our "experience" with Roseola

Zack is over the rough week and he's finally starting to act like himself again. I am so relieved (and at the same time, slightly annoyed that he's back into making messes and bouncing off the walls.) No, I was really worried about him for a few days and I am completely worn out (emotionally and physically!) His fever was about 102-103 for three days straight and he was SO lethargic. The worst time was on day five, Wednesday night. I did a little research and read that 10-15% of children who have Roseola suffer from seizures... and sure enough, Zack was lucky enough to be in the minority. When his fever climaxed, his whole body would shake for 3-4 seconds, then he would calm down, breathe heavy and start all over about ten minutes later. It was scary, but I just held him and prayed our way through. After about 2 hours of mini seizures, he seemed to have kicked it!! FINALLY!! These pictures were taken Wed at dinner-- right after his fever broke. We could immediately tell that he was feeling better... not only was he sitting up, but he was trying to make us all laugh.. that's the Zack we are used to.

The saddest part of it was that he COULD NOT open his eyes for anything. I am not kidding when I say these pictures were taken when he was feeling better and looking good. We were so happy to see him smile!! and he was trying his best to pull silly faces (even though he could barely see what was going on. ) This short clip shows his inability to open his eyes! He really went through a lot, and it makes me so grateful for my sweet Zack!

I am so behind on housework and laundry, but VERY grateful to have him healthy again. I cannot imagine what parents go through when their little ones are in the hospital... I would be a wreck! It truly humbles you and makes you feel so helpless and dependent on Heavenly Father! I need these experiences to make me realize ALL that I have and how grateful I am for my blessings... but I'm not asking for any more :) I learned my lesson, I promise!

our Valentine's Day

Aaron has so many qualities that I love... one of those qualities is that he's PERFECT! He was my prince charming yesterday and the ONLY reason why I still have my sanity is because HE is my husband. He took the entire day off work!! It was so sweet of him. Zack was still recovering from his sickness. I had SO many errands to run but couldn't bring him with me and didn't want to drop him off at a sitter in fear of spreading the deadly germs! but I had SO many things I needed to do... Aaron came to my rescue and was available for whatever! He is an absolute lifesaver! He also made me a thoughtful coupon book (I wish I could blog about it, but he told me I couldn't...) AND he got me a gorgeous bouquet of red roses! He is seriously the best. I know that I am all over the place, but that is my life lately! I don't make sense and I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off... but Aaron still loves me, and I am so glad he does!

Our Valentine's party was a hit! Seriously, I went to bed last night and my face hurt from smiling so much! It was hilarious and very romantic! We had the best time with our friends here-- ten couples. Out of all the parties I have thrown, this was the easiest. Everyone was SO helpful and so understanding after my crazy week and scatterbrained-ness. but it turned out great! The highlights of the party were Nate's blank date picture... Elliot's electric guitar jamming (I love that we all joined in for the chorus.. I am still singing "I'm the one who wants to be with you..") and the FOOD! Delish.. But most of all, it's so much fun to see other couples in LOVE! Thanks for a great time everyone!

The LADIES--- aren't we beauty-full?

jane, janet, denett, emilee, jen, alison and sara

karissa, ashlee, alison

LOVE BIRDS----

Denett and Russ......................................................................Kate and Zach

Alison and Dennis (who's song was awesome!)

Mike and Jen
just thinking about his "poem" makes me laugh. what a funny guy!

thanks for the pix, D!

Valentine boxes!!

Yesterday was a CRAZY day-- to say the least. After a week in the house with a sick toddler, I was more than ready to get out and get things done!!! I had put EVERYTHING off until Thursday, so it was completely insane... we had car repairs, grocery shopping, doc appointments, and 2 parties to get ready for! The boys had a homeschooling one in the afternoon and we had one with adults in the evening. It was a GREAT holiday and I am so glad it's over!! Here are a few pictures of the boys at their party. (Zack had to stay home because he was sick.. I will have to report on that later.)

To be honest, I was SO excited about the boys making Valentine boxes. Homeschooling is FANTASTIC, but sometimes I feel guilty that they can't do all the things that I loved about school.... making Valentine boxes is on that list. So, we were thrilled when we were invited to a party with our homeschooling friends. Of course, the boys wanted to make Transformer Valentines and boxes. Luke made "the cube" and Ben did a mailbox that never actually made it on the pole. It was fun!! I love having kids that are excited as I am about celebrating!

Happy LOVE day, Dad!

You might be wondering why I am choosing today to write a tribute to my father.. and that's because his birthday happens to fall on Valentine's day every year! I'm not sure if he likes sharing his special day with the rest of the world (because he has to buy his wife a present on his own birthday!) but it is an easy day to remember for the rest of us. His mother, my grandma Roma, used to tell me how she would send him to school on his birthday with pink Valentine heart cookies to share with his class-- how the times have changed since then! You must be getting old, Dad!

I really LOVE my dad and feel so grateful that he's mine. Growing up with so many brothers and sisters, people would always ask HOW my parents did it. Now, with three of my own, I ask myself the same question! Somehow they did it-- and they raised some pretty excellent kids, if I say so myself. I remember being a little girl and understanding how Heavenly Father could love ALL of his children so individually and personally.. it just made perfect sense to me because I grew up seeing my own dad, watching him with his 10 children. He knows us all on a personal level. He treats us as individuals, punished us differently and loves us like we are only children. He is the best dad anyone could ask for and I am a lucky girl to have been raised by such a great man! Here is my tribute.. sixty reasons why I love my dad. That's right.. he is the big 60 today!!

♥ he's smart ♥ he's a great grandpa ♥ he's kind ♥ he's humble ♥ he taught us by example, not by preaching ♥ he knows how to play a killer game of Rook-- you have reason to celebrate when you beat him! ♥ he's a terrific chef ♥ he has a green thumb and a beautiful garden ♥ he built his own greenhouse so he could garden all year round ♥ he grew lilies for my wedding ♥ he's got a great sense of humor ♥ he's loving ♥ he doesn't give advice unless we beg for it ♥ he doesn't care what the world thinks ♥ he studies the scriptures faithfully ♥ he felt so bad about missing my daddy daughter date when I was ten.. we went out for hamburgers and shakes later that night- just the two of us ♥ he loves newborn babies ♥ he taught us that things aren't important ♥ he's witty ♥ he doesn't take credit for anything ♥ he's giving of his time and money ♥ he's frugal ♥ he served in the army (even missed the birth of his first son) ♥ he trusts his children to make the right decision ♥ he NEVER passes judgment on anyone ♥ he loves serving in the local care center ♥ his testimony is firm ♥ he doesn't sweat the small stuff ♥ he took us to Lagoon every year, even though one of us would usually end up getting lost ♥ he's never driven a fancy car ♥ he would take us to Holiday for fountain drinks ♥ he likes to camp ♥ he's our #1 supporter.. never missed a big event in our lives and went to EVERY game my brothers ever play in! ♥ he always let us play city sports.. even when money was tight ♥ he took me and my sisters on a business trip to San Bernardino ♥ he has a great laugh ♥ he works hard ♥ he knows a good mexican restaurant when he's found it ♥ he doesn't beat around the bush.. he calls it like he sees it ♥ he always worries about us when we are on road trips! ♥ he's honest ♥ he would take me to referee basketball games with him every Saturday.. ♥ he's close with his siblings ♥ he served a mission in Mexico ♥ he loves sports ♥ he always paid tithing, no matter what ♥ he knows how to save money ♥ he is a worthy priesthood holder and gave us blessings every year before school started ♥ he's taken the time to visit me when we live far away ♥ he lets us remodel his house when he goes out of the country! ♥ he's wise ♥ he follows the prophet ♥ he told me to get a scholarship for college.. I didn't know student loans existed ♥ he likes his whiskers pulled from his face ♥ he has a massive food storage ♥ he's giving ♥ he's selfless ♥ he loves my mom ♥

Happy Birthday, Dad!
I love you and hope you have a great day!

ps ** when I say he has a massive food storage, I mean MASSIVE. They have a mini grocery store in their basement. If you don't have a dad breathing down your neck about food storage, let me pay tribute to him by saying this: "Get prepared. We have been warned over and over and NOW is the time to do it! If we are not prepared, we will not be able to care for our families. Can you imagine anything worse than watching your children suffer? Do not be scared. Be faithful and get ready for what is to come..." If you have any questions, I will give you my dad's cell number.. he knows everything :)

my LOVE list

tis the season to LOVE.
Aaron thinks I use that word too casually, but I really DO love a lot of things (and people!)
Here are a few of my favorite things...... my top 10 countdown.

TEN - the world's best water bottle

I am not kidding you when I say I don't want to live without this. I can almost promise you that you will drink more water when you own one. It's spill proof, dishwasher safe, kid friendly, easy to drink from, allows you to throw in full size ice cubes, fits in any cup holder and is just plain wonderful. It's Rubbermaid brand and I believe it's $4 at your local supercenter..

NINE - American Idol

That's right, I said it. I love American Idol. Categorize me with all the teenagers if you want, but I will never be ashamed. I've watched it since the beginning (remember our Wyview parties and our celebration when Kelly won?!) I look forward to it every Tues/Wed, but I don't consider myself obsessed.. I do, however, love Ryan Seacrest and secretly think we're friends.




EIGHT - triple greens

This stuff is SO good and I am grateful to my in-laws for keeping my shelves stalked with it. In comes in a powder form and you mix a spoonful with 8 oz of cold water. Drink one glass and you have your veggie count for the day. Of course, I actually love to eat veggies (my husband thinks I am a rabbit) so this is just an added bonus. My kids like it -but they don't love it- but it's also very easy to mix (hide) in with recipes. I usually have it while working out.. and last week a guy tapped me on the shoulder while I was on the treadmill and said, "I HAVE to ask what you're drinking!" I think I convinced him to buy a bottle.



SEVEN - my ipod

I wasn't sure about jumping on the ipod band wagon, but I am so happy I did! It's fabulous. Especially when you are doing the dishes and don't want to hear your kids fighting (or transforming!) It's also great for exercising or taking a bath (obviously I have different mixes for each occasion.)






SIX - the Ensign

What a blessing it is to have modern day revelation and to receive it in the mail every month. I love this magazine and usually find that the articles I don't think would apply to my life seem to help me the most. It's easier for me to stay awake reading the Ensign than the scriptures, so it's my bedtime read.





FIVE - Homeschooling

I am SO grateful for the chance to homeschool. It's truly incredible (and completely exhausting at the same time!) I am grateful that I have a husband who provides for our family so I have the opportunity to stay home with my children. They teach me so much everyday and even though some days I wish I had more time to myself, I know that I am doing the best thing for our family.




FOUR - Ziggy

This face is always dirty and almost always smiling. I love his energy, charisma, enthusiasm, desire to learn new things, ability to make us laugh, and gorgeous baby blue eyes. He has totally changed the dynamics of our family. Zack has been such a challenge for me and has made my heart so much bigger!

ps. he is still very sick.. I believe he has the 3 day fever (Roseola) and we're on day 5. He didn't move yesterday and was awake for about 10 minutes total! He's going to get better, but keep him in your prayers!


THREE - Lukey-Luke

I don't know how this boy grew up so fast! I hope he doesn't feel like a middle child who gets lost in the mix of things because we all love him to pieces. He's silly, smart, sassy, sensitive and oh-so sweet! He has become quite the little helper and has given himself the title of "best listener in the family." Sometimes they keep score of who listens the fastest-- and being a mom is always easier when they play THAT game. Can't wait to see where life will take this little guy!



TWO - Benny boy

I don't think I could handle my life without Benjamin. He is seriously my right arm. He takes care of all of us and sets such a great example for his brothers. Ben includes everyone and is always laughing. He is also doing everything on his own and he is constantly creating new inventions. This is his signature double-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwich.




ONE- my handsome husband

What I wouldn't give to be back in Hawaii with this guy. Aaron is by FAR my #1. I am thankful everyday that he is in my life and that he is MY man! Marriage isn't hard when you are married to your best friend and I know that sounds cliché, but it's true. Aaron is loving, funny, good-looking, attentive, hard working, easy to talk to and my favorite person to be around. And even though I LOVE so many things and so many people-- he is always at the top of my list. (except for in this case.. he's at the bottom.. but that's because I was counting down.... :)

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!