in the nick of time

Labor Day came and went. A four day weekend is such a blessing, but Tuesday morning it seemed more like a curse. I had ALL weekend with my husband at home and I didn't do anything productive. The house was a wreck, everyone was exhausted and there were three squares of toilet paper to my name (and I have to share it with six people living with me.)

I left for the store in a frenzy. I hoped I could shop and be back in time to take the carpool. I hoped my boys were eating breakfast so I wouldn't have to shove a banana down their throats as they buckled their seatbelts and finished their homework on the way to elementary.

And then, on the street, I drove passed a neighbor girl running her little heart out. She was just a block or two from our house and just a few more blocks away from the bus stop. She was sprinting, with arms flailing and her books flopping from side to side on her back. I could hear her panting with my windows rolled up. Poor thing. I pulled over, told her to get in for the ride of her life and peeled away from the curb like I'd just robbed a bank. I'd get her to that bus stop in time or I'd get a ticket trying. We arrived at the same time as the bus and she got out without saying thank you. And I don't blame her. She had enough on her frazzled brain.

As I thought of her throughout the day, I giggled. The sight of her frantically sprinting was just too funny. She has a long road ahead of her with many more early mornings at the bus stop... not to mention drama with friends, heartbreaks after not being asked to dances, late nights trying to write papers on books she didn't read. Poor girl. I enjoyed high school, but I wouldn't go back for all the tea in China.

As the day progressed, I realized how similar my life was to the frenzied high schooler. I am not ever physically sprinting for my neighbors to see, but I am sprinting in my own way. I am always out of breath, just trying to keep up--- not with the Kardashians, but with the laundry! I don't want to know what would have happened if the toilet paper had run out. I came back just in the nick of time. My mornings are chaotic and busy. My afternoons are filled with toddler tornadoes and a baby clawing at my calves, just begging to be held. By evening, my clothes are spattered with spaghetti sauce even when pasta wasn't on the menu. When I huff to my mother on the phone about about my frustrating days, she laughs at me. And then she tells me that while she enjoyed the early motherhood years, she would never go back, not for all the tea in China.

This week she told me about a time when my Dad took her out on a date and when they arrived at their destination, she told him to go inside and leave her in the car alone. It made me laugh and feel so much better about my desire to be left alone. And my desire to leave the house.

Life is a journey. It's difficult in every stage for different reasons. The more we can relate to others and sympathize with their struggles, the more we find the joy in our own circumstances. My journey is uniquely different than yours. But it's the same too. Today, after loading the dinner dishes and putting the kids to bed, I cried. And then I laughed about my crazy day as I pictured myself sprinting around and flailing my arms just to arrive to this moment-- the moment where I lay down in bed and feel grateful I made it here, just in the nick of time. I didn't do it in style or grace, but I made it. And tomorrow I am going to try to be a little more prepared... and a little less judgmental towards anyone who doesn't have it all together all the time.

first trip to the ER

it's been a week since the accident. days with sick kids seem to go by so slowly, but here we are-- a week later and it seems like yesterday. it needs to be documented, no matter how grotesque the pictures.

after 10 years of boys rough-housing, we made our visit to the ER. Only, oddly enough, no one was rough-housing or being crazy. Believe me, Simon spends a good amount of time running around with swords, plastic guns & make-shift "weapons" but last Thursday, he was being a sweetheart, helping me cut peaches at the counter. He was "cutting" with a butter knife, but was doing lots more eating than he was cutting. He had the knife in his right hand, at a 90 degree angle when Luke, who is by far my most calm, well mannered child, walked past Simon swinging a pillow (which is in the shape of a ball.) The pillow hit Simon's elbow in the perfect spot and flung the butter knife into the back of Simon's throat. I didn't see the knife go in, but I saw Simon pull it out and I knew by the small end of the knife sticking out of his mouth that it had punctured and that the cut was deep. Simon put his fingers in his mouth, but did not cry. When his fingers came out bloody, he asked me for a bandaid. I went to get a cold rag and by the time I went to put it in his mouth, the bleeding had stopped. Simon willingly opened his mouth and let me look at it and I was amazed by the lack of blood. The puncture was probably the size of a dime, but it was deep and you could see several inches down his throat. I wondered if Simon was in shock because there was so emotion whatsoever. He was sick already from a bad cough/croup and laid on the couch and fell asleep minutes after it happened..

I called Aaron and a couple of friends for advice on what to do. Katie, my neighbor who is also a nurse, came over to check it out. She confirmed it was probably too deep for it to heal quickly and on it's own. I was on the fence about taking him in, but because he had such a terrible cough and fever anyway, I figured it would be best to get it stitched up. Katie stayed with the baby and put her down for a nap (and also cleaned my house) while Luke, Simon and I went to the emergency room.

The ER was a total bust. We waited forever and they ended up sending us away with a pat on the back, telling us to rinse it with salt water and keep an eye on it. I had sent a picture to a couple of dentists asking their opinion and both had called me back on the way home telling me it needed to be stitched up. Simon had yet to cry or complain over it, but I ended up shedding a few tears on the way home. It's hard to know what to do when you are getting conflicting advice!

Poor Luke felt awful about the whole thing. He stayed by Simon's side the entire time and kept asking him how he was doing. From the beginning Simon acted like nothing was wrong. By the time we were home, he was running around and eating chips and salsa (ahh!) I tried to get him to take a late nap, but he wouldn't have it.. so it was a long afternoon.

(this picture below was taken the day of the accident... he was sprinting across couches as spiderman minutes before Daddy got home from work.)

Aaron had a tennis match that night and lucky (for me!) it rained. He came home and took one look at the open palate and was freaked out by how deep it was. (I tried to tell him on the phone, but I guess you had to see it to believe it.. the pictures didn't do justice.) Around 9 PM, he took Simon over to our dentist/neighbor and they went into the office and stitched him up. Aaron held him the entire time and said he didn't move or complain one bit. unbelievable. I was worried that he was going to freak out because he hadn't had a nap and can get emotional when he's tired. Instead, he fell asleep :). It was only a few stitches, but Dr. Atwood said he was so surprised the ER sent me away knowing how deep the cut was. He also said Simon was a trooper, which we all knew after seeing him behave like a champ. He slept in our room that night and didn't make a peep.

The next morning, he woke up saying he wanted a slurpie, so that's what we got him first thing. He had about 3 sips before he insisted he was fine. I didn't fill the pain killer prescription because he wasn't complaining. He ran around like his usual self and didn't tug at or mention his stitches until 48 hours after the accident. He told me the following night he "had an owie in his mouth" as if I didn't know. We gave him some Tylenol and called it good.

A few days after that, we had the Sister Missionaries over for dinner. Simon was being his usual chatty self and talked their ears off. At one point during the meal, he picked up a butter knife, showed it to the Missionaries and said, "I ate this knife one time." We had to explain the whole story to the Sisters and they were so surprised he was so matter-of-fact about it. He told them all about cutting peaches, going to the doctor and then the dentist and he was happy to show his scar, but still not a single tear. I am totally amazed by this tough two year old of mine. He means it when he says he's NO BABY!

Looking back at the events this past week, I am so grateful for the support system I have... local friends and neighbors who are so willing and able to help us. I am grateful for heath insurance and a husband who works hard so I don't have to stress about medical bills. I truly believe this experience could have been so much worse. I know that we were blessed and I so relieved that our spunky, busy, rambunctious Simon is doing well. Here's to hoping we have another 10+ years before our next emergency.

the night time stood still

It was warm and breezy. The lights at the stadium were bright. The crowd was happy and alive. You would have never guessed this was her first ballgame; she clapped and cheered like a pro.
This handsome daddy is such a trooper. The kids were hungry (and thirsty!) and he spent a fortune on dinner. A hot dog tastes better at a ballgame. We also had peanuts, pretzels, popcorn and a couple of crackerjacks.
Simon was all over the place.. up and down and here and there and missing twice. But for a short moment, he sat on my lap and listened to the rules of the game and ran his fingers through my hair and told me that I was a nice girl. If only he could be two forever.
There were two foul balls hit in our direction. We didn't catch either. But a nice man sitting next to us saw how much enthusiasm was coming out of our boys and gave them each a baseball. Zack could not have been happier. His love language is "gifts" and he will be keeping this ball forever. #hoarder
I've said it before and I will say it again, Luke is the easiest, most happy-go-lucky kid I know. He will always be my sweetheart. and yes, his shirt says "protect your nuts".
The final innings ended in home runs for both teams. It was exciting and thrilling and magical. Benjamin is so mature, but is such a little boy, too. He wouldn't take his eyes off the field and commented on every play. He has SO MUCH zest for life.

Towards the end of the game, I leaned my head on my husband's shoulder. I felt like we were out on a romantic date, with all of our offspring :) I looked at each of my children and held my husband's hand and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic. This was the perfect way to "celebrate" the first day of a new school year. For just a minute or two, time stood still. If only they could stay this way forever.

America's favorite pastime just became ours.

pump, pump it up

I could spend all day documenting our summer adventures. But honestly, I am afraid to open the picture files on my computer. Can't do it. I would much rather document today and today only. And upload terrible quality pictures from my phone.

Today we went to PUMP IT UP with friends in our neighborhood. We had a grand old sweaty time. Before we left, the boys asked me how much it was going to cost for them to go. I told them $5 each. Next thing I know they are raiding their piggy banks. Ben and Luke have a substantial savings account, but Zack spends his $$ as soon as he gets it. He could only come up with a few dollars. I didn't realize what was going on until I overheard this conversation.

Ben: Okay, so how much do you have exactly?

Zack: Not enough to go.

Ben: That's okay, bud. I can spot ya.

Zack: Thanks, Ben! I will pay you back when I earn the money!

Ben: Sure. and you can even do a job for me to make it up. I am sure I can think of something.

Then a few minutes later, Ben runs up to me and says, "Um, who's going to pay for Simon?" as IF he is the man of the house. Love him. All three older boys paid their own way and I forked out the dough for Simon. I will think of a way he can pay me back.

Speaking of Simon... he is an incredible little guy. He bounced and slid and hung in with the big boys. Ben and Luke kept raving about how strong he was. They tried to help him through the obstacle course and he would swat them away and say, "I can do it!" and he totally did! This is the only picture I got of him-- climbing up a crazy steep wall that was made for kids much older than he is.

I love watching my boys hang together when they are surrounded by other friends. They really are the best of buds. These two are so silly together. (if you can't tell by the blur, it's Zack and Luke.)

This playdate was during Ro's nap, so she wasn't so happy. Jane took her down the slide to see if she would like it. She did not. Luke took her down a bit later and gave her whiplash. Poor baby. But darling pouty.

Towards the end, I held Ro and tried to keep her happy. She was kissing my face and the next thing I know, she had collapsed on my chest. This happens never. It could have been a great shot of her mullet, but she was sweaty and it was swept to the side. maybe next time.

7 days until school!

Blogging from my phone... which is a first. It's 8:30 AM and we're just rolling out of bed now. One more week before school starts! I keep adding exclamation points after my back to school sentences because I am going to be excited about it!!! A month ago when I added in first day of school to our calendar, I wrote a sad face next to it... and then erased it and added an exclamation point. "First Day of School!" looks so much better than "First Day of School :(" it's all about your attitude and I choose to have a happy one.

Last night (Sunday) we had a serious family meeting after scripture study. We said we're going to treat these next 7 days like we would a typical school week. Early to bed, early to rise.. showers taken, chores finished and lunches packed before 8:00 AM. The boys all groaned. Minutes after our new agenda was set, my oldest sister called. She has 7 kids and it's their last week of vacation too. They were planning a trip to Yellowstone, but the kids want to come to Vegas instead. She asked what we have going and if we are up for visitors. We are always up for visitors! My boys are counting down the minutes until thy arrive. (only 500 something to go...) Scheduled routines and strict bedtimes are for wimps. Party, party, party! Might as well end the summer in style!

Off to an indoor bounce house... Hope to check in again soon.