Halloween 2010

So, we went with the Toy Story Theme this year. They weren't too hard to sew. Just a little craziness, not bad, compared to other years. Here are our costumes....

Britlee and Bryson (Jesse and Woody)

Me and John (Mrs and Mr Potato Head)

Brevan and Nae (alien and Buzz Lightyear)

The whole family...Briggs was Ken and Brielle was Barbie. It was a lot of fun! Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!!

Gratitude

Today I ran in a 5K. I finished, and only walked 3 different times, for about 1 block each. YAY!!! But more importantly, I realized just how blessed I am. I am feeling really well. REALLY WELL! Considering my summer, I am feeling on top of the world! Just to think back, 3 months ago, I was struggling walking, my balance was really off, I spent every other day in bed, my vision was off, my hearing was ultra-sonic, causing headaches.
WOW! A lot can change. After running the 5K, I ran a mile kids race with Brevan. As I was running along side of John and Brevan, holding on to Brevan's hand, I got a little teary-eyed! What gratitude I have for the blessings I have been given. I am so grateful for my family and friends who pushed and pulled me through this. Driving home from both races, I cried. Heartfelt gratitude!!!

Hard Day's Night

Last night was so scary. Around 2:00 a.m. Briggs came up stairs to tell us that Nae was crying. John went and got her. When he brought her upstairs to us, she was struggling to breathe. Well, we couldn't find her mask to her nebulizer....so, we gave her a couple of puffs of Albuterol through her chamber. That didn't help AT ALL. John then went into the bathroom and turned on a hot shower, hoping that the steam would help her quit coughing. No luck. When they came out, he handed her to me. I gave her some Prelone, along with another 2 puffs. Then I sat on the chair with her, with the window open. As she still struggled to breathe, John was frantically looking for her mask. Still nothing. I looked down at my coughing baby to see her lips a distinct purple color. She really couldn't breathe. I asked John to come give her a blessing. He laid his hands on her head and blessed her to breathe. After that, I sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" to her and she quieted right down. We gave her another 2 puffs of her inhaler and took her into our room. I sat in the recliner with her, afraid to close my eyes. At 5:00 a.m. I finally decided she would be okay. So, I climbed back into bed with John and left Nae on the recliner. I tell you, these breathing problems SCARE me!!! It is hard to feel so totally helpless as a parent. But, wow, how grateful I am for the Priesthood!!! Thanks so much John!

Strength

On June 14, I was diagnosed as having a stroke. Thirty six years old and I had a stroke! How strange. After 4 long, awful weeks of headaches, I think John and I were prepared for just about anything, but when we were told a stroke, it just about blew us away. I spent a week in the hospital making sure the swelling didn't reach my brain stem. Luckily, it didn't and I was able to come home. There have been many blessings in this whole process. MANY blessings. However, that is a long post and probably for another day when I can type better. The things that the stroke affected were: my balance, my short-term memory, and my fine motor skills. Some days my balance is better, some days it isn't. Some days I do really well in talking, some days I have to really concentrate on what I want to say in order to make sense. I haven't tried to sew yet, but typing and texting are skills that I am working on.
It is a frustrating process. A very slow process. Some days I do better than others. But each and every day I am reminded how lucky I am. I could be learning how to walk again, or to eat again, or to talk again. I could not know my family, my kids, myself. I came away from this relatively unscathed.....well, other than scared a little bit :)
I have incredible kids who are a major help to me. My family, who have been wonderful and, of course, John, who is my rock. But, I also find strength in strange ways. The other day, I was reminded of a talk given by Richard G. Scott. In it he said: "Fourteen years ago the Lord took my wife beyond the veil. I love her with all my heart, but I never have complained because I know it was His will. I have never asked why, but rather what is it that He wants me to learn from this experience." I know that many people think that they know what THEY think I need to learn, but I am trying to understand what it is my Father wants me to learn.
I also went to Toy Story 3 with the kids the other day. When Andy was cleaning out his room, the army guys say something like: "Let's face it, when the garbage bags come out, us army guys are the first ones to go." I thought, too often, I don't give value to the little things. So now, I have a plastic army guy sitting on my night stand, reminding me to look for the value in even the small things and not to hastily throw anything away.
Silly, I know, but sometimes, changes need to come. Hopefully, with each new day, I will get stronger and be able to do more for myself and my family. I am grateful for the people who are helping me until I am able to help myself. I have been blessed with angels!

BYU Basketball Camp

Bryson spent this past week at BYU basketball camp. He went with Tanner, Taylor H, Taylor A, Kade, Jason and Garrett. It was a lot of fun for him. They are already planning next year. He got a lot of positive imput on his game. He also was talked to heavily by Coach Rice! That was the highlight!!! This was his evaluation after the camp was over:

(if you click on the pictures you can read the comments)
He is such an awesome basketball player!! I am so proud of him. He received an All-Star award and a t-shirt. That was cool. So did Tanner and Kade. Way to go Boys!

Crazy Busy!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so this is my morning:

get up

cut out a few swimming suits

get Bryson off to lift (this is his latest obsession...lifting weights) I guess when you are 13, 5'9" and weigh 110 dripping wet, you gotta do something, right?

get Britlee to conditioning

get Briggs to the Ortho....he is getting braces today

get Bryson to the Ortho....just a check-up. But, no, they couldn't fit the two in at the same time...they'd make it too easy

get uniforms washed for games tonight (both Britlee and Bryson have games)

get Britlee over to BYU for softball camp check in

meet John's family for lunch to celebrate June birthdays

I am missing something....what am I missing? Something!


All before noon. WHEW! I also have a visit to the witch doctor that I had to postpone til later. No time this morning. I am tired just typing it. Better go get crack-a-lackin'. No rest for the wicked.

Change of Heart

So I have decided that I am going to try blogging again. I really haven't missed it, to be honest. But I do feel the need to have some sort of record of my kids' activities. This was an easy peasy lemon squeezy way to do it. I quit because I had that one person who was reading it and then being really nasty. However, I figure, if she needs to do that to make herself feel better, then what can I do? I just will go on and hopefully her need to be mean and pathetic will subside! Maybe, maybe not, never know. Anyhow..........here's the update:

John is still going to school. He is a junior and has about a good year and a half to graduate. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!! It has been really great having him home, we really have developed a great friendship. I can truly say he is my best friend. I tell him everything and value his opinion. We talk more than ever. It has been a real blessing in disguise!

I am sewing like crazy. This past year an opportunity came my way to sew dance costumes for Brielle's dance group. WOW, was that a learning experience! I also have been sewing swimming suits like CRAZY!!! One time I remember someone telling me that talent has its price. I always thought that they meant dollar cost. However, I realize that they mean, once people know you can do something, you get really busy really quickly, and the house suffers, the kids suffer, life suffers, stress becomes a good friend......etc. But I need to get back to the point where I enjoy sewing and it isn't a chore! Hopefully that is soon, because I have a number of swimming suits left to sew :)


Britlee played basketball this year for her Jr. High. It was a fun thing. She hadn't ever tried basketball before, and just made up her mind that she was going to tryout. She made the team and was a great contribution to the team. She also made the Varsity softball team (as a freshman)!!! She is a great catcher! I love watching her play. She had an awesome year. She made the all-state honorable mention team, she had the best batting average on her team, and she was a team captain. She loves the coaches and the girls on the team! It was a fun year to watch her play! She had a great year!!!

Bryson has been playing basketball and baseball again this year. Same teams. He has such a good group of boys on his teams and the friendships that he has with those boys is priceless! Bryson maintained a 4.0 all year long!!! That was an awesome feat! His mom sure is proud. He also stretched his comfort zone and joined the ward choir and took a choir class at school. He has a beautiful voice, well before it started to squeak! Bry had quite a blow when our ward split this year. He was separated from all his friends. He has stayed very strong and loves his new YM leaders!

Briggs just finished the 5th grade. He is growing up so quick. He is such a great helper to me! He has learned to cook a couple of different meals and is very willing to cook for his younger brother and sisters. Briggs got an new haircut recently (a flat-top) and he loves it. It really fits his personality. Briggs loved being in R.A.D. this year (an African drumming group) He also loved being a peer tutor. Briggs has quite the imagination. He can make things fun. He is an excellent artist and writer. Briggs has learned a lot this year, about friends, sometimes the hard way, but he has emerged a much stronger kid.

Brielle was baptized this year. I made her dress, that was fun! She is still dancing. National dance competition is later this week. She is improving a lot! She has quite the attitude while she is out on the floor dancing. She is quite entertaining to watch! This year Brielle decided to try out for a competition soccer team. She made it! So, starting this fall, we will weave soccer games into our softball and baseball schedule! Brielle is loving the neighborhood. She has a number of friends within a short distance. She is constantly outside playing. Brielle is growing up and becoming quite a babysitter. When our family gets together, Brielle is often found among all the babies.

Brevan starts kindergarten this fall. I am excited and not so excited. My little tribe is getting smaller and smaller. Brev is a funny kid. Currently he is missing his front two teeth, and so he has a fun way of talking. I LOVE it! He likes to make us laugh and is constantly coming up with funny little things that we crack up at. Brevan can either be Nae's very best friend or her very worst enemy. They usually play together well. Brev is excited because a new friend is moving in right next door who is 5 and who is going to kindergarten too.

Brennae finished her first year of Preschool with Miss Courtney this year. She is the boss of the house. Unfortunately, she knows this too. We are working hard to correct her way of thinking, but it might be a long process! Brennae has a very best friend that lives behind us. Her name is Amarie. The two of them are fun to watch. They just finished swimming lessons together. I just worry about the poor teacher who has them together this year in school. Nae's health has been pretty good (knock on wood). She is stubborn, yet kind. She is bossy, yet lovable.

Well, there is a quick update on all of us. Except for the fact that I am having horrendous headaches, our lives are going well. We are loving each other, we are loving our Savior, and we are loving our families.

Here we go again!!!

Okay, so I go from EXTREME drought to millions of posts. But I have decided to go private. So, if there might still be someone that reads this, leave me your email address and I will be happy to add you to my bloglist. I plan on going private at the end of this week.

What am I EVER going to do?

I really dread this next week. Britlee is going away to a softball camp. EEK!! I love the fact that she is such a good softball player, but seriously, I am going to miss her! The photos are ones that Lee took of her playing ball. I love them!! I really hope she has fun at camp and I really hope I survive a week without her.

Appreciation

I know that I won't make this post without crying, so it's a good thing that you don't have to sit and try to make out what I am saying between sniffles and sobs. Today I have such a deep appreciation for the abundance of blessing that I have been given. For six BEAUTIFUL children, who have been entrusted to me by a loving Heavenly Father. For a husband who not only knows the core of me, but loves me nonetheless. For parents and siblings and in-laws who are wonderful examples. For countless supportive, thoughtful friends. Seriously, THANK YOU!
So, now, why the thankful heart? Well, on Sunday, Brennae started with some breathing problems. Not a big deal, we switched her meds to the red zone meds and figured everything would be okay. By Wednesday night, she still was having quite a hard time, so I thought, "Tomorrow I will call Dr. Lauret." We were in Dr. Lauret's office Thursday morning early, and were admitted into the pediatric unit at the hospital at 9:30 a.m. After many tests returned negative, I felt pretty good about her and thought we would only be there maybe 24 hours. Well, Friday was a totally different story. Nae's SATS kept dropping and she was really tugging to get a breath. This after numerous IV steroids and breathing treatments. She was put on oxygen, to keep her SATS up. I spent most of Friday night just holding and rocking a very sick baby. I rocked and cried and rocked and cried. I have never been so scared in my life! A lot of memories of Danielle came back to me, which actually were a lot of comfort. I think even maybe she was there helping me through it. Chad and Jed came and gave her a blessing. So, after a little hairy night, Brennae woke up Saturday a new girl. She was ready to be out of the hospital. She was energetic and playful. She did NOT want to lay in that bed ANY longer. The Dr. took her off the oxygen and took her IV out, and then wanted to watch her for six hours. She did wonderful during those six hours!!! So, around 3:30 yesterday, we were able to come home.
I can't even begin to name all the wonderful people who called and sent messages asking if there was anything they could do. We felt so blessed to have our family close, so that they could pick up our loose ends. I am so grateful to Jed and Chad for the blessing they gave to Nae. I am grateful that they are worthy to do things like that at the drop of a hat. I am grateful to nieces and nephews who called to check on her. Never have I felt the strength of this support system more than during this trial. Thanks guys! We sure do love you!!

A New Journey

I really can't believe he is twelve. It seriously seems like yesterday that I was wiping cheeto's off his face. (oh, maybe it was yesterday :)) But, Bryson has hit quite a milestone in his life. He received the Priesthood today. And did he look good in his new suit!! Wow! What a sacred responsibility! Bryson hasn't taken this lightly, either. He has looked forward to it for a long time now. Bry is quite a neat young man. He never ceases to amaze me. Last week, after Sunday dinner, everyone got up and left to go downstairs to play Fusion Frenzy. John offered to help clean up dinner, but I told him to go ahead and play with the kids. A few short minutes later, Bryson came up the stairs to help. I told him I was fine, but he stayed until the last dish was cleared. He is so kind and tender toward his mom. I am seriously so lucky that he is mine!

Bryson was ordained today by his dad. Both of his Grandpas were there along with two uncles and numerous cousins. As I looked around that circle of wonderful men, it made me realize that it does take a village to raise a child. I am ever so grateful that my village is made up of these fine examples. Both of Bryson's grandpas are such caring and loving men. His two Uncle Chads are hard working and honest and great examples of family men. Bry has always looked up to "Big Jed". Bry has wanted to be just like him.....and that would be fine with me! Gatlin is such a neat example of unselfish love. Ryan is just beginning to share his talents and attributes with our family, but we sure do think he's great! Richy always makes Bryson feel like a million bucks. He always takes an interest in what Bryson is doing and chats with him about it. Thanks so much guys for being a great example to those 12 year old eyes that are watching you! Bryson, I am SO proud of you. You have more talents and admirable qualities than most people aquire in a lifetime. Keep up the great work! Always know how much your mom and dad love you!!! You are a great example to your younger brothers and sisters. Thank you for all that you bring to our family!

Happy Birthday Bryson

Bryson probably has the most interesting birth story of all my kids! I went in early in the morning of June 11, 1997 to have my first prostiglandin treatment. We left and went to Hickory Kist to eat. While standing in line, I kept complaining to my mom that my back hurt. We went home to lay down, and I couldn't even lay, I was in such pain. We went back to the hospital, where they gave me my second treatment and decided to keep me and induce me. Well, it also happened to be the night of a BIG basketball game. The finals between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. John and I hadn't decided on a name for this baby. But John REALLY wanted to name her, yes HER, Shandon, in honor of the Jazz player. Needless to say, EVERY time the door opened to my hospital room, where I was laying in PAIN, the first question anyone asked was "What's the score?" Finally, I told John he could name this little girl ANYTHING he wanted to, if he would just turn that *(&*! T.V. off! So, as thing progressed, I got ready to deliver. Bryson was born with a BEAUTIFUL head full of dark hair. After having a bald Britlee, this was HUGE! So, as we are all looking at this head of hair, my mom says: "Umm...she isn't a she." My heart sank as my eyes fell on his male parts. EEK!!!! I immediately started bawling! Bryson was not supposed to be a boy. I had spent week prior, washing and ironing and folding PINK clothing. I was ready for a baby girl to come home. We had NUMEROUS ultrasounds with Bryson, because my fluid was low. Each time we would have an ultrasound, I would say "Is it still a she?" To which I always got the "yep, she is". So, as I laid on the table and sobbed, an ecstatic dad took his new baby, followed by an entourage of people down to the nursery. Bryson was my biggest baby, weighing in at 8 lbs. and 8 ozs. I still was crying as they wheeled me to my room. But when John brought that monster of a boy to me, and put him in my arms, my heart melted. Funny thing, Bryson can still melt my heart. He just has that power over his mom! So, in honor of Bryson's twelfth birthday, here are 12 things I love about him:

• His kind heart and mannerisms. I don't usually have to worry about sending Bryson to other people's houses. He is usually very well behaved and remembers to say "Please and Thank You". He always watches out for other peoples feelings.
• His natural abilities. Things have always come easy to Bryson. He can pick up any sport. He can do anything he sets his mind to.
• His ease in making and keeping friends. Bryson is a very loyal friend. I don't hear him talk poorly about ANY of his friends. He is very easy to be around and doesn't require much maintenance as a friend. And once you are Bryson's friend, you will ALWAYS be Bryson's friend.
• His mind. It works very similarly to mine. So it is easy to help him with homework!!
• The way he looks out for his mom. He is always the first to help me. He includes me in his activities. During math class, he made sure that the other boys showed his mom respect!
• His looks. Okay, I know I am biased, but he sure is handsome!! Bryson looks a lot like my dad. And I am sure that you all know that I am a Daddy's girl, so this is a wonderful trait in my opinion!
• His desire to improve. If you mention to Bryson that he needs to work on something, whether it is his swing, or his patience, he is always willing to try to do things better.
• He is SO fun to watch play sports. I love to go and sit at the ballpark or the gym and watch the talents that Bryson is developing. He is a great basketball player and is constantly improving on his baseball.
• He loves babies. He is so gentle and tender whenever he is allowed to hold the new nieces and nephews. He snuggles with them and kisses them. He will be a great dad!
• His willingness to try new things. A few weeks ago, I ran in the house early, and had him come tryout for swim team. He was a little unsure at first, but went and did it and WOW, is he a good swimmer!
• His desire to do good. Bryson is a pleaser and wants to do everything right. He is a leader, though, and so I know he will lead out in doing good things. This makes a mom proud!
• His compassion. Bryson has always looked out for the underdog. He is always kind and respectful to his Grandmas and Aunts. He is always leveling the playing field for everyone. Sometimes this might mean playing "down" a level, but he makes sure that things are fair for everyone!

Hope you had a Happy Birthday, Bud! Sorry that we had to adjust some of the plans, but thanks so much for rolling with the punches! You are the best!

Brielle's Last Day of School

Brielle had a WONDERFUL teacher this year. Her name was Miss Windley. She did so much for Brielle's confidence. Brielle is a natural at school. Reading comes easy to her. Miss Windley has been wonderful at encouraging Brielle to branch out and read EVERYTHING. They had many discussions about different books. Brielle always looked forward to going to school and learning from Miss Windley. It is always nice when you get a teacher who loves your kid. Brielle also got a Eagle Learing Award. Miss Windley wrote: For always doing your best and then asking for help. Miss Windley isn't married yet, so I made her a cute school tote, with the promise of when she did get married I would make her a last name thingy too! Congrats on a great year Brielle! You are a star!!

Briggs' Last Day of School

Briggs had an awesome teacher this year too. He learned so much from Mr. Mendenhall. Briggs has always been my child who comes home from school eager to share what he had learned. This year he was SO impressed with science. Briggs struggled a little in math this year. But we found him some help with Ron, and now he is sailing through! Briggs also received and Eagle Learning Award. His said: January 23, 2009 Briggs Anderson is very dedicated to his work. He is a good friend to everyone. He is a good influence. He loves to learn and try new things. Briggs keeps trying no matter how hard things are! Way to go Briggs. Keep it up and you'll go far!! I made a similar name thingy for Briggs' teacher.

Bryson's Last Day of School

Bryson graduated this year from sixth grade. I think it was a little bittersweet for him. He has LOVED going to Rees! He had an awesome teacher and an awesome math teacher. :) I am kidding about the math teacher. I had the opportunity to teach math to Bryson and two other kids who were a little more advanced.....so hence the comment. His teacher, Mr. Roberts, is one of the best things that has happened to Bryson. He has been so complimentary of Bryson, and is always telling me what a great, respectful, kind boy that Bryson is. Bryson won two Eagle Learning Awards this year. Mr. Roberts wrote: March 27, 2009 Bryson Anderson was chosen by his teacher and peers. You are such a HUGE help in our village. Thank you for being a great example to the other students. The other one said: May 2009 Bryson Anderson has been a great leader all year long. He is always willing to help ANYONE out and he doesn't think if it will make him more or less popular, he just does it. The other students really look up to him. Great Job Bryson, keep up the good work! For his teacher's gift, I made a photo name thingy. (I don't know what you would call it....but I think it turned out cool.)

Britlee's Last Day of School

This year Britlee did fairly well considering how hard her classes were. She took an advanced English and Math class. She kept her grades to A's and B's. I am EXTREMELY proud of her for this. She has had to work hard to keep her grades up. When Britlee graduated Elementary School, she was having some problems with reading and comprehension. Math was her hardest subject. So, she has come SO far in such a little amount of time. She never ceases to amaze me! The second to the last day of school was fitness day. Britlee, Mariah and Brooke wanted to dress up like 80's fitness chicks.....so this is what she looked like:

Ahhhh.....there is NEVER a dull moment with Britlee around! She keeps us laughing. Great Job Britlee. You are turning into quite the impressive young woman. Love you!