Real Vacation-Day 1-Road Trip!!

Our vacation stared at 4 AM on Friday morning. We had already loaded the car the night before (we even put Heidi Anne to bed in the clothing she’d be wearing the next day). We did this in hopes that we would be able to get her out of bed and into her car seat without waking her up to much, thus going back to sleep. Well, she proved us wrong-She stayed up the WHOLE time. She didn’t want to miss a moment of the BIG BIG Adventure.

It was such a fun drive; we went up through Logan Canyon, to Bear Lake, to Star Valley. For nearly 2 ½ hours it was pretty much just us on the roads- we had the canyons and valleys to ourselves as the stars faded, the sun rose. It was so beautiful. I have decided that deer really play “Chicken” or its some sort of initiation processes that involves automobiles. Honestly, there was very little traffic, however, when there was a car or truck coming-Out of nowhere here Gangster Bambi and his crew would dart into the road like they have the right of way. (Why don’t they just cross at the Deer crossing signs??)

**Side Note every small town we drove though had a Subway-some of them didn’t even have a post office-yet there was a Subway. That Jared is a very sneaky man. Starbucks better be careful, just know this, I’m on to you Subway**


After we had driven for a few hours we got to the Teton National Forest. We needed to stretch our legs and get our bearings, so we went to the Main visitors’ center. Heidi Anne had a lot of fun there- so we knew this was going to be a great trip! We drove up through the Tetons just stopping here and there to look at the scenery or to get a pretty flower Heidi Anne saw. Towards the end of the ride Heidi Anne started to get restless. This was the time the DVD player choose to die on us. Nothing was working. Heidi Anne kept begging us to fix it-we told her we can’t. Finally out of desperation-I told her “How about you pray for it to be fixed.” Being the obedient child she is- she started to. Suddenly, the DVD began playing again. From the backseat we heard “Amen-Thank-You”. Oddly enough she didn’t even want to watch a movie anymore. Toddlers. So we made up a little game of “What color will the next car be?” It kept her entertained for the rest of the trip to Yellowstone.

Real Vacation-Prologue!!

The Grand Tetons

For the first time in over 3 years we took a planned vacant (Yes, this was Heidi Anne’s very FIRST vacation EVER!) Char used to go to a summer camp in the Grand Tetons-the stories he would tell me just made it sound so beautiful, thus we made it our goal to take a trip there…. sometime.

After my near death experience last summer, we agreed it was finally time for our first family vacation. It just so happened this year Char’s family decided to take a family vacation for the 4th of July weekend. What could be better? Well-I got sick-again-and came pretty close to the brink-again. We were bound and determined to have this family trip one way or another and to make it even more memorable then originally planned. We chose to add Yellowstone to the trip; furthermore, we were to take as many scenic roads as possible. We also got a lot of good tips from Val and other more seasoned travelers.

The Fix It Bug

The Fix-It bug caught Char (and I love it) having done Heidi Anne's bed he is refinshing our bed as well. He orginally did it nearly 5 years ago when we lived back in Aggie Village, in the middle of winter, with no space to really work on it properly.
Now we're out of Aggie Village, there is a garage with Lots of space, yet oddly enough it's nearly July and it's bearly starting to feel like summer, (come to think of it-we hardly got a spring). Well 2 out 3 works for me!! :)


We're working on a few other little things for Heidi Anne's room too, we're thinking of maybe making a room make over/update for her 3rd birthday. It's still staying Pink and Green (she LOVES those colors) and bugs, mainly Butterflies and Dragonflies, and flowers, and just upgrading to a more "Big Girl" versions of them.
Something she'll like until she's 10 or 11. (Then she'll want black walls or something-but thats a battle for 8 years down the road-right now it's Flower Time!!)


I am open to some ideas on her dresser. It was Chars growing up, we wanted to get her a new one, since it's falling apart here and there. But due to other priorities a new dresser is out. Instead its wood glue and spray paint. I was thinking of painting the sides pink, and the face sage green, then getting new handles. Maybe stencil some cute little butterflies or flowers on it too? Just some thoughts--Val any tips? (=^_^=) You name it she can craft it-or Brandon can build it and she can craft it.

As for the rocking chair-I am thinking of just covering up the cushions with some leftover fabric we have-it's Pink (of course) with white poka dots. So maybe it will look like a pink and white lady bug.

Facebook Funnies

We think Rykken is saying "All right, listen! I didn't want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice. Here comes the smolder" Cutest niece and nephew ever! 

Rye and K-Bug at the Aquarium 

Really Making The Bed

Heidi Anne is growing up-sad I know. So we've decided she needs a big girl bed. A few years ago we were planning on doing foster care or adoption. We were pretty far into the process that we even got the bunk beds-which can be split into single twin beds. We then got pregant!
Fast forward 3 years-Heidi Anne thinks her toddler bed is for babies, big girls sleep in big beds-and therefore sneeks into our room at night. (Big bed = Big girl--Duh, Silly Momma.)

We deided to we sand and refinsh the one of the bed sets-so she can have her own twin sized Big girl bed. So Char sanded it, (Heidi Anne "Helpped"). 

As you can see we choose white, a cute little girl color. Char came up with the idea to her name "Heidi" in pink on the headboard and paint "Sleepy" on the footboard (just think 7 drawfs). Should we ever want to or need to refinsh the other one, we're going to something cute for the footboard on that bed, too like "Happy or Sunny". (I'm thinking of in a few years we'll be having cousins sleep over or spend the weekend).

I did the little butterflies and the the bees (the bees make the dots for the I's in her name).

It's a shame she didn't like it more..... ^_^
We're thinking her room might need a slight Big Girl Upgrade-Butterflies, Dragonflies, and of course the beloved colors of Pink and Green.

Summerfestivus For the Rest of Us

I love Summerfest! Every year on the weekend before Father's Day a big Art's Show comes to our little Valley. Why here? Mainly because the Snowbirds are here and the weather is so nice you can easily wander around for hours and not get hot, get cranky, or go home empty handed.

There are artist from ALL over the country to the local artist we see at the farmers' market. It always amazes me what people can create, I would love to (1) see the world that way and (2) have the ability to share with everyone my view of the world. Then there are those pieces of "Art" that make you think "What were you on again??"

What is really neat about this show is the artist is there and they have to work on their art at the show. So you can talk to them, see how they do it, what inspired them, it's great for kids (and grown ups) to be exposed to sooo many different types of art mediums.

We didn’t get as many pictures as we would like-who knew artist are a little overprotective of their work??

One of my favorites turned out to be pressed flowers art work. Oh, it was just so pretty! (Sorry, no pics-it just wouldn't capture how cute it was). I had a ton of fun talking with the artist-even Heidi Anne seemed to like it too!

We were there for nearly 2 hours-Heidi Anne only got a little board-but that’s because we really liked the photography-we we’re actually appreciating the art. So she made a game out of going in circles around a nearby tree.

Before we left we had to get our annual “Heidi Anne and Dadda at Summerfest” pic. But first we needed a treat. Heidi Anne picked the food station that was pink and looked like a castle. Which worked out great-they had fresh mini doughnuts and a step stool for kids to watch them be made. Once she was feed-she was our little girl we know and love, full of smiles, kisses, and giggles.

"What Missing Doughnut Momma....?"

Dadda Kisses

Father's Day Fun

For Father's Day my stepmom Lorrie pulled quite the feat. She and my sister Bekah organized a suprise Father's Day lunch for my Dad. It was the first time in nearly a year all of us had been together at 1 time. It was fun-but hard work. Our trip started up here and drove down to get my younger sister.  Then we meet up with Bekah and her family to make the longer treck to Spanish Fork.

Bekah had a slightly scary moment. As we were driving down the Interstate they just suddenly pulled off to the side of the road. So we pulled over too. Turns out right in the middle of a rain storm (while on the Interstate) their windshield wippers died on them. Scary. They were able to get to a gas station. Luckily it was just a lose bolt-not a motor like we were worried about. So Rhett fixed it-and off we were.

Lorrie and Bekah finshed getting lunch ready-the theme was Mexian. Fresh tortilla shells, home made chicken & beef, home made guacamoles, and my fresh fruit that Bekah cut up. (No one trusts me with sharp objects for some reason).

We just ate, talked, and watched the kids have fun together. Had some dessert and watched them play some more. All in all a good day I would say.

Kaikai and Heidi Anne

They Match!! I Love My Nephew

Reverse London Bridge is Falling Down??

Heidi Anne, Kaikai, Breadin Playing

My sister's gift for Dad for Father's Day

Finding the Phantom

We have found the Phantom that has been plaguing me and my timeline has been removed. It is nice to finally have an answer and to know what it is you're up against. From what I was told, most people aren't given the diagnosis until-well-it's way too late to be of any use for them to know what it was.

In Feb, I was informed I was starting to suffer from some liver damage. That little foot in the door was just enough, within a week-my mild damage begun to spiral out into failure. By March I was given 3-6 months-nothing could be done.

We didn’t buy that and neither did my good doctor. Every week he told me to keep having hope, not to give in.

Since March every few days another blood test, scan, Dr appts, just trying to solve the mystery before it was to late. (Side note—the hospital up here is not certified to run lots of the genetic tests-I would know-I was the first one ever to be tested for things at the hospital).

About 2 weeks ago, the 6th or 7th Doctor told me there was nothing more he could do. He said to just go home and enjoy what time I had. (Yes-I did go to work later that day-My thoughts were “Either I will beat this and I’ll be behind in work OR I might not and someone will have extra work dumped on them at the last minute”).

So I made another appointment with another Dr for 2 days later. This Dr and my “good” Dr collaborated, reviewed all the labs, scans, notes, and figured my body was attacking my liver to the point of nearly killing it.

Basically (in a nutshell) I have the weirdest luck. Last summer I had the fun hospital stay-and they never figured out what caused it, so the doctors have been trying different meds to see what works and doesn’t. Well one of them triggered some mild damage, which lead to the domino effect.

I am now getting some new meds-they are a little on the scary side-one of the side effects is lymphoma. However, as my Dr said, they can treat lymphoma-he’s yet to find a cure for death.

After many weeks, appts, tests, prayers, sleepless nights, its nice to have a name and a battle plan. It might not have been what I wanted-but at least I got something-I don’t have a time limit (that I’m aware of) and I can live with that. ^_^

Angels in Disguise

In dealing with the scary times that have befallen us in the past few months, (and they are more scary then many know or are just finding out) there have been some people that are truly angels in disguise. No, I am not going to name names and oust those who are especially Saint like people. You, I, and the good Lord knows what you've done. In many cases-Just you and the Lord--I most likely don't even know~But I thank you all the same  ^_^

So many have been there to give a kind word, lift us up when we have fallen, and generally been the kind of people Jesus would want you to be... I am talking to you!

I am not soo Saintly as you good people so I can say this--those who have had mean words...well you can just roast marshmallows when the time comes.... (Having now said that-I will be making those marshmallows with you ;P ,  I'll bring the gram crackers.)

It has been hard accepting all the support, meals, and all the kindness. Mostly because I was and still am in denial on how bad off I really am and how super close call it's been. I often think that I should not be the one getting all these wonderful kindnesses or help, that there are many out there that need it more then I.

(Really hard to have liver failure when so many disasters seem to happen or friends have little ones and you think "A new mommy needs more help"). Yet, I am blessed with friends and loved ones who love me and my family and know there are enough prayers and good will to go around. Thank-you for all the help and support, and prayers. Trust me, the doctors are shocked by how well I am doing and how I haven't ended up in the hospital and turned Snookie Orange.

Always A Rainbow Nonetheless

I'll have an update on the Phantom soon and the treatments we'll be starting, and the "behind the scenes" of what's been going on. Then you'll see how much your help, (even just a little card or finger puppets for Heidi Anne), have been life savors and rainbows in the storm.

There is a saying "Sometimes He calms the Storm, Sometimes He calms the Sailor"-Sooo I look for the Rainbows in both cases-because you never know which situation you may be in, but you'll get a Rainbow nonetheless.

PS. Even my little Heidi Anne has started to say "Sit down Momma".~Another little Angel-but worst disguise ever, we ALL knew she was one all along.

Toddlers and Doctors Offices

Another Dr. Adveture-At 7:45 AM

Just because you're at a doctors office doesn't mean you and your child have to be board, or whip out Angry Birds for the little one (or yourself) to be saved from said boredom. Here are a few little things I have learned to make Toddlers + Doctors Offices = 100% Survivable, if not even Lots of fun, depends on the reason for the doctor appointment. 

1. The Great Outdoors??-Normally doctors offices have lovely greenery outside that is just calling a for a toddler to explorer. If you're able to-utilize this instead of just waiting in the waiting room. (Which is normally all germy anyways). If you're doing this, let the receptionist know and make sure they have your cell phone-so they can call you when the room is ready.

I see Dori, I see Nemo, I see Gabby

2. Fish Tanks-Who doesn't love Finding Nemo the movie-and when a little kid can Really find Nemo or Dori or the other Cast members in a doctors office-it's a movie come true. Heidi Anne loves to make up names for the "extras" (fish that are not in the movie but seem to somehow end up in the same fish tank as them).
It's just fun to watch Heidi Anne watch the fish.

3. The Magazines-Sometimes they have good magazines for kids, like Highlights or Family Circle, to read to kids or play games with them. I have Heidi Anne play counting or color games if I find an article I really like.

I'll Just Take This With Me......

Side note-If you find a good magazine in the waiting room-take it to the back room with you. Use hand sanitizer like it's going out of style when done reading magazines.
Scenario:
Me: "Heidi Anne, count how many flowers are on this page?" She counts--I read and think "Wow, I can do that with paper baking cups, straws, and old scrapbook paper-Cute!)
Heidi Anne: Proudly shouts out of  "nowhere" "6, Momma, 6!!"
Me: Good! How many purple flowers? (Hmmm, she's counting to fast, better write down this website...)

4. If you have brought crayons with you- It's fun to trace hands on the butcher paper on the examination tables then color them-and Heidi Anne likes to do it as well. Don't worry-they have to be replaced after each patient anyways. So live a little.