Post surgery day 2

The boys, for the most part feel great. Last night I woke up every three hours to give Daeson his pain meds and a drink so his throat didn't dry out. He slept really well in between. I wish I could say the same :)! This morning the boys played. Well, Daeson played as much as I would let him. Tevan has been a wild child running around, playing, singing and being 3....he is passed out in his bed for a much needed nap. Daeson is on the couch watching a movie. We read a couple of chapter books today. He liked that. We read Captain Underpants and Ook and Gluk written by the same author. He has been wanting to read them for some time, but I was saving them for this week. He wants me to go to the library to borrow The Magic Treehouse. I guess they are reading it in class and he is going to miss the ending. I may have to run over there tomorrow.

For the most part they are healing. Daeson has tried to sneak some tortilla chips and some french toast, but we caught him before he could do any damage. He does really like pureed chicken noodle soup...he has eaten two cans already and is asking for more. So far today he has had a Pediasure, Jello, gogurt, chicken noodle soup, two popcicles, juice boxes,water, and of course his meds. He is doing remarkably well for just having surgery!

I have decided ears heal a lot faster than throats!

Braxton Hicks

Why are we forced to have "fake" contractions? why do we have them when we are not even CLOSE to delivering? Tonight they brought me to tears.

All done

We are all finished with the surgeries and for the most part, they went smooth. We left for the surgical center about 5:50 a.m. We got checked in and then the kids had their vital signs taken and we changed them into their hospital gowns. Tevan had a meltdown with the gown. He hated it. Daeson was a pretty good sport. The kids were thirsty and wanted to drink...Tevan woke up at 3 wanting a drink last night and I couldn't do anything for him. They finally took Tev in and he was pretty speedy. His ear tube was wedged in his eardrum and the dr said it was not going to come out without surgery. He had the paper patch done...we were kinda hoping we wouldn't have to have it, but the dr felt it was necessary. They carried him in to me and he was very upset. He cried until Troy got him a Gossner strawberry milk box. I tried my hardest to get him calmed, but nothing worked until Troy got back. He drank two boxes and was very pleasant after that. I hardly knew he had surgery! He has been running around since. It was kinda funny because he told me he did not like the stinky mask because it made him fall asleep. "I don't like to fall asleep" he said.

Daeson was brought in after Tevan had calmed down and for this I am very grateful! He was very disoriented and he was very, very upset. His throat hurt and he wanted his IV out. The nurse came in to give him hydrocodone and it took about 45 minutes to kick in. After this, he ate a popcicle and was able to have his IV out. After that it did not take long for us to get ready and check out of the surg center. Daeson and Tevan both were happy to get home.

After we had been home for a while, Daeson told me that when he woke up he was kicking and hitting everyone because he was so scared. I told him that his IV and medicines can make us do funny things and that the nurses understood. He felt really bad about it. He has eaten frozen yogurt, ice chips, applesauce, mashed potatoes (I know this was supposed to wait a couple days, but I was asleep when he was given them), and I even sneaked in some baby food...don't tell him that! Tonight he is hungry and all he wants is a crunchy shell taco. I gave him some applesauce and he said he wasn't going to eat it. As I sit here watching him, he is eating it. I don't think he wants me to know he is eating it. He has been watching Pokemon almost all day. I thought for sure he would have taken a nap, but neither one has. Troy let me take a good long nap because I have to get up every three hours to administer pain medication. This is something we really want to keep up on and the dr said for the first 24 hours not to miss a dose. Troy was a bit delayed in giving him his last dose and Daeson's throat started to hurt. I think Troy is paranoid giving our kids pain meds, but it is something I am very strict on. Kids should not have to be in pain after something like this.

I struggled tonight with what to make for dinner. Quite frankly I did not want to cook. It has been a very long day and cooking was the last thing on my mind. Troy was headed out to get me a SnakeBite hamburger with waffle fries and delicious fry sauce, but he got called into work just as he was leaving. So I made myself a salad and Tevan wanted noodles. Now the tricky part...trying to find Daeson something that he wants to eat.

Bed time will be a very welcome tonight by all. I am glad it is over...I know the next couple days are going to be hard. He will be sore. He will be sad and I know he will be upset at me for everything. This is what it is to be a mom. Yup...it is always our fault.

Thank you to all those who said prayers on our behalf. It was kind of you. I know I have said a ton of prayers since Friday night. I know He hears them and I know He is answering them. Have a good night...and if you have a super easy fuss free dinner recipe...I could sure use some help right now. I am beat...tired and worn out. This baby seems to be growing quickly and she seems to have it in for me. I feel like I am being torn apart inside some days. My ligaments and my joints HURT. I decided it is a lot harder to be prego at 31 than 25. I commend all those who have babies later in life!

When it rains...

Friday we went south for my nephew's 2nd birthday party. We enjoyed ourselves and had a good time. On the way home, my aunt called to tell me my Grandma was not doing well. She had fallen, was lethargic and had a temperature of 103.4. She had tried to get ahold of my dad, but they were at the movie. So I texted, called, texted and finally got my dad to respond. He said Gram needed to go to the hospital. I asked my dad to call my aunt. They admitted her in the hospital that night.

At four Saturday morning, I got a text from my friend, Kara. it read "5lb13oz". She delivered seven weeks...or rather six and a half weeks early! I had just talked to her that night at 7 and she felt great. Her water had broken and she was dialated to a five. They could not stop the labor due to the loss of amniotic fluid. So, she delivered a baby boy. He is in the hospital for a few more weeks and she is doing great. I laid awake the rest of the morning praying and crying for this new little baby and for my Grandma.

I had two cakes due for Saturday at noon. I am helping a friend with her senior project and she came over to help. I was exhausted. My head ached and I was barely coherent. I got the cakes finished just about five minutes after she came to pick them up. They turned out and I will post them as soon as I load them on the computer. We headed out of town about two thirty to visit Gram. When we got there, my aunt D and her kids were there. I had picked up Jaden and after being there a little while, the nurse came in to tell us we needed to let her get some sleep. We left and I was happy to see that she was doing better. She looked a lot better than she had and she sounded better, too. The doctor diagnosed her with diverticulitis and it was inflamed and her body was infected. She should get out of the hospital tomorrow.

I had sharing time Sunday morning, and I had not prepared it in advance like I should have. I had ten minutes to get it ready Sunday morning. I was planning a bit more time, but I had to clean the living room due to some visitors coming over. (This particular story will follow when ever I am granted permission to share it). I rushed around frantic and we made it to sacrament meeting during the opening song. The only seat left was the front row...right in front of the bishopric. Needless to say, I did not get my cutting and pasting done. I did have Daeson color the things that needed colored...but that was as much as I got away with. I think the stress and weight of the world caught up to me because during the rest song, I started shaking and bawling. I have no idea why and I could not pull myself together. Finally I gathered my thoughts and I was able to compose myself. Sharing time went fine. I needed five more minutes to get through it all, but better over on the lesson than short. It was the last sharing time I am in charge of until the month of May. Then I have the four weeks there. Then I am done until August.

Last night my mom called me to tell me that her sister, Lindy, fell and got banged up pretty badly. She stepped wrong after church and fell under a parked car. They had to move the car to get her out...she broke ribs and hurt her shoulder really bad. Then her hands collected a ton of gravel. She is out of commission for eight weeks. I was glad it wasn't worse.

The kids go into surgery Wednesday morning at six. I know it will be fine, but I am stressing out about it anyway. I always get nervous when my kids have something done to them. So, if you have an extra few minutes in your prayers, say one for my kiddos. :) They don't seem to care. Tevan is a bit more scared than Daeson. Daeson is just happy he gets to eat Jell-o every day. I have had six people tell me horror stories this week about tonsils...they could have waited until AFTER the surgery! But, they will be fine. I have total faith in their doctor.

Our car is officially up for sale if you know anyone looking for a Pacifica. We are asking 9.5K for it. It is a great car, but we need something a bit bigger.

Lots of stuff going on in our family. I feel bad because the counselor over Primary stopped to talk to me about baptisms yesterday at church. After the conversation, he said, "You look really excited Sister Grover" and I replied, "I don't get excited about much anymore Brother Havens." I feel bad for saying that, but I really don't get too excited. I am tired. I am still recovering from this stupid cough thing. I am getting large...this baby is growing big! I am worn out. But, some of my prayers are starting to get answered which renews my faith. I am grateful for trials because they help us grow stronger...I just wish they were spread out a little. I know that the stress is getting to Troy, too. But we will pull through. I know we will. It could be a lot worse! Like I have said in the past, everyone is faced with different trials at different times. That is what builds us up and brings us closer to our Heavenly Father.

So if you get a chance, pray for baby Jace, my Grandma Tom, my Aunt Lindy and my boys. I know that is asking a lot, but I would really appreciate it!

Some funny stories

The other day Daeson told me the reason he was being so bad was because Satan was controlling his body. Anyone know an exorcist?

Saturday night Troy went to the movie and dinner with his friends. I was with my brother Jaden and the boys visiting my grandma in the hospital. When Troy caught up with us, he said he didn't eat...then he told us the following story:

They went to Sizzler after the movie. He needed to use the restroom so he headed that way. He turned into the bathroom, used it and was washing his hands when a woman and her son walked in. The lady said, "oh no, did I walk into the wrong bathroom?" They both looked at the sign on the door and Troy yelled "oh, crap!" He had gone into the ladies' room! He found his friends back in line and was telling them the story. A couple of groups up, Troy heard the same story being told. He was so embarrassed he left Sizzler and walked around Big Lots until his friends were done eating. Next time I am sure Troy will pay closer attention to the sign on the door!

Parent Teacher Conf and helping out

Tuesday I went to Daeson's class to help. When Jill, the other parent, and I got there we were told there was not a teacher so we would be helping the aide with the class. IT WAS A ZOO! I could not believe how chaotic it was the entire afternoon. We lost two girls...they escaped through the door. I eventually found them with the help of the secretary. I literally dragged them bag to the classroom. One girl, after telling her to stop running more than five times, fell on the cement floor and got one heck of a goose-egg. It was really bad. The mom felt like we should have had a better hold on the class...yeah, like 27 three-four-and-five year-olds is an easy task! Another girl pooped her pants and did not have extras at school. Daeson's class is especially naughty I have decided. They do pretty good when the teacher is there, but when she is gone it goes to pot. Sigh. Needless to say, I put in an application for him for a different school today. It is the school we tried to get into last year but we were number 57 on the wait list. Maybe we will have better luck this year.

After helping in the class, we had parent teacher conference. It was definitely an eye opener for me. I had no idea where Daeson was supposed to be educationally. Boy we have a lot to work on. Because he attends a Montessori and their methods are a bit...liberal...the students are allowed to learn when they are ready and they are able to pick and choose what they want to do on a daily basis. But I feel that because Daeson's class is a bit out of control, he is not being pushed to his limits. In theory the method is wonderful. I really believe in it...when done properly. I have discussed my concerns with Troy and my good friend, Kara, and we have decided to take it upon ourselves to teach Daeson what he needs to know before Kindergarten is out. My friend brought me over her little girl's curriculum and we are going to go off that. So, since Tuesday, Daeson has learned his baby letters a through i. He hates having homework, but we should have been doing this all year. I guess the first child is the experimental one. We are learning with him.

We are all feeling better and I have been able to function full speed. My ears are still clogged and I still cough and blow my nose frequently, but we are doing awesome.

The boys go into surgery Wednesday at 6 a.m. Tevan will have his first, then Daeson. I am having a bit of anxiety over this...but I know they will do fantastic. This little girl better come out healthy as a horse! Tuesday night we will take the kids to let them pick out some movies and treats...Daeson's diet isn't exactly what I would call good...but Popsicles, ice cream, pudding, smoothies and juice sounds great to him. He is really excited. So, instead of a trip to my parents over spring break, we will spend it home, watching movies, playing the Wii, reading books, coloring and sleeping. Sounds fun to me. At least the weather is still yucky so we don't want to be outside! Until then...may each of you be healthy and happy and may the bugs and sickness stay away!

More surgeries

So we went to the ENT doctor today for Tevan. He goes in the 30th, the same day as Daeson, to get his ear tubes removed and a paper patch put in. So ears for Tevan and throat and nose for Daeson. Good news? We hit our deductible and it is March.

I feel so bad for these little boys. I wish they could just be healthy and not have to worry about these problems. However, I do know that they will do great. I told Troy tonight that I am just so grateful it isn't worse than tubes and tonsils. It could be and it is not. Much to be thankful for.

I am feeling better. I am still coughing and blowing my nose, but I have done so much the last few days that sometimes I forget that I was sick. It feels so nice to be almost better. I even did a cake order today. It was nice to dally in the cake again. I have missed the cakes. I do have two for Saturday ordered and one possibly for Friday. The one I did today was for my niece, Sadie. She turns two this week. We went bowling and then had pizza, cake, and ice cream. It was a fun night. Now, bed. Tomorrow I help in Daeson's classroom for the first time in two weeks. I have missed it. It will be good to go back with him. Ah, so nice to feel better.

Ear infection and on the mend

Now I have an ear-infection...but otherwise I am feeling a whole lot better. I actually woke up at was functioning at 3 a.m. I dosed off about 6 a.m. for an hour, and I have been up since then. I have kept a heating pad on my ear and the Dr office said that the Zpack should clear up the ear infection. Let's hope!

Troy's sister, Heidi, came to our home today. She made us a delicious dinner of salad with steak and mushrooms, roll, and for the boys cheese and ham rolls. Everything tasted really wonderful and I am glad it wasn't pizza or chinese takeout. It tasted so great tonight. My teeth are still sore and now my ear hurts when I swallow, but the taste was sooo yummy. Thanks a million, Heidi.

Troy was glad I was actually up today. I wasn't a big help or anything, but I was able to fold some laundry and put the next batch in. I picked up the living room and straightened some things in the baby room. I also was able to get the kids to bed. We read for 35 minutes for Daeson's read-a-thon. So 25 minutes yesterday and 35 minutes today. We skipped Monday. We might reach a good number yet. I was glad the Children's Friend came today. It gave us some new reading material. I haven't been diligent about going to the library like I used to be. I can add that to the "How to be a better mom" list.

It is 8:15 p.m. The kids are nestled in their beds. Not quite asleep, but they are on their way. I have my sheets in the laundry...Tevan's ear leaked all over everything last night. Dishes are not done, but they are to the sink and the table is wiped off. Troy's dad swept my kitchen floor for me. Things are good. Tomorrow I would like enough energy to finish folding the blankets for baby and putting a few more things away. I would also like to have the energy to work on more laundry. All of the blankets and sheets need to be washed and rid of the sick germs. Vacuuming would be good too. Just a good ol' wipe down is what we really need!

Saturday I will have the whole house lysoled and cleaned. I get to babysit my nephew for a few hours. the boys are so excited about it. I am feeling confident we will all feel much better by then. Jaxon is one of their favorite cousins and it is a treat for us to get to spend time with him. He truly is a joy and a very easy child. Maybe they have figured something out that I haven't! So we have the rest of the week figured out...cleaning, laundry, reading, and babysitting. I am so glad we are all on the mend..FINALLY!

some families

Some families deal with obesity, some families deal with depression. Some families deal with premature deaths and some families deal with addictions. I feel that each one of these trials are bad in it's own way. In my mind, a struggle is a struggle no matter how small or large. This week my family is dealing with health issues.

Tevan went in yesterday and has double ear infections. He also has an infected toe. He goes in Monday to the Ear Nose and Throat doctor to schedule a surgery to remove his tubes...and possibly get them back in. He might have to get his adenoids out.

I am still sick. My teeth feel like they are going to fall out. My head is throbbing. I went to my baby doctor visit today where he gave me a script for a Z-Pack. Apparently the doctor thinks that I sound horrible. He also told me I have lost 8 pounds but with a diet of water, juice and some occasional cheerios, I would think that the weight would fall off. I start my three week visits this next time, the after that, I go every two. Whew! I thought this would never come!

Daeson had a doctor's apt today with the Ear Nose and throat specialist. He goes in two weeks to get his adenoids and tonsils removed. The doctor said they were pretty large...a size five and four. When Daeson lays down, his tonsils close off his breathing. He is taking the news rather well...Jell-o and the Wii for 14 days...lucky him!

Troy remains healthy, but all of these worries and sick people, it is taking it's toll. he is tired. He is ready for all of us to feel better so he can sleep a night through the night. I must praise him for his continued strength and parenting. He is a great dad and has taken care of the kids fully in the past 12 days. He has also given me everything that I need...toilet paper for my nose, juice runs, prescription pick-ups, doctor visits, trips to the grocery store, trips to school...and I am sure many other acts of service...and tonight when I asked him about it, he didn't complain or murmur. What a guy! I am not that patient and sick people drive me crazy, but he is a good man.

So, by the next few days, I should be healed. We will know more about Tevan, Daeson will have a good night's sleep and all will be balanced and right. Then I can start thinking about the baby room and getting things ready. Sigh...I am just so glad she is in my tummy, unexposed, rather that being susceptible to all of this junk.

rootbeer

i like rootbeer...especially because it is one of the only things that tastes good right now. I am down six pounds, still don't want to eat and I go to the dr tomorrow. Tevan went back today. Double ear infections. He slept well last night all snug in my bed with me...I slept like crap. There is an outbreak of lice at one of the neighborhood schools (not ours but the one the kids in my ward go to) so I thought about that all night. Then Troy is driving me crazy with all this stupid car talk, so i dreamed of that mess. Then I would wake up to snot all over my face...nothing beats a leaky facet! So I texted Troy at four this morning requesting orange juice and played solitaire on my phone. At about eight I tried to eat some toast, but my sinuses hurt so bad I can barely chew. I ate enough to take my antibiotic. That was it...all day...but now I get rootbeer. Delicious rootbeer. Oh how I wish for something more, but nothing even sounds good. Oh, I do take that back...a burger from the SnakeBite sounds absolutely delicious...too bad they are closed Mondays!

still sick...still contagious

If I had to describe myself right now, it would probably be Eeyore. I am not too hopeful that this flu will go away anytime soon, and I am perfectly fine being by myself most of the time, although I do love company. I woke up this morning feeling very very bad. I couldn't sleep past six a.m. and when I got up, the coughing fits began again. I did manage to get showered, dressed, hair done and make up on, but it ended there. We took Daeson to school and drove around trying to find a dealership with some cars to look at. We drove a Subaru Tribeca today. We liked it but they wanted almost $19K for it. It was an 06 and had 80k miles...see what the problem is? I certainly don't want to pay that much for a car with that kind of mileage. So our search continues.

Daeson came home today with a Read-a-thon paper for school. they are trying to earn money for a library. Right now they have like ten books in the entry way of the school. Being the first yr it is open, the school has a lot of things to work on still. So, for the next two weeks, Troy and i will be reading to Daeson every day until he has reached an hour or so. The read-a-thon goes for two weeks. So far he has gotten Gramma Cindy and granny blue to sponsor him. I think it was funny to hear him make phone calls. We will also be sponsoring him. We read to him anyway, so it shouldn't be too hard. I just hope they reach their goal and get the library!

Tevan is feeling better and is quite funny today. He has been pulling the funniest faces and saying the funniest things. He took a very late nap today....so he is still up. Troy and Daeson are still holding strong. They have yet to catch this...and I hope they don't. Airborne it up, baby! I have decided I hate the flu. I would rather have a day of throwing up and diarrhea than coughing, stuffy nose, aching body for who knows how long.

So, there is an update...mostly for me since this is the way I remember everything. It is my life on line I guess you could say. I wish everyone health and strength and a flu-less spring!

comin around

So Tevan and I are on the mend...I think. The last few days have been filled with coughing fits, naps, red and runny noses, and very little nourishment. However, today I got up, cleaned the upstairs, and ate some fruit salad so I could take my antibiotic. The doctor said Monday that I had an upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infections and the flu. So there you have it. I am on antibiotics, robitussin dm, sudafed, and tylenol. It takes a lot to ingest that much medicine every few hours! They never gave Tev anything, so he has just suffered through it with some mucinex. Today Grandpa and Grandma brought homemade chicken and noodles, rolls and jam, donuts for the boys, and color books. Tevan devoured his donut...he LOVES maple donuts with sprinkles. Daeson loves donuts too and will have a snack for after school. I am just glad I lysoled everything and cleaned the house so they might escape the bug. I will feel awful if they catch anything.

Troy, once again, has been a huge help since I have not been well. He has taken laundry down, washed it and brings it to me for folding. He has taken Daeson to school and picked up and has run all errands. He even helped me to the bathroom and shower when I was in the "I'm so dizzy I'm gonna pass out" phase. I am grateful to him and to Daeson for being helpers. It sure makes my life a little easier. Troy has also spent a lot of time outside in the middle of the nights with Tevan trying to open his airways. They saw an owl the other night.

So, with the sun trying to shine and a bit of warmth...above 20 degrees...I have the windows cracked and the fresh air rolling in. It is very refreshing. I think we shall be better in a couple of days...I sure hope anyway!

highly contagious

Well, I am full-blown sick. My voice is gone, my throat is on fire and I have bad coughing fits...and being pregnant, coughing fits are not comfortable! Tevan spent a lot of the night wrapped up in blankets outside with Troy. It is the only thing we could do to open his airways up. I am still ticked that the PA didn't just give him a steroid so this would all be over by now. I am trying to get sharing time done...my head is pounding and I can barely sit up right, but if I can get something ready. My neighbor, Heather is going to fill in for me. I would hate to get all these little primary kids sick...and I have no voice. It was a very rough night, but Troy stepped in and took care of Tev for me so I could get some much needed rest. I just hope and pray Troy doesn't get sick! My friend and visiting teacher took Daeson to church. I thought it was him coughing, but it was Tev. Tevan sounds awful...barely audible. He is still wheezy and his little face just looks like he doesn't feel well. Poor baby. He tried to eat mac n cheese and some applesauce but he decided it hurt too bad to eat. He is freezing cold, so I am warming him up with my fevered body. Troy and Daes went to Grovers to get away from the sickness...they will bring us some food home. Tev and I are just hangin out playing PBSKids on the computer. Time for some rest!

Sick boy...and mamma

So my weekend to go see Grandma and to do a bit of scrapbooking has been canceled due to unexpected sicknesses. Last night we took the kids to see Rango...pretty cute but a lot of adult content. Anyway about half way through, Tevan started to get wheezy and started to cough. So, we got home, bathed them, got them ready for bed and I did a breathing treatment on Tev. All night he wheezed, tossed and turned, and finally came to get me about 3. I did another treatment on him hoping it would open things up a bit so he could rest. We headed to his bed and I watched him sleep for a good portion of the next hour. When Troy left at 4 we went to my bed where I tried to prop him up.He didn't improve. I got up at 7 to get ready to pick up our bountiful basket and got Daeson ready. I pulled Tevan out of bed and took him wrapped up in blankets. After we picked up our basket we headed to community care where they tested him for RSV. The test came back negative and we were told we just had to wait it out. Really? He can barely breathe! While I was there, I started to get tight in my chest and I started coughing. Great. Sick mamma and sick boy! Troy and Daeson are avoiding the house today. They went out car shopping and to get some fresh air. As for Tevan and I, we are hangin' out downstairs with the movies and relaxing. I am slathered in Vicks...Tevan gets a rash when he tries to put it on...and I don't think it is doing much for me. We have our box of tissues and humidifier going. Maybe we will feel better tonight, but the PA told me it would take at least a week to feel better. Sigh...I think we will skip sacrament mtg tomorrow and just do sharing time. Maybe if I ask Troy, he will do it for me...yeah, probably not! This is my month though, so I don't want to bail out. Rest today...sharing time tomorrow.

I'm baaack!

Because I have cooked like a mad woman all week, we have a variety of left-overs in the fridge...casserole, roast and potatoes, soup, tater-tots and corndogs...I don't have to cook tonight. I am letting my weekend begin with some scrapbooking. I have not scrapbooked since Tevan was a bitty boy...so about three years. I have a huge amount of pictures to print, but I am getting everything done that I have and that my mom has sent me. I am quite excited about this. I have put it off for sooo long and I am sure I could find other things, like spring cleaning or sharing time, to do but this is just so much more fun. If you know me well, you know that I used to live for scrapbooking but I have become way to busy to spend hours and hours on it like I used to. So, welcome back self! It is so good to see you again...if even for a weekend! I am hoping to get a large amount of it done before this baby girl gets here.

Oh, and for all of you asking about a name...she has one but I have really bad experiences telling people what names we have picked out. They always get taken before my baby is born. I will tell you her middle name is Joy. I combined "J"andy and Tr"oy" to come up with it. She is not named after anyone in particular...just Troy and I.

Another one lost a tooth!

Yup, Daeson lost another tooth last night. He was very upset when Troy pulled it because he did not get a chance to brush it first. He thought he had to brush, then pull or the toothfairy would not leave anything. It was quite dramatic. However, she left 8 quarters and a 1957 wheat penny for him to put in a very special place. This morning when he woke up, he came into my room, crawled into bed with Tevan and I...we were chatting quite a lively chat for 7:30 a.m....when I asked him if the toothfairy left anything. He forgot all about it! It was funny to watch him run into his room and search. He was very excited about what she left. I am just grateful to Troy for remembering such important things...I had gone to bed and forgot all about it!

Back to reality

Sigh...the vacation is over and life is back to full blast. Yesterday I spent the entire day cooking and doing laundry. It is a goal of mine to eat out less so I spend a lot more time in the kitchen. I didn't feel very productive yesterday, but ALL the socks that have matches are cleaned and folded. Amazing that it filled a laundry basket!

We had a great time in Las Vegas...once we got there. If you watch the news in my neck of the woods, you may have seen our plane on the news. We got to the airport PLENTY early, thank you for driving us, Kara! Our flight was at 7:50 p.m. and was scheduled to be in Las Vegas at 8:30 their time. We boarded about 15 minutes late and because they charge $60.00 to check baggage, we opted to carry ours on. So did every other flyer. It took forever to get the bags in the overhead storage. I have some anxiety of flying...or mostly leaving my children behind...but I am not my calm and reassured self when on a small plane...or any plane for that matter. We finally all boarded and the plane was de-iced. I have never been on a plane that had to be de-iced and this gave me a horrifying feeling. We started to move, we arrived at the runway and we "powered up." Our airport has a very small runway so the plane has to power up in order to make the end of the runway in flight. Just as we started to go, I was pleading with the Lord to let me see my children again, there was a HUGE noise (like a car backfiring) and a very bright light. I saw this light. It was very bright and big. The captain slammed on the brakes and brought the plane to a stop. Apparently he got a engine malfunction light on the controls and decided to check things out...you think? So, we gathered all of our belongings...it is now 8:15 or so. There was no way we were making it to Vegas on time. We were told that the security had gone home, there was now food to buy and the airline would give us complimentary beverages. How thoughtful. We waited in the airport...and waited. I was a mess. I had texted my sister in law, telling her where our will was, sending her my dad's phone number, telling her to let my kids know that I love them. I was crying, tired, hungry, tired, emotional, tired, and pregnant! Troy thought it was kinda funny and was teasing me a little bit. The stewardess came on the intercom and told us there was nothing wrong with our plane and that we would be reboarding. Really? EVERY one on the plane heard this loud noise, several of us saw a large, bright light and there was nothing wrong with the plane???? I probably would have been drunk if I drank, but I reluctantly got on the plane. I called my parents, who were waiting for us in Vegas, to let them know what was going on. We finally took off and at 1:30 Vegas time, we arrived. I was so grateful to be on the ground again. I was grateful not to see snow. I was grateful that no one was going to have to tell my boys that something bad happened. See? A wreck. My parent's picked us up, took Troy through Carl's Jr and we headed for the condo. We were all asleep within minutes of getting back.

Saturday was pretty nice. It was a bit cold, but there was no snow and I had a light jacket on. Mom, Troy and I took the shuttle to New York, New York. We ate a wonderful piece of Sicilian pizza and enjoyed some cannolis. We walked and walked. We stopped at several casinos and attractions including the magic shop at MGM, the Paris French bakery, and the Coke and M&M factory. Dad got out of class at 3 so we walked to the Venetian to meet him. My feet were a bit sore by then and my tummy was getting hard to carry! We went to the mall off the strip. It was fun. We found some water bottles at the Disney store and I was tempted to buy some super-cute sandals at a great shoe store. Then we stopped at the Riviera for the buffet dinner. It was tasty and I had mashed potatoes, salad, soup, and some not so great pork loin. However, the bread pudding was delicious. We waled a bit more, Troy was trying to find a cheap Craps table while mom and I played a couple of dollars in the slots. We headed back to the condo and did some laundry. We had to wash since we only took carry-ons. I fell asleep and Mom finished up the laundry. I guess I was a lot more sleepy than I thought. Troy had gone over to the Orleans to play more Craps. He was up $160, but kept playing and eventually lost $15. But, pretty cheap entertainment!

Sunday Mom and Dad dropped us off at the Mirage. We checked in and they headed home. Our time with them slipped by way too fast! We were able to check in and the rooms were very nice. We visited the Secret Garden and Dolphins. It was really neat. We saw them eat and do a couple tricks. The lions and tigers were very pretty and very majestic. We ate at Carnegie Deli...owned by the NY owner. It was great, but I did have a hard time paying $36 for one club sandwich! We decided to venture out to find a show. We decided on Blue Man Group. We went to the Fashion Place Mall and Walgreens before the show. I had to buy some band-aids for my feet :). We ate at the Treasure Island. This was tasty. Troy feasted on crab legs and shrimp while I ate a lot of pineapple, strawberries, and watermelon. It was so tasty to eat good watermelon in February!!! The Blue Man Group was neat. Troy really loved it. After the show, we wandered back through some casinos. I think we did almost all the strip-casinos. We are lacking a few for next time, but that will give us something to look forward to. We stopped by Carnegie Deli again for strawberry cheesecake. It was really tasty! We headed back to the hotel room, asked for a wake-up call and arranged for our airport shuttle.

Monday we were up at 7 a.m. We were on the shuttle by 7:45 and at the airport by 8. Our flight was scheduled for 10:30 and we were right on time. I was so glad that there were no problems. Troy's dad picked us up and took us home. We got the kids, visited with Adam and Kayla and came home. I caught a cold while in Vegas so I got ready for bed and crashed by 6. Troy fed the kids and got them ready for bed. We were all in bed by 8 p.m. It was a fun vacation, it has been heard to adjust back, but I am glad we went. We had a great time. The boys did great too. I think Tevan is glad we are home, but he did tell me he wants to go back to Aunt Kayla's. They both really had a great time!

Tuesday I helped in Daeson's class. The teacher was gone, so the other room mom and I were really used. I ended up teaching an activity and supervising the kids. There are 24 students and 6 of them have disabilities or learning problems. This was very challenging for me. I think my patience, as I get more pregnant, are getting thinner. It was a very busy day and I was so glad that I had dinner ready to go before school. All I had to do was stick it in the oven to warm through. It was an eye opener...I learned two things at school: Teachers do NOT get paid enough and they really need grown up scissors in school. I have bruise on my thumb from cutting the 500 pieces of papers we had to cut, laminate, and cut again. I have a new appreciation for kindergarten teachers...all teachers for that matter!

Today I will get the rest of my "chores" done and I hope to work on the baby room. Troy is going to get trim up, soon, I hope. I am running out of time...only 14 weeks left!!! I want to have everything done and ready by June 1st. Everything! Ya never know when she will come! That gives me plenty of time to spend with Daeson and Tevan before our lives change.