family picnics, vacations, parades, family reunions, Lauren's Birth, Isaac surviving his second Heart surgery (the Glen), and many more. Here's hoping we have a July with plenty of good memories again.

Wall-E

As a Family we went to see Wall-E today. We are fortunate to have Five Star Cinema within walking distance of our house, we saw the Matinee for only $4.25 each. Where can you see a first rate movie for such a great price? Anyway, we all enjoyed the movie and it was nice to go out as a family. Isaac has been pretending he is Wall-E all day.

Hollywood Fun and More

We went to Hollywood Connection for their Tuesday Special "One Dollar Skate". We skated for a LITTLE while, my kids and their friend Maci actually wore out before me! I finally found something that I can endure longer than my kids. Don't mind my gloating, but is exciting when you are over 40 and kids under the age of Ten wear out before you. I had to show off a little for my kids, they never saw me skate in their lifetime and it is my only real talent sportswise.




I pushed Isaac around in his wheelchair on the skate floor a few times around and he was ready to go back to the carpet to watch me after only a few times around. Maybe I was going too fast, Isaac tells me now, I was going too fast.



After we were done skating we rode a couple of rides, Isaac says he loved this bus ride the most, it was his first time riding it.

Next the kids rode the carousel

After we went upstairs to play a couple of games and headed for home, we stopped at Winder Dairy for Milk, Bread and some Ice Cream. The Ice Cream was a real treat.

Bird Watching

Today is a Beautiful Day and Isaac just whispered "There is a Robin". Isaac loves watching the birds out our back sliding glass door. We also have some stray cats that show up sometimes (a Mommy cat and two new kittens). Not always the perfect mix of animals in our backyard, sometimes we see feathers scattered across the yard from a small bird predator. A few months ago we saw a hawk in one of our trees, plucking the feathers out of a smaller bird (it was sad for us to see) although we do understand the food chain.
I also can't help to think of one of our little heart friends today "Rhett", he is recovering from heart surgery and is still in a lot of pain. He is another "Bird" I'm watching from the "Bird Flock", I hope he returns to his "Bird House" soon feeling much better.

Austin H. Needs Prayers

Austin called me today, it was so neat to talk to him again. He sounded like he was doing better than he was a week ago, when I last talked to him. He said he was having surgery tommorrow (Monday) but he didn't know the details of what the surgery was called, his Mom tried to tell me in the background but I could'nt hear her well enough. He sounded like he could use a friend, it sounds like he is getting real tired of being stuck in the hospital. I can only imagine how boring it could be for someone his age. His Mom told me he was hit by a car recently and also had a couple of brain surgeries. He has Hydrocephalus, a heart defect, and hearing issues (like Isaac). He has a lot in common with Isaac, however he has been through much more, especially because he is seven years older than Isaac. This picture above is Austin in August of 2005. I tried to get to know him better in the past, but I always seemed to have bad timing when I wanted to talk to him and his mom. I have ran into him several times in the past five years, mostly just in passing, but I was very impressed with his outgoing personality. The first time I saw him I was attending a sign language class at DDI and he was helping the instructor a little with sign language. He was so cute and enthusiastic. The second time was very brief at our HOHU picnic in 2005. Other times, I passed him or his mom at PCMC Cardiology. When he gets better he will have an amazing impact on the members of our new IHH support group (being 12 years old, he could give us a lot of great input). Please keep Austin in your prayers, he can make a huge difference in our world, we need more people like him.

Isaac at Wheeler Farm Again

Isaac went to Wheeler Farm again today for The Utah Kids Club Summer Stampede. He enjoyed the magic Show and seeing the farm animals again. We were a bit disappointed there were'nt many free activities for the kids like we had been told. We spent four hours there and we were ready to go home after that. Isaac is wearing his new shirt from Wal-Mart, it is one of his New favorites.

What Have I been Doing In Isaac's Dreams?

Isaac has been wondering lately, why we (his family) keep showing up in his dreams. I have to pretend to get mad at his sisters when they get into his dreams, I tell them to stay in their own bed. It's quite funny he thinks we get into his dreams on purpose, and like we are the cause of his bad dreams.

Tonight looks like it might be one of those croup nights, he's been complaining about a sore throat today. I hope it's just the seasonal allergies, ragweed is blooming all over the place.

A Person Is A Person No Matter How Small

Monday we went to the Movie "Horton Hears A Who" at the Dollar Movie for only fifty cents each (Monday discount). We all enjoyed the movie, especially Isaac. He found a Pop-Up version of the story at the library yesterday and has been carrying it around for the last 24 hours. Also Isaac's Dad (Mike) picked up the DVD (the book version) at Wal-Mart lastnight. Therefore the thought for the week is the famous qoute from Horton "A Person Is A Person No Matter How Small." I Love that quote, it makes me think of how important children are and the Unborn children as well. There are a lot of ways you can think of that statement and come up with some great things. I have always had a great love for many Dr. Seuss books although a few of the less popular ones can be too political.

Anyway the latest health issue we are dealing with Isaac is his nose-bleeds again and headaches. Last-night he had a severe headache, so I gave him an Asprin and applejuice, then put him to bed. I went to check on him later that night and his face and hands were covered in dry blood (the most I have ever seen on him). It took a lot to clean him up, which woke him up. Then I had to stay up very late with him (until 2AM) to help stop the bleeding that started when I cleaned him up. I will have to reduce his dose of Asprin to half a tablet per day or less. Everytime I give what the doctor recommends, he bleeds too much. His cough has almost disappeared, so he is pretty much over the Para-influenza virus.

June is Busting Out All Over With Excitement

Isaac learned in Preschool about the calander and what month we are currently in. For about a week he has been asking when will June be here. Last night just before he went to sleep he found out June would be here within minutes. At just about three minutes before midnight he began watching each minute change on the digital clock by the bed. Every minute he would come running out of the room to tell Daddy and Mommy what time it was. It seemed like we were bringing in the New Year again. He was so excited at midnight when it became June, he continued to get excited as each minute passed even after midnight, this went on for over forty minutes. We could hardly calm him down, it was so cute. He usually isn't up that late, and he even was having a hard time keeping his eyes open until his second wind hit with the excitement.

Butterfly Miracle and So Forth

Yesterday while we were at the graveyard visiting Isaac's Grandpa's grave, we saw a transparent mylar butterfly balloon float up to the sky with a small flag attached to the bottom. We watched as it floated away, then the wind shifted, bringing the balloon back down to a boy that had lost it from his loved ones grave. What a Memorial Day Miracle it was to see. I have NEVER seen a balloon float away outside towards the sky so high in the air come back down. I am sure the boy will never forget that experience for a long time.

Isaac also was disappointed at first to think there wasn't a gravestone marker with his name on it. We all gasped and my heart sank and explained to Isaac how sad we would all be if he died and the only way he could have a gravestone was to die. He finally understood and didn't stay dissappointed. I hope I will never see the day with any of my children's name on a gravestone of their own. How painful it must be to experience such a loss. I feel bad for the parents I have known and heard of who have had to endure such a trial. My heart goes out to them.

I can kind of relate to the parents who send their sons and daughters to war. It is much like the experience of putting your child through heart surgery and wondering if they will make it out of the hospital. The battle he fights with his heart each day is like some battlefronts, some days go without and event and others are like an ambush attack.

Isaac and his sisters Lauren & Brianna are still sick with Para-influenza today, Isaac is improving although he till has a bad cough. I am hoping they all get better soon & noone else catches it from us. We are avoiding close contact with anyone, however we can't stay in a plastic bubble for too long.

Today's ENT visit

Today Isaac had a visit with Dr. Muntz (the Ear, Nose & Throat specialist) at P.C.M.C. He said that Isaac needs to be seen by an Orthodontist to determine weather his jaw placement needs to be moved before he can do surgery on his middle ear. He also recommended Isaac having plastic surgery on his outer ear, in about a year (between Kindergarten & first Grade). He said that they have to harvest cartilage from his ribs to use to build the ear. I talked to him about Isaac’s reoccurring croup including the current virus he’s suffering with today and he said the virus can last up to six weeks and he also recommended he have a Modified Barium Swallow Study & an Upper GI to find out if his Esophagus has narrowing and rule out reflux. I will just have to wait and see on all of this possible surgery, I have to be completely convinced all of this will be in Isaac's best interest. I will listen to what the doctors reccommend and My husband and I will make the final decision. My husband and I are not ready to put him through surgery again, unless we are convinced it is worth risking his life for it (as all surgery has it's risks). For sure we understand that feeding issues are vital, however cosmetic surgery for aesthetic reasons are lower on our list although can be thought provoking. His hearing is just a little below normal range on the left side, therefore we will possibly fix it if it is simple and very low risk.

The Laughing Warrior Lost His Laugh!

Laughter is priceless.

Last Night Isaac informed me that he had lost his laugh. I asked Isaac how he lost his laugh and he told me that everytime he trys to laugh, all he can do is cough. I had to hold back my laugh and try to be serious as well as everyone else in the family cause it was so cute. A little while ago, Isaac laughed while watching TV and was excited his laugh came back, however, he just told me it is lost again.
If you ever loose your voice, know that Isaac understands because he lost his laugh. Although Isaac still has croup, I am thankful at least that I haven't lost my laugh.

Here We Go Round' The Croup Cycle Again

POP! goes the steroid pills .....
I'm sorry for the sarcasm, but I'm a little frustrated with the Croup again for the third round since May first. On top of that, I have been in bad shape with my dizzy spells caused from my extreme mold allergies. So I'm moody. I have been so busy with poor health for the last few days that my home is going to pot and it gets me frustrated looking at it and not feeling good enough to deal with it. I am finally improving with the dizziness, I am hoping that it continues to get better. I hope my mood improves soon, I am very short tempered.
One thing good that happened today was Isaac's Cardiology visit. Dr. Puchalski said Isaac's tricuspid valve is leaking the same as it was last time he checked, therefore it is not getting any worse. We will see the Cardiologist in a year for his next scheduled visit. I hope everything with Isaac's heart runs smoothly for the next year.
Tomorrow is Isaac's last day of preschool, Hooray! However, at the rate he's coughing tonight he might not even attend. Brianna is also suffering with the croup & Asthma Attacks today. I will probably be up around three in the morning again tonight.

Croup still here

Yesterday Isaac woke up struggling to breathe, Immediately we did a cold saline breathing treatment which helped. I spent a couple of hours at the doctor getting a prescription for him. He still is coughing today troubled with Flem. It is a chilly and rainy day, we hope for sun tomorrow. Isaac's preschool class is scheduled for a field trip to Wheeler Farm tomorrow.

1 fruit+1 fruit = 2 Fruit

Isaac just came home from preschool today and he told me "I ate grapes today and they were yummy!" WOW!! Until now, the only fruit Isaac would eat was a Banana. Now Isaac eats 2 fruits. I was so excited I told him I would put it on his blog.

Isaac's Sea World Wish was Chose by Salt Lake Parade of Homes, Peterson Homes for theme of a child's Bedroom

Make-A-Wish called on April 1st to tell us that Isaac was chosen by one of the Salt Lake Parade of Homes builders (Peterson Homes). On May 1st we met with the builder for dinner at Make-A-Wish. KSL channel five was there and we played a game and got to know each other better. It was a fun filled evening. Everyday since that Isaac begs to go to Make-A-Wish, they totally spoil him. He came home with so much loot that night it seemed like he had another birthday. The room reveal will be on July 27th.

Also on Thursday afternoon, Isaac had a mild case of Croup that lasted for a couple of days. I hope this means his Croup episodes will get milder as time goes by.

"Now All The Monkeys Aren't In The Zoo

Everyday YOU Meet Quite A Few"

Isaac went to the Zoo with his Preschool Class Today. The weather was pretty nice, and I got in some great exercise (The zoo has a lot of hills everywhere). Isaac enjoyed the ride most of the time in his wheelchair/stroller. We had a short visit at the zoo and had to move quickly to see most of it.

If you have time check out Lauren's blog linked from here, she worked VERY hard on the science fair and did a wonderful project. Her LAME teacher (the nicest words I could find). Said it was BAD because she thought it didn't have anything to do with weather and thought it was all about Space (4th grade curriculum is required) Anyway read it and judge for yourself. We are mad as heck because she worked so hard and did a beautiful job and her teacher didn't have one nice thing to say. If you have time leave Lauren a comment, she hardly gets any visits. We are anxious to finish the school year and move on to the next, I know her Teacher next year will be much better (we already met her and love her).

Isaac & Zippy

Isaac loves his Teddy Bear named "Zippy" and Zippy loves Isaac. They both have hearts on the "Right" side and zipper scars on their chests. They are both also cuddly, soft, and full of love. Isaac's letter of the week was "Z" so he took Zippy to school for show and tell. However, the other kids in school don't really know Isaac is much different than they are on the inside (which is kind of good for now, although it is not a secret).

Close Call, Too Close for Comfort

Late last night as I went to check on the laundry in my basement, I experienced walking right through a Black Widow web. I immediately went quickly to the other side of the web, turned around and there she was ready to bite me. As Lauren calls it "I rang her dinner bell". I screamed for Mike to help me and he came down and almost ran into her himself. He took off his shoes and smashed her between the two of them since she was hanging. This is the closest I have come to getting bit by a black widow, that I am aware of. I am blessed to have not been bitten and to my amazement, I didn't wake the sleeping kids upstairs. Anyway, I stayed up late until I could get it more off of my mind. I still had dreams about spiders, but not as bad as could be expected.

April Flowers

Spring has arrived!

Our daffodils have finally bloomed and we are enjoying some warmer temperatures. The girls were excited to wear shorts to school today. Isaac got so thirsty yesterday that when he finished drinking a drink he didn't remember drinking it and accused everybody for drinking it (he did this twice). We kept laughing because he was so serious when he thought someone drank his drinks and he was sure someone kept drinking all of his drinks, finally I told them they must have evaporated due to the hot weather. Isaac's health is much better today, than a week ago. We'll hope and pray that Isaac and the rest of our family stays healthy and that we can enjoy lots of beautiful weather in the days and weeks to come.

Croup Again

As I have previously mentioned Isaac gets croup often. Early Monday morning Isaac started with the dry croupy cough and a sore throat. The sore throat bothered him the most especially when it was restricted. We went to the pediatrician to get the steroids and he suffered for about three days with the sore throat. Isaac still has the congested nose with post nasal drip, however he is much happier. Isaac's oldest sister Lauren caught the sore throat and was miserable for almost two days, she is improved but still has the nasal congestion also. Allergies are part of this time of year too, it's sometimes hard to tell the difference. We look forward to the warm temperatures although they bring the allergies.

I hurt my foot on Monday and thought that I had broke a bone, so I was at the doctor Tuesday getting X-Rayed. I just got a bone bruise thankfully, however all of the things lately with our health has put me behind with my daily chores which makes me feel overwhelmed especially when PMS hits at the same time. So I can't seem to trad water even right now and losing Medicade is making it difficult to handle the stress some days. I requested a hearing and will fight it to the end, I will WIN. I am so sick of the games they play.

Baby Steps in Toilet Training

How Dare You Take My Picture on the Potty!

Don't mind the partially nude photo. Isaac is taking some baby steps in potty training. It feels like it will take forever, but were happy he's taking a few tiny steps forward. He actually sits on the toilet for his teachers at preschool now, and claims to actually get some fluid in the pot. This is more than he has ever done. Isaac is actually pulling a silly face for me, he is quite the comedian.

An Invitation to a play

Join My kids and I for an evening of fun next Monday March 31st at the Empress Theatre in Magna. The doors open at 6:30 PM and the play begins at 7:00 PM. The cost of a ticket is $7.50 on Monday Nights and we can get as many coupons for two dollars off as we need. When have you EVER seen a wonderful play for only five dollars. We are celebrating my 44th April Fool Birthday, however absolutely no presents please. I thought it would be fun to have some of my good friends and family join us (kids are welcome at any age).
The Theatre is in downtown Magna located at 9104 W 2700 S and the phone number is: 801-347-7373. If you want to reserve a seat near our family, let me know and I will make arrangements, my phone number is: 801-252-1358. It is a small theatre much like the old Hale Theatre. We love this theatre it is a wonderful place to see a play.

Basket Case Today Hope 4 Better Tomorrow

I am having one of those stressed days again. Isaac's Medicade coverage was terminated because I didn't jump through their hoops good enough. I am really frusterated, especially because I gave the Medicade office the documents they needed as soon as I found out they needed them and they still decided to terminate his coverage. They seem to be so ruthless. I fortunately just got him new primary insurance, however I am worried that they will call a lot of his issues "Pre-existing". I am so stressed I have been having anxiety attacks and I hope I can calm down soon.
Isaac wen to the dentist today and didn't cooperate well, however it improved from the last time. He is getting close to losing one of his bottom front teeth because the permanent one is barely underneath it. Isaac has been crying off and on for two days from the pain from his teething. Isaac's teeth are very tight and crooked where it is trying to come in, I hope I can help him deal with the pain without having to use too much ibuprofen. Right now he is Okay because I gave him some ibuprofen to deal with the pain. He is really cranky today, and so am I. I think I'll go upstairs and take a nap and see if he will take one too.

Another Heavy Snow Storm

The snow finally stopped for a while. Look at how deep it is now, it was coming down for a few hours. Earlier today we had strong winds, keeping me from getting in my car too quickly. Isaac was scared listening to the wind and watching it move the trees in our back yard. I hope the sun comes out again soon and melts the snow, we bought some seeds to plant last Thursday. We are really anxious for spring to arrive. Isaac is waiting for Easter, Brianna is excited for Spring. I am anxious for cold and flu season to end. I worry daily about someone in the family catching a bad flu and then Isaac getting it.

Future Librarian

Last night we visited the library. The first place Isaac runs to is the software. Last night it was no different, he went to find some computer software then went to the childrens area to look at the books. In the childrens area he found a software program in with some books and brought it to me and said "who did this?" I told him I didn't know but he could check it out if he wanted to. I got busy looking at books and when I got ready to check out, I asked him where the program was and he showed me (He had put it away where it was supposed to be). I thought it was so cute that he was so concerned about something out of place in the Library. As a side note the Library was the last place I worked before Isaac was born and it is Isaac's favorite place to go. It's kind of funny because I never pushed him in that direction, he just loves the library and I do too.

Word of the Day

Anomaly

Anomaly: A deviation from the usual, something different, peculiar, or abnormal.
A congenital anomaly is something that is unusual and different at birth. A minor anomaly in this context is defined as an unusual anatomic feature that is of no serious medical or cosmetic consequence to the patient. A minor anomaly of the feet might, for example, be curvature of the second toe so it overlaps the third toe a little. By contrast, a major anomaly might be a cleft lip and palate, a birth defect of serious medical and cosmetic consequence to the patient.
"Anomaly" comes from the Greek word "anomalos," which means "uneven" or "irregular." "Anomalos" comes from the prefix "a-" (meaning "not") and the word "homalos" (meaning "even").
I have heard this word before, but never really used it in my vocabulary. I think it is a good word to replace birth defect. Isaac was born with what doctors would call multiple congenital anomalies. Isaac has congenital anomalies with his heart, brain, ears, eyes, mouth, and airway. I am pleased that although he was born with multiple congenital anomalies, he is still enjoys life. Isaac has brought so much positive into our lives, we will never be the same again. Each one of us in our family have grown tremendously from our experiences. I think it will be interesting to see what kind of things Lauren, Brianna & Isaac will do when they "Grow Up". Lauren wrote a I have a dream speech a few weeks ago that brought me to tears, it mentioned things that would change our world for the better such as becoming a scientist and inventing a cure for the common cold and cancer. Cancer research is so dear to my heart, I have seen and heard so many wonderful people I love suffer from this terrible disease. When I get her I have a dream speech back from the school I will post it on her blog. Brianna is so full of Love and Life, she is amazing at the things she can draw and she is so graceful. Isaac is so incredible with the brain he has, he comes up with the most thought provoking things and is so good at figuring out on his own how to read big words. I am so fulfilled with my kids and their wonderful qualities, where before I had kids there was such a large void in my life. Now I know why my heart ached for so many years to have these kids. In the back of my mind I remembered what extraordinary spirits they were in the pre-existence.

Calm Before the Storm

The previous pictures were the calm before the biggest snow storm in years. I haven't seen such a big snow storm in ages. We probably got 18 inches or more on the evening of February 13th. We had a safe and healthy Valentine's Day.

The Beautiful Blue Sky & Warm Sun

For the last two days we finally saw some blue sky and some warm sunshine. All of the kids had to go out and play which they haven't enjoyed for a long time. We even saw neighbors coming out to enjoy the beautiful day. Brianna just lost her third tooth and it's the same one Isaac is missing, however Isaac didn't show it enough in this picture.

Another Dream for Isaac's Blog

Isaac asked me this morning if I could post another dream on his blog. So here it goes: "The Train was leaving without me and I was sad." Isaac said.