This is Me

Reading about sugar addiction while savoring several pieces of my favorite dark chocolate. Yep.....that was one of my nights last week. 

Granite Counter Top:1/Spencer's Forehead: 0

Super Bowl Sunday brought our first visit to the emergency room. 

Twenty minutes before leaving for church, Spencer was standing on the barstool in the kitchen reaching for a toy just out of reach. One minute, he was upright, the next thing I knew, he dropped to the floor. The holler from the other side of the counter spoke of more pain than usual, and as he rounded the corner, the biggest column of blood I've ever seen was prepared to cascade down his face over his left eye. I sat him on the stool on the kitchen floor and pressed paper towels over the spot to staunch the bleeding. Peeking at the wound, I was horrified to see the large area of skin pulled back from the skull. Swallowing to calm the mounting adrenaline rush, I called Morgan over to keep pressure on the area (with strict instructions not to look under the bloody towel) and raced upstairs to find a bandage. I tore apart the first aid kit, thinking to myself that as two veterinarians, we ought to have something that would work! I was also calling Mallorie's preschool teacher, Tammy, to find out where to take this kid. She has five boys and I figured she would know where to go for stitches, besides the veterinary clinic where my husband works. 

Did I mention that Chadwick was already at church for meetings?

Tammy offered to come get the girls. I declined, swallowed the initial panic, and descended the stairs. Spencer was still hollering and sitting on his stool, Morgan obediently pushing on his wound. The bleeding had slowed and I got it bandaged without incident. Tammy arrived on my doorstep with a smile to get my girls (bless her heart!) and I loaded Spencer and his blankie into the Pilot to head to the urgent care. By then, his sobs had subsided and he was willing to try for a smile for the camera.

The urgent care was between patients and we walked right into the small room for vitals and history. After obtaining his height, weight, temp, oxygen saturation, and story behind the bandage around his head, the nurse asked to see the wound as we prepared to walk to the assigned room. I peeled the bandage back. Stunned silence greeted the revelation and the nurse looked at me, eyes wide. "Normally I can tell how bad it is by the mom....you are really calm. Um, we need to head to a different room." By this, she meant the "operating room" of the urgent care facility. Walking down the narrow hall, another nurse smiled and said, "another one bites the dust."

The doctor took a look at his wound, snapped a couple of pictures, and let me know she felt more comfortable with us at the emergency room in case we needed to sedate him. I was concerned about a concussion but as he was showing no clinical signs of such, I crossed that off the list of things to stress about. 

Now, this is one of the worst flu seasons in recent years. As we sat in the emergency room waiting our turn, it occurred to me that this was not the ideal place for two healthy individuals. I went through a large amount of hand sanitizer that afternoon in an attempt to keep us healthy and calm my mom-germaphobia. 

My little man was amazing. The doc placed a gel combination of epinephrine, lidocaine, and tetracaine over the wound, left us for about 30 minutes, and came back to suture the edges closed. By then, the skin had blanched and nerves numbed. Using 6-0 suture, he carefully placed 16 stitches in the v-shaped wound above the eye. Spencer lay obediently on the bed, flinching occasionally and happily watching "Snow White" on tv. When he started getting antsy, an orange popsicle calmed the wiggles and the job was finished. 

A nap, dinner, and children's ibuprofen improved his demeanor. He proceeded to throw a massive fit when we refused to let him jump on the trampoline in the dark at a friends' house...um, no thanks! Sutures were removed by a friend's PA husband 5 days later and it's healing nicely. He'll have a lovely scar to add to his manliness and I have a great story of the first - probably of several - ER stories. 

 

Go big or go home. Since then, he's been pointing to his healing scar to anyone willing to look in his direction while saying, "Look I did." 

Atta boy, Spencer.

Magnetic Experiment

Who knew that My Little Ponies could stick to the wall.....

Self-Reliance: Finances

Since joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2005, I have been impressed by the educational opportunities available for members (and interested non-members). High school students can attend seminary outside of their regular curriculum, institute classes are present on university campuses - I loved our professor, Brother Campbell! - and, most recently in our area, My Path for Self Reliance.

Strung out over a 12-week period, each class is roughly 2 hours long and focuses on one of four topics - finances, starting and growing a business, finding a better job, personal finances, and education for better work. As finances has never been my strong suit, I enrolled in this group mid-November.

Self-reliance, as defined by the Church Handbook:2, is "the ability, commitment, and effort to provide for the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. As members become self-reliant, they are also better able to serve and care for others." The result is that work is enthroned as a ruling principle in their lives. President Thomas S. Monson taught that "salvation can be obtained on no other principle" (Ensign, Sept. 1986). The curriculum is heavily doctrine based and infused with common sense principles. I loved reading weekly the tidbits from our church leaders and learning from one another. What began as a desire to improve my finance skills and seemed like a major time commitment (perhaps something of a drag every week) morphed into two hours of bonding, learning, feeling the Spirit, and cherished time with new-found friends. We made a commitment at the first class to not judge one another, not to apologize if we had a rough week with our homework, and to laugh. All of those goals were met and then some. 

The class is well outlined in the book we received the first day and discussions were centered around the "financial stewardship success map." 

We made commitments each week - teaching others what we learned, promising to work on daily prayer, serving others, creating a budget, or choosing a hard task and seeing it through to the end. Action partners were chosen weekly. These individuals were paired up to help as an accountability tracker; we were to text or call multiple times each week to see how the homework was going, chat about difficulties living a principle, and creating friendships. The final class had the same page - choose an action partner. While one class member joked that the editor of the book got a little crazy with the "cut and paste" button, five of us promised to stay in touch on a regular basis and continue to help each other through this on-going financial-smarts-learning. We attended the temple together last week and I was filled with the sweetest spirit while sitting with them. 

Financial conversations between Chadwick and I have never been easy and I used to dread them. He's always been the financially savvy one and probably felt like I was dragging us down by my lack of apparent interest. Since participating in the class, I've developed a foundation of knowledge related to money and, more importantly, a desire to actively contribute to our family's financial-well being. I feel like our conversations are more about conversing and less about one-sided discussions, I'm actively thinking before spending (though there's still room for improvement with regards to the use of my debit card), and feel better equipped to create a budget. 

I'm grateful for the inspiration of the church leaders in creating this class and others like it. I'm grateful for the materials provided, for the time to learn and grow with new people, and the friendships created. I'm grateful for the increased financial harmony in my marriage.

Now I have the tools to move forward and be a responsible adult. At least most of the time. =)

The New Year

New Year, new word. Last year, my word was "follow-through" and it was good to me. With that word posted in a visible place on the kitchen desk, I was gently reminded to finish the task I started. The beauty of the word was that it applied to just about anything from daily life to church life and everything in between. It wasn't a list of goals that were forgotten by March and tossed by June. It wasn't a reminder that I hadn't completed a single task on my list of New Year's resolutions. Just a nudge.

This year, my word is BALANCE. I think one of the things that contributes to my bouts of depression is feeling overwhelmed and off-kilter. Too many things on the to-do list, not enough time in the day, not making good use of the time available. Creating a loose schedule of goals and set days to work on projects, CBH, my doTERRA business (started last week, mostly as a way to help pay for the essential oils I'm using more for myself and the children) and time for exercise will help me to stay focused. For example, knowing that Wednesday afternoon is for the blood bank, I don't have to wonder how or when or if All Valley will be charged in an appropriate time. Actively creating time for each aspect of my life makes me happy since I'm very much a planner and Type A personality anyway. And yes, I'll schedule time for spontaneity as well....

We started 2018 by making a somewhat last minute trip to Utah. I found out that Chadwick's sister, Emily, and her family were going to be in the Salt Lake area for a week and wanted to make use of the opportunity to see them. Emily's daughter, Sarah, just got off her mission in San Diego in December and was heading back to BYU. I totally invited myself and my family to intrude on their time in Utah and it worked out wonderfully. On New Year's Eve we had dinner with Emily's brother-in-law and his family in their home (which, by the way, they had moved into literally two weeks before our arrival). The new house is huge and our kids promptly disappeared for the evening to play with the Davis girls. At one point, I asked Chadwick if he had seen Morgan or Mallorie. With a shrug and sly smile, he responded, "Out of sight, out of mind."

Monday we went to Thanksgiving Point and the Museum of Ancient Life - rooms of dinosaurs and bones and a mud-table, yes please!

 

We managed to meet up with a vet school classmate, Liz, and her little family. Another vet school friend also happened to be in town and joined the fun. The funny thing to me is that of the three couples, none of us currently live in Utah. The afternoon was spent at a park enjoying some sunshine and fresh air. We rested briefly at the hotel before driving back up to Salt Lake City. Experiencing the Christmas lights at Temple Square has been on my bucket list for a while - it was amazing! I've never seen so many lights in one spot. The Temple is beautiful on a normal evening, but the lights added another layer of beauty and spirit. The pictures don't do it justice.

 

 

 

 

 

We passed the window front of the Macy's store on the way to Costa Vida for dinner - each window contained a giant creation of candy!! It was amazing.

 

After eating, it was back to the hotel for another late bedtime. We let the kids swim a bit the following morning, said goodbye to Emily, her kids, and the Davis family and drove back to Meridian on clear roads. As a side note, I love Emily's brother-in-law and wife, Tim and Michelle! Our girls got along fabulously and they are wonderful. "When are you moving to Boise?" I asked. Their response, "You should move to Sandy."

On the way home, we stopped at Subway for lunch. This cup was a little too Oregon Duck for my taste....

The month has flown by with the return to school, resuming of music and dance classes, and a busier work schedule for me. I've made it to the Temple this month, am on my third week of training for a sprint triathlon, and really like my teaching companion for Primary. I scrubbed part of my kitchen floor, have been de-cluttering the extra bedroom closet, and cleared out old toys in the toy bin. Let's keep the momentum going!

Holiday Blessings

I was going to title this post "holiday madness" and decided something more positive was warranted. While the end of every year really is chaos and busy, there's such a sweet spirit of giving and anticipation that permeates the atmosphere. With Steve and Nancy on their mission and other in-town family members with their in-laws, Thanksgiving was a quiet, food-filled, game-playing affair with Stephen, Tara, and their three children at our house. I love having them in town!

 

We created our "thankful tree" at the beginning of November; it's so fun to hear the things that my children are thankful for. I still get to make up things for which Spencer is grateful, though it's fairly obvious when you listen to or watch him and his food/toys/sisters.

December started cold and snow-less. During the winter of 2017, we were 5 inches deep by the second weekend and continued to freeze for the next month and a half. The weather this winter has been more normal, if a bit warm. I had a quick weekend getaway to visit Dessa and her family in Seattle. It was refreshing to spend time with someone who has known me so well for so long, to catch up, laugh, offer and receive life advice, and get to know her children a bit better. She's an amazing person and I am truly amazed to be considered one of her "home team" and know that I'm better for that friendship. She had to work on Friday so I spent the day with her husband, Victor, time that I greatly enjoyed. Their son, Santi, came down with a fever Friday night so the boys stayed home Saturday while Dessa and I packed up the car and their daughter, Elena, for a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. As I had never been to Poulsbo, we drove north and had lunch at this adorable Bavarian restaurant - they had the most amazing soft pretzel!! The size of a dinner plate, it was enough for the two of us to split as an appetizer. After, we drove back to Bainbridge and walked around town a bit before catching the late afternoon ferry back to Seattle. We dropped Elena off with Victor and went back downtown for dinner. When choosing a restaurant, I had looked at several that were "family friendly" and near the water. My mom, however, pointed out that we could eat at a family restaurant anytime but as it was just going to be the two of us, an "adult" location should be the goal. Ha! Thus, Dessa made reservations at a fancy French place with amazing food, an experienced wait staff, and mature ambience. 

 

 

Sunday was spent with the kids at the market, taking DalPorto-Dumas family photos with Dessa's parents and dogs, and traveling back to Boise. There was much talking and laughter and I can't wait to see her again sometime. Perhaps while camping....

The days got darker earlier and the kids wound up for Christmas. I didn't have to do too much last minute shopping and was proud of myself for not going crazy. Granted, I never ran the numbers so I don't know how it actually came out in the end. Who's counting? 

School went down to the wire and Morgan ended the Friday before the big day. We spent Christmas Eve at home as a family. I actually branched out and tried a new dinner for the night - it felt weird as I have spent so many Eves eating our version of the Swedish smorgasbord. Split pea soup with potatoes and ham, salad, and home made bread rounded out the meal. Chad's sister-in-law Beth gave me her top secret bread recipe years ago. I didn't have all the ingredients but improvised and created an edible version of bread loaves! Can't wait to try it again with all the "right" stuff. 

 

 

I was grateful the kids slept into their normal time Christmas morning (Donna's kids woke her at 3:30 am) and we opened stockings while waiting for the French toast to bake. Presents in the den in front of the fireplace was next on the agenda and didn't disappoint. Umbrellas from Santa, a tool set, car tracks, Squinkies, Hatchimals, Shopkins, more toy cars, Paw Patrol toddler undies (small underwear are so cute!), and each girl received a 2-gallon fish tank. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Story behind the tanks - the girls have been asking for their own pet for about forever. I don't particularly want anything resembling a rodent or reptile....I loved my fish tank growing up. Trouble was, I also wanted a tank for myself. Fast forward to the middle of January and we now own not one, not two, but three fish tanks. Is that like the equivalent of being a crazy cat person??

It was a big hit, especially since they got to choose their fish and some décor. Unfortunately, Mallorie's four cloud fish lived about a week before being sucked into the filter after dying. We got her a beta like Morgan and he's still with us. Spencer was asking for a shark....the big tank we purchased off Craigslist came with a red tail shark! He hugged the tank and said, "I love my Sharkie." He cracks me up.

Dinner Christmas night was with Stephen and James and their families at Stephen and Tara's house. We Skyped with Nancy and Steve, ate lots of good food, played some foosball, and enjoyed some laughs. I love this family into which I married!!

It was  a lovely holiday. 

From Polynesian Cultural Center Back to Boise

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), located on Oahu's north shore, is a must-see when visiting the island. It boasts 42-acres of tropical splendor and provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. The Center is broken up into seven different "islands," each representing a Polynesian culture. There's a canal that runs through the middle on which you can take a ride or watch the daily Canoe Pageant floating down the shallow, fish-filled water. There are shops, places to snack, and it boasts one of the best luaus on the island. For $90+ per child's ticket, we opted to eat at the more reasonably-priced buffet (which reminded me of the one we frequented with my grandparents back in the day. Located by the mall, it never was very good...).

 

 

We spent at least five hours wandering around, listening to the local music, people watching, and experiencing a small taste of another culture. Each "island" had a set of ink tattoos that you could get, and the kids loved having the black ink rolled onto different body parts. I asked one of the women if the movie Moana was a close representation to the Polynesian culture. It must have been a slightly stupid question as it took her a minute to respond. She said that the movie was a fairly good mixture of all the cultures, not one in particular. After receiving a small taste of the Pacific Islands, I would have to agree with her.

 

 

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints founded the PCC in 1963 as a non-profit organization in partnership with BYU-Hawaii (located not far from the Center). A good 75% of the workers are Polynesian natives and students at BYU-Hawaii. They work 7-14 hours a week at the Center and is part of a scholarship they can receive while attending the university. I was impressed by that on several levels - it gives students a chance to earn money while attending a well-known university. It keeps them in touch with their heritage and allows them to share it with others. And it made the somewhat extravagant entrance fee more worthwhile.

Per recommendation by the guy at the ticket counter, we prioritized our time by visiting the Islands of Aotearoa (in New Zealand), the Islands of Samoa, the Islands of Tahiti, the Islands of Tonga, and Hawaii. We viewed part of the Canoe Pageant - Spencer was more interested in the fish than the people dancing on the canoes. Chadwick and I participated in an Tahitian wedding ceremony - the actors told the story of how the wedding works, then invited married couples in the audience to renew their vows. Sitting on a blanket on the grass, we repeated our vows while keeping an eye on Spencer who was flirting with a little girl nearby.

 

I like the ceremony and history of tradition found in each of these villages.

Morgan and Mallorie went fishing (Spencer emptied the diaper bag and proceeded to line up items on the sidewalk), we each got tattoos, we walked, viewed dances from Aotearoa which reminded me of the dance Maui did in the movie before opening the door to the underworld on top of the hill, drooled over the shaved ice people were eating, learned to keep a beat in Samoa with the large sticks they use in their music. We walked some more and learned that the people of Hawaii came up with the name ukulele because the fingers of the player resembled a flea jumping around - "uku lele." We ended the day at the buffet.

 

 

 

The grand finale of the evening was a show entitled "Ha: The Breath of Life Show." It started at 7:00 pm and lasted an hour and a half....Morgan was the only kiddo to make it through the show without falling asleep. (Side note: she was coming down with a cold that day and made it through the activities with the help of Children's Advil to keep the fever at bay) There was music, a story of two people falling in love, marrying, and having a child. It told of contention between villages, of love, of laughter, and life. The music was amazing and featured each of the Polynesian cultures throughout the night.

Friday we stuck around the beach house a bit more. Morgan was still fighting a fever and Mallorie was coming down with one. Games, pool time, and books occupied the day. Chadwick and I snuck out on a date for dinner and wound up at a little hole in the wall called Aloha Poke. There was a bench with a few stools and I get the impression most people take their food to go. The service was quite slow and the food was delightful! We walked to the beach and ate on a picnic table overlooking the bay in Makaha. It was a nice end to a busy, family filled week.

 

 

 

When in Hawaii, Chadwick must run. And run he did, a half marathon on the eastern side of the island north of Honolulu. In typical fashion, he woke early, drove for 2 hours, ran his race, and drove home. He placed well, though the humidity took its toll about half way through the race. Once back at the beach house, he showered and helped us finish packing. Spencer made sure he said goodbye to Tiki Man.

Our flight didn't leave until 10 pm, so we loaded up the car and toured the Honolulu Aquarium with David's family and my parents.

Dinner was at a nice restaurant downtown and then we split to catch our separate flights. The kids did really well on the way home - they basically slept the whole time. I couldn't get comfortable and watched movies for the 5 hour flight. I'm too old to be pulling all nighters! We had a layover of like 4 hours in Salt Lake City, where Spencer continued to sleep and I caught a 30 minute nap on the floor in terminal B. James picked us up from the airport, jet lagged and tan. Boise was cold but not unbearable; I vowed not to complain about the temperature for at least 24 hours as I was so tired of sweating! We all agreed it was nice to be back in our own beds again.

Mallorie still asks for the time in Hawaii, at least once a week if not more. The girls can't wait to head back. Spencer talked about his cousin Kade for several days after coming home and we all miss Grandma and Grandpa. We're hoping to gather again in 2019 in Albuquerque for Christmas.

I'm grateful for my family - for our quirks, our support, and love for one another. For the tolerance we learn while together and the laughter that was shared. Here's to a new tradition of regular reunions!