The Blotkamp Family Blog

How Matthew helped find his brain tumor

2010-01-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

This post was written by Rhonda's sister
and the events mentioned were told to me
by Rhonda.
For a look at what the rest of
Rhonda's family
was doing when everything
unfolded
go here

"How did they find Matthew's brain tumor?"
It is the first question every mother who has a child with a brain wants to know.

For many months Matthew had complained of headaches.
But if you have met Matt you know that he is not a big complainer.
The headaches didn't seem to be impairing him in any way.
He also seemed to be getting the flu a lot or at least what Rhonda thought was the flu.
He would have a headache, throw up, take a nap and feel better.
It was a short flu, but still the flu in her mind.

On Wednesday December 30th Matthew had one of his headaches, but it was different.
He was crying and begging.... BEGGING to go to the Doctor.
He wanted help
any help
Even if that meant going to the doctor.
Rhonda made the appointment.
a late appointment and Matthew asked all day when he could go see the Doctor.
Rhonda was working that day so she made a list of Matt's symptoms for Chad to take to the Doctor.

The list mentioned the episodes of Headaches, vomiting, and the over the counter medications used to manage the pain.

The list did NOT mention the falling.

Matthew has a history of falling and falling a lot. He has had numerous injuries to his head from falling. In fact it was a joke in the family. It was so common that no one thought anything of it. It didn't slow Matt down and it was something we came to expect of him.

Matthew's Doctor ordered a CT scan for the very next morning, something he swears was done by inspiration only since without the knowledge of the falling he really only suspected migraines was his problem.

Matthew's Dad asked their home teachers to give Matt a blessing the morning of the scan. Rhonda admits that Chad must have been more in tune cause she saw little need for the blessing or the CT scan.

The scan was completed around noon on the 31st. The tech let Matt look at his brain never relaying any hint that anything was abnormal in anyway. Lunch was next in their plans for the day and then some shopping.

Rhonda received a phone call on her cell while they were out from a number she didn't know and therefore ignored it, but they were consistent and so she answered the second time this unknown number came up.

Rhonda?

Yes?

This is Matthew's Doctor. You need to take Matthew to Phoenix Children's Hospital now.

And that is when Rhonda's world changed.
That is when we felt so blessed that Matt asked for help
That is when we felt blessed for a Doctor who is ready to be inspired
That is when we felt blessed for home teachers who Chad felt comfortable asking to give Matthew a blessing.

Things have fallen into place as if someone was conducting everything.
Neurosurgeon on call
An empty surgery schedule with a full surgical staff ready and available
Everything covered by insurance
Family on break and ready to help.

You could say it is coincidence, but we never would.

At Home

2010-01-12T13:29:00.003-07:00

Matthew arrived home late last night!

Apparently Charley really missed him because there were lots of hugs for Matthew and laying her head on his shoulder. Unfortunately, she wasn't as excited to see her mom, but we are sure with time she will warm up to her mother once again.

Matthew would really like to run, ride his scooter, play sports and with his friends, however he was told to do none of these things for the time being. He also will not be returning to school or church until his doctors give further notice.

He has many doctor appointments in his future and we are still waiting to find out if physical therapy will be a regular part of his routine.

But he is home!

MATTHEW IS COMING HOME!!!

2010-01-11T18:52:00.004-07:00

MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME!MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME! MATTHEW IS COMING HOME!

Happy Birthday RHONDA!

2010-01-10T17:46:00.003-07:00

Rhonda,
For your birthday you get:
to stay the night in the most expensive room in all of Phoenix
you also get to share that room with your son and another patient
You get to eat cafeteria food
you get to shower in a communal bathroom
And your son with have his best day yet.
He will stink you out of the room with his manly toots and do physical therapy with out crying!
He will also make you a sponge bob square pants out of a bed pan!
Happy 29th birthday!!

Moving on to smaller and less accommodating places

2010-01-09T11:43:00.004-07:00

Matthew is out of ICU!

Matt is in a regular hospital room now and is currently outside the hospital chasing and trying to run over his brother, Jacob, with his wheel chair.

Did you see the seat belt?

He still has some physical therapy to finish up and then, fingers crossed, will get to come home in a couple of days!

Although Rhonda has appreciated everything Phoenix children's hospital has done, she is ready to move out of there and get back home to her other babies.

{There is his smile!}

As always, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, for all your prayers and well wishes. We feel as though we have witnessed so many miracles through all of this.

Did we mention THANK YOU?

Matthew in new pajamas

2010-01-08T06:24:00.005-07:00

After nearly a week without a bath (every boys dream!) Matthew did get to change pajamas yesterday!

{Picture taken while skyping on Thursday night with his cousin}

Matt is still improving he is stronger every day.

The doctors determined that he will not need a shunt as his body is handling the brain fluid. They took the drain out of his head this evening, unfortunately the removal created significant pain to Matt.

He still has a way to go and while we are not making plans for his home coming we are hoping to get an estimated release date as soon as Matt proves he can do with out the drain.

{Matthew doing physical therapy}

The good with the bad

2010-01-07T12:09:00.003-07:00

Matthew is making strides unfortunately it comes at the cost of pain.

He is trying hard to be brave and do what the Doctors, nurses and his mom are asking him to do, but that is a lot of people telling you what to do.

Some highlights from yesterday are:

He got to leave his room for a little adventure by way of a wheel chair (twice).

2 therapy dogs visited him.

He got to chat with his brother via skype and that put a big smile on his face.

Last night they clamped the drain (kind of a trial run to see if he will need a shunt) and they said that the pressure in his head was good. (we are happy about that)

He had another MRI this morning and we are hoping to learn what the next step is today.

A fan for life

2010-01-05T17:36:00.002-07:00

Matthew had some big feats today:

He now only has 3 things hooked up to him.
For breakfast he had Fruit loops, Chocolate milk and French Toast.
Sat up in a chair on his Mom's lap
He stood, with some discomfort, for about 5 minutes.
With the help of a nurse and his Mom he WALKED to the bathroom.
Final word is that the tumor was in fact benign.
His body seems to be draining the brain/spinal fluid through it's own normal process rather than the drain they installed during surgery which could mean no shunt will have to be placed.
And he wrote his name today!

He still prefers to keep quiet and lay very still but all reports say that he had a big smile on his face when a group of Arizona Cardinals players and the mascot showed up in his room.

{They swear there was smiles even if this picture doesn't show it}

Every day is getting better and better and we know that it is thanks to our Father in Heaven and so many people praying on behalf of our Matthew.
thank you.

awakening

2010-01-04T10:08:00.003-07:00

Matthew was kept sedated for another day to run more tests and also to be kept on the ventilator.
The ventilator was taken out last night and he is breathing very well all on his own.
He is awake this morning but, as I am sure you can imagine, doesn't feel much like himself or like talking.
His grandparents from Montana arrived late last night and are joining the rest of our family in picking up any slack.

Thank you for your prayers and please keep them going until we get our Matthew back to 100%.

A post about Matthew, Updated

2010-01-02T13:53:00.004-07:00

Many of you may have heard that on Thursday December 31st Matthew was admitted to Phoenix Children's hospital with a brain tumor.

He is currently in surgery (Saturday Jan 2nd 2pm) and we are waiting to hear how it is going.

(Matthew in good spirits)

Thank you for your prayers!

6:56pm

After a nearly 9 hour surgery he is out.

Early reports are that it went very well and the tumor was benign.

Thank you, again, for all your prayers!

Did I blink???

2009-08-10T12:55:00.009-07:00

My oldest child has entered the Second grade.

My youngest son has started Kindergarten.

My baby is now a one year old.

Wow. That sure happened fast.

what started as an update ended up as a love letter to my sister

2009-04-29T11:52:00.003-07:00

I had no idea that having a 3rd child was so much work.
maybe it is the fact that it has been nearly 5 years since last I was here but Charley is so cute it is all worthwhile!
I have to say though with out my sister Megan I would never be able to do everything.
Sometimes she just stops by to hold Charley for me while I do hair with out me even asking.
Megan is kind and loving and reminds my children to close the back door over and over again.
Sometimes she makes me cookies just when I need them most.
She lends me her fanciest clothes and She is extra pretty!
I think she must be the best person in the whole world.
I am so glad that she is my sister!

I know I am horrible at posting but here is something for you to look at even though it is my sister who is posting this for me

2009-04-01T20:22:00.002-07:00

SO much to do.

2008-11-12T08:22:00.004-07:00

The laundry is piled up.
The beds are unmade.
There are a stack of bills waiting.
There are toilets that need to be scrubbed.

And all I can do is sit here, and be overwhelmed...

by this...

she's much more fun to look at than a clean toilet.

Any thoughts?

2008-10-13T07:17:00.002-07:00

Thoughts on Fall

2008-10-02T14:34:00.002-07:00

I am super excited that it is finally October. Now it will cool off and be perfectly lovely to go out on evening strolls while my husband pushes the stroller with one hand and holds mine with the other. The boys will ride their bikes round us as we will be much to slow for them. The leaves will fall. We will look at the autumn-ey decorations people sit out on their porch and admire the intricately carved pumpkins. Hot chocolate will be served upon our return home along with some fresh baked cookies. The boys will want to finish up their homework so they can go out and kick the ball around outside. Chad and I sit on our porch swing all bundled up in a blanket as we watch the boys as well as the sun dipping down behind the horizon. Charley will yawn and curl up in our arms as she hums herself to sleep. When I put all the children to bed I will have to make sure that they are wearing their warm pj's cause they always kick their blankets off in the night. In the morning we will awake to perfect crisp autumn air and life will be perfect. I love this time of year!

Celebrating Megan

2008-09-05T11:38:00.003-07:00

In honor of her birthday I'm doing a post all by myself. . . Seriously. . . this is really ME writing. . .

Happy birthday little sister!

The in laws are here

2008-09-01T07:28:00.003-07:00

Family is here from Montana to get a good look at my beautiful B.U.A.N (baby up all night). How does she stay so restful looking you ask? Well, she sleeps all day!
So If I don't post this week.... you'll be used to it.

Congratulations to Nichole for winning the haircut and color. Send me an email and we will schedule an appointment.
Thank you.
rblotkamp@gmail.com

Nie Nie Day Auction

2008-08-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here is what I am offering: As most of you know I am currently on maternity leave and NOT doing hair for 6 weeks. However the winner of this auction will receive not only a free cut and color, but will get an appointment before anyone else. I will take you as early as September 8th.

* you will need to live in the east valley or be able to make it over to me in Mesa, AZ

*The auction starts NOW

*Leave a comment with your bid.

*Only bid in dollar increments... please.

*The bidding will end at 10pm Sunday night PST.

*Keep checking back to make sure no one out bids you.

*If you are not interested in this, go to another blog and find something you ARE interested in. You can find a list here of other auctions.

*If you know someone who might like this, please send them this way... anyone can bid.

*REMEMBER 100% of the proceeds will go to the Stephanie and Christian recovery fund. Yes you are bidding on an item but you are really donating to medical expenses and household maintenance for the Nielson family.

Thank you and Happy Bidding

2008-08-27T08:34:00.001-07:00

So, we woke up to a beautiful Arizona Monsoon this morning. My number one son has been getting upset by the storms lately. Something to do with a camping trip he took with his Dad, and a storm tearing the tent apart. . . while they were in it. . .Anyway this morning he came into my bedroom and snuggled into bed with me and said "I think you better just take me to school mom" What? Instead of waiting at the bus stop in the wind and the rain, enjoying the thunder and lightning? Well being a seasoned mother of 7 years now, of course I didn't commit to anything. We made breakfast. We made his lunch. He brushed his teeth. He got dressed. When he brought up the game plan for getting to school I changed the subject. . . about 150 times. Constantly glancing out the window to see if the storm was letting up. It wasn't. So I got son number two dressed. Got "Baby up all night" buckled into her car seat. Amazing how soundly she sleeps at 7:45 A.M. And we were headed to the garage when there was a magical ringing of the door bell.
Neighbor friend Ben was here to pick Jake up for school. SCORE! His Dad was waiting outside in the car. Everyone wins! Kisses goodbye, and he was out the door.
Well number two was dressed and wearing his Spider man jacket with hood, and Spider man umbrella in hand, ready to splash in some puddles. So I figured B.U.A.N. was still buckled into her seat why not? We went out front and splashed and danced. After a few minutes a car pulled into my driveway. My friend Christy got out and calls out to me "they missed the bus." I'm thinking "who"? Her daughter? When Ben and Jake happily bounce out of her back seat. Ben's Dad had dropped them off at the bus stop. Now let me just say that they were at the bus stop in PLENTY of time for them to make the bus. So trying to hide my annoyance I thank Christy for bringing boys home, and march them inside the house. This is how it went down. "Jake how did you miss the bus"? "The driver didn't see us Mom". Ben says nothing. "Why weren't you in line with the other kids"? "Well. . . my backpack was really heavy today, and it's hard to run through the bushes. . . " Ben says nothing. It's getting late. I'm going from "annoyed" to "irritated", which is just about a half a second from "angry" so I tell the boys to go out to the car and load up. I grab baby, still in seat (thankfully) and still sleeping peacefully, why can't she do that at night? I'm trying to decide if I should put Neighbor boy in the front seat (which he's too young for) with a seat belt, or in the back seat without a seat belt (it's broken) when I notice for no apparent reason my sweet husband has taken the baby's car seat base out of my car. Where the !$#* is it? Finally I locate it, then I realize I've never put this one in before, it's new. How does it work? Reading instructions and yelling at children at the same time, not easy. Install base, clip in baby. That does NOT look right. Try to take baby seat off of base, it won't even budge. Deep breath. try again. No good. Baby's head is flopped all the way down to a face plant right on the plastic chest protector clip. Still she sleeps. I put one foot inside car to get some leverage, pull the release out and yank as hard as I can. Me and baby go flying. How did I not fall? How is she still sleeping? I take the base out again and try to re- install it, the sweat is running into my eyes so it's kind of hard to see what I'm doing, not to mention Jake thought that was the perfect place to put his back pack and umbrella so that he could sit more comfortably. Finally I get the base in correctly. finally I get baby in. O.K. we're ready to roll. We back out of the garage and I turn on my wipers. I guess if you want to use the "glass half full" method of thinking, then at this point I would say, at least one of my wipers worked. I just wished it would have been the one on the driver's side. This is when "silent Ben" decides to make some noise. He starts laughing. That little six year old was seriously laughing at my crappy car. I cut through the neighborhood to avoid traffic on the main road, and sat in line with 200 other parents dropping their kids off at school. Finally it's our turn, I practically kick the boys out of the car. Jake turns and says "love you Mom" followed by "see I told you that you should take me to school today"!
Too many parents in line for me to get out of my car and chase him. Too many witnesses for me to beat him. Deep breath. Drive home. Maybe I'll take a nap. Guess who's awake. And hungry. And needs her diaper changed.

Contest

2008-08-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

As you can see I am in need of a new name for my blog... that rarely gets updated.
Something witty and stylish to match my personality.
If I choose your entry you will win the satisfaction of seeing the title you made up at the top of my blog for years to come. Also you will receive a little something in the mail.
Ready, set, get creative!!

**update** as well as this contest, on Thursday I will be holding an auction to support nie nie day at design mom. For all my 'regulars' you might be interested in what I have to offer.

She Is HERE

2008-08-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Charley Anne graced us with her presence at 1:17pm this afternoon. She is beautiful and healthy and both her and Mom are doing great. She weighed in at a petite 6 pounds 9 ounces and 19 and a quarter inches long

It's a .......

2008-03-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

We are all (cough, cough) SICK

2008-03-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

What is up with us?
Not the fluid in our lungs that is for sure.
We have been hacking and coughing for weeks and weeks around here.
What? it has only been 10 days?
Weird, cause it feels like 4 or 5 weeks.
Well however long it has been it has caused sleeping to be low on the list of priorities.
So a special thank you to those who have helped out and I think you know who you are, 'lady that had to sit on the floor so I could do her hair while I sat in a chair to keep from passing out.'
You guys are the best.
Also GO ROMNEY!
What? He dropped out?

We're so excited

2008-03-03T15:08:00.004-07:00

And we just can't hide it... Any longer

Roses are red
Violets are blue
We have a Secret
We want to tell you

Our little Family
Of children times two
Is becoming a threesome
Hard to believe – but – true!!

The prince or the princess
Mid – August will come
We are all excited
For our new little one

We're still alive. . . .

2007-10-07T19:38:00.001-07:00

We've just been really busy.

Also I'm having computer troubles of my own (I feel your pain Nie Nie). Maybe my super talented, awesome, and particularly service oriented brother in law (who I know is also very busy) can be persuaded, or bribed, or something, (Megan makes promises to my husband on MY behalf when she wants something...) to come over here and take a look at this computer, which is more than just a pain in my "NECK" these days. Don't even get me started on my mouse.

Life is good otherwise. We are healthy and happy and blessed beyond measure.

Tooth #2 successfully removed. . .sort of. . .

2007-08-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

Jacob requested that his tooth (which was barely still attached to him at all) be removed last night after he was sleeping. As you know this has worked out so nicely for us in the past. I had my trusty assistant Austin go into "stealth mode" with me for the removal of baby tooth #1 with practically no incident. (and I think he would agree it was a pretty good rush too.) So Chad and I dutifully waited, and waited, and waited until Jake finally fell asleep. Chad grabbed a flashlight and a step stool, and I climbed up on the ladder of his bunk bed and tried to get in a good position for the procedure. One tiny flick and the tooth was free. The problem with the "flick method" is that you don't actually have any grip on the tooth. So when the sleeping child closes his mouth and attempts to rollover with the thing still in there, his over anxious mother has to start shaking him and screaming at him NOT to swallow, and finger sweeping his mouth. . .

So much for a "less traumatic experience". Next time I swear I'm just going to yank the darn thing out, while promising "I'm just going to wiggle it" like my father and my father's fathers all have done since the beginning of time.

Monday

2007-08-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those Mondays when you wish you would have just stayed in bed?

I should have known when we were almost late for school it was one of THOSE days. Or when Matthew was crying because he wanted to go to school with Jake, and I gave him the cheap little blue Frisbee that someone gave me at work to cheer him up, and Jacob taking his turn first (Matthew didn't even get one toss) promptly throws it onto the roof of the school. Of course it was an accident, but that doesn't keep Matt from crying the entire way back to the car. Then when I get him strapped into his car seat with promises of going to play at the gym, the car doesn't start. That's weird. Try again, here we go, now it's running. For about two seconds. Now we're rolling. I have no steering. My brakes aren't working. We're in a school zone. Lovely. Two hands, all my strength, pulled into the curb. That stopped us. Try to start it again. Nope. Again. Nope. Call friend for help. She's on her way. Try again, car starts. Drive to friends house (very carefully), friend's husband looks at car. Matthew has potty accident all over friend"s bathroom floor. Friend's husband drives me to auto parts store. The guy there hooks the car up to his machine. Everything checks out, car's fine. "Have a good day". Yes that's exactly what I'm having. Take friend's husband home. Pick up Matt (now in friend's kid's underwear and shorts). Park car in garage. Try to start it again . . . just to see. Nothing. Call poor, unaware husband @ work. Launch into Bravada based tirade. Husband calmly talks me down off the ledge. Husband knows better than to say "have a good day". Matthew is wondering "next time can I have a green Frisbee?" Yes. I think that would make all the difference.

Jacob is off to school

2007-08-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

We couldn't put it off any longer, we had to let Jake start Kindergarten. I'll be honest I don't like it, but he sure seems to. He looked so grown up going off to his first big day at school. You should all be glad to know that he was cool as a cucumber. Completely confident, taking everything in stride. So, obviously his Mother's over-anxious, frantic behavior, bordering on panic, didn't reflect on him. Not that he would have noticed anyway, once we stepped on campus he was a pro! He went right to his classroom, found the table with his name on it and never looked back. Except for the 10 or 11 times I called out to him like the Paparazzi "Jacob, Jacob, I want to take your picture, look at Mommy, smile!" there were like 20 other moms doing the same thing, so it's cool. Matthew hugged him goodbye, so cute I took a picture. I hugged him goodbye and my voice started to quiver, the eyes started to burn, and that tightening of the throat thing started to happen. I scooped up Matthew made a bee line for the door and made it to the hallway before I COMPLETELY lost it. I would like to say the next two days were better, and maybe they were a little bit, poor Jacob I'm afraid he has one of those moms. . . Of course we were so excited to hear about his day when he got home. Unfortunately he came down with amnesia when we questioned him. After a long and intense interrogation this is what we got. He went to P.E., he didn't have time to eat his lunch, so he threw it away, he had a chocolate AND a white milk (now this is interesting because he had NO money to buy the milk, I had packed a drink in his lunch box) he only had time to drink the chocolate one though, he doesn't like quiet time and would like me to explain to his teacher that he's a big boy and he doesn't need it, and last but not least (certainly the thing that threw me completely over the edge) was when he announced that he got on the wrong bus. The recurring nightmare I had been having for weeks, and the thing that I worried about all day, that he would end up on the wrong bus and be lost and alone and afraid. . . (you understand how my mind works) So after my heart starts beating again I get to learn my first valuable lesson as a kindergarten mom *Don't jump to conclusions* because he's five years old and he probably didn't say that exactly the right way *keep fishing* After a few more questions it seems that all of the kids on his bus were moved to a different bus before they even left the school. So technically he did get on the wrong bus, but it was the RIGHT wrong bus to get on! So he's gotten through his first few days and somehow I've survived them too. I'm so proud of him, I guess if he can do it, then I can too.

Our Family vacation

2007-08-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we took our first big road trip as a family.

Jacob, Jaren, and Makayla.
It started out with a pleasant surprise! Curtis and Rachel were leaving the same day, and going the same direction. We had a lot of "walkie talkie fun" all the way to Utah.

They let us stay with them @ the Johnson's cabin that night. We had such a good time traveling with them.

The next morning we were off to Yellowstone National Park. To meet up with Bruce, Sandi, Tiffany, Al, Ren, Tristan & A.J.

Ren, Matthew, and Tristan @ the bear and wolf center.

Old Faithful

Ren and Jacob

Chad, Matt, and Jake, in front of a beautiful waterfall that you can't see in this picture. . .
After Yellowstone we drove to Missoula to spend the rest of our vacation at Papa Bruce & Grammi Sandi's house.

We sure have a lot of fun in their backyard!

My knights in shining armor.

Matthew totally getting hosed by Jake.

A.J. & Matt racing. Not to mention baseball games, water balloons, BBQ's, and Grandma's "Haunted" tree. . .

Bruce, Matt, A.J., Jake, and Chad.
The boys got to have their first boat ride, and their first fishing trip!

A.J. fell in the lake, but Sandi saved him!

Matt caught his first fish. Look at the size of that thing!

On our last day we went up to Snow Bowl with Aunt Heather and Uncle Chad.

We rode the chairlift up to the top of the mountain and picked huckleberries. So much fun!

We left the next day and the boys were pirates all the way to Salt Lake City. Megan got us a beautiful room at a hotel, thanks to her Priceline skills.

We walked around Temple Square that night.

We had a lovely trip. We are so grateful that we were able to spend time together as a family, and make some really wonderful memories.

After much anticipation. . .

2007-07-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

And a whole lot of wiggling. . .

Jacob has lost his FIRST tooth!

He named the tooth he lost "Chad Tooth"

And his new tooth (already in) has been named "A.J." I assume it is honor of his beloved Montana cousin.

That good old Tooth Fairy made a visit last night and left behind a whole entire dollar!

I guess that's some pretty good incentive to keep his teeth in good shape, The T.F. won't pay top dollar for teeth with cavities in them you know.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2007-06-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

My Mom's birthday is today. She is helping out up at Girl's camp on her birthday. I'm sure that there are other places that she would rather be, and other things she could be doing that would be more enjoyable. It's just another example of the type of person she is. She is always willing to help. She has SO many skills and talents, and she is always ready to share them with others. She loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church and it's programs. So maybe I was wrong. Maybe there isn't anywhere else she would rather be. Happy Birthday Mom!
I love you.

Girl's Night

2007-06-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

Finally after months of anticipation we got to have our night on the "D list"!

We had such a fun time on Saturday!

Jennifer, Megan, Barbara, Jane and I went to dinner and a show.

It's always nice to spend an evening laughing with good friends.

Here's my list (or HML) just for Megs!

2007-06-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

The problem with this assignment for me was that I included a lot of my "faves" in my first post. Then I read everyone else's lists and I could only think of the things that were already written by other people. So I've been trying to think outside of the box and this is what I've come up with.

Some of my favorite things are:

* The sound of my boys singing along with the radio as loud as they can
* Dates with Chad
* Thunder storms
* A big fat tip @ work
* When my guys are all Handsome and dressed up
* flip flops
* Rapture perfume
* Going on trips
* baseball caps on a "bad hair day"
* Air conditioning
* People magazine
* good friends
* dessert
* jokes
* Having a clean house
* something new popping up in our garden
* A good book that I can't put down
* Winning (especially if I beat Chad)
* Pedicures
* Family Days
* When my kids play with eachother (nicely)
* Sleeping in
* Ya Ya night
* Getting packages in the mail
* I love Lucy re-runs
* Camping
* Shrimp Scampi ( my Dad's, or Carrabba's)
* Christmas lights

Congratulations Curtis and Rachel!!!

2007-06-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that Curt and Rachel are going to be having a new baby next January!!!!!

Air Jacob

2007-06-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again and basketball camp is well under way.
What a difference a year can make! He's taller, and more coordinated. He understands the game better, and he has a MUCH improved attitude this year! (even his coach noticed, I guess Jake left an impression last year. . )

Jacob can dribble and pass (which he only does when he has to), but his favorite thing to do of course is to shoot (which he does whether he's supposed to or not). And I hate to admit it but he is a total CHEATER. I think he gets it from his Uncle Curtis. . .

Chad was able to come and watch him on Thursday. Jacob was so excited when he saw Chad walk into the gym that he ran all the way across the floor screaming Daddy! Daddy! DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!! And proceeded to show off all of his dirty tricks for the rest of the hour. It was hard to tell if Chad was embarrassed or impressed.

Honestly we are both very proud of Jake he's doing extremely well, and we're glad that he's enjoying himself out there.

My boys and their toys

2007-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Chad and the boys love to play with their Geo Trax (that's a train set for those of you who may be out of the loop when it comes to super cool toys). Chad's Grandparents Carl and Helen got Jacob his first set when he was two years old and he's been collecting them ever since. We now have just about enough of them to take over the world.

They like to make cities with them and then get several trains going at the same time (not to mention the airplane, and the boat) and then of course they like to CRASH the trains into each other and see whose train can survive. . .
Chad says that he likes to spend time playing with the boys, which I know is true. But I also know that he's having just as much fun crashing those trains as they are, and he's lucky that the boys are nice enough to share their toys with him!
I do enjoy watching them have a good time together. I almost don't care that it takes up the entire family room. . . almost. You might be interested to know that this isn't even the entire collection!

Sometimes a picture says it the best

2007-06-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 3rd 2007.

When he got home from church today, Matthew had an altercation with the bunk bed.

The bunk bed won.

But don't tell Matt.

I know why we call him "Matt Matt"

2007-05-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

It's because he never hears you the first time.
- Papa Chuck Memorial Day Weekend

That is actually pretty accurate Dad. Matthew is a very special boy. Enthusiastic. Goal oriented. Single minded. Persistent. Focused. . . I think that is why he doesn't take the time to stop and listen, or comply, or acknowledge. . . Some things to note about Matthew: When he's sweet there's nothing sweeter. When he's grouchy there's nobody grouchy-er! He likes to do everything to the maximum, 100%, no holds barred, full speed ahead. He loves his older brother and tries to do everything that Jake can do. (With his own un-coordinated "Matthew flare" of course.) But if Jacob isn't paying enough attention to our little buddy, he's not above trying to get some negative attention thrown his way. He will literally hit Jake over the head to get it. Or head butt him, or trip him, or jump on him, or start a pillow fight, wreck his Lego creation, crash his train set, change the channel during Jake's favorite show, you get the idea. But he also has a way of following Jake around like a little puppy, obeying Jacob's commands, and joining in on Jacob's schemes which usually involve putting Matthew in some sort of bodily danger. These qualities endear him to his five year old brother. It has been very heart warming over the last several months to see them become playmates, and occasionally I would even dare to say friends. He's also our Urgent Care kid. He's a magnet for head wounds, after which incurring, his natural reaction is to promptly fall asleep. Not really cry himself to sleep, it's much more of a creepy narcoleptic, eyes roll to the back of his head kind of thing. Although he's not limited to head injuries only. His little feet seem to move faster than his legs can keep up with him (back to the whole un-coordinated thing again). He is systematically replacing bruises and scrapes, as soon as one heals he's got another one, or two, or three to replace it. He doesn't really complain about the big ugly things though. If he gets a bug bite or a hang-nail watch out! He will baby a mosquito bite for days, and have a complete melt down if I try to take a splinter out of his finger. This kid is one tough cookie. If he jumps off the counter and hurts his foot, he'll be right back up there doing it again to prove a point. "SEE Mom, I CAN do it!" I have to believe it's the "prove a point theory" and not that he is intentionally TRYING to give me a heart attack. But he also seems to know instinctively when he's pushed you to your limit, or if you're upset, or just having a bad day. He can give the best squeeze your guts out hugs, and knows exactly when you need to hear a little voice say "Mom I love you". He's young enough that he's not afraid to say it in front of his friends, teachers, at full volume in the chapel when the Sacrament is being passed. . . I love this boy. He can have me dangling from the end of my rope one minute, and completely melted the next minute. I think we are definitely in for an interesting ride with this kid!

OK Megan, this post is for you!

2007-05-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

It is driving my sister crazy that I set up a Blog, and I still haven't posted anything. So here goes. . .

Here are some interesting(?) bits of information about me. 1) I am the mother of two very sweet and feisty boys. 2) I have a wonderful husband who is way more patient then I am, when it comes to those sweet and feisty boys. 3) I am a Cosmetologist/stylist/hairdresser whatever you want to call it, I just like to play with people's hair. 4)I have a huge fear of public speaking. 5)Roses are my favorite flower, although I usually don't discriminate (except for carnations, YUCK!) 6) I don't have a passport, but I think I should have one just in case. . . 7) Back/foot rubs are my favorite. 8) I don't really enjoy watching sports, but sometimes it's entertaining to watch my husband watching sports, he can really get into it. 9) I do not smoke or drink (which is weird for a hairdresser). 10) I'm not very outgoing, unless I'm with people I know well. 11) The last movie I saw was Shrek the Third. 12) My husband has a dog, I'm not really big on the "pet thing" since I can barely keep up with my children. 13) The last dinner date I had was with my "girls", we try to go out and catch up every month. 14) I totally Ruled the slip and slide this afternoon with my boys, I taught them some cool moves and they showed me some of their own. 15) I have green eyes. 16) My Dad has green eyes too. 17) We started a vegetable garden this year, so far, so good. 18) I love to read good books. 19) I like most kinds of music, I'm going through a "Gwen" phase right now. 20) My favorite color is red. 21) My children will be eating dinner from the snack bar at Costco tonight.

So there you go, that's about as interesting as I get these days, but if it makes Megan happy then I'm happy. Oh yeah, I don't like to contradict, but I am actually my Dad's favorite child.