Are you broken?

It was a cold, rainy day and the kids had been inside all morning. I needed to move a table at the church so I told them to grab a ball and they could play in the gym before we had to go to Morgan's speech therapy. They were thrilled to have space to run.

I put my stuff away and then joined them in the gym. Open space. Ball. Hoop. 

Suddenly, my brain forgot how old my body really is. I picked up the ball and shot a free throw. I used to be really good at this so I decided to shoot another. I jumped a little higher and was really working on my form. (I had to look good for my kids.) As soon as my left foot came back to the ground, my ankle rolled over. I felt the burning of tearing tissue and I sat in the middle of the floor trying to catch my breath. 

The kids were instantly by my side. The pain was so severe I was about to pass out. Morgan was starting to panic. I firmly called her name and said, "get me a chair and some ice. Go!" There was a chair right there so she slid it over to me and hurried to the kitchen.

She saw a large bag of ice in the freezer and knew that wouldn't work. Then she looked above it and there was a small bag of ice. Perfect. (One of those little miracles.)

I lay there, in the middle of the gym, with my feet on the chair and the ice on my ankle for about 10 minutes. I told the kids to play and assured them I would be fine. They sang and danced for me and tried to make me comfortable. Then, it was time to go.

I only have one key for our church and it goes to a door on the opposite side of the building. AND our church is made up of multiple levels. I not only had to walk from one end of the building to the other, I also had to go down stairs and up stairs and then down stairs again. By the time I reached my car I really thought I'd pass out. I found some Ibuprofen and took two.

After another hour of my foot elevated and the ice still on it, I was in complete pain. We stopped at the doctor's office before heading home. The x-rays showed where it had been broken before (10 years ago) but no new break. However, the doctor explained, torn ligaments hurt worse than a broken bone.

He gave me a beautiful air cast and told me to stay off of it as much as possible for TWO weeks. Then he added that it could take 4 - 6 weeks for it to heal. UGH! I took two more Ibuprofen.

After a sleepless night, I was afraid to look at it. When I broke my ankle my entire foot turned black. It doesn't look so bad. Does it?

Our summer school lesson this week has been real life problem solving skills along with a little first-aid.

Not the best start to our summer vacation. We all need bubble wrap.

Forever Family

For the first time ever I took my kids out of school early. They were disappointed to miss all the fun of the last day, but we had a good reason. My older brother and his wife just had baby number six and my other brother and his family flew to Oregon from Georgia. The last time we were all together was when Brit graduated, four years ago. Scott couldn't get time off so I loaded up the kids and made the drive to Oregon without him. 

We had a few things to finish up first. We couldn't miss the Indian Races. (How do they ride so fast without a saddle?) And there was a graduation card to make for Scott's niece and of course a baby gift to take to the new baby.

Nothing says family love quite like a paintball war.

Sweet little Hunter absolutely LOVED Levi. He kept calling him "police" even when he was reminded that Levi did have a name. Levi pinned his badge on him and let him wear it for a minute. Hunter beamed with pride. He is an amazing kid who melts everyone's hearts.

The kids helped sand and paint the front fence at my parents home. They worked hard and earned the paintball reward. There were a few minor injuries, some paint was eaten, and a few tears were shed. And that was just the fence painting! (Hahaha) 

For the most part, we had a great time!

Yes, even I got in on the action. (The mask really brings out my eyes. I may wear one more often.) Morgan and Levi worked on some strategy and Morgan captured the flag. Way to go!

The kids and I camped out at the Grange Hall while we were there. They loved sleeping in the camper and learning how to play the "real" UNO game. And there were more trees to climb. Heaven!

We had a few cold days but we found enough sunshine to go swimming a couple times. We also managed a rowdy soccer game between cloud bursts. My parents and I hung out with Hunter while the rest of them played. It was funny to watch the older "kids" start out dominating the game. They were all over the field and the younger kids hardly got to play. But, magically, about half way through the game the older guys were hanging back and letting the little guys go after the ball more. (wink-wink)

There was lots of yummy food to eat. Always. 

I didn't get a picture, but we were able to visit Great Grandma Hug. Her cat even let us pet her this time. And I managed to run up to the cemetery with my kids to bring a flower to their Grandma Mary.

My parent's cat had kittens a few weeks before we came. While we were there they all became very ill. They went from wild, feisty, playful babies to sleeping all the time and refusing to eat. I remembered the vet told us to give our dog Gatorade once when he wasn't feeling well. My mom happened to have some so they started feeding them with an eye dropper. I talked to Scott and he told me to get an electrolyte solution for animals. After a few days of the solution, all the kitties were starting to feel better. So glad we figured out how to save them!

We had to make a stop at Riverside Park. My kids call it the Castle Park because of the awesome play thing that looks like a giant castle. It amazes me how different the river looks now. They now have a walking bridge that goes over the river. One of our swimming holes isn't even there any more. Sometimes, it's hard to grow up and see everything change.

We had a wonderful week! It was hardly enough time to do all that we wanted to do and see all the people we wanted to see. Morgan says we have to go back soon.

First Grade Field Trip

I think all of my kids have been on a field trip to the fire station, in first grade. And this is at all different schools. Is that a standard for first grade?

I love living in a small community where we can walk for field trips. (I am not a fan of riding on school buses.) We walked to the post office first. The kids were assigned a "secret" friend in their class and wrote them a letter. So, the first stop was to mail those letters. Then we walked around the corner to the fire station. Our wonderful fire chief explained all the tools and how the firemen do their job.

After they showed the kids all the stuff they asked if anyone had questions. Some of the questions were funny but one little girl asked what to do if her pajamas catch on fire. My wonderful son shouts out for all to hear, "STOP, DROP AND ROLL!" 

After the fire station, we walked to the park for lunch. It was a beautiful day!

America's Hope

The fifth graders learned all about the United States this year. Then they shared what they learned, in song. They sang about states and capitals. They sang about how the government is set up. They sang about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They sang their hearts out!

They were amazing!

Spring Fever

We've had a few days of sunshine which makes us anxious for SUMMER!

Scott and the kids bought me some pansies for Mother's Day. I planted them in my yellow stacking pots that I moved to the back yard. Now I can enjoy them from the patio.

Last summer my mom gave me some hens to transplant. They survived the long drive from Oregon and some of them are loving their new home. Check out all those chicks!

I'm also trying to get a jump start on the garden. Last year I waited so long and it was hot just as our peas were trying to ripen. Maybe we'll get a few more peas this year. And maybe our pumpkins will turn orange before Halloween.

2 - 4 - 6 - 8 Who do we appreciate?

I have had the amazing opportunity of working with a fabulous first grade teacher this year! I have been helping Zane's class during reading time and absolutely was thrilled with the progress the kids made. Most of the time I worked with the kids who were struggling and needed more one on one help. (Which means I didn't get to work with Zane very much. He still gave me hugs, though.) It was great to see them learn to read actual books!

For Teacher Appreciation Week, I surprised Mrs. Johnston with a fingerprint tree that I made with the kids. I snuck in on a day when she had a substitute and got all of the kids fingerprints. Not one of them told her I had been there and she was truly surprised. Awesome!

I also helped Morgan and Zane make a little gift for their teachers. We were so blessed to have such great teachers this year.
 

But, as great as it has been, we are even more excited to only have three weeks of school left. One last book report. We can make it!

Mountain Air

Scott has been anxious to go on an adventure in the mountains. Amazingly, I think we were the only ones up there. It was a bit windy and there was still snow on the ground and we couldn't go very far but we managed to find a spot to build a fire and roast hot dogs for dinner.

 We found some monkeys in the trees.

And we found a stream to throw rocks in.

But most importantly, we found signs of spring.

Hats Off to Women

 We had a wonderful Relief Society Activity. I'm glad I snapped a few pictures when we were setting up because there was no time during the evening. I taught two crafts (stamped tile coasters and note holders) and my friend taught the ladies how to make a beautiful Mother's Day card. I had LOTS of helpers putting together a great evening!

We started the evening with an empowering presentation on the important role women play in Heavenly Father's plan. Sister Martinez shared President Uchtdorf's September 2009 message on the influence of righteous women and reminded us all how amazing we are.

Then we spent the night making crafts and eating delicious food and building friendships. We had a great turn out and even a few from the Spanish branch came. I feel so blessed to work with such wonderful sisters!

Birthday Time

For Scott's birthday, the kids and I put together a candygram card. We had so much fun picking out some of his favorite treats and then writing a birthday wish. He's hard to surprise but we got him this time.

It was great to have Brit and Levi here to celebrate with us too.

Brit and Levi came back for my birthday as well. We braved the rain and went to Olive Garden for lunch. Best birthday present ever!

{Easter}

Morgan and Zane have been begging to decorate eggs all week.

They had a great time creating new colors and designs. Zane thinks we should do this every day.

The Easter Bunny made us read scriptures before we could see the gifts in the basket this year. It was great to discuss the real meaning of Easter and remember that it is all about Christ.

Happy Easter!

A Night at the Theater

The fourth and fifth graders worked hard to put on a play for the community. Morgan got to play the part of one of the statues. She did a great job! 

All the kids did a great job!

Brittany was able to get off work a little early and drive over for the show. Morgan was beyond thrilled!

Officer and a Gentleman

After living in separate states for about two months, Brittany and Levi are finally back together, in their new home, starting their new careers. Levi graduated from the post academy in Meridian and has worked his first week as a police officer. Brit now works at a bank in the loan processing department.

They were blessed to find a house that would meet their needs, located in a nice neighborhood. It's a bit of a fixer-upper and they're excited to replace flooring and paint and make the space their own. It's a cute split-level home that gives them room to grow. Morgan and Zane loved playing in their big back yard too.

(Picture taken from the listing on the realtor website.)

Brit only had a few days between her last day at her job in Logan and her first day at her new job in Pocatello. She was working 10 hour days which didn't leave much time for packing and all the things you need to do when you are buying a house and moving to a new state. Levi graduated on Friday and they zipped back to Logan to pack. When the truck showed up at 9am on Saturday, they were ready to load.

We met them in Pocatello and helped them get settled into their new space. The seller left the house a mess so we had to do a lot of cleaning before they could move much in. I scrubbed one bathroom while they unloaded the truck. Before we left for dinner they had the family room set up, most of the kitchen put away, and the bed made. Amazing what you can do when you are young!

We are thrilled to only be an hour away and we're so excited for their new adventures!

Spring Chicken

While shopping at Cal-Ranch, we heard the sweet sound of new baby chicks just a few aisles over. Morgan grabbed my hand and insisted we needed to see the chicks. She didn't even wait for me to respond as she drug me over to where the cages were lined up, full of little baby chicks.

Fluffy baby chicks are so cute and... SO FLUFFY! Morgan thinks they are absolutely adorable and REALLY wants one. We go through this every spring.
"Just one?!" she always begs.

As we talked about how we have no place for chickens, and the fact that the dog would eat them, she continued to insist we could make it work. Then she saw a family picking out chicks and noticed the store clerk was putting them in a little cardboard box. That's when she announced she would keep the chick in her room in the cute little box. Ummmm.... NO.

Someday, we'll find a place where we can have a chicken coop full of chickens. I wonder if Morgan will still LOVE the chicks when she has to feed them and gather eggs every day. She might.

Craft Break

Scott and I have been the Webelos leaders in our ward since last fall. I have to admit I was pretty nervous to be involved in scouting when we first started. But as we learned the program and planned fun activities for the boys we started to love it. We had a handful of somewhat challenging but pretty amazing boys. They never ceased to surprise us and we all had fun each week. (Scott was just one of the boys.)

Last month I received a new calling and I'm now serving in the Relief Society Presidency. However, Scott and I have not yet been released from scouts. It's been a challenge trying to keep up with everything but I refuse to just give up on the boys. This week we had our Blue and Gold Banquet for the boys. Our Cubscout Masters did a great job! I helped by making a campfire cake.

We're also planning a spring activity for our ladies so I've been looking for simple crafts we could do. I love the subway art prints. I created one using the words from my favorite hymn. So simple and so cute!

I have to take a break from the business of life and just create, occasionally.

Celebrate!

Christmas came and went. I had big plans to bake goodies and do amazing activities with my children. And then... the flu bug hit us. All of us. The good thing was that it was Christmas break so we didn't miss any school. The bad thing, it was Christmas break! We spent a lot of time cuddled up together watching movies.

Morgan got hit hard on Christmas Eve. This was the first Christmas in MANY years that Scott actually had the day off. Good thing. Instead of waking up before the sun and trying to open presents before he left for work, we slept in and waited for Morgan to feel well enough to sit up.

 Before the illness struck, we managed to make some gifts for the teachers and our favorite neighbors.

We did get to spend some time with Brit and Levi. They have big changes coming in their lives and will be moving closer. After being hundreds of miles apart, we are extremely excited!

And then, Christmas was over and it was suddenly Super Bowl Sunday. How did that happen?! 

We've even had a little snow to play in. 

Soon winter will be gone and spring will be blowing in.