fremont street

Cody and Jake are back from Korea and we are SO happy!! They flew into LA and were able to visit for a couple of days on their way up to Utah. We love living in Vegas because everyone is always passing through and our guest room is getting some good use! While they were here, we did a lot of hanging out, watching movies and eating good food. For a nice wholesome FHE activity, we took them to Fremont Street. The reason we went was to try the famous fried twinkies. But luckily (for our health) they were all sold out. I think our hearts started slowing down just by the thought of eating one. We did stop for ice cream on the way home and HAD to get a picture of Jake's outfit. he's a cool cat and can pull anything off.. (anything EXCEPT bright orange long johns!)





* explanation on the pictures of the boys looking at the sky. Fremont street is "the Old Las Vegas" but recently they have done a lot of remodeling and it's pretty cool. They shut off the street and made it into a huge dome-like walkway. On the 'ceiling' of the dome is the world's biggest television. While we were there, they were playing some alien invasion movie and Ben and Luke couldn't keep their eyes off the screen... I wonder if their necks are hurting today. ?

getting personal

I know many of you think that my life is an open book.. but it's not. it's a private blog.

In all honesty, there are a few things that I never mention because they are personal. one of those things is my health. I have really been struggling lately (and by lately, I mean the past few years) with major fatigue. I really don't like to talk about it because I know there are worse trials out there, but I have not been feeling like myself. When I mention this to others, they tell me that motherhood does that to you or just life in general, but deep down, I knew something was not right. My doctor in Spokane was wonderful and seemed to listen to what I would say and he helped me a ton. Just before moving to Vegas, he mentioned that even though my blood work wasn't showing it, it seemed as though I was suffering from an autoimmune disease. When he told me that, I thought he was crazy because only 70 year old ladies have arthritis or fibromyalgia. But when I started reading up on it, I realized that he was probably right. I tried seeing a specialist (a rheumalogist) since moving to Vegas, but I have been so frustrated with the doctors here! They either don't speak English or don't know what they are talking about.. I have been given the run around for months! After a year, I FINALLY was able to meet with someone who was willing to run my blood tests and see if something seems out of the ordinary. The results came back on Friday, and sure enough, I tested positive for Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disease which means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues it's supposed to protect. It mainly affects your joints, but it makes the entire body feel weak and exhausted. And it's the fatigue that's getting to me. I guess I've known for a while that I've had it, but for some reason, hearing the official diagnosis was hard for me. Knowing that I have a chronic illness makes me feel like I won't be able to be ME... and somehow, less of a mother or wife. Of course, I know my family won't love me any different, but in a way, I will be changing who I am because I will be catering to my illness. I struggle with trying to get out of bed most days.. I do have sore joints, but it's been months since I really felt like myself. I am going to a specialist in about a week and will have more info after that. I know there is medicine that will help me but I hate to think about being on medication for the rest of my life. The reason why I shy away from talking about this is because I DON'T want a pity party. I know there are many others out there who have major trials. My dear friend Francine has been struggling with sickness for years and I feel like I can't complain about anything. But tonight I thought I would get a little personal and let you know that my life is far from perfect.

After getting the results on Friday, Aaron and I were able to go out for dinner, just the two of us. (thanks for watching my kids, Jane! I really needed it!!) It was an emotional date night for me and one that I won't forget soon. Aaron is such a ROCK and is always there to support me. He told me that even though I have been out of it lately (if you saw my house, you would know what he means) that this is exactly what he signed up for-- to go through the ups and downs with me. Lately I feel like I have had a lot more downs than ups, but maybe I will need to stop looking for excitement and start being a grown up. If anything, I believe it will make me that much more dependent on God and more willing to do things HIS way. I know that everything happens for a reason and that we are supposed to take what we have been given and run with it... all the while being grateful for what we have. Aaron and I spent a majority of our dinner conversation talking about our kids and how lucky we feel to be their parents. One of the unofficial side effects of rheumatoid arthritis is infertility and I believe this is the main reason we've had difficulty getting pregnant. I have no idea what this means for our future, but it makes me SO incredibly thankful for the blessings I have already been given. I am truly fortunate and there is no doubt in my mind that it's a wonderful life... not perfect or glamorous, but definitely wonderful.

feeling faint

This is my family in 2000. I was 8 months pregnant with Ben. What photographer decides to make a very pregnant woman stand in the back and wait for 100 other people to be placed? I know Aaron and I are tall, good looking, and like to be in the center of things, but it was a bad decision. By the time the little ones were placed in front, I was DYING! We had been standing under the hot lights (which seemed like forever) and I knew I was in trouble. Before the first shot was taken, I told the entire group, "I am going to faint, YO!" The photographer told me to hang on and quickly snapped one shot. Then I said again, "I am not kidding here! I am really going to pass out!" Everyone was still smiling for the camera when Aaron said, "I will catch you if you go." And the rest is history.

There are a several things that are completely hilarious about this picture... First: it was snapped at the exact moment that I passed out... I was still standing, but you can see my eyes rolling in the back of my head. Second: my punk brother-in-law didn't want to wear his tie and we thought THAT was drama until I fainted. Third: the ONE shot that was taken before I passed out turned out pretty good! Fourth: (and most important) Everyone is smiling.. except for Aaron because he knew I was a gonner! I totally love his face because he's like "HOLY *@i#" (even though he's never sworn in his life... I know he was thinking it!) I obviously don't remember anything (except for a crazy, wild dream.. Francine and I were driving around a race track in a red sports convertible and we were cruising fast and laughing hard! ) I finally woke up to my family surrounding me. Aaron had left to get some water because I was OUT and they couldn't wake me. One of my sisters was crying.. When I finally came to, I could not stop laughing. The whole situation was hilarious (I don't think Aaron or my mom thought it was funny for a while.) But an hour later, we were able to see the film and just cracked up!! My mom did not want my dad to buy the picture-- but I insisted! Too bad it was before the digital stage-- the picture quality isn't great, but it's classic.

P. E.

One of the gorgeous and talented homeschooling moms in our area started a P.E. group that meets at the park for lots of fun activities. I remembered to bring my camera today, but I only took pictures during the last half. They played a parachute game, freeze tag, jump rope, relay races and completely wore themselves OUT! It's great to be outside in this gorgeous weather and hang out with some of the coolest moms this side of the Mississippi.

It's time for DINNER!

Keeping kids occupied while I am making dinner
is the HARDEST part of the day!

When 4:00 hits, it's WWIII in my house--everyday! I am completely exhausted and the boys are bouncing off the walls. I honestly think I am a nice mom except from 4:00-6:00 pm. That's when I do ALL my yelling and feel like locking my kids in their room until dinner is prepared (actually, I usually feel like sending them to bed for the rest of the night without dinner...) What I hate most about this is that my husband comes home and I am always frustrated! I usually pretend like I am not, but I don't hide it well. I hate that I am in a great mood all day except for right before he walks through the door. I mean, what husband wants to come home to a flustered wife and crazy, snotty-nosed kids? Not mine.

Anyway, this last week has been SO much better and I thought I would share our "solution"... and this was all Aaron's idea, so I need to make sure to give him the credit. We now have DINNERTIME TOYS that are only to be played with while I am making dinner. These are my boys' favorite toys and are up on a shelf until 4:00. They ask to play with them at least 3 times during the day and my response is (in a very excited voice) "It's not time yet! You can play with them right before dinner!" When 4:00 rolls around, we quickly clean up the living room to get ready for their special toys. This keeps the kids occupied and gives me some time in the kitchen to make dinner and stay calm and collected. And we are all happy when Aaron walks through the door! Ben and Luke have to clean up their toys in time to set the table and Zack plays until we are sitting down... we need him out of our hair for as LONG as possible!

And while I am talking about dinner helps, I thought I would post our weekly menu. This is hanging in my pantry and even though I am not a Nazi about following it everyday, it gives me some ideas. I try to do pasta only on Monday nights.. and usually Mexican on Tuesday.. etc. Of course, if I really feel like trying a new recipe, I don't stress about messing up our routine. But it really helps on those days that I am pacing the kitchen wondering what to make. And the funny thing about this is that Wednesday nights have become the night to look forward to.. why do breakfast foods make everyone happy?.. probably the sugary syrup.. I know it solves all my problems.

What DINNERTIME solutions do you have to share?
I know I could use them!

ps. for more WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY tips, check out Shannon's blog.