The Chamberlain Family

"Pills"

2012-02-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

I somehow came across this song the other day. It was odd that I found it at the time I did because it meshed exactly with what's been going through my mind lately. "Oh, jeez, Heather, does this have to do with mental health again?" you ask. Why, yes. Yes, it does! Not because I'm taking my blog to this whole new "mental disorder sphere," but, rather, because it helps me keep track of my emotions and I blog instead of journal. Plus, a lot of people appreciated my last blog post and could relate to what I had been through. This is for you.

Anyway, the song is by an up-and-coming artist from Seattle (yay!!) named Jen Woods (bing her, she's amazing) and the words sunk in so deep that it almost stopped my heart when the meaning hit me. Wow, not too many songs or artists or lyricists (whatever) write about this subject. So needless to say it affected me. Here it is and the lyrics are below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7RZDPBIBX8&feature=related

Today I threw away my pills
against my family doctor's will.
They said they would make me smile
but instead I feel nothing,
nothing at all.

I see that look on your face
wondering if I'm okay.
Mother need not to fear.
I promise to stay near.

You won't be there forever.
You won't be there forever.
You won't be there forever.

I can learn to trust.
I can learn to scream.
I can learn to say yes
if that's what you need from me.

You can learn to trust.
You can learn to scream.
I can learn to say yes
if that's what you need from me.

You won't be there forever.

The first time I listened to this song I was intrigued that someone would write about throwing away their antidepressants. I've been there--done that. Without my meds I'm a raving, sobbing lunatic running around creating hell for anyone in my way. But I got to thinking about the fact that I've been on my "pills" for so long that I don't remember what it feels like to be me. My drugs even me out...which is a good thing, and a bad thing. I don't remember the last time I got really excited or super happy about something. I don't, or at least I'm not supposed to feel the super lows either. This is what the pills do generally speaking.

I then realized that this "person" I am now can't emotionally live my whole life, just a portioned part of it. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather feel like this than the alternative. But a certain sense of mourning comes with the help. Here's where the guilt comes in that she talks about in the song. Like her, my Mom doesn't receive the entire Heather, and if that's true, then neither do my kids, or my husband or anyone in my life. The guilt is, at times, overwhelming. And further, I don't feel like I have ever been able to truly mourn my Sister's death, or my Dad's stroke, etc., etc., etc. because those feeling simply don't exist in my world. It sucks, but it's the reality.

So, I can learn to trust, I can learn to scream and I can learn to say yes...I have to let people see that part of me that is suffering or needs help or just needs to scream sometimes. I would expect and hope that you would show those things to me.

My youngest has a hard time with over-feeling things. He is the most sensitive, sweet, courageous person I know and at age 8 he is having to learn these things way too early. I pray every day that the road is easier for him. I hope that he has learned something from watching me struggle and I hope that modern medicine can someday perfect the "pills."

Here's to a New (Better) Year

2012-01-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

It’s been ages since I posted anything. But my resolve has been brushed off and gussied up and I’m off to a new year full of great and happy blogs. Blogging is how I scrapbook and keep histories of me, my family and our activities. At the end of each year I put the blogs in a book and publish it. This year I missed a lot of the stuff that really happened and I don’t want it to go unsaid, so I will attempt to briefly navigate you through our year, starting with the following.

The start of the year brought on a setting for the rest of the year.   Unfortunately, not a savory one. I have Clinical Depression and Anxiety Disorder. It runs in my family. Although both conditions are controlled and have been for 16 years with the same medication, for some reason they decided to rear their ugly heads early on in January 2011. To improve things I had to adjust some medications and found out, in a rather unhappy way, that I am sensitive to many other drugs. The drug Abilify sent me into a tail spin and I started whirling down a drain of shear agony in both mind and body. I was one sick puppy!! Not able to describe my mental symptoms, (for there are no words) I will tell you that I threw up constantly, had no appetite and so lost 15 pounds in 5 days, and wasn't able to sleep and/or sit still for any amount of time.   Poor Martin!! I scared him something fierce! But he finally took me to the Hospital where I learned of an out-patient program that would be my guide out of the depths. My Psychiatrist (whom has been helping me for 7 years) helped me out of my stupor with an anti-anxiety drug and I slowly started to climb out of the hole I was in (thank the good Lord for modern medicine). I slowly began to be able to eat again and function somewhat, even though I felt awful every day and was extremely weak. From there I was able to begin the out-patient program at the Overlake Behavioral Hospital. Yep, I had suffered a mental breakdown (as they used to call them) and was going to the Loony Bin (you have to laugh at yourself in these situations!).

This mental episode is undoubtedly the hardest thing I had ever endured. Pain of the mind is not something to be trifled with and I do not wish it on my worst enemy. It has a different face, a darker, much scarier face.  The thought that came to my mind is when Joseph Smith was kneeling in his first prayer when he was interrupted by a force so evil, so all-encompassing that he felt like he wanted to die. I felt like this. We know, as a church, that the force he felt was Satan himself. I don't know for sure if I felt Satan but I will tell you it felt like it. It affected my body just as well. It affected my family, my friends, my neighbors. I was hopeless...quite literally, I was without hope. But with all problems comes the opportunity for growth. Although, I was simply trying to make it through the day and not thinking about how I would grow through all of this, growth did come.

The things I learned during my hospital time, are things I won't forget. Even though most of the tools and strategies they teach there are useful, I remember the most useful things were the people I met. They were all faces drawn and shadowed in pain, and we all shared the same thing, hope. I learned so much from those people I now would call friends. As I did a lot of listening there, as well as talking, I heard stories about things people should never endure, and all of a sudden, I wasn't so bad off. I met a man who is a Clergyman of some kind. His whole congregation loves him and reveres him as their leader. Yet, he cannot get out of bed on some days because his son took his own life and he blames himself. Although he is loved by hundreds of congregation members he is tormented by the few he knows who dislike the way he does things. I met a young girl who has attempted suicide so many times that she has lost count. She reads books that describe near-death experiences. From these accounts (all positive) she is convinced that the after-life is going to be so much better. I didn't have the heart to ask if she's ever read any books of similar experiences that turn out to be of the horrifying sort written by people who attempted suicide (I've read such accounts). I met a lady who had lived in the In-patient facility for 3 weeks during which time she couldn't utter a word. No one knew why, including herself. However, she was blessed when, trying all kinds of medications, her doctors found the one that worked for her. She was speaking within an hour of taking it. The woman I sat next to was addicted to gambling. She was in the facility for other reasons but she denied her gambling addiction and described her pain and self-loathing in vivid color. Every day on leaving the facility we each had to say whether we were committed to not harming our self while apart, or not. Sadly, some couldn't even commit to even that. I met a lot of other people who made me feel I was worth something, and I felt in turn that they were of invaluable worth. They loved me even though my problems seemed so much smaller. They talked to me and told me they saw hope and love in my eyes and that they knew I would be okay. Those hours with them mean so incredibly much to me. It was a scary time, but I was blessed to make it through with a whole new perspective on life. And so I took baby steps out of hell.

As for my family, they were blessed greatly through this experience. I occasionally still feel guilty that my family had to see me that way. But as I have learned, through adversity we grow. My kids know they can come to me with their problems and I will never judge them. They know that I went through something horrific, but that I made it through to the other side. They know now to take advantage of every moment they are free of pain and suffering and to have compassion for those who are suffering because it could some day be them. They learned that there are people everywhere who care about us and love to serve. I hope they remember that and want to serve people in the future.

Some people don't get the whole mental health issue. That's okay. I know it's hard to comprehend if you haven't gone through something similar. I lost friends when they found out I had collapsed so heavily. It has broken my heart but I am determined to go along anyway. I choose to try and understand their side and let them be, even though it hurts.

Why am I sharing this information? It's super embarrassing after all--right, admitting you have gone off the deep end, so to speak? Well, I feel like it doesn't have to be embarrassing. My grandmother spent a lot of her life in pain and wasn't able to get help. Much of her life was spent in mental hospitals without any hope of recovery. I feel an unexplicable bond to her, even though she passed away before I remember her at all. I think things have changed since then and I often think how I would love to go back in time and help her understand her condition a little more.   I know there is so much more help out there now. I want people to know that and find help if they need it. It's out there.

So I start out my 2012 with super gigantic hope. I have found many ways to cope with my conditions. I struggle daily. I think many people do. However, I found things I love to do that keep me happy and fulfilled, things I never knew I'd love. I also hug my kids and husband every day. I hope to keep growing and learning, but man, do I hope it's an easier road for a while:).

Alex's Birthday and Reinventing myself

2011-05-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Alex turned 15 on March the 15th (again, his golden birthday). Our dear friends Adam and Crystal Zurligen made this cake for him and I thought it was the sweetest thing ever. Not only that, but it tasted delish!!! Carrot cake is Alex's fav so that's what the field was and the baseball was white cake for the kids (who prefer white cake). I was touched that our friends would do that for us. It was a fun night and Alex really felt spoiled, I think. He also got a basketball hoop for the trampoline, which he spends every waking moment on, unless he's playing baseball :).

Adam presenting the work of art

So my fifteen year old is growing up and I'm falling behind in keeping up with him. He started baseball recently, is on two teams and is busy as could be. Oh, he also has maintained his honor roll status and recently finished learning a song on the piano that is, in my opinion, very difficult. It took him most of the year, but hey, it was worth it, and is beautiful. He is also playing the guitar and has quite a bit of talent. He is always writing songs and coming up with new things to play on both instruments. He is the light of my life. My first born and my dear friend. He is a teenager, so don't get me wrong, we have our tiffs, but this kid is a dream! He starts drivers ed in a few months (once baseball is over) and is excited to drive...his mom is excited too, I must say. I will be happy when he can drive himself to all these practices!

All of us on Alex's birthday (except me--someone needed to take the picture!)

Crystal and little Radley having bouncing fun on the trampoline.

My sweet friend Crystal, who knows way too much about me for how little we've known each other. She tolerates me well, and beautiful boy Radley.

So what's new with "Reinventing myself" you ask???? WELL.....I have taken up quilting. I got a fabulous new sewing machine from a sweet undisclosed source and took some lessons. I love doing the quilting and have already finished 3 pieced tops. It's very fun and lets me be creative.

A quilt I made for a friend's new baby. It turned out okay, but it was hard to sew on flannel that thin!!!

My first quilt I started at my class. I wish you could see the print of the fabric. It's all birds and bird-related it's beautiful if I say so myself.

What else is new this last few months?? Well, I have started to swim a lot. I am at the pool almost every day and I'm trying desperately to teach myself to swim....you know, the "real" way with breathing and the whole bit. It's something I've never been able to do. I'm getting better. I usually just use the kick board a lot and snorkel, but I can feel my lungs getting stronger, not to mention my legs and arms. It's something I look forward to everyday.

One more new thing is that Martin and I have almost completely got our adoption work started and going. We haven't got an agency officially but have done our home study through LDS Social Services. It's taken a lot of paper work and a lot of classes and a lot of fingerprinting down at the police station (which is the closest I hope to ever get). It has been an eye opener. The classes especially have been fun and we have learned a ton. So how do we adopt without an agency? Well, if we get a designated adoption we would be allowed to go through LDS, but otherwise we might be paying some major bucks, but it's worth it. We hope to be ready to start with our adoption blog and pass out cards (yes, they have pass along cards for adoption) and hopefully putting a profile on "Parent profiles." So look for that coming up. In the mean time word of mouth is our best friend. If you have any leads for a birth mother who is looking for a loving family to adopt please pass on our name and even this blog.

We love you all and hope everyone is doing well!!

Heather

2011-03-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends

It is with great joy that Martin and I would like to share with you the recent decision our family has made to pursue adoption. We are sure this may come as a great surprise to many of you, but after much prayer, fasting, and confirmation we feel certain that this is a road we are meant to now travel at this time. This letter will share a few of the things that have led us to this monumental decision. We hope that you will read and consider these things with an open mind and heart.
We have felt for a long time that there is a fourth child meant to be in our family. I have known there was a fourth since the minute Isaac was born. Our family is not yet complete. The spirit has over and over again reconfirmed this feeling. Yet we have been confused as to how best welcome this spirit in to our home. I have some health concerns, and as you know pregnancy is extremely difficult for me. Those avenues have not led us to where we want to be. We have spent agonizing months and years trying to make sense of how to deal with health issues and how in the world I would be able to have a healthy pregnancy. We feel this is no longer a feasible option.

We have spent a great deal of time researching adoption, talking to friends and professionals about the process and what all is involved. We apologize for not keeping you in the loop about our thoughts on this topic, but as it is such a personal decision we decided to keep the decision between Martin and I until we had received confirmation about what we are supposed to do.
We are certain that you may have opinions on the decision we have made. Please know that we love you and value your input. But also realize that we have already made a decision with the Lord’s help, and ask that you respect our decision to move forward with adoption. This is a highly sensitive topic for us obviously.

The next steps for us are to choose an agency to work with. We will most likely choose LDS Social Services. We then will need to complete an extensive home study designed to certify us as “good parents.” I wish I could tell you what kind of a timeline to expect – we have been told the process can be very quick (from a matter of weeks) to several years. We are in this for the long haul, and however long it takes we will be glad to welcome one special, chosen child of our Heavenly Father's into our home.

We love you all and are grateful to share this amazing, and somewhat scary, new chapter in our lives with you. Feel free to ask us about the process at any time as I’m sure we will be eager to share details. We know you will welcome this beautiful new baby into your hearts with the same love you have Alex, Olivia and Isaac.

All our love,

Heather and Martin

My Daughter, the Twelve-Year-Old

2011-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

I'm a couple of months behind on my blogging. I regret that but onward and upward, right?

Olivia turned 12 on December 11th, 2010. She had a great time inviting some close friends to her favorite restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen. I think they all had a fun time. I wasn't feeling great but I was so glad that I was able to go and see her with her friends. I liked seeing how they relate with each other and the differences between their personalities. That's a fun thing for a mom.

I also remember the day she was born and how happy I was to be over the sickness that had racked my body for nine months but also to see this beautiful, fat little girl that has become the sunshine of my life. She has always been positive and happy, which is something every family needs!

So, now I have a girl in Young Women's, loves makeup and "her" music. She keeps growing and that's just bitter sweet for me. I think I will blink and she'll be graduating, going to college and getting married. I want it to slow down a bit. She mentioned to me the other day that she tells me everything. That was so amazing to hear and I am thankful that she is so patient with a mom who sometimes gives her less than she deserves.

Some cool things about Olivia (the 12-Year-Old Version)

1. She loves Taylor Swift.
2. She loves art and being artistic
3. She is an accomplished pianist and is continuing to gain knowledge and talent in her music
4. She has a roommate named "Tinker," the cat. Tinker loves her so much that she lives in Livi's room and never leaves. Partly, this may be because of the mischievous "other" cat that inhabits our house and torments Tinker. But with Livi, Tinker finds peace, happiness and contentment. I know she is grateful to Olivia for that. I love to see them at night snuggling together while Olivia reads.
5. Olivia loves kids and babies. They are drawn to her because she hangs back and lets them come to her.
6. She is an awesome big and little sister...no matter what her brothers say!
7. She continues to be an "A" student and I never have to remind her to do her homework. She is a self-starter and responsible. She really barely needs me.
8. She recently has left her fear of swimming behind and become confident in the pool, something she has struggled with in the past.
9. She gives me a hug and says she loves me every night without fail right after she reads her scriptures (she never misses).
10. She is a planner and a journalist and is always writing something. She is a talented writer.
11. She is confident and has much integrity. Nobody will get her to do anything she doesn't believe in.

Livi got a new haircut over the Christmas break and it's funny how all of a sudden she is this grown-up Young woman. I love you Livi Bug!

Bull's Eye!

2010-11-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

We've had a couple of injuries incurred in the past couple of weeks. First of all, Isaac and Alex LOVE to wrestle, fight, and generally rough house. It drives me crazy usually but sometimes it's cute. Alex is really good and kind to Isaac when they are going at it and so nobody gets hurt. But sometimes accidents do happen. Isaac got a knee to the cheek a couple of weeks ago from playing and it bruised up his eye too. At first when I told him I think he'd have a black eye he was worried that he would be made fun of at school. But when Alex and Martin told him it was a sign of "manliness" he got really excited. He then kept asking me hopefully, if it was getting blacker....which it did for a couple of days.

My bull's eye 2 days post-incision

In other news I noticed a bump on the back of my knee a week ago that looked and felt like a giant pimple or ingrown hair. I didn't think much of it until I kept waking up all night in pain because of it and could barely walk! The size of said "blemish" had expanded quite a bit and it hurt! It looked like a gigantic bull's eye--and it kept growing!! Martin suggested I see the doctor and boy, am I glad I did! The doctor told me it was an ingrown hair, pimple, or some type of insect bite that had gotten infected...and HOW! My leg felt like it was on fire. It felt like it was in my muscle so that every time I bent the leg a little bit it hurt. (Just so you know you really stretch the skin on the back of your knee when you walk...trust me). I got some antibiotics and the doc sent me home with instructions to lay off the leg for a few days. Well, I already had my workout gear on, and my leg felt alright that morning so I went off to the gym. Big mistake! Later, my leg was so swollen I couldn't even bend it. Flash forward 2 days and I'm in the doctor's office squeezing the very life out of Martin's hand as the doc lanced the sore to relieve some of the fluid. The oozy stuff just kept on coming out. It was really disgusting. She had to really push throughout the sore and cut into the abscess to find all the infection. I was glad I had my back to the doctor and couldn't see it! I then had to have a "drain" put in to continue to drain the extra pus. It is still at this moment draining so much that it runs down my leg if I don't cover it up! TMI??? It is the grossest, most painful thing ever! I am so glad I got on those antibiotics as soon as I did or I could have been in real trouble. I think of the infection my Dad had gotten and how it spread to his knee and I feel very glad that I listened to Martin and got into the doctor as soon as I did. Dad must have been in so much pain to have had the infection spread to his knee. I cringe just thinking about it!

I hope this doesn't make you too sick! Hahahaha! It's definitely been a hard week and I hope I can get back to life next week! Whoo knew a tiny little sore could cause so much trouble?! It was really miserable.

A Bunch of Muggles on All Hallows Eve

2010-11-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this weekend. It was Halloween on Sunday, of course, but the weekend was super fun from the beginning of Friday morning to the last trick-or-treater Sunday night. I can't remember a funner weekend. And no, it hasn't got anything to do with the fact that I accidentally took my AM medications in the PM and vice-versa. Did I have more energy? Yes, but I also slept about 2 hours Friday night. By the time Saturday night came around I could barely sit up straight. That's how it goes when you take so many pills that you need a pill sorter (like my 69 year old Dad) to keep your life organized.

I am the room coordinator this year again for Isaac's class (don't ask). It was awesome fun to get to plan the party for his class. He has been so excited.

When that party was over, I hate to say it, but I went home and slept about 3 hours. I was exhausted! 20 seven year old kids to entertain is not always easy. How do their teachers do it?

Friday night we did our annual pumpkin cutting adventure. What can I say? I was groomed as a master pumpkin cutter by my very own Father. I didn't get out the chain saw this year, the size of my pumpkin required much less this year. However, Martin thinks it's funny that I can gut 4 pumpkins in the time it takes him to gut his own. Jealous???? Yeah, I got skills.

Martin, Alex and Isaac's pumpkins. Guess which one's Isaac's.

Livi and my pumpkins. Mine's the tree and Livi, who loves owls, is the owl.

Saturday morning we were off to the big city to the Pacific Science Center to catch the Harry Potter Exhibit. The kids were so excited they didn't sleep. I didn't sleep, but that was for another reason...(see above). We had so much fun waiting in line for the exhibit. The excitement was thick enough to cut with a knife, especially from Isaac. It's too bad he was the first one to be severely disappointed! He was bored within 15 minutes of beginning the tour. It was a little advanced fan-wise for him. The other 4 of us were so into it that we looked like complete idiots ooohing and aaahhhing at the different costumes and props. I am seriously a Harry Potter geek. I got goose bumps when I saw Professor Dumbledore's dress robes!

Isaac BEFORE his severe disappointment reared its ugly head!

Saturday night we all loaded up and headed off to the trunk or treat at the church. It was fun and no better place for the kids to get their fill of candy. You'd think they wouldn't need to get any more, but the next night found them all off collecting more. It was ridiculous! Livi's candy weighed 10 pounds (she weighed it). Now what is she going to do with that much candy??? I guess just be a kid. And that's what I felt like this whole weekend. It was so much fun and we will remember it for a lot of years to come!

Harry Potter, Juan and Livi the Roaring 20's flapper at the trunk or treat!

"Ay, Caramba!"

"Stupefy!"

A bunch of lovely ladies

A Mish-Mash of Emotion

2010-10-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

My emotions have been (a-hem), well, difficult to deal with lately. I have had an especially hard time the last month or two. It has been hard to have Dad sick and in the treatment center. It's been hard to leave family behind after spending a long time with them in Utah this summer. It's been hard to figure out what our next move should be in our family's infertility battle. I'm dealing with these emotions and coming to terms with them. Here's an update on all those fronts!

I have been going through pictures again!!! I found a lot from this summer that I consider to be from the BEST DAY EVER. I've been trying to explain to my shrink why I had such a hard time coming home from Utah this past summer. I have no idea what the answer is to that question, but maybe if I show him these pictures he'll get it better. How can you not have fun and be happy when you watch children having such fun!?

Dallon

Olivia looking lovely as ever

Alex, who became super-swimmer boy

Dallon and Isaac jumping in tandem (well, trying to at least)

Isaac looking like Mr. GQ

Erin and Phoenix being sweet sisters

A pod of cute swimmers

Pretty Savannah

My Dad goes home tomorrow from the ""Country Club," as he calls it!! It's actually the care center he's referring to that he's been in for approximately 100 days following his stroke. I'm so excited and happy that he's going to be able to sleep in his own room and see family members every day!

Dad and Mom with my kids at the "Country Club"

Alex has been playing "Fall ball" this year and he's been having fun. Most games were rained out but we still had fun cheering him on when we could!

Our infertility journey has taken a hiatus this summer. My body needed it and so did my psyche!! My Doctor told me last May that I needed to get my BMI down several points before attempting In-Vitro fertilization, which is the next stop for us. When you hear you're too fat that is NEVER a fun conversation.. just in case you have never had one. However, since this was not some kind of revelation for me I knew it was the best thing for me, even putting aside my wishes for more rug rats. I've lost hundreds of pounds in the past (most fat people are super good at losing weight), but this time I wanted to try something different, something that might actually stick. So I dug in, increased my work-out intensity (turns out I've been taking it too easy on myself in my routine work outs), and cut back on my calorie intake and I lost 20 pounds (give or take). I'm half a point away from the BMI I need to be at to do the procedure! Get this: I did it sans Weight Watchers, Personal Trainers, Nutri-System, Jenny Craig or hypnosis (all of which I have done in the past). Plus, this is something I can stick to easily. Now I know this is a drop in the proverbial bucket for me in terms of what I should lose, but I'm happy with finding a way to take it off slow and sure.

So, this is what's been in my emotional pool lately. Just thought you'd like to know!

Why Do I Always Do This?

2010-09-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

Every year I think I do this. I wait until forever before updating my blog when I get home from Utah. It isn't intentional. I think I feel like things are too crazy for a while school gets up and going again. Then I couldn't figure out how to use the new tool bar in the "New Post" section and so I frankly gave up. Now I'm back and there's lots to talk about so let's get it goin'!

Oakley just prior to her barfing episode

Mindy in her new shirt ready to hike up with Oakley on her back.

The Mount!

Livi and Val stuck together via ear buds!

I realized I didn't finish my posts about the rest of our trip to Utah this summer! We went to Timpanogas Cave with my sisters Mindy and Amy and their families and we had a really fun time. It was so warm that day and I'm so miserable in this crummy Seattle weather lately that I just look at these pictures and get cozy!! But I digress...

Dallon

Totally breaking the rules and climbing where the Ranger told them specifically not to climb...led by my sister, Amy, the teacher, no less!!

RESTING!!

Jordan and Oakley (he's wearing a long sleeved shirt, guys.

Marie

Alex up above

Even though the hike was taxing (we sea level folks have less oxygen up in those mountains) it was beautiful and I loved holding Martin's hand while we walked up the trail. The kids had a great time with each other. Livi and Valerie had their heads stuck together with their ear buds listening to Taylor Swift songs and singing together as they hiked. Oakley got sick before we even started out and threw up all over Mindy, which I have to say, was hilarious. We had to buy Mindy a new shirt, but once we got going up the mountain Oakie-Doo seemed fine and even fell asleep part way up and was asleep all the way through the freezing cold cave!! Jordan, my 17-year-old nephew hiked up with Oakley on his back most of the way without even breaking a sweat! Oh, to be that young and in shape again...

The day after this day my Dad had his stroke following his knee surgery. He's been in the Crestwood Care Center since shortly after that. I just found out today that my Dad will be coming home in a few weeks!! I'm so happy he's progressing enough for that to be an option!! Thanks for those of you have asked and wondered after him. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. It's been hard for the family, especially my parents. I will write more about what we've been up to later!! At least this is getting me blogging again!!

Independence Day

2010-08-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

I've been in Utah now for about 6 weeks. It's been so fun!! I miss home, though. 3 weeks ago Martin had to go home (somebody in this family has to work) and I miss him terribly now too. My Dad is doing better after his stroke and living in a care center for the time being. They are trying to get his body working enough so that he can come home. We hope that time is soon! Poor Mom is being run ragged going back and forth from work to the care center to home for only a few hours at night! Anyone who knows my Mom knows what I'm talking about. In an emergency my Mom is the one to have around...she goes and goes and goes. I'm staying at her house under the pretense of "helping out" at home. But really all I do is mow the lawn with Dad's "farm jazzy" (it is sooooo fun! See picture below) and do a tiny bit of laundry.

Dad's "Farm Jazzy"

This is Dad before his surgery. He's on his way to spray something. He's riding on his only form of transportation for the 6 weeks prior to his knee replacement, his "farm jazzy."

Before Dad's surgery and stroke we got to celebrate the 4th of July. It was actually the 5th of July by the time we celebrated but it was great! The kids had a pool party out on the lawn with their cousins Erin, Phoenix and Oakley.

Later that night we went to the fireworks at Farr West park and I have to say that their fireworks were quite literally the best I've ever seen...sorry, Bellevue and Seattle, but you got nothing on this little city. Here's some pictures of us at the park waiting for the show.

Phoenix

Dad being silly as usual

Phoenix, Livi and Erin snuggling for the fireworks

Maddison and Carson

Erin

Oakley excited to see something up in the sky!

Olivia

Chamberlain Family Reunion

2010-07-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

We have been in Utah now for a month! I know...a month is a long time to be away from home. All I can say is that if I can't be home, Utah is where I want to be. It's my first home and I still stay in the home I grew up in that belongs to my parents and it's fun to be "home."

This summer has been a hard one because my Dad went in for a new knee replacement and ended up having a stroke the following day in the hospital. Not a bad place to have a stroke, but strokes are not fun...anywhere. Dad is doing well. He has limited use of his left side (especially his leg) but is gaining some use here and there. He is living in a care center for now and we hope he can come home really soon with a lot of work and physical therapy on his part. If you feel so inclined, we would appreciate your prayers in his and my Mom's behalf. This has been very difficult for them especially. He can't walk because his "good" leg is the one that had the surgery. Thus, both legs are out of commission for now. Not a good combo.

Before Dad had his surgery we had a family reunion with Martin's family in Bear Lake. It was such a party! We got to catch up on everyone. It's the first time the Chamberlain's have gotten together at the same time since Lisa's wedding (10 years). I didn't get many pictures of the reunion for some reason (oh, wait, that's because Martin's mom took about a million). However, one day we did go to Minnetonka Cave and I got some photos there. Here's everyone that went that day!

Look at these cute little guys! These boys are all about the same age and they did great on all those (700 some odd) stairs...way, better than me. Let's just say I'm not used to the altitude yet! This is Josh, Caden, Isaac and Sammy.

Here are some more silly pictures of the reunion. Aunt Debbie made lots of beautiful dresses so the girls could all dress up. Here's Olivia, Skylar and cute little Kendall.
Uncle Nasib also playing with the dress-up items. Any man who can wield a gun for his job like Nasib and still feel comfortable dressing up is a-okay in my book!!

The fun thing about spending time with the "cousins" from the Chamberlain side was seeing how similar they all are. Here's a few pictures of them with my kids and you can definitely see the resemblance!

This is Alex and Nathan. They are a year apart. I just notice their smiles are similar (also their love of video games!).

Here's Caden and Isaac. These two are so alike it frankly scares me. Not only are they the same age and look alike, but they have the same temperament and like to do similar things! They had so much fun sleeping in the cabin together!
And, of course, here's Livi and Madison. These two are 5 days apart in age and they have the same eyes and same personality! They are bosom buddies forever and get along so well together! I think Madison got the "tall genes" of the family!
One cold night we went to the beach for dinner. The whole weekend was too cold to do much of anything outside although the sun shone quite a bit. This night we took silly family pictures with the beautiful dusk sun.

Livi being Livi...(freak!)

We had a great time in Bear Lake with the family. We love you guys and miss you all!

School Year Tie-Up

2010-07-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

The end of the school year is always a lot of fun....not. I cannot believe how busy life gets every year at this time. Oh, it's a hassle. We've got baseball play-offs, dance recitals, piano recitals, graduation from middle school, graduation from elementary school, volunteering tie ups, weddings, birthdays, Father's day, and our anniversary; oy, the list goes on and on! I barely get a chance to hit the gym in the morning and do some minor cleaning. I get behind on the cleaning and the yard grows wild! Some days I don't get to shower until late in the evening. I always wonder why everything ends up in the month of June. By the time July gets hear I take a deep breath and sigh...(sigh).

Here's some pictures of the kids with their school teachers. Mrs. Burnett was Olivia's teacher and loved Olivia very much. The feeling was mutual. Livi was given a lot of responsibility in her class this year and helped a lot with organizational things in the class, so the two of them became fast and close friends.

Isaac and his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Miller or, as I like to call her, the Miracle Worker. She was a perfect fit for Isaac's first year of all day school and taught him with patience and kindness to which Isaac greatly responded! Thanks for all you wonderful teachers at IVE. We have loved every one we've had for the past 10 years and we are so grateful for the Issaquah School District!

The last day of school was Martin's and my anniversary. Number 16, people...oh, I feel old. I've almost been married half as long as I've been alive! It's a cruelty we have to grow old. For our anniversary Martin down-played greatly what the plans were. He told me we were just going out to dinner and that he couldn't get me a "nice" gift. Uh-huh, whatever. That night he presented me with the most thoughtful gift I have ever received. He gave me a journal that he had been keeping behind my back for the last year. I looked at it for the longest time and couldn't say anything. I was speechless and confused. He had tried to write every day for a year about us and our relationship and family and how he felt about things that happened. I couldn't breathe as I read about some really good (and really bad) days and remembered things I had already forgotten. Who does that??? It was like he made a photograph of our lives that changed daily for a year. It gave me a little snippet of what we were doing and where we were going. I will always be thankful for this present; not just the book itself, but that he thought about "us" every day of the year. What a gift! Sorry, ladies, he's taken....

Alex got his patriarchal blessing early in June. It was an awesome experience for him and me and his Dad. I loved seeing Alex prepare with his Dad to get this blessing and I loved his excitement. He had a lot of questions and understood in the end what he was going in for. He was totally prepared! I will always remember that day and how I felt when the patriarch pronounced those blessings on Alex. I think Alex will too. Here's him with Martin that day. "He looks like a missionary," Isaac said when he saw this picture. Oh, only a few more years, Isaac, and your brother will be a missionary. Yikes!!! I better get him cracking!!

The month of July has been even busier than June, if you can believe it. We have been with family in Utah and enjoying it very much. However, my Dad had a stroke after knee replacement surgery and we are reeling from that still. Things are crazy now and I'm trying to be here without burdening my Mom and trying to help. But I will post more when I have some time! There are a lot of stories to tell!

Spring is for Seven Year Olds

2010-06-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Isaac celebrated his 7th birthday on May 29th. (This is him wearing the hat he got in school).

What did he want to do for his birthday? Get a new Mario Galaxy game and spend literally all day playing it. SURPRISE!! So, that is what he did. He also asked for a telescope. He has been enamored with the solar system and galaxies and planets now for a while. He told me one night as he was looking out of his window at the moon that he likes to imagine there are other worlds behind the moon. He also keeps telling us he wants to learn everything. I do mean EVERYTHING. This kid has quite the imagination and asks some really interesting and difficult questions. Like for instance, he wonders where the exact location of heaven is. Is it in this galaxy or is it in another galaxy? Etc., etc.. He has a love of learning A LOT like his father.

The only problem with getting a telescope for his birthday is that there has not been a clear evening since his birthday! We have had no breaks from rain except two nights. Both of them were nights we got home late and didn't have time to look.

Rain, rain, rain, rain and rain. I know I live in Seattle but this is ridiculous. Since I have lived here (13 years) we have never experienced this kind of spring. Alex has had over 10 "rain-outs" in baseball this year. Every time they try to reschedule a game it has been rained out again, and again. It goes on and on. I've never had a spring like this and it's been really ick, for lack of a better word. And I don't even hate rain!

Anyway, back to Isaac. He is a real trip. He LOVES his primary teacher. He actually has a little crush on her, which I won't complain about because it makes him happy to go to church! She is a really good sport about it and tells us funny stories about him. Like, a couple of weeks ago, after the kids were settled down for class, Isaac said he had something he wanted to say. Apparently, the kids in his class have a habit of hiding from the teacher when she comes in under the tables and in the cupboards or behind the chairs. So Isaac stood up in front of the class and said, "When you guys hide, it's getting old." This is really Isaac. He does not like chaos or unrest and I think he wants the kids to "respect" his teacher, the love in his life. Martin and I were talking about this and thought it was so funny. Isaac is a very quiet kid and ignores a lot of stuff, but for him to bring this up was just awesome (and uncharacteristic)! We hope he doesn't become one of those weird kids that nobody likes....but he doesn't act like a know-it- all so I hope that doesn't happen.

Some of Isaac's favorite things:

1. Mario, Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Bros., and, well, pretty much any game with the name "Mario" in it.

2. Pizza. He eats nothing else. I'm serious about this....nothing.

3. Playing "World Championship Baseball" in the living room with Alex. This consists of hitting this mini ball with a mini bat and running the "bases" while knocking my pictures down and breaking them.

4. Playing "Avatar The Last Airbender" (wrestling) with Alex on the trampoline until they are both hurt/cut/bruised up and Isaac is crying. While they are wrestling we have to remind Isaac repeatedly that he has to scream and laugh more quietly because the neighbors complain. My Isaac is loud???? Oh, yes.

5. Watching Spongebob every morning.

6. Reading the scriptures. He recently got really upset because we weren't including him in scripture study with the older kids. He wants to read the real scriptures now. But he still wants us to read his Bible reader every night. So basically we have to read twice to him.

7. Playing his DS.

8. Laughing...he laughs all the time and it makes us all laugh when we hear it!

9. Making "movies" with his block.

10. Playing with his friends, Isak, Solomon and Miles as much as possible.

Isaac is my sunshine and my sweet boy. He makes me laugh daily. We love him more than any family could possibly love a son or brother!

FACEBOOK UGH!!! (No offense Facebookers)

2010-06-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

The other day Martin was looking on his Facebook page, and though I haven't been on FB for 8 or 9 months, I got seriously nauseous. I was reminded of why I HATE Facebook, and the reason I deactivated my site in the first place. Martin isn't a huge fan either and we have talked extensively (probably too much) about the phenomenon that is "Facebook." We have come up with the 8 top reasons we don't like this social networking staple. Maybe we should try to come up with 10 like David Letterman does on his "Top Ten" but, hey, I'm no David Letterman.

*Disclaimer: I realize many of you are "on" Facebook and I am in no way trying to make you feel judged. You all have your reasons, and I had mine, for using it. My reasons for abstaining just outweigh my reasons for partaking. Also, these things I'm listing here are all things I TOOK PART IN and DID when I was on FB so I am not saying I am innocent of anything. :).

Okay, here we go:

1. Our egotistical/narcissistic tendencies. I bet we all do this. We have all posted how much we got done before sunrise, how many push ups we did this morning, how fast we can wolf down a Big Mac and side of fries, and what a great gift we got our dad for Father's Day. My question is why do we feel like we have to talk about ourselves so much? I found myself bragging and fishing for compliments on an hourly basis on FB and thus, I became more and more self-centered. I was addicted!! I hated that about myself and I don't care for it in other people. It makes me compare myself to people I have no business comparing myself or other loved ones to. And while it made me feel good to say things about yours truly, I hate to think it made other people feel inept or inadequate in any way.

2. This leads me into my second point: The obligatory "sunshine up the rear-end," as my Dad would so eloquently put it. I LOVED it when people would follow up my bragging with a "way to go, Heather," or "Heather, you're such a good person." However, I have come to the conclusion that when I would compliment a person in kind for something they did I didn't mean the compliment AT ALL. To the contrary, I was usually jealous, annoyed or I just plain didn't care. Now I look and still see people doing the same thing. Everyone is just so blasted complimentary. Do they mean it? Are people really that nice? I truly believe there are people like that out there, I'm married to one, but I know I'm not one!

3. I feel like I can't say how I feel on-line. Sometimes I want to tell a friend that they are idiotic or that they're a moron, or just that they made a bad decision, but sometimes I shouldn't. I don't know about you, but I get sick of being positive all the time, so I had to remove the temptation to say what I felt completely. There have been more times than I can count that I've said something hurtful to a "friend" not purposefully meaning to hurt, and vice-versa. I've actually lost relationships because of this pitfall.

4. Pictures and comments about meals. Wow, I don't even know what to say about this. I guess eating is a big part of being a human, so we include it in everything. It just seems weird to me that I get to know what so-and-so had for dinner last night or what this guy bought at Starbuck's. And do I really need to see the photos of it? It's just a weird observation that Martin and I are stumped over. I actually got to see a photo of a ham sandwich some dude had for lunch. A ham sandwich. ATTENTION: We know what a ham sandwich looks like. Sometimes imaginations are required and preferred.

5. Status updates, status updates, status updates. When I deactivated my account it took me 3 weeks to quit thinking of my life in status updates. I realized I was walking around thinking, "I am going to the store now," or "A mean guy cut me off on the freeway today--how shall I get revenge?" I decided I needed to stop thinking of my life in status updates as it was also contributing to my narcissism.

6. Major Time Suck and Distraction. I was checking my FB page almost hourly. I was wasting time I could have been spending with my kids and Martin. I couldn't make a move without first checking my Facebook. I was too dependent on it to feel connected to people, but missing my life with the most important people in the process. Some people can check once or twice a day, but I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried.

7. Poor Grammar. This needs no explanation. I hate poor grammar and bad spelling and it thrives on Facebook. I guess that's what you get from an English Major.

And last but not least:

8. Getting left out. I really got tired of seeing all the dinner dates and parties I wasn't invited to. It was depressing and humiliating to see my friends were getting together and I didn't have a place there with them. It reminded me of High School and everyone knows I hated High School.

Some people can have a healthy relationship with social networking. These eight things may even be the exact reason you LOVE Facebook and if that's the case, I'm happy for you. I know for a fact I have lots of friends who find happiness and fun in Facebook (you know who you are). You must have found a good balance. I'm glad someone out there likes it and finds a purpose for it in their lives. Don't be offended if I struck a chord here somewhere...like I said, we all have our reasons for doing what we do, and I can't speak for you. These are just some funny observations, so laugh (or not).

How Will His Garden Grow?/Phoenix

2010-05-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

I went to Utah to help my Mom with my Dad. He's doing well. He still has the "cement" that is infused with antibiotic in his knee. This makes it so there is very little range of motion in his leg and it's still very painful. He's also taking Vancomycin via a pic line in his arm every day for six weeks. The doctor says after 6 weeks they will take him off the antibiotic and wait two weeks. Then they will check Dad's blood for infection. If there is no further sign of infection they can put in a new knee prosthetic and pray the infection doesn't come back. His chances are pretty good, but nothing is a sure thing. Dad's pretty healthy so we are hoping everything will go as planned.

"Who will be taking care of Dad's super garden this year then?" you ask. Good question. But my Dad has been trying to convince many friends and neighbors and family to prepare the soil and do some planting. He's got some of it figured out. My brother Todd is going to be visiting from South Dakota and Dad's got some plans for him. Dad put me to work on locating and obtaining hundreds of seeds for planting, which seems like a really easy request but you'd be surprised. I had to run back and forth from the computer I was ordering on line from, explaining the difference between growing seasons of everything from cantaloupes to pumpkins. It was comical after the first 10 times. Dad refuses to let the land go unplanted and it should be interesting to see how things come up (no pun intended).

I had fun spending time with my Dad and my Mom and I got to see a lot of Erin and Phoenix, my sister Jenny's two daughters. I love to spend time with them. The way Erin looks at me with those big blue eyes reminds me so much of Jenny at that age. She has a sweet disposition and rarely causes any trouble. She's a dream of a child! Phoenix is equally as sweet but let's just say she has more of her Mom's disposition/temperament :). She can be a bit stubborn but we all adore the funny things she says and does.

While I was visiting Phoenix celebrated her 4th birthday. It seems like yesterday that Jenny had given birth and was calling me to persuade me to come to Phoenix's baby blessing. She was really intent that I travel to Utah to be there for it. She even offered to pay for half of my plane fare. It was a touching time we spent on the phone for me, because I could tell that it meant a lot to her that I be there for this milestone. I'm so thankful I went because I got to spend a lot of time with my sister. I remember we shopped and had lunch together and I held sweet little Phoenix, who seemed so tiny. I hung out at Jen's house and we took walks and watched the sunset over Antelope Island and talked about our future plans, as she was preparing to move. I don't think Jen thought that baby Phoenix would ever make her safe entrance into this world. It was a relief she was here safe. I also remember going to see the architect who drew up the plans for her new house. It was to be built next to my sister Mindy and my Mom; the house she would sadly take her last breath. Those are such sweet almost dreamlike moments as I look back. I am so grateful I could get away for a few days 4 years ago, and again last week! I leave a lot of love back in Utah.

My Poor Papa

2010-05-06T20:48:00.001-07:00

Last week we had a scare when my sister from Utah, Mindy texted me saying my Dad was in surgery. I, of course, freaked out! Apparently, Dad scraped his leg a while back on some farm equipment. He noticed it wasn't healing but didn't think anything of it and went about his business. He started running a fever one night and by the next morning he couldn't put any weight on his leg because his knee was so painful. Mom took him to the ER where an orthopedic surgeon assessed the problem. Dad's cut had become so infected that the infection traveled to his knee and his whole knee had then become infected. The problem is that Dad has prosthetic knees that he got about 8 years ago during a very painful double knee replacement surgery.

The only option seemed to be immediate surgery to remove the prosthesis, let the leg heal for 6 weeks and then put in a new knee once the infection was gone. This means a Summer of difficult recovery and no fun for my Dad (no growing corn, no puttering in the dirt, no devising new and interesting ways to grow tomatoes...nothing). Poor Dad. He lives for the summer like a kid does. He is totally taken aback by this blow as we all are. I feel so bad for the poor chap.

I am going to go home next week to help cheer my Dad up and also help my Mom with some of the nursing responsibilities. He is home from the hospital but can only walk with a walker. He has a pic line for heavy antibiotic therapy. I'm hoping he gets well soon.

I'm currently contemplating fun ways to keep Dad entertained this summer since he can't do his usual "stuff." I wonder how he feels about spending the day at the pool with about 15 grand kids and me....Any other ideas??

Trampoline and Tulips

2010-04-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, the Chamberlain's finally bought their children a trampoline...yes, it's for the kids, guys. Martin made me promise I would not jump and/or stand on the trampoline. I have so far resisted the call of my youth, I'm proud to say, but nothing lasts forever. It's a cool trampoline without any springs!! It's supposedly safer. No bones against metal bars at any time. The kids are having so much fun and are spending mucho time getting exercise and being outside. I love that aspect. They are excited to host sleepovers this summer upon our new acquisition. "And, see, the coyotes won't be able to get (them) through the net," said Olivia.

Olivia loves the trampoline the most, I think of the kids.

Martin took a day off of work to take me to Skagit Valley to see the tulips there. Ain't he sweet? We were going to go earlier in the month but with Alex's games we couldn't get away. Unfortunately, the tulips were topped off the weekend before so we got to see ZERO fields of bright, beautiful flowers. There was a few at a nice little park there so we stopped and took pictures. Isn't my hubby cute?

I saw these adorable dogs at Alex's game last night and so I took some pictures of them. They remind me of our old dog Max. She was a stray that moved into our yard and hearts when I was growing up. They sounded like her too. It brought back so many memories.

Mr. Baseball and a New Season

2010-04-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well, friends, the 2010 baseball season has begun. Did you know it? I am always so nerdy and excited when baseball season starts and I can go see my own Mr. Baseball play. I love sitting at the games (yes, at times they are a bit long) but I have found it's super fun to take pictures of the kid and his co-players so that keeps me busy when it's been 2 hours and we're barely at the bottom of the third inning. Did I say some of the games are long?

I have to say I don't mind most of the time that the games are long unless it's raining. And let's face it, it rains a lot here in the spring. I love it when the summer weather starts in earnest and we have lots of dry games to sit through in the cool evening dusk. I LOVE IT.

Here's a few of my favorite shots from last week's game. It's interesting that each picture I took of Alex on the field, and I took over 200, he was smiling. That should tell you something about how much this kid lives for baseball. One year his nick-name (which he HATED) was "Smiley."

Here he is sliding into home. And, yes, he was safe.
Michael pitching. Sorry, not sure of his last name. I love taking pictures of pitchers (does that make sense?). These kids are seriously athletic. Check out that stance!

Beautiful girl.

This is what the siblings of a ball player do. How many hours these two must have spent at the ball park in the last 6 or 7 years, I can't even imagine. But we gave them a choice whether to come or not and they opted to come. They love the atmosphere and hanging out as much as we do.

My favorite shot of the night. It was the first photo of the night oddly enough. I love the light on the boys faces.

Catching Up and Easter

2010-04-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've got so much to catch up on. March was a quiet month for us. We've put infertility treatments on hold for now as my body adjusts to some semblance of normality. We may or may not move on to IVF in a few months. I'll keep you posted.

Isaac is officially reading at grade level!!! Woo-hoo! Mrs. Miller, his teacher, took me aside the other day to let me know the good news. She says she sees a light has turned on in his little brain just in the last couple of months and he's making great strides. I'm so happy! All that reading with him and worrying has paid off. She is amazed that he has come as far as he has. He was so far behind at the beginning of the year, I was really nervous. Now we are working on his speed in doing things. Let's just say Isaac does everything really, really slow. I don't know why, other than he reminds me of my dad, which is not a bad thing! I love my dad.

Isaac has also been turned on to the gospel. Mrs. Miller asked him what his favorite book was to which he replied he didn't want to tell her. He said he was embarrased. But then she told him that all books are good to practice reading. Then he gave in and told her that his favorite book to read was the Book of Mormon. She thought that was pretty cute. Of course, it's the children's reader, not actually the real book, that he loves so much but if we don't read at least one chapter in the book at night he is really depressed. Sometimes he gets so excited about the stories in there that he jumps up and down and grins from ear to ear. A few days ago he was talking to Martin about the Holy Ghost and how he can know something is true and good by the "burning" feeling he gets in his chest. He LOVED that and told Martin he has felt that before and that he wished he could have his "heart burn" all the time. So sweet. This boy has such a sweet and kind personality. I want to just squish him sometimes.

We had a great Easter here together. We watched conference and spent the day eating some good food and relaxing. We colored eggs as we usually do and I got a few pictures of that.

Isaac's "dragon egg"

I've started drawing again and I'm having so much fun getting back into my art. I'm not good, by any stretch of the imagination but it is fun and I enjoy it a ton. I'm also going to take some art classes to help my progress. At this point, it's just fun and relaxes me and makes me feel good about myself.

This is Perdi on Easter day. "They're mine, they're all mine..."

14 and Full of Himself

2010-03-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Alex turned 14 on the 15th. What can I say about Alex...hmmm. Here's 10 things:

1. He is handsome (that smile alone is enough to make you fall in love with him--it did cost us 10G's so it better).

2. He is kind and well-mannered. Never once have I heard from anyone that he was mean spirited or that he's picked on anyone, or shown any kind of disrespect. We sometimes get notes from school teachers telling us how much they enjoy having him in their class.

3. He's gentle. He'd be so mad at me for saying this. The way he "wrestles" with Isaac and gives of his time to his little brother is so awesome for me to see. Little children have always been drawn to him. He's a big ball of fun that all the neighborhood boys want to play with (young and old) and a great roll model for his siblings.

4. He knows what's right. Sometimes, as many teenagers do, he challenges what we "tell him" to be right. But left to his own devices he comes around to the same conclusion without much help from us.

5. He loves sports. Duh. He's coming alive now that baseball has officially started. How I love watching him play. He has an awesome head for the game (not to mention skills).

6. Alex is responsible. I very rarely have to get after him to get his homework done. He's self-motivated and tries his hardest to get the best possible grade. He doesn't like to miss school and he is excelling in piano like crazy.

7. He is gracious. If anyone does anything for him he never lets it go unnoticed. He is thankful for what he has and talks about it all the time.

8. He's funny. Alex and I have the same personality and same sense of humor. We can make each other laugh pretty easily. It's good until we use it against people and gang up on them...sorry Martin.

9. He has awesome taste in music, thanks to me. Thank heaven he doesn't go out for country like his sister,the turn-coat has done (thanks Aunt Mindy). We still love ya, Liv.

10. When Alex was born he quickly became my best friend. Martin was at work and school and the lab all the time and I was so glad to have a little buddy. We obviously did everything together and I loved those fun days of our early family. Once we moved to Seattle I leaned on his little 2 year old body a lot. I'm so glad to say he is still my best buddy!

I love you, Alex! Happy Birthday to the coolest kid around!

2 Years and Counting

2010-03-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

It's been 2 years since my sister, Jen passed away from Brain Cancer. It's amazing how time flies. It's officially the longest time that I've gone without seeing her. Her mission was a mere 18 months and that seemed like an eternity!

It's like my sister Mindy said in her blog, I find myself talking, laughing, arguing, and thinking like she did. I think that's part of the way we keep her alive with us. We take on traits of hers that we miss. I'll never be as wickedly funny or argumentative as she was and I'll never be as smart but I like to think I'm getting closer.

So what does it feel like to lose someone so close to you? How does it feel after 2 years? The answer is the same. It hurts, and hurts, and hurts. Sometimes I think I'm fine and then something hits me like a brick wall and stops me in my tracks. Like the other day I dropped Isaac off at school. I watched him walk from the car toward the school, hopping a little, skipping some, and yes, dragging his feet A LOT (that's Isaac). I watched him as he disappeared behind the wall and it hit me in my chest and took my breath away. I love watching him walk on his own, and move on in life. Jen won't have that the same way. Erin (Jenny's oldest) starts Kindergarten next year and Jen will miss it. She'll miss getting her ready for school and picking her up as she gets off the bus. It's so hard to think of that. It's something that brings a mother such joy.

A little over 2 years ago when Jen found out she was taking a turn for the worse and not responding to the chemo, it was early August and we all were in the throws of the "back to school": buying school clothes, and supplies, finding out teachers, etc.. I remember her getting really quiet and saying this was the kind of thing she'd miss the most. I know Erin is okay. She has my Mom and my Sister, Mindy there to pick her up and they'll do an awesome job of it, but for Jenny, I'm sad. I like to think she's going to be there anyway. Maybe she will be.

I love Imogen Heap. I love the words to almost all of her songs and I can put myself in her frame of mind and totally get what she's talking about, unlike any other singer I know. Jenny liked her as well. I came across a song of hers that just hit and stuck with me. The words totally convey my thoughts about life without my sister. The song's called "Wait it Out" and some of the words are here:

Where do we go from here?
How do we carry on?
I can't get beyond the questions.
Clambering for the scraps
In the shatter of us collapsed.
That cuts me with every could-have-been.

Pain on pain on play, repeating
With the backup makeshift life in waiting.

Everybody says:
"Time heals everything."
But what of the wretched hollow?
The endless in-between?
Are we just going to wait it out?

I know Jen would never want us to stop living our lives. I know our family will all see her again. I'll hold her hand and she'll look at me and smile. It seems like it's too hard to wait. It seems impossible even, but I just take a day at a time, a week at a time, a year at a time. That's the best I can do; take it a day at a time and enjoy every minute with my kids and Martin and our family and friends. She'd want that. I think she expects it and will be disappointed in me if I don't. So we all do our best. I hope it's enough, Jen. I miss and love you.

If you want to hear the song click on this: http://www.lala.com/#album/504684635190075022
and click on "Wait it Out"

Mid-Winter Break

2010-02-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

The kids got out of school for our annual Mid-Winter Break. I know you all in Utah think that's the funniest name. It is what it is...a stupid break in the middle of the year, around no apparent super-holiday and another reason they drag out school until the end of June. I pretty much hate mid-winter break. The idea of it makes me cry myself to sleep at night. I mean, it's just another holiday in which I have to occupy 3 children who are already ticked off that they aren't going to Hawaii, the Bahamas or Disneyland "like all my other friends." Ugh.

I was sick the whole week. Yep, I woke up Sunday morning with the beginnings of a cold and by Monday, the first official day of the break, I was in the throws of an energy-zapping, nausea-inducing, sore throat week of fun! My poor kids were so nice to me and took such great care of me. They cleaned the house every morning and did pretty much whatever I asked them to. Also, thank the kind Lord for X-Box and TV. They mostly just let me read. What great kids!

On Friday afternoon I promised to take Olivia and Isaac to the park because the weather was beautiful and frankly, they tricked me into it. Here are some pictures of Friday. Alex was at a winter camp out thus, his absence.

We also ended up going back to the park on Saturday where Martin and Alex got to get some of their game on and Livi got to swing...some more.

Valentines Day is a Happy Day

2010-02-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

I heart Valentine's Day. Martin is a romantic and very sweet, especially on Valentine's Day. He has been so disgustingly busy at work these past months that he was feeling guilty that he didn't have time to do anything "special" for Valentines Day. This, apparently, doesn't count for the fact that he got me roses and chocolates, took me out Friday night to dinner and a movie, and plans to take me out to a comedy club this Wednesday, to make up for his lack of attention this week (whatever). I keep telling him that I am not feeling neglected and that he in no way has to "make up" for anything. I don't know what's wrong with him. I mean, what would he do if he was "paying attention to me?" Parade me around on a white horse with a tiara???? Not my style.

I'm not telling you all this so that you will be jealous of me (sorry ladies, my man can deliver). I just want Martin to read this and know that I'm really okay with all the work he's doing and even though he's feeling like he is ignoring me, I understand that his work schedule is crazy right now. So just work hard, babe, and give it your typical 110%! You're going to blow everyone away this year!

Olivia and Martin went to the annual Father/daughter Valentine's dance. They've gone almost every year since Livi was in first grade and they have some great memories. This is her last year to go. 5th grade is the end of the line. Martin was a little bit nervous because O-Daughter-of-Mine usually drags Martin to the dance, waves to a few friends, sits at a table far from the crowd and stares into the distance and flat out refuses to dance or mingle at all. Although that has it's own appeal, Martin insisted Livi promise she would dance this year. She agreed (albeit not too happily).

In my post-dance interview of the couple, Martin indicated that Olivia was like a "whole new girl" this year. Apparently, there was much talking with friends, dancing, mingling and all out-and-out 11-year old frolicking. I'm glad to report Livi got her dance groove on this year and even slow danced with her father. Martin said that he hung out with the dads and talked until the girls required a partner, in which case, the girls would run back to the table to grab their dads and dance with them until the song ended. Then the girls excused their dads to return their table until they were further needed. Luckily, Martin likes the other fathers and they got along great! Funny! I think they both enjoyed the night!

(Livi's hairstlye. She insisted I post it. It's her official new favorite. She's getting too old! Sad)

Christmas and Infertility

2010-02-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

Many of you may know that Martin and I have been trying to have a baby for almost 2 years now. It's weird because the other 4 times I've been pregnant literally took less than 2 months. Well, let's just say it's not cool when you feel like you should be doing something (like having a baby) and the Lord (or your body) keeps you waiting and waiting. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to learn from this. I think it may be patience and empathy. I guess things happen on the Lord's timeline, not mine, something I'm learning as it feels I'm being dragged through the months.

I haven't blogged for a while because I got a new camera for Christmas (it's awesome, people) and all my pictures are on there and I'm entirely too lazy to figure out how all that works. I'd rather sit here and watch Criminal Minds for hours on end while I feel like my ovaries are playing ping-pong with my uterus. Sorry for being so graphic, but the drugs I'm on should qualify for torture.

We had a completely awesome Christmas. It was spent here in Seattle and for the first time not in Utah. It was unexpectedly pleasant. I didn't have to pack all our clothes + presents and that was nice. The kids had a great time and got every little thing their hearts desired, and we have the bank statement to prove it. We thought we'd really go all out this year since we didn't have to limit the size of gifts like we usually do (our car is seriously small in the travel aspect). Here's where I share something with you: my kids are spoiled....in a not "I get everything I want" or "get me this or I'll cry" sort of way, but in a good way--whatever that means.

(How the boys spent the entire week of Christmas....playing Wii and X-box)

Martin surprised us with a little trip to Grand Mound, WA (I know it sounds really exotic), which houses the largest indoor water park in the northwest, the day after Christmas. It's called the Great Wolf Lodge and it's like a kids mecca. Pretty cool water park with the gnarliest water slide I have ever been on called the Tornado. It literally drops you into a 5 story funnel while you're sitting in a tube and you just hope you don't fall out and/or hurl. Believe me, one time on that thing and I thought I was going to meet my maker. It was totally AWESOME. The kids refused to ride it, of course, but we had fun anyway. Isaac loved walking across these little lily pads while hanging on to the rope suspended above him. He could barely do it because he was laughing so hard. Everyone thought he was pretty adorable, and rightly so. Alex spent most of his time playing pool basketball (I know that is a huge departure from his usual MO), and Olivia liked the non-stop cotton candy and pretzels. They also had a fun game you can play in the hotel with "magic wands" that takes hours and wears the kids out nicely with a ton of stair climbing.

Oh, and it snowed in the lobby, no lying.

We missed our families a lot this Christmas. It was somewhat lonely, but we enjoyed each other more I think. We aren't sure where we'll be for Christmas next year, as Alex has informed us that he will be requiring snow, and Livi misses her cousin Val. So we'll see what happens.

As for the infertility treatments...in a word they suck. But I'm hanging in there and learning a lot of things I'm capable of and I like to think I'm getting stronger. Martin says he thinks I am but he's biased.

One more thing of note: We went to this awesome place called Sky High for a family night. It's a big warehouse with trampolines all across the floors and walls. It's like a childhood dream of mine. I was happy to show off to my kiddos as I did back flips and back hand springs for their entertainment and enjoyment. Yes friends, I still got it.

*Admission: I tried to do a double back hand spring (got a little cocky) and landed on my neck which I had to go to the ER for. Don't worry I just strained my trapezius and I'm fine again. Guess I'm not as young (or tiny) as I used to be. But that ain't going to stop me from going again. I have way too much fun.

Sorry for the terrible picture. I have a video of it but I don't know how to post it...soooo.

Elegantly Eleven

2010-01-02T14:58:00.001-08:00

Olivia turned 11 on December 11! It was her "golden" birthday, something I've never heard of before, but as I understand from Olivia, is a big deal. However, my friend Jenny says she knows exactly what Livi's talking about, so I must admit ignorance. 11 years ago Olivia came into our world. After a 6 month stint with colic I remember a little girl who was always cheerful...always happy. She was truly our "little sunshine." She added a brightness to our lives unparalleled. She was also the girliest little girl I've ever met. She didn't just walk from place to place, we used to say she "flitted," like a butterfly. She loved all things princess and all things pink. She was rarely upset or sad. She also had an incredible knack to make people smile. Her laugh was something of music. I remember pushing her in a swing at the park when she was about 2 years old and her laugh caused such a commotion that a group of people gathered around us and watched and listened as I swung her back and forth. Random people were taking her picture. She was a beautiful little girl and still is.

When she started school Olivia had found her calling, just like her Dad. She absolutely loves to learn and she loves the social opportunities school affords her. She is a great student and her teachers have never had anything negative or even mediocre to say about her. My Parent-Teacher conferences for Olivia are filled with the teacher telling me how much they love Olivia, how she is a great example to other children etc, etc. It's quite comical actually, and become a bit of a family joke...we always argue about who gets to go listen to the teacher go on about Olivia. She loves to read and has probably read more books than I have in my life (I'm now 35).

This year Olivia read the whole Harry Potter series in approximately 5 months. She also continued to take jazz dance lessons where she is the smallest girl in her class but can dance like nobody's business. She plays the piano as well and is excelling in that. I guess she has the musical talent that runs in the family (but skipped a generation!). She's constantly humming something to herself. Her artistic abilities are also incredible as are her writing abilities. We love to read her newest stories and poems.

Olivia is a great friend and loves to e-mail her friends several times a day to keep them all in the loop of what's going on in her life. She is a big sister and also a little sister. She is Isaac's pseudo-mom when I'm not around and they have a very tight relationship. She is the best big sister of anyone I've ever seen. She enjoys tormenting her older brother and can do it better than anyone on earth, and she seems to be somewhat proud of that. She continues to LOVE babies and can't get enough of her little cousins. She will someday be an amazing mommy.

I cannot imagine life without this little girl, who is not so much a little girl anymore. We have such joy because of her. I'm incredibly proud of the way she is growing up despite all my efforts! I still can't believe she's one short year away from Middle School. I anticipate great things from her...she doesn't do anything half-way. We love her so much!!

Thanksgiving and a Little Christmas

2009-11-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

My sister Lesa and her family came all the way from sunny Plain City, Utah to spend Thanksgiving with the coolest people she could think of: namely, us. I know it's hard to believe. I mean it's only been 13 years since she last visited. Of course, 13 year ago we lived at the University of Utah student housing apartments. Alex was 1. Yes, I'm serious. She has NEVER been to Seattle to visit her favorite sister. I'm not mad...really. I'm not. Why should I be?

We had so much fun hosting Thanksgiving this year and, if I do say so myself, it was my best feast ever. It was ta-a-sty! I'm getting used to the whole cooking a turkey/items that go along with the turkey. It's not even stressful any more. However, I'm not suggesting that I'm the best cook. It's just this meal I got down, people. Did I get any pictures of this meal...I mean do I have any proof that it even existed? All I have is word of mouth. Ask Lesa, Jeff or Martin and they'll tell you. It was good...the end. And I haven't cooked since. The way I see it is that I racked up enough points to be good to the end of February (this doesn't include the occasional pan of mac and cheese and fish-sticks).

The only pictures I got of us were on top of the Space Needle. See, the thing about a first-time visitor is that they require the obligatory touristy stuff, but we didn't mind. The Wiser's had only a couple of days with us before they had to head home so we spent the Friday after Thanksgiving 500 feet in the air eating a very expensive, albeit delicious meal. I think Martin and I are still in sticker shock from that one. That's what we get for sitting at a different table from the kids. They ordered whatever they wanted including the $9 scoop of ice cream that comes out in a smoking bowl of dry ice. Wow.

After dinner we did the Aquarium. I was disappointed. I'm sorry to say this, Seattle, but the aquarium did not add up to the hype. It's been years since I was last there and I was hoping it would be better. But we had fun, especially when we, get this: purposefully lost Jeff and Lesa and their kids driving home. There is nothing like a good dose of "lost" to top off a vacation. Am I right, sis.? HA!

Saturday afternoon the Wiser's headed home and we were pretty sad. Carson, Isaac's "favoritest" cousin, who fed Isaac a constant stream of sword fighting and wrestling, was gone and the tears on Isaac's face proved it. So we decided to head to the movies to drown our sorrows in burnt popcorn and bad acting. I promised the kids we'd see "A Christmas Carol." I was very pleasantly surprised. The movie was in a word AWESOME. I was worried because a certain young woman, who will remain nameless, said it was "stupid." Quite the opposite is true. I enjoyed the animation, the 3D, the characters and was happy to see they stuck close to the story. It was the way I pictured the story in my head almost exactly. They didn't make it too goofy or use a lot of stupid cliche' humor. They even stuck to the original old English language. I liked Jim Carey's acting as well. Here's a picture of the kids with their 3D glasses on (check out Livi's wild hair) eating their pizza.

All in all we had a great weekend. We continue to be grateful that Perdi didn't eat Lesa's punk-a** dog, Holly. Thanks for making me laugh the hardest I have in a while, Jeff, and thanks to Jeff, Lesa, Maddi and Carson for coming 12 hours in the car to be with us on Thanksgiving. We all had a super time and we won't soon forget it!

Halloween '09

2009-11-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

This Halloween was kind of drag for the kids. It's too bad because they had awesome costumes...all thought of by themselves. Isaac wanted to be Mario, who is his favorite hero of late. He has several DS Mario games. It's funny what I can get him to do by bribing him with a new Mario game. I've gotten him to read hundreds of books to me this way, when before he wasn't motivated at all. All I have to say about that is: God bless Mario! Isaac was sick the day before Halloween and so he wasn't able to go to his class Halloween party. It was so sad, but he was brave. His favorite part of his costume was his "fat."

Unfortunately, Olivia missed her class Halloween party too due to some hi jinx in her classroom that day (none of them her fault). She came home from school so depressed and upset. It made me sad as well because this was her last year to celebrate Halloween at school. I think she made up for it with her buddies trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. It was her first year to go sans parents and I think she enjoyed the company of her friends Zoe, Lexi and Sofi (all those names end with the same sound...). She came up with the idea of dressing like Hermione (her ultimate hero) but with the twist of being Hermione after she drank the poly juice potion. That's so Olivia.

Alex had a great time at a party of friend. (first boy/girl party, I might add). He dressed up like Spock this year (Aunt Jenny and Amy should be so proud). He refused the pointed ears, though. He thinks his ears already stick out enough. He also refused his mother doing anything to his hair. I was lucky to get him to wear the costume. He can't stand me touching his hair and/or body.

Me and Gary Lightbody (oh yeah, and Martin and Alex)

2009-10-20T07:55:00.001-07:00

We went to the Snow Patrol concert on the 14th of October. Can I just tell you how long I have been waiting to see them in concert? Do you all have any idea??? Well, just to give you a vague notion, they came in '07 and I remember we couldn't go because the venue was some night club downtown and, if I remember right, it was on a Sunday. A little part of me died that night....Me and nightclubs do NOT jibe, and that's not even considering the fact that it was on a Sunday. So I've waited not-so-patiently for 4+ years for the day to come that they would grace me with their presence in Seattle.

This time the venue was the Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle. It's a cool historic old building and the perfect place for me to see SP in the flesh. I got awesome tickets: front row, center up on the mezzanine. I was literally like 20 yards from thee Mr. Gary Lightbody and had a completely unobstructed view. Oh, ladies, he is a fabulous specimen of man. He has a smile that lights up the entire auditorium. And of course, when he sang "Run," I knew he was singing directly to me. (har-har)

The opening act was Plain White T's (eat your heart out Mindy) and they were really the best opening band I've ever seen. Martin agreed. They have this gigantic African-American drummer who just looks so out of place but is so amazingly good.

This was Alex's first concert and I was worried he'd have a bad experience going with his lame-0 parents and all. He is such a great kid, though and he really enjoyed it. He made me promise not to yell and scream and dance around like a fool. Obviously, he doesn't know who he's dealing with. I'm a bit of an introvert. But I do have to admit when it was just me and Gary in the auditorium I may have screamed just a little bit.

Oh, Summer, Where art thou?

2009-10-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

I was looking through our family photos we had taken this summer, trying to decide which ones I want to get enlarged to hang in the house. I got a bit depressed thinking about how warm and sunny that day was and how now it's just stupid cold and rain out of doors. Seriously, though, now that I think about it, that day was freaking hot and I was freaking sweaty and so...good riddance hot, sultry days...hello, cool breezes, pretty autumn colored leaves and yes, rain!

I realized, however, that I never posted the pictures on my blog. Weird indeed. I wouldn't worry about it but every year I make a book out of my blog and I want to have those photos in it.

For those of you who haven't seen the pictures, they were taken by Suzanne Plant of Lookie Loo Photography http://suzannereneephotography.blogspot.com/. She lives in the Draper area. Her husband actually used to work for Microsoft. How they lived in Utah but still worked for MS is beyond me but he doesn't work there anymore. Back in Spring I saw some of her photos on a friend's Facebook page, loved them and got an appointment to get our family pics done by her.

We met up at a park with a pond in the middle in her neighborhood. It had a cool burned out bridge that was part of the backdrop. I was really pleased with her ability to capture the personality in my kids. She took the time to really get to know what I was looking for, which I really appreciated. As we were talking she told me that she had been a photographer for about a year! Yep, only a year. For only picking up a camera a year ago, she does some brilliant work. She had some pretty fancy equipment but told me her secret is that she has to do most of the work, not her camera. I have no idea what she means by that as I am no photographer, but okay.

Here are a few of my favorites

Anyhoo, as you can see, my kids are pretty much the cutest kids around.

First Day of School (Yeah, I'm late. What of it?)

2009-10-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

School has started and it's the first time in 13 years that I won't have a little one at home for any part of the day. This = extreme joy. Yes, it's cool but there's a part of me that misses having a little company during the day. The years that I spent with each one of the kids alone, one on one at times, are treasures in my memory, even if the little punks don't remember it!

Alex was oh, so happy to start school as an almighty 8th grader and to be at the top of the pecking order in Middle School. So far he LOVES school. He has always been great about getting himself up and out the door every day but this years seems to be even a bit easier for him. He says he has many friends in each class (for the first time) and has a bunch of buddies in his lunch group. He is getting great grades so far. All in all he is very happy. Look at this smile. It's true. However, he is decidedly against sharing with me whether there is any interest in friends of the opposite persuasion. I am always on the lookout, though and I'll keep you posted (oh, he's going to kill me for saying that).

Here's the girl in all her fashion-forward splendor. Let it be said that she HAD to have this hat to begin school. Annoyingly enough she has worn it twice: this day, and to the Miley Cyrus concert. Yep, that's Livi. She's all about style when she's making an entrance. After that, she couldn't care less and very seldom will she comb her hair or even put her clothes on unless I remind her. She is enjoying 5th grade more than anyone should legally be allowed, but what can I say? She's a brain like her dad and the social aspect of school is like air to her (where in the world did she get that?). Whenever I see her at school she is running to greet a friend she hasn't seen for like 5 minutes or yelling 'hello' to another friend across the playground. She is such fun. Her teacher told me the first day that everyone was waiting and asking, "Where's Olivia?"

Here she is posing at the bus stop with one of her bff's, Sofi, who lives across the street.

And last but not least...the Cuteness. He lost all his front teeth gnawing on some stiff french bread (his favorite). I really had a hard time sending this adorable kiddo to the 1st grade. He's the baby so that's my excuse. Martin almost had to intervene to get me off him so he could get on the bus. Isaac likes first grade well enough. I don't get much out of him except a "fine" or "good" when I ask him how school went that day. He has already lost his back pack, lunch box and 2 jackets somewhere at school. He can never really remember where, but I usually have to go in to school every few days to collect his things from the lost and found. The "lost and found" concept completely eludes him so I have to go find them for him. He is a crack up and so just "la-dee-da" about life. That's what I like about him, but it's also the thing that makes me consider taking up smoking weed to relax. The other day he had his best buddy, Solomon in the car and, while talking to Sol, he actually had to pause and ask "What's your name again?" This is especially strange because a) he sits by Sol on the bus every day, b) they have had several play dates over the past year, c) they were in the same class for a year and d) Sol is in our ward. Everyone in the car busted out laughing at that one. That's just Isaac.

Well, that catches everyone up on the goings on of the school year at present. I hope everyone is having a great year so far. I miss all you family members and friends and think about you often, especially now that I'm off Facebook. The upside of me being off FB is that I am a better mom and I am less distracted by and large. I wish I knew how to figure out how to control myself better and not have this "all or nothing" mentality, but for the moment it escapes me. So, you'll have to catch up here with us on the blog for now. Ciao!

Orcas Island 2009

2009-09-16T11:22:00.001-07:00

We went to Orcas Island again this year over the Labor Day weekend. We stayed at the same place we stayed last year in Eastsound. It's a little condo. The place has a pool, hot tubs, tennis court and is right on the beach.

It's beautiful and we wished we had a boat so we could use their slip. This is the view from the North end of the Island facing West. Way beyond the furthest mountain is Vancouver BC. I love this little island. If I could live here I would, but I don't see that happening any time soon...ahhh, well.

We did some fun things this year. We went swimming every day even though the water was freezing. That never stopped Alex who, it would seem, has an affinity to pain. Isn't he so cool in this picture? Totally awesome, right?

We went hiking and I was so thrilled to be able to join in. This is the first time I could do it in 6 years, since my feet have been bad. My feet didn't hurt! Yay, for Dr. Blahous!! I even wore my flip-flops and was fine even after 3 miles! I've come full circle it would seem!! This is my feet after the hike. Dirty, I know, but I'm wearing my sister Jenny's shoes that I found at my mom's house this summer and then stole. It was fun to think she was walking there with me. She would have loved it there. Sorry Mom (but not really)!! Isaac was his typical self on the hike. We had to do so fancy talking to get him to finish it. He was not impressed, but we had fun! He looks like he's in pain here, because, according to him, he is in pain.

Olivia, Isaac and I did some beach combing. Livi loved finding shells, cool rocks and other interesting things.

We also went whale watching again this year. I think I'm addicted the adrenaline of seeing them in the wild. While we were on the boat watching a pod of whales forage for salmon, all of a sudden a female orca came up and swam directly under the boat! When she came up for air just 10 or 15 feet from where I was standing I was able to get a quick shot of her swimming away. The captain of the boat, who's been doing this for 20 years, said he has only seen that happen once or twice. She literally came out of nowhere and it was really surreal to see her body so close underneath the boat. It was amazing!

I can't wait to go back next summer. It's kind of our family tradition we started and I hope we can do it for a long time. Here's some more pictures of the trip:

Trampoline Fun or (as we like to call it) An Insurance Agent's Worst Nightmare

2009-08-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

We always have so much fun on Grandma's trampoline. The funny thing is I don't think my mom has ever been "on" the trampoline, but it's at her house, so she gets the rights. We always had a trampoline growing up and I remember spending hours and hours every day jumping on it and when I got older "laying out" on it.

The kids had an awesome water fight this year on it. Here's a few shots:

I also got some shots of the kids jumping. They always make me laugh when they're jumping. I hear a lot of "Heather, watch this!" and "Heather, look at me!" It's always so much fun and thankfully no body has gotten seriously injured, which is a miracle because there is always 5 or so kids on it at once. Man, when I was growing up there were just 2 kids at a time allowed.

Dallon

Marie

Erin

Our Trip to Utah Part ....(oh, who cares?) Putting Up Corn

2009-08-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

Every year in Utah I'm lucky enough to be home just in time for the corn harvest, which is great, because I love me some corn. However, the bad part is it's time to for the annual "Putting Up of the Corn," a Higley family tradition. You'd think I'd somehow be smart enough to get myself out of this one, but no. I never see it coming. Ha! Just kidding, Mom (sort of). I actually don't mind it. Over the years we have gotten quite good at this chore and have made several stream-lining changes to make the process more efficient. Trust me, guys, we know how to do it.

It takes a lot of corn....a LOT of corn. I was shucking for probably an hour and a half straight without stopping and there was usually another one or two people doing the shucking with me. I should some day count how many ears of corn we do, but I always forget. But trust me when I say it was a lot.

After the shucking, we boil the corn. We used to do this in the house which was murder back when we had no air conditioning and after we were done with the whole process the entire kitchen had a sticky film. So about 20 years ago (or more) we started moving everything to the outdoors. We use camp stoves to heat the water and coolers to blanch. It works a lot better that way and then mom can just spray down the patio with the hose when we're done.

Mom blanching the corn. Erin "helping."

After we blanch the corn we cut it off the cob (with electric knives, of course) and put it into freezer bags. We have lots of fun talking and goofing around while we work and it's fun for the kids to get involved. We had a great time this year and ended up spending about 2 or 3 hours and yielding about 70 quarts of corn....that's 70 sides dishes for my mom's roast for Sunday dinners! It tastes so good that I refuse to buy frozen corn...it just doesn't compare!

Dad "helping"

Olivia looked after Oakley

Our Trip to Utah Part III (Oquirrh Mtn. Temple)

2009-08-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to get a chance to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house, which is in South Jordan. It was great for the kids to be able to see the inside of a temple before it is dedicated. They actually enjoyed it very much and Livi is planning to get married there (a little prematurely??). The Cuteness especially liked the mirrors that went on forever and stood in front of them making all kinds of faces and pretending like he was Indiana Jones stuck in some kind of eternal video game (I honestly have no idea where he gets these ideas). He is already planning on using these type of mirrors in his upcoming movies. I think he feels they are a great way to incorporate some cheap special effects. Ahhhh, my Isaac.

The temple had beautiful murals and wood work. The chandeliers were all in the shape of stars and they were stunning. I also was impressed by how they used natural lighting throughout. The celestial room was lit almost entirely by the light from windows. Also I was excited to see the endowment rooms were split into 2 parts, I think for live sessions. The beginning room had amazing, beautiful murals of the wilderness painted on the walls. They were much smaller than the rooms I'm used to in Seattle. It was a fantastic day and I felt such peace and love while I was sitting there waiting to go inside. I'm glad I could spend that time with my family.

Our Utah Trip Part II (Our House in the Middle of Our Street)

2009-08-18T19:13:00.001-07:00

This is our house. Okay, technically it's my parent's house. I grew up here though, so that should give me some sort of right to it. I can at least say it was my first home and I still refer to it as "home," even though I live 800 miles away. I spent my whole childhood here and I have great memories. I love that old house!

Our house was at one time one of only a few on the street called Higley Road, named after my Grandpa Higley. The land on Higley Road was mostly owned by him and it is where he had his farm. After he died, it was left for my dad to farm. Now there are houses and houses and more houses being added. Every time I go home I'm amazed to see a few more houses going in. It is a good thing I guess, but I can't help but remember the land as it was when I would go help dad hoe beans, bail hay or irrigate. It was more untouched, more a part of me. Now it's just some stranger's house. That depresses me a little bit.

Anyway, I got to spend a lot of time with my nieces and nephews which is the joy of the vacation for me. We went swimming and played on the trampoline, had water fights and rode the four-wheeler. It was such a blast! Here's a few pictures of the kids swimming at my sister Mindy's Mother in Law's pool. She was nice enough to let us crash all day at her house! Thanks, Grandma Laurie!!

These are my favorite pictures from the day:
Alex looks like such a dork!!

Cute Livi!

My adorable niece, Oakley

Our Trip to Utah Part 1

2009-08-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

We got to Utah just in time to help my brother-in-law, Jeff celebrate his 47th birthday (man, he is old). Just so you know, Jeff is probably the funniest person I have ever met and any time I am with him I can pretty much count on peeing my pants at some point. It's been that way for over 25 years. His birthday was no exception. His imitations of my sister Lesa are classic.

We met at Manuel's El Burrito in Clearfield (hola, enchiladas and burritos...it's been oh so long), which is Jeff's favorite. This place has the best salsa I have ever tasted and that's saying a lot. Jeff was his usual charming and funny self and was so pleased to get to wear the traditional birthday sombrero while we ate amazing home-made tortillas and made fun of him.

I spent the day leading up to Jeff's party with my bff from Utah, Jen Vesper who is a cake decorator. She was kind enough to make my dear brother-in-law the "ultimate Geek cake." It had all Jeff's favorite things on it: Worlds of Warcraft, his stupid motorcycle and Star Trek. It also had an awesome chocolate sculpture of Jeff which I had to tell Jen to fatten up 3 different times because she was being way too forgiving.

Can I tell you Jen is a genius?? No, really, she is. I had so much fun sitting and talking with her as she wove her cake magic (I think she might be a witch). We had a fun time catching up and doing my favorite activity: making fun of people. :) It always feels like no time has ever passed between us when we get together. Thanks for the laughs, Jen! (and the cake, which, btw was delicious!)

Jeff and Mini-Jeff posing

My niece, Erin and Martin at Manuel's. They have a cute little bond.

Just Catching Up

2009-08-15T16:07:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged for a while. I didn't write anything while I was in Utah...I don't know why, other than I was having too much fun doing other things.

I had surgery on July 17th. It was a futile attempt to find some scar tissue attached to my uterus and/or ovaries. Alas, I had no problem there but did have some in my abdomen left over from my last laparoscopy -- go figure. I don't mind being put under for surgeries, I usually have no problem. However, when they fill up the abdominal cavity with air I wake up sick as a dog and have to puke several times before finally convincing the nurses to release me already so I can puke in the privacy of my own home. To make things so much more fun, my doctor decided I didn't need any pain medication. "Ibuprofen will do the trick." Well, I was in a lot of pain, friends....A LOT of pain. I don't know if you have ever had a couple of sharp, long metal instruments fishing in your belly, but it makes for a sore recovery. I was more sore than after my c-sections. It took me 24 hours for me to convince my doctor I needed something more, shall we say, substantial. After I got the Lortab, I was much better.

3 days following my surgery we so wisely decided to head off to Utah for our annual visit with family. I look forward to it all year, and what would a surgery for Heather be without a recovery spent in the car?? It really wasn't so bad and I was so excited to get "home."

I will post more about our trip when I have more time. For now, I am posting some pics of Olivia's hairstyles so that you can see what things I've tried recently. They are at the bottom of the blog. I have been finding the ideas on the blog "A story of a princess and her hair" which I have posted a link to on the sidebar if you want some "how to's."

My New Husband and Other News

2009-07-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Cuteness asked me to marry him the other day....and I accepted. How could I not? He's the most qualified 6 year old I know, not to mention he is cute.

He's been really into kings, queens, princes, princesses, etc. and how all that works. We don't know why. I've had kind of a hard time explaining how a king can marry a woman and that would make her a queen, or how a prince becomes a king after his father dies. He really is getting into it. So, of course, he is the king but wanted to make sure I became the queen and the only way to ensure that was through marriage; he had no choice.

It was a simple ceremony that took place in Alex's room, with only our closest friends in attendance (namely, Bob, his imaginary friend and a couple stuffed animals). First he asked me to give him my ring, so I took off my wedding ring and gave it to him. Next he gave it back to me and said, "We are now married." He gave me a quick kiss and that was it. Now I am Queen.

Martin is the prince, Olivia is the princess and Alex is the gardener (I think he means guard, but I didn't push the issue). After the ceremony we went house-hunting and found a lovely abode in the family room. He now calls me "Wife" and I am to refer to him as "King" and/or "Husband." Where do kids come up with this stuff?

Also, Isaac has just learned to read. Seriously, a light just turned on and he could read. He isn't fast and doesn't always get the words, but he understands how the phonetics go together and is learning to sound things out. He read his first book last night. It was the book, "Pals are Pals," which I highly recommend (it has something for everyone: suspense, intrigue, good vs. evil). He was really happy and proud of himself as was his mother. He is indeed growing up!

Olivia has been reading the Harry Potter Series now for about 2 months (maybe longer, I'm not sure). Her goal has been to finish the books up to the 6th so that she could see the movie after she had read the book. No small feet for a 10 year old. Well, today she is almost finished with the 5th and is about to start the 6th. She only has 2 more days left, but I've learned not to count her out yet. She surprises me sometimes.

Alex just returned from his first (and last, so he says) 50-miler. He said he had a good time, that it was hard, he thought he'd die at some point and that he feels good that he finished it. Their group actually finished the hike one day early! They had to endure all kinds of odd weather, including, hail, snow, rain, and sleet. He hasn't stopped eating since he returned home. Apparently, he was extremely food-deprived :). I will post some photos his Scout Leader took of the hike later. Thanks for the pictures, Paul! And I have to say 'thank you' to the other leaders who planned and took on this great responsibility. What an amazing act of service! The boys had a time they will never forget.

So, other than my new husband, everything is pretty much the same old same old around here. We are happy and looking forward to going to Utah in the next week to spend time with our families. Hope everyone else is doing well!!

The Dugout

2009-06-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Alex just finished another baseball season. I am always a little sad when it ends, but I'm glad that we have the extra time now. It is a huge time commitment and entails a lot of chauffeuring which isn't fun when I-900 is all torn up.

Anyway, this was Alex's first time in Pony (Lake Sammammish) League and he had an amazing time. The main differences in Pony as compared to Little League is the field is bigger, and they are allowed to lead off, pick-off, and slide head first. Alex was one of the smallest players on the team. I think this age (13-14) is when young men have their growth spurts and some of his teammates had obviously already had theirs.

Alex played Second Base the whole season with a few Left and Right Field thrown in. He assisted in a couple of double plays and that's when I saw him smile the most. He also loved being able to pick off players who were diving back to second. He really loves playing baseball and just loves it more now that he's starting to have to use strategy and has to utilize his brain more. I've never noticed before but they have to pay attention all the time. It's a very intense game when you really watch all that's going on out there. I could never do it...too much stress.

Alex also got to be appreciated for his hitting ability. He started the season off near the bottom of the batting order. The final game he was hitting second. He still can't hit the ball too far, he doesn't have the weight behind him, but he was probably the most consistent hitter, only striking out a hand-full of times. He got many singles and a few doubles and one or two triples. His coaches teased him calling him "Mr. 500" a couple of times. He proved he could hit like the 14-year-olds and was a great team asset. He also was pretty good at leading off and diving back (which would always make me cringe--and make him smile).

I wanted to post some things we heard coming from the dugout. Mostly, because they made us laugh. But, also because it proves that although these boys show so much maturity on the field it's apparent they are really still just boys who like to have fun:).

One of the boys broke his ankle early in the season (not playing baseball) and wasn't able to come to practice much. When he returned to sit through some of the games Martin heard one of the boys say to him, "Dude, you're back! We thought you broke your scrotum!" I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you cannot break that body part....but I'm no urologist.

The boys sometimes had a hard time with the officiating (big surprise). Once, one of the guys was batting and was struck out. He did not agree with the call and charged back into the dugout stomping and saying, "I can't believe he called me out. I've KILLED people for less!" He was lucky he wasn't ejected.

There were many more funny things that were said. It was always funny. This age cracks me up sometimes. I really love it!

I am so thankful for what baseball teaches Alex. He has learned discipline, how to be a team player, how to listen to and respect authority figures, to have confidence in his abilities, and he has learned the importance of practicing. They're all things that will be of value to him in his future. Most of all, I'm glad he has something he loves to do that's just fun! We should all be so lucky!

End of the Year and Start of a New Year

2009-06-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

The end of school has come at LONG last. I always get so excited when my kids are finished with school. I get to have a nice break from the carting around factor and I really love having them around. It's going to be a fun summer!

Isaac graduated from Kindergarten. I use the word graduated loosely, because there was a possibility that he would repeat Kindergarten. Isaac's teacher suggested the possibility of his retention and the therapists and counselors at school said it might be beneficial if he could get into all-day Kindergarten; if not, they said half-day would not help. We decided to put his name on the lottery list for all day K, just in case, and then we would make our decision. He didn't make it into the first class so we thought our decision was made (that was easy) and we'd send him on to 1st grade. However, a wrench was thrown in when they added two more all-day classes and Isaac again became eligible....back to a hard decision. We prayed about it and the impression came to us to send him on to 1st grade anyway. If he needs to be retained at the end of 1st grade we will do it then. Until then, this summer will be filled with lots of tutoring for Isaac at the local learning center! It's all good! He's excited to have his own personal teacher.

Olivia and Alex finished 4th and 7th grade respectively. They both did an awesome job with their studies this year and both maintained their piano studies and dance and baseball "professions" and had a lot of fun play-time too (which I think is so important). It was a great year, but they are ready for a well-deserved break!

Martin and I celebrated our 15th Anniversary on June 17th. We decided to spend it in Cannon Beach, our original honeymoon destination. How fun it was to be in the same spot where we started out our journey together. Wow! We have come a long way. At the time of our wedding we had no idea we would end up in the northwest. It's ironic that that is where we chose to go after our wedding. Incidentally, we went there originally because we saw an advertisement in a Bridal magazine and it looked beautiful and fun.

We had an amazing time on our vacation. My niece, Jessica, came to stay with our kids and Martin and I were able to be alone for a few days. We trusted her fully and didn't worry once. We stayed at the same inn we stayed 15 years ago. Back then it was a brand new inn and it was beautiful and luxurious. The Stephanie Inn is still the same. This time we decided to get their best room and that happened to be in the Carriage House right next to the hotel. It turned out to be an AMAZING place. The room was beautiful and had windows everywhere so at any given time we could see and hear the ocean. It was a lot more quiet than the main inn too. We spent 3 days mostly sitting together and reading and talking. We shopped at the cute little shops and had a couple of massages in the hotel's spa. It was so nice to not have the television on, or the phone ringing, or other little interruptions. We truly just relaxed. They also gave us 40% off of everything at the hotel because we were return guests (including the spa treatments and food).

Martin and I have come so far in our marriage. We have our hard times and we aren't perfect but our marriage continues to get stronger everyday. It's the journey that continues to strengthen us. I can't imagine my life without him. He finishes my sentences, knows how I'll react in any given situation and listens to what's going on in my heart. He knows me better than I know myself. He tells me every day, sometimes dozens of times, how much he loves me and how beautiful he thinks I am in, inside and out. He is the father of my children, and is such an amazing dad. I get really emotional when I think about how my kids will remember their dad when they get older. I treasure my memories of my dad and I know how those experiences have shaped my life for the better.

Anyway, we had a great start off to our summer and our 16th year together. It's been an incredible life and I can't wait for the following chapters!

My 15 Minutes of Fame (this is it, huh?)

2009-05-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Well, everyone is said to have their own 15 minutes of fame in a life time and here's mine. I was in the news paper this past week. It was for the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk, which takes place this Saturday. I got to talk a little bit about my sister and the problem of finding a cure for brain cancer. Hopefully, it helped the cause a little bit. That's all I can ask for.

A couple of months ago the "Events Specialist" for the walk called me to see if I would be willing to be interviewed for the Issaquah Press to help promote the walk this year. She somehow saw my blog from last year's event and thought I was a good candidate. I, of course, agreed. Anyway I can honor Jenny by helping others with the same disease is all good in my book.

The article was really great. Here's the link http://www.issaquahpress.com/2009/05/19/brain-cancer-remains-incurable-fatal/ if you didn't get a chance to see it. The reporter did a good job in conveying something that really bothers me about the research for brain cancer. Since it is such an obscure cancer compared to some other cancers it gets little in the way of money to help fund the research and development of new treatments. If there could be anywhere near the amount of money raised for brain cancer that is raised for other cancers, there would be some serious advancements. That is why breast cancer and prostate cancer sufferers are surviving at a much higher rate now. What a blessing! I understand brain cancer doesn't affect as many people, but it is a death sentence for a lot of patients. Advancements are always a good thing no matter what cancer!

There were a few misunderstood points in the article. Several of the finer points about Jenny's diagnosis and story were not quite on, like her age and circumstances. For example, she was able to have radiation therapy while pregnant with Phoenix which was quite possibly the route of treatment they would have chosen even if she hadn't been pregnant. I am of the opinion that she would still have had the same life expectancy had she not been pregnant. Anyway, that is a minor detail.

I do think the author made too broad of an assumption in saying that all brain cancer is deadly. A diagnosis of brain cancer, in and of itself, does not mean the patient should expect to die. However, the stage of brain cancer Jenny had, Glioblastoma, is usually fatal within 2 years. Glioblastoma is a term referred to patients with stage 4 cancer cells, or late-term cancer. When Jenny's tumor was biopsied it showed very few stage 4 cells but the oncologist told her that if the tumor contains any stage 4 cells at all they technically had to call it Glioblastoma. And it is true that the cancer almost always comes back even after treatment. I don't know for sure, but I would assume that a person with stage 1 or 2 brain cancer has a much better chance of eradicating the cells for good. But I'm no oncologist!

This was really a great experience for me. I hoped to really raise a lot of money for the walk this year! I'm way short of my goal, but that's okay. With family and the life of a mom always looming, I haven't had much time. I'm so excited to walk on Saturday!

Mr. Baseball and the 2009 Season (so far)

2009-05-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Is there anything I love more than baseball season? Hmmm....maybe, but I do love it. I love sitting in the sunshine and watching Alex. I'm always amazed at the maturity he shows on the field. This year is his first year out of the Little League program and since there's no team at the middle school we decided to go to the Pony League this year. He plays with 13 and 14 year olds (I think some may 15 also).

These kids are HUGE! My dad was visiting a month ago and went to a game, and as he so eloquently put it, "Some of those kids are big enough to eat hay and pull a plow." I was nervous when I first saw how big these kids are. Mostly because I wondered how in the world Alex would be able to compete with those guys. Apparently, puberty hits around this age and we're still waiting for it with Alex). Most of the guys are 6 to 12 inches taller than he is.

Well, I need not have worried. It took a game or two to adjust to the faster pitching, longer base runs, and head-first sliding, but he's totally up to speed now. It is taking me a longer time to figure out all the stupid new rules...what the heck is a balk???? I've never seen so many dumb rules! Oh, not to mention the "new" rules Alex has assigned to me. I am to no longer call him "Ally," "The A Man," "Big A," "Smiley," or "Bud," as in years past. Now it is "The AC," or nothing. I have also been given strict instructions to never take unsolicited pictures. Hmph! I had to sneak this one in and he was very unhappy.

Alex's coaches this year are some great dads. There are also 3 young men that are recently graduated from High School that have been doing most of the on-field coaching. They were all on Issaquah High's championship team at some point. One of them is a pitcher who was drafted straight from high school to the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, he injured his arm pretty severely and plans have changed for him. He and his buddies are coaching the young team and are great at what they do. I think Alex is a little star-struck, but at least he is getting an idea of how to be a team player from some amazing players. I think it's been fun for him to see up close and personal how fast a major league pitcher can throw!

Little Bunnies Foo-Foo

2009-05-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of the 3 baby bunnies living in our back yard. I have seen the mother a lot lately in our garage, on our front lawn, crossing the street and it seems she has taken up residence in the rocks behind our house. We were out doing yard work last Saturday and Martin almost thatched one of the babies to death before he saw it was there. Luckily, the bunny moved just in time and we were spared an ugly, bloody scene with our children looking on. I guess the rocks make for good warrens.

I have read "Watership Down" and it's one of my favorite books. Therefore, I am a little bit obsessed with bunny rabbits. Also, when I was just starting College my parents got some rabbits and they were so cute!! My sister Jenny made a video about them (it was a horror film). I wish I could find that video, it was hilarious...something like "Attack of the Killer Bunnies." Anyway, I'm wasting way too much time daydreaming about bunnies. Help!!

I am also worried. My perennials are just starting to poke out of the ground and I fear they don't stand much chance against this little family. Plus, I remember why my parents got rid of the bunnies: the mess they make is UNBELIEVABLE. To make matters worse, Livi and the Cuteness are trying to domesticate the bunnies and have been naming them...never a good sign. Maybe they'll just leave when they're big enough! Right?!?

Come on everyone!!

2009-04-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

So I know it's only been a week since you all heard about the brain cancer walk, but I have not heard from too many of you!! I know we can do better than that.

I just wanted to let you know some of the plans we have in the works for raising money. First, Amy and I have decided to have a garage sale in which all proceeds will go to the walk. We are hoping some local friends and family will have some items they can donate for this. We are planning on holding the sale when the Talus Community holds their annual sale (the date to come soon). It will be great! So if you have anything you'd like to donate to the cause, comment on this blog! Also, we thought a bake sale might be a fun way to raise some funds. We are thinking we could do the bake sale the same day as the garage sale and have it in the same area. The catch is we'll need some people willing to donate some baked goods (hint, hint). Again, let me know if this sounds at all appealing to you!

Finally, if you are still wondering if you want to walk just let me know and I'll talk you into it!! We need a big team this year! If you aren't able to walk you can just make a contribution (we would be happy if you did).

Here's a bit of what my sister, Mindy wrote about the walk that I'd thought I'd share:

Dear fellow bloggers, we need your help! As you probably all know my sister, Jenny, passed away just over a year ago from brain cancer, leaving behind two darling little girls. Now imagine if you were given a diagnosis of terminal cancer... now imagine it's brain cancer, like my sisters, and you are told that towards the end of your life, you will not be you - as everyone knows you - as the cancer takes over your brain. So the last few months of your life aren't spent holding your children, kissing and hugging them before you pass on. You spend it staring off, unable to speak - even though you want to - you just can't make the words come out (your brain won't let you). You can't feed yourself, or walk, or do any daily functions you should be able to do for yourself, however, you sit and watch your 18 month old do them, all by herself. It's a horrific death, as all cancer is. None of us would want this for themselves or for any of their loved ones and would do anything to make sure it never happens.Well my sister, Heather, and her friend, Amy, are participating in the Brain Cancer Walk in Seattle, Washington where they live. They have set a high goal for themselves, $5,000 in pledges! They would appreciate your help in helping them reach their goal. 100% of all pledges (and even registration fees) goes to support the Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment (CABTT) at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute. When Jenny was going through her treatment it would have been so nice to have had a Neuroscience Institute full of the newest treatments and technology. The Huntsman Cancer Institute was great, much better than what most people have access to, however, it wasn't a neuroscience institute. How great it would have been to have had access to something like that. But the research and the new treatments that they are working on will help all brain cancer patients throughout the world. I understand times are tough and money is short for most of us, but a donation of $5 or $10 (the amount spent for lunch at Wendys or McDonalds) does help and adds up quickly. You can get a pledge form by emailing my sister at heathermariec@comcast.net or email myself at mindymiller@earthlink.net.

Thanks again, everyone! Gold bless you!

Help Us Fight Brain Cancer!!

2009-04-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

The following is a letter to invite you to help in the Seattle Brain Cancer walk this year. I am very excited to be doing this again this year! My friend Amy Hansen and I are co-captains and we have set a pretty hefty goal so we really could use all your help!!

If you can't walk with us due to distance or other commitments never fear....you can still help!! Just make a donation! Also, remember many employers will match contributions made...now, that is cool! Plus, feel free to pass this on to any friends you may know.

My family and I have been through the whole treatment process with my sister and we did it without a special specific place of treatment. Boy, that would have helped! This new center is top of the line and on the cuttting edge and that is what patients dealing with this disease need.

You would be so surprised how much just $10 or $20 can help. I have learned that it all adds up!

Anyway, here's the letter...and thanks so much for helping!

Dear Friends,

It’s time for the 2nd Annual Seattle Brain Cancer Walk! We hope you’ll join me on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the Mercer Island High School Track to support the Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment (CABTT) at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute. We are organizing a team, Brain Stormtroopers, for this year’s event. Our team will participate in honor of Jenny Lynch (my sister) and Ken Harris (Amy's dad), and we would love to have you join us to help raise funds for brain cancer research and patient care!

It is very easy to join team Brain Stormtroopers. You can register online at www.braincancerwalk.org. Join our team by selecting Brain Stormtroopers on the sign-up page or you can also register by completing a registration form (let me know if you need one). Please return your paper registration to us by May 15th so I can submit it in time to make the registration deadline. The $25 registration fee includes a great T-shirt as well as food and festivities following the race.

This year, Brain Stormtroopers has set a fundraising goal of $5,000. If you are not able to participate in this year’s race, please consider making a pledge to help support our team with a pledge form. As team captains, we will be responsible for collecting all completed entry forms, fees and pledges (please contact me if you would like a pledge form). Because of generous sponsorship from Swedish Medical Center, 100% of funds raised, including the registration fee and all donations, benefit CABTT. Through groundbreaking research, personalized treatment plans and patient-centered care, CABTT is improving outcomes for patients and working toward an eventual cure for brain cancer.

We hope we can count on your support for the 2009 Seattle Brain Cancer Walk! Together, we can give hope to brain cancer patients and their families. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. I can't wait to see you at this year’s event!

Sincerely,
Heather Chamberlain 425-392-4372 and Amy Hansen 425-330-4397
Team Captains

Sans Braces

2009-04-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!! Olivia got her braces off (-insert hallelujah chorus here-) and we are so excited. But Olivia is especially excited She's turning into quite the mature kid. Uber-husband and I think she looks a lot like her brother Alex now. They both have HUGE teeth. I wish I had the smile they have but I cannot take credit for that. I have small teeth, thanks to years of night grinding. We are unsure where theirs came from. I keep telling them they should both be happy about their beautiful teeth, but they tell me to, "Shut up," or my personal favorite, "Lay off, Mom." I thought compliments were a good thing, what was I thinking?

Here's hoping Isaac doesn't need braces. I don't think we can afford another round. Being a parent is very expensive, anyone else noticed that?

13 Year Old

2009-03-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

Alex, my first-born, turned 13 yesterday. I know, it is out of control and scary. I don't know if I can cope--seriously, when did this happen? It seems like he has always been a kid and will always be a kid. I need to realize he's growing up!

Alex has always been a sweet boy. His disposition is to be happy and easy-going but under the surface hides a bit of a control freak and a sarcastic self-perfectionist. He reminds me A LOT of myself. He is more like me than Martin that way. When he was a baby he started talking at 10 or 11 months and I remember he could tell me his colors at 12 months. I think that is first-child syndrome, but he was an early talker. Walking, on the other hand, didn't come until shortly before 16 months, as with all my kids. He was so much fun when he was little. He was my little best friend and went everywhere with me. He had, and still has, a very infectious smile and laugh. When we moved to the Seattle area he got me through the tough times and I depended on him a lot. He is still a rock that I look to for support and he only gets stronger with age. I can't wait to see him get more mature and watch him become a man. He knows when to be serious and when to goof off and he respects people. He has the funniest sense of humor and can make me laugh at the oddest of times when I'm least expecting it. I hope you all can get to know Alex. I feel like he has a lot to give as a person. Happy Birthday Alex!

An interview with a 13 year old:

What is your favorite:

1. Food? Mexican

2. Music group? Linkin Park

3. Thing to do? Play sports, especially baseball.

4. Subject at school? Math

5. Animal? Dogs, especially huskies.

6. Actor? Steve Carell

7. Place? Utah

8. Color? Blue

9. Song? "Somebody Told Me" by the Killers

10. TV show? The Office

11. Movie? Harry Potter (any one)

12. Team? Yankees (Seriously? Who knew?)

Where would you like to serve your mission? Japan

Some of Alex's favorite things: Guitar Hero, good chocolate (milk chocolate), movies, alternative music, playing outside with friends, family, food, sleeping (he sleeps all the time), playing the piano.

Alex catching some sweet air.

Jenny, I Miss You

2009-03-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life I feel like I would really like to hold back time. Just pinch it and make it stay where it is. I've felt that way when I am really enjoying my children being little or when I'm having a good day. That's also how I've felt for a few months now, knowing this day was coming. I don't know why I feel so much more lonesome for Jen today. Maybe it's because a whole year seems really long, or maybe it just reminds me she's gone, or maybe I feel like I'm forgetting her. Whatever the reason, I'm sad, and I miss her a lot today. I don't want to make this day about me, because it isn't. But I don't know how else to honor and remember her today. Maybe that's okay and you'll humor me...just for today. And maybe Jen will too. These are some of me and my family's favorite memories of Jen.

Martin: Jenny and Ernie were visiting us from Utah. This was before they had their girls so they were fairly free back then. They had lots of fun driving to Canada and visiting Kurt Cobain's grave. One day they drove to Leavenworth with Martin and the kids. They loved it because they both went to Germany on their missions and that little Bavarian town was like going home for them. On the way there, Martin and Jen talked and talked about politics. Jen was a major liberal and Martin was....well, not. Out of everyone, Martin and Jen got along best even though they had obvious flat=out differences. They respected each others opinions and both realized that the other, generally speaking, knew what they were talking about! Martin misses Jen for that and for the great threat she posed at Trivial Pursuit. She was the only one that could beat him (and I loved her for that!!).

Alex: One winter day when we were visiting for Christmas in Utah, Jen decided she was going to take my kids (just Alex and Olivia at the time) and go sledding. I may have been pregnant with Isaac, but I don't remember. Anyway, I warned Jen that my kids are not the daring type and I didn't know how anxious they would be about this little trip. She assured me all would be fine and they would love it. She got them all bundled up and took off one morning with video in hand to the mountains. When they got back she was laughing so hard she really couldn't tell me how it went. She turned on the video and showed me the proceedings of the day. On the screen was Alex sliding down the hill over and over with Jenny's encouraging voice trying to persuade Olivia to go down. Olivia was having none of it. So, Jen picked her up, put her on the sled and pushed her down the hill, screaming and crying the whole way. For the rest of the video Olivia sat at the bottom of the hill sobbing while Jenny video taped Alex going down again and again. She cried non-stop and Jenny consoled her, as she laughed to the side. I still have this video.

Olivia: Olivia remembers swimming in the pool with Aunt Jenny. Jen loved to go swimming. When we were little kids Jenny was always the first (and often only) one to get in the freezing waters at Willard Bay, Lake Powell or Bear Lake. She knew no seasonal boundaries. She liked to frolic in the waters as she got older and had her little girls. I remember the summer before she died going to Jackson and staying at a campground that had a somewhat disgusting and questionable swimming pool. Everyone else went hiking but Jen and I because we had to stay back with the littlest kids. She was jumping in and bouncing around and screaming like she was 15 again! Erin and Phoenix were loving watching their mom have so much fun.

Isaac: When I ask Isaac about Jenny he says she's in the ground. I think that memory for him will always stand out. Poor guy. He will never know Jenny like my other two did. But I remember something that she loved to tell me about a day she spent with Isaac while Martin and I were in Hawaii. She took Alex, Olivia and Isaac and some of the other nieces and nephews to see a movie. I don't remember the movie but she remembered Isaac sat on her lap, and he was a big baby, as she fed him popcorn the ENTIRE time. He was only 1 or 2 and she had to place each piece in his mouth because he didn't want to get his hands buttery.

Heather: There are so many memories to choose from. We had such a fun relationship, especially before we got into our mean teens. We played in my dad's barn and climbed up to the off-limits loft, spent hours flying kites in Dad's fields, and played house in the trailer when mom didn't know we had found the key. We had a lot of fights as we got older, but we always loved each other. Once, when she was 16 or so and having a hard time, she came home one night and came to me and I held her while she cried for 2 or 3 hours until my parents got home. It scared me then, but I think about it now and I'm so glad she knew she could come to me. When she had her second daughter, Phoenix, she called me and begged me to come home to Utah for the baby blessing. I was so glad she wanted me there for that moment and I'm so glad I went. We got to spend a few days together without my kids, and we talked a lot. That is a sweet memory.

I know even though Jen isn't here in the flesh with me now, she is all around me. I feel her in the warm sunshine, hear her in the laugh of a new friend, and see her in the eyes of her daughters. I think of her often, and just thinking of her makes her seem closer.

I love you, Jen. I miss you. Stay as close as you can...

Sick and Bored

2009-03-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

I was sick for about a week with a nasty cold. Anyway, I was fairly incapacitated and BORED out of my mind. So I played stupid games on the computer, and watched some really good (and really bad) movies. I was able to catch up on some movies I'd wanted to see for a while (like years) but haven't had a chance. Also, I watched some movies that I've never heard of. Here is a list of the movies I watched and my thumbs-up or thumbs-down and reasons for my like or dislike.

1. The Secret Life of Bees - thumbs up - I've read the book, but it was years ago and I have to admit I remembered little about the book. It was fun to see the movie to remind me why I loved the book so much. I thought the movie stayed true to the overall feeling of the book and I thought the casting was spot on for the most part.

2. Nights in Rodanthe - thumbs up and then down -Pretty good and then the guy dies in the end! I don't like death in movies where I'm not expecting it. I didn't know anything about the story and so I got attached to the characters and what happens??? He DIES!!! I know things are not always "happy ending" in this life but I was not expecting this. Until that part the movie was okay. The acting was a bit forced too and the story a bit hokey.

3. Henry Poole is Here - thumbs WAY up - I loved this movie. I had not even seen any trailers on this movie, so I was pleasantly surprised. It was a bit hard to watch given the fact that the main character, Henry Poole, knows he's dying. That hit a bit close to home because of Jenny, but hope being the central idea was very refreshing...you don't see that very often. Plus, I thought it was a bit edgy and had an almost dream-like quality but that added to its charm.

4. Reality Bites - thumbs whatever- I have been hearing this movie was good for over 10 years and all I have to say is, "hmmmm...really?" This was a bit lame on top of the fact that it was somewhat depressing, and just, well, boring. Winona Ryder was okay. I don't particularly love or hate her, but this movie didn't move me at all. Is it a 90's icon? No idea. It was definitely not the 90's I lived, but whatever.

5. Batman Begins - thumbs still wondering what to do - I hate it when I hear tons and tons of good things about movies and get my hopes all up and then have them dashed. This movie was like that for me. I just watched this movie for the first time (seriously) and I'm a few years behind, but anyway...I think the effects were great and I liked the story but it was full of annoying cliches and that drives me nuts. I guess that's how a lot of the comic movies are, I also hated "Iron Man" when I saw it...and that has nothing to do with the fact that Gwyneth was in it (although she is my biggest competition for Chris Martin--I think that ship's already sailed). FYI: I loved the older Batman movies with Val Kilmer, Michael Keaton and that other dude.

6. Fireproof - thumbs up - I really enjoyed this movie and was impressed by the amount of attention it got. It's a christian film and usually they don't really grab me too much but this one did as I thought it was incredibly relevant for lots of different reasons. Was it cheesy?? I guess a little bit but my cheesedar didn't go off much and I was glad for that. I think if people took the advice given from this movie to heart a lot of marriages could be saved, and there's nothing wrong with that. Sometimes I feel like movies are trying to do just the opposite and that gets to me, which is why I'm rather snobbish about what I will and won't see. I don't like to be encouraging and supporting that.

I watched some more movies that I truly could not get through the first 10 minutes. I feel like I'm losing my attention span as I get older, and that's probably not a good thing. These are the ones that jumped out at me, though and I wanted to post about that. So you're very welcome (bow).

Isaac's Parent Teacher Conference

2009-03-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided to write down how my PT conf. with Isaac's teacher Mrs. Duke went, because I don't want to forget what he was like and all the funny things he does. Mrs. Duke has a few (a-hem) issues with Isaac. I knew most of them before because I spend a lot of time in the classroom with him. I don't mean to be hard on him. These are, after all, the reasons I love him.

1. He is very, very, very, very ssssllllooooowwww. Anyone who knows Isaac at all knows this and is probably laughing right now. For me this has always been a minor annoyance. After all, my dad is the slowest man on the face of the planet. He eats slow, drives slow, walks slow...you name it. It's funny that Isaac's middle name is Harvey, after my dad. Mrs. Duke said Isaac often needs to be reminded of time restraints and time passage to get his work done. This is true, as I have seen in class, he often cannot go out to recess because he needs to finish his classwork.

2. He lacks focus. Really? Isaac? Again, this is not a big surprise. The kid cannot focus on a project for more than a few seconds. He is usually occupied with something going on his little imagination. School work is the last thing on his mind, and it shows while he's in class. Seriously, I have to remind him a hundred times to keep going on his work, or he will literally stare off into space for hours.

3. He still doesn't know his letters. Well, this WAS true, but he has since learned most of them by sight. However, for the longest time he thought L, M, N, O, and P were the same letter. You know, LMNOP. You gotta give it to him, it does sound like an entire letter in the alphabet song. So we had to work with him on that! He still has trouble with M and W, but let's face it, they do look similar.

4. His numbers are always missing 13, 15, and 17. Mrs. Duke said this is normal as they call them the "terrible, tough teens." I worked on those with him and he knows them now, but has to slow down to say them and not miss any. Funny thing, he could count backwards from 30 and not miss any. Maybe he's dyslexic....!

So these are the major concerns. But I have to give it to him. Since I figured out these problems, he has done much better and has learned them and done better within a few days. I don't know how that happened. Mrs. Duke says his biggest problem is his maturity level and that he may need to be held back but wouldn't say for sure. She thinks most likely not, but we are prepared for anything. I don't want him to be so far behind that he is always struggling. His fine motor functions are a bit slow too, but most boys are. He has been behind since the outset so I'm not worried. I just want his happiness and it is clear to me that he is indeed happy.

Some funny stories Mrs. Duke had about Isaac:

They always know when Isaac has gone to the bathroom because they can hear him singing at the top of his lungs when he's in there.

When he shows up for class (he still does this) he will usually go sit at his desk with his backpack and coat on while all the other children are hanging up theirs. He forgets everyday to hang them up. He often is just watching the other kids and not doing anything. He has to be reminded every.single.day, "Isaac--coat hung up and in the locker." Not sure why. Other times his coat and backpack will be on the floor in between his desk and the door. He does this at home too. I have to tell him everyday to pick up his things and put them away. Like I said, no focus.

One day the class was doing art projects using Sharpies. He told Mrs. Duke he wasn't allowed to use Sharpies and so he couldn't do the project. She assured him it was okay. When I came in that day to help, he was practically in tears when I looked at him. I went over to him and he told me in a really scared voice that he had to use Sharpies and he accidentally drew on his pants. There was barely a mark on his pants but he was sure he was in trouble. It broke my heart. I had to tell him Mrs. Duke was the boss while he was at school and everything was fine.

I love my Isaac and I am so excited to see him growing up. He is a truly kind person and hasn't got a mean or nasty bone in his body. He has no disposition to do anything bad or naughty. It's not in his nature. I am so blessed to have him in my life and Martin and I adore him. I'm proud to be his mom.

Anniversary?

2009-02-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry, Mind, I hope you don't care if I post this, but I thought it was really beautiful.

By Mindy Miller

I really don't like calling the upcoming March 13th an Anniversary - I need another term for it. I think of an anniversary as a good day like the day you got married (or divorced for some) or how long you have been cancer free... something good.

However, March 13th is the day, a year ago, that my sister, Jenny, passed away from cancer. I don't really relate much "good" or "excitement" with the date. It's actually been very hard to even think the day is coming up so quickly. I think my whole family has been hurting as each day brings us closer to that "year mark". Why should the "year mark" be any different or harder than any other day? Well I think just knowing that she has been gone a whole year... already.

I know for some of my family it has been hard because they think they are forgetting her a little. Maybe her voice, her laugh, what she looked like or even the way she acted. Fortunately for me, I have two "mini-Jennys" walking around my house from 8:00 in the morning till 5:30 at night that constantly remind me of the way Jenny acted, talked, looked, argued, etc.

I still have her obituary on my fridge and it will probably stay there forever. I don't know why, but it will. Perhaps because I see it multiple times a day and it reminds me of her, everyday, and I like that. But it makes me sad when Erin, Jenny's oldest (4), sees it and tells me she 'misses her mommy today, which she just said last Wednesday. It breaks my heart, because she has a great Mommy who would have done the neatest things with her girls had she been given the chance to take care of them.

So I don't love calling it an Anniversary. I have tried to think of other things to call it. In fact on our Higley Family Website, I'm unofficially in charge of the 'Event Board', I listed March 13th as "The year of firsts without Jenny is over, onto the next year" or something like that. But even that seems kind of cold and not very nice.

So I guess to look at this as "glass half full" rather than "half empty" I should think "We made it through the first year [yea!] - maybe the upcoming year will be easier". Maybe. I think it has made us think of all the good times, funny times and bad times, that we have had together as sisters (and family).

So this last year has been a hard one. I don't ever want to have to repeat 2008! :) But like most people say when they have gone through hard times, it has made us all stronger. (That's for sure.) I miss my sister. So perhaps you see why I don't like calling this her "death anniversary". But anniversary it is.

Why So Complicated?

2009-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Well, not really sure what's going on, but things around here have gotten a bit (gulp) complicated. That's putting it nicely and optimistically, or putting it the "Martin" way. (Something you should all know is that Martin likes to look at things sunny-side up. I think you all probably know that, but I don't think you realize the severe truth in this statement.) Now for putting it my way: My life is a suck fest right now!

Number 1: Alex had basketball tryouts last week and no, he did not make the team...I have been trying to help him try not to feel like his life is over, but lets face it, I'm not the best person to do this. Remember, I never made the team and/or squad in Jr. High or High School. Unfortunately, I let that affect me negatively, so all these feelings that are supposedly long in the past, have now resurfaced. However, I am a good one to empathize so perhaps that has helped Alex in some way. We'll see. If he ends up being a bitter, depressed, anxious ball of emotions we'll know what went wrong.

Number 2: The economy. Yes, folks, the economy is scaring me. You have probably all heard that Microsoft has let off employees for the FIRST time in its history. Now, that right there, is enough to elevate my blood pressure. Martin assures me that his team is a necessary money-maker for the software giant right now. Not only that, but Martin is high up on the management ladder and the chances are his job is safe but we should prepare (blah, blah, blah...this is where I tune out). All I can think of is what if...?

Number 3: We're coming up on the first anniversary of my sister's death, and I don't feel much like celebrating. It's weird that there should be an anniversary for such a tragic thing, but that's the way it goes. This whole year has been full of depressing anniversaries: her birthday, her wedding day, her daughters' birthdays, Ernie's birthday, First Christmas without Jenny, One year since the Meningitis, One year since she started Hospice...you get the idea. I think this anniversary will be hard too and it's causing me some unwanted stress and emotion.

Number 4: I have had a headache for 13 days!! Nothing super bad, just annoying and uncomfortable enough to make doing my normal routine a challenge. As you know, moms don't get a break, so functioning with a headache sucks!!

Number 5:

Okay, enough whining. I've decided to look at the bright side. Is this Martin rubbing off on me? I don't think so. That probably would have happened long before this year, if it was going to happen at all. No, I think it's just that I need to look at the good things in my life because although there are some annoying things going on, I am truly very blessed. So here it goes.

Number 1: My kids, Martin and I are all healthy (knock on wood)! I don't know why but for the moment, we aren't being challenged with a sickness or disease that threatens our way of life. That is a huge blessing.

Number 2: I am in a marriage that is the strongest it has ever been. Again, I don't know why but year #14 has been the charm for us. Martin and I seem to be more in sync. Do we fight??? Yep (and the kids can attest to that), but we are trying to understand where the other is coming from and that is helping. (Not to mention I married a saint!)

Number 3: I have a family who supports me and loves me. I have also connected with a lot of old friends who have helped give me encouragement this difficult year; friends who knew Jenny and loved her too, and I am thankful for them. I also have many friends here in WA that have given me support and I have new friends who have proven to be the truest friends I've met in a long time.

So, sorry I don't have any earth-shattering news, but this is what has been going through my mind lately, and I'd thought I'd share it here. I hope you don't mind. And if you do, don't read this!!! J/K

Just a cute moment

2009-01-26T15:06:00.001-08:00

Martin and I came home a couple of weeks ago and found Olivia and Isaac asleep on our bed together. It was really sweet.

It's kind of funny. When we go out Alex is always there, but it's Olivia that gets Isaac's jammies on and cares for him. Alex rarely even sees them. But he's there in case of an accident. He's quicker at dialing 911:).

More Random Things

2009-01-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

I did 25 Random Things because I was tagged on Facebook. Since nobody but one person (Tonii) in my family is on Facebook I wanted to post them here too. Also, I thought of many other random things to add. So lucky for you, you all get to see them here:

25 Random things"Rules: read, enjoy, then have a merry day. OR the original Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you. -- choose the rule you like best

1. I do NOT like to cook. It is my least favorite thing to do. I'd rather clean toilets and floors.

2. I LOVE to exercise. I am happiest when I spend some time at the gym. I think this annoys many people. I know it annoys me when people tell me they love to eat healthy. That I cannot imagine.

3. I used to teach aerobics and weight resistance classes.

4. Being pregnant destroyed my body in so many fascinating and somewhat disgusting ways..but having children healed my soul.

5. I am a clean and organization freak. I admit it. I drive my family crazy.

6. Someday I will learn to tap dance, and I will be GOOD.

7. I don't travel well. I prefer to be in my bed in my home with my people around me. If I ever leave the country it will be only at the insistence of my husband and only to Italy.

8. I grew up on a farm. My parents owned a dairy farm at one point. When they had the dairy I got to help feed some of the calves with bottles. The bottles were huge, but it was fun and they were very cute. My parents sold the dairy because it turned out my dad was partial to "scratching the dirt."

9. I am not by nature outgoing. Social situations cause me great anxiety and so I often close myself off from the world. Martin is the same way and so we are well-suited to each other!

10. I rock at Scrabble! This is the only game I can beat Martin at so it's the only one I play.

11. Every step I take causes me pain in my feet--every last, miserable step. But I am getting better and would love to one day have well enough feet to do WHATEVER I wanted.

12. I can be pretty stubborn.

13. My first car was a rust color '74 Buick Skylark. I know--H.O.T.! It was a boat, but my parents thought if I got into a crash it would protect me because of its hugeness. They bought it from my brother in law's uncle who happens to be Pres. Wiser's brother (for those who know him).

14. I have never gotten a ticket. People keep saying, "If you say that, you'll for sure get one." But they've been saying that for years and still I never get pulled over. I am an awesome driver.

15. I come from a family of 5 girls and 1 boy and Martin comes from a family of 5 girls and 1 boy.
16. I am not a big movie fan. Sometimes I go to movies with the family and I will literally be in pain because I'm so bored. I have to really want to see a movie to go. I also don't much like TV unless it's old sit-coms like "I Love Lucy."

17. I drive Martin and the kids crazy because before we can do anything fun I always make sure we finish our work first. I must have learned that from my mom. I don't think it's necessarily a good thing and I've recently tried to let go on things.

18. The best advice ever given to me was by my 5 year old nephew, Dallon who told me to "man-up, woman" when I thought I couldn't do something.

19. For me, High School was a hellish blur I don't care to ever revisit.

20. I think the best way to get to know somebody is to hear what songs are on their playlist.

21. I grew up in Utah where there is tons of snow, but I have never been skiing.

22. Martin is the wisest, sweetest, kindest most genuine person I ever met and I feel absolutely blessed to be his "other half." He is my best friend and greatest blessing and has been for 15 years.

23. I love dogs. They make me laugh all the time. I just look at them and I laugh. They're kind of like people. However, I own two cats because dogs are too messy.

24. I don't do well in stressful situations. If you come to me a bloody mess because of an accident you've been in I'll most likely yell at you and ask you, "Why weren't you more careful?!!," but only if blood is involved or broken bones. I guess that's why it's a good thing my kids have never needed stitches.

25. I was a gymnast when I was younger and I'm still pretty flexible. I can still do flips and ariels on the trampoline and I can still do the splits.

AND, SINCE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IT:

26. Some of my favorite people share the name "Jen." Jen Higley Lynch-my late sister and person who made me laugh the hardest, Jen Polson Vesper-my best friend since infancy and person who set Martin and me up, and my new pal Jen Chavez Hartman who, among other things, is my Serotonin re-uptake inhibitor sister, and newest friend.

27. My favorite place on the earth, where I feel the most peace is Lake Powell. I have incredible memories of summers gone by, relaxing in the cool waters, watching the canyons pass, and sleeping under a star-filled sky.

28. I have an irrational fear of frogs, toads, snakes and lizards. Is there a phobia named after that?

29. I love Diet Coke. Yep, it's an addiction, but I'm off it starting now....

30. The strongest person I've ever met is my Mom. Through all she's been through I'm amazed at what she continues to accomplish on a daily basis. She's my hero. (She also has always looked 10 years younger than her true age. It bothered my oldest sister, who had to frequently inform boys her same age that the cute girl she was sitting next to was her MOM)

31. No one in my immediate family has ever had stitches or broken bones...that's all 5 of us and not including surgical sutures or stitches.

32. I sang in the school choir for 8 years and loved almost every minute. It was the one thing in High School I truly enjoyed. I loved doing 8 part harmonies that made me feel united with other people in a way that no other words or expressions could convey. I miss that.

33. I am a refined sugar junkie. I love cookies, cakes, pastries, donuts, etc., etc. I still crave the Napoleons that I had in French club in High School and wish I could find something similar here.

34. I wouldn't necessarily categorize myself as graceful, but I rarely fall, bump into things or hurt myself, never have. I guess I'm not much of a clutz or I have good balance or something like that.

35. I can hold it and not go to the bathroom for literally hours. It's gotten worse with child birth, but my Mom used to say I had a cast-iron bladder. I guess I get busy and don't think about it. TMI???

36. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. A teacher? A physical trainer? A librarian? A writer? I have no idea, there's too many choices.

37. Alex, Olivia and Isaac all start with vowels and Martin and I didn't plan it.

38. I have always had a testimony of Jesus Christ and his church. I don't ever remember doubting it so I never was tempted to go another way. I don't know why, but it's true.

39. I wish I had a time machine. I wouldn't change anything important or significant. I'd just like to tweek a few things I've done to cause less sorrow for other people or myself.

40. I am grateful my parents brought me up the way they did. I appreciate it more now that I'm a parent. I feel like I'll never be able to measure up to the standard they set and I feel bad for my kids. But I'm trying to do better.

41. Okay, now I'm really off Diet Coke.....

Perdita aka Perdi

2009-01-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is our new family member. Perdita was chosen for her name because Brenda, the friend who gave us the kitten, called her Perdi as in Pretty and the name has stuck. But the kids and I liked the idea of naming her Perdita after the dog in "101 Dalmatians," one of our favorite shows. "Perdita" means "lost one" in Italian and Perdi, though not lost in the literal sense, runs around the house like she has lost a bit of her mind!

We love her and think she is the prettiest cat we have ever seen. She is Himalayan and has beautiful markings. Unfortunately, she and Tinker have yet to find some common ground. Tinker spends most of the day hissing at Perdi whenever she is in the room. Perdi, on the other hand, is not too scared of Tinker, because she grew up in a house full of cats. She also hasn't got enough sense to stay out of Tinker's way. Tinker will occasionally take swipes at her, but I think Perdi is wearing her down. We'll see!

My Big Fat New Purse

2009-01-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

Yeah, that's right. I got a new purse and it is HUGE. Martin took me shopping Monday because he didn't want to go right back to work after a vacation. He is too attached to me, what can I say? So, we went to eat lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (eat your heart out, Lisa) and then went shopping. Let me tell you a secret: Martin doesn't like to shop. That is a slight understatement. The poor guy gets physically ill in a mall, and worse, he will literally go comatose in a home decor store like Pier 1 or Pottery Barn, or my favorite the dreaded Quilted Bear. Even though Martin hates to shop, if he has a purpose, or a "mission" he is okay. So Monday's mission. . . . a new purse for me.

We looked as long as I could stand it (standing around a mall--my-feety-no-likey) and found nothing. They were all either too glittery, too big, too small, too bright, to blinged out, too expensive or too hobo-ish. Finally, we found a great store called "Aldo" at Belle-Square that sells shoes and bags and found a few that I really liked. They were pretty normal--neutral, like me. Then I saw it. The mother of all purses. It was greenish turquoise (my signature color) patent leather (or at least patent vinyl) and it was HUGE. I don't normally like huge purses but how can you say no to all those pockets? Seriously, I have a pocket for my phone, my camera, my wallet, my check book, my book, my schedule, my keys, and makeup/girl stuff and I have three EXTRA pockets. I almost put it back, excusing myself from being too presumptuous and out of character, but Martin convinced me it was HOT. So, I bought it. I look at it now, lying there on the floor, and it brings visions of happiness to my mind--you know, like fairies, butterflies, and dragonflies. However, I still can't get over it's gigantic-ness. I hope I can get used to this thing. It feels like I should be going on a long voyage when I carry it around.

I tried posting a picture of my bag, but it was too sorry looking to put here. Way too small. So if you want to see it go to this link and zoom in A LOT to get the full effect:

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/accessories/handbags/71795664-piatto

See ya

Happy New Year, See Ya Next Year Christmas!

2009-01-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun time in Utah this year. We are home now, unpacked and relaxing while it snows outside. It seems we got home just in time to miss the snowy passes! Here's some highlights from our annual trip Home:

1. I got to spend a ton of time with my nieces Erin and Phoenix and they actually wanted to spend time with their Aunt Heather. The two of them are such a pair, but totally different in many ways. I see Jenny in Erin when I just glance at her or hear her laugh. Her beautiful big blue eyes and long blond hair are the same as Jenny's at age 4. I see Jenny in Phoenix a little differently. I think it's her temperament that is so much like her mom. If she doesn't want to do something (like change into her jammies) she ain't doin' it--and you will NOT make her.

2. The annual Higley Christmas Eve party. I ate and ate and ate. I also ate, and boy was it good. Spiral cut ham, funeral potatoes (we've decided we hate that name--maybe just "yummy potatoes" is better) and turkey. We always have a talent show during the party and I usually have so much fun seeing family members make fools of themselves. Actually, the kids are growing and developing such great fun talents, like singing, dancing and playing the piano. There are also some other "talents" that I have to say belong better in a freak show. . . like bending fingers back in an inhuman way, or making weird noises with body parts, but I digress. My dad always ends the show with playing "Jingle Bells" on his head. No, seriously, he pounds his head and a noise comes out of his mouth in the tune of the song. However, this year he couldn't do it because the day before he had to have Carpal Tunnel surgery. We missed it, Dad!

3. Sledding with Alex, Ariel, Brent, Savannah, Valerie and Isaac (and Yuki the dog). I took the kids up to North Ogden at this park we used to go Ice Blocking in when I was growing up. It was superb sledding condition--ice all the way down.

And, yes, I went down. . . once, but as I was sliding down I realized, with my eyes closed, that killing myself on that stupid sled would not be worth the "fun" I had on it. That, my friends, was a moment of clarity.

4. Seeing and holding my niece, Oakley, and being there for her blessing.

5. I also got to see my nephew Bryce who has been in Japan in the Navy. It has been 3 years since I've seen him and it was nice to see him again.

6. The family New Years Eve party. We always do White Elephant gifts and this year Alex got a great one. It was a box of window/bumper stickers with pro Obama sentiments. Somebody got us good!

I also loved seeing all of my family. Thanks everyone for letting us invade your homes and time. I love you all!

There are a lot of other note worthy activities but I don't have pictures for them. But you get the gist. We had a wonderful time. Thanks, Mom, for your hospitality and taking care of us! We love you all!

No Christmas Cards This (or any) Year

2008-12-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry, everyone. I have not done Christmas cards (electronic, or old fashioned) for like 5 years now. Two years ago, I actually did them and didn't send them. Soooo, I figured, what's the point -right? Sorry to everyone who REALLY likes to hear from the Chamberlain's (I know that's all of you).

To make up for it I thought I'd do a Christmas card post and you could all just feel like I sent you each your own special card from our family--humor me, guys.

This year has been a hard, but great one. In some ways it feels like we've come so far. From my sister passing away and having lots of time to sit on muy butt and recuperate from foot surgery, to touring a bit of the Puget Sound and Zion's we've had some hard and great times respectively.

Martin

Martin was called to be first counselor in the Bishopric of our ward and was ordained a High Priest in early April. His parents were able to travel to Seattle and be there and so Martin's dad was able to do the ordination. It was a very humbling time for him. He was prepared for the job (and by prepared, I mean the spirit prepared him) and I know he was pre-qualified for this in the preexistence. I have a strong testimony of that. Martin also has been as busy as ever at Microsoft. He enjoys EVERY meeting and every tough decision and loves working with such a diverse set of people (he's the only American on his team besides one other). When I say he loves his job, I don't know if I can explain how much to you. We both feel so grateful that he can be doing something that both makes him feel like he's needed and makes him happy. At work he is known as "The Bulldog" and it makes me laugh because nothing is further from the truth at home! He continues to be the Uber-father. He makes time for us even when there is no time to be made. He is still my best-friend and confidante. I love him more every day. . . is that possible?

Side note: this year we will be celebrating our 15th Anniversary!

Alex

Alex turned 12 this year and was ordained to the office of a Deacon. His Grandparents Chamberlain were able to be there and it was amazing for me to see the serious way Alex approached having the priesthood. I cannot understand where the maturity and wisdom came from except to tell you it came. He continues to play baseball. Morning.Noon.Night. If the world were a baseball field Alex would be eternally happy. I think he dreams of that. He played a great season, followed by a fun summer in Utah visiting cousins and swimming. His favorite thing was to see how many times he could go down the water slide at the pool in North Ogden. I think the final count was around 30. Alex also started playing and taking a real interest in football. He had his first season and he enjoyed getting beat up and bruised. Me and his Dad loved cheering him on. Alex's piano studies continue and he is excelling. He passed me up long ago and he can listen to a song on the radio and duplicate it at the piano. It excites me, because I wish I'd have been a more dedicated student of that instrument. His GPA has been sufficiently high and we are proud of his study habits and accomplishments. He also knows every sport fact and stat there is to know.

Olivia

Olivia turned 10 less than a month ago and the double digits have settled on her becomingly. She is the smartest little thing I've ever seen. She is very brainy, just like her Dad. Math and spelling seem to come to her easily, and she works hard at her other studies that she has a harder time with. She reads--and reads--and reads (and reads). She has accumulated more "Eager Reader" hours at school than anyone else in the 4th grade and is currently reading at a 7th grade level. She loves to play the piano too and is giving her big brother a run for his money. She writes songs and likes to perform them often (to the enjoyment of the WHOLE family). Olivia is kind and helpful and her little brother thinks she can do no wrong. Isaac and she are fairly inseparable and they keep each other company. She dances once a week and likes Jazz best. She is the smallest girl in her class because I think a) she's small and b) she's in an older class, but she keeps up with them fine. At her dance recital this year she was at ease on the stage and came alive when the curtain came up. I was like, "Is that my child?" She's usually so shy but it seems performing suits her!

Isaac (the Cuteness)

Isaac cracks me up all day long. He has started school and is a champ in Kindergarten. He is a little distracted, but is doing fine, other than with his scissor skills (he just can't figure out how to hold them!). He has made fast-friends with some fellow class members and has turned out to be quite social (who knew?). He plays all.day.long. The sun rises and I hear him up and playing in his room and he is LOUD. Everything in Isaac's world has the tendency to explode and/or burn and/or crash and this makes things very exciting around the house (did I mention he's loud?). He has a kind, generous, sweet heart and NO GUILE. He reminds me of his Dad that way. He is looking forward to his birthday, and it is already planned, but doesn't come until the end of May. He assures me it will go by quick, however. He also loves soccer and play-dates and Macaroni-and-cheese wedges from Jack in the Box.

Heather

This year we lost my sister dear. I miss her and love her and think of her every day. It was the hardest thing I personally have ever experienced. The pain is only lessened by the fact that I know this life is but a preparation for the eternities and I will be with Jenny soon (maybe not soon enough), forever. My faith has grown immeasurably from the experience. It seems like a hard way to learn a lesson but a lesson has been learned. I trust in the Lord and his intentions for me. I try not to dictate to him what I think will be best for me. He, obviously, is the gardener (as Jen would say). I have also learned my problems are nothing, and to be grateful for every breath my lungs take and every moment I have with my children and husband. I like exercising because I love that bit of time I have to myself to reflect on how my life is going. I like reading and blogging and doing homey things (NOT COOKING) and talking with Martin. I think my likes change from month to month, but the thing that remains is that I LOVE being a Mom, even if I'm not great at it.

Merry Christmas to everyone!!

Love, Heather

My 10 Year Old

2008-12-14T18:27:00.000-08:00

Well, my little girl is 10! Where did all that time go? It seems like just yesterday they were pulling Olivia from my belly--uni-brow and all (seriously, she's had those eyebrows since birth). I looked at her and with incision agape said, "Wow, so you're what's been making me sick for so long?" I couldn't believe anything so unbelievably beautiful could have caused such havoc on my body, but all of a sudden that didn't make any difference--I'd have done it all again! I remember that day well, all the nurses commented on what a beautiful little baby she was and immediately dubbed her "Miss Olivia."

She's always been a bit of sunshine in our lives. I remember when she was much smaller, how she would "flit" everywhere she went, kind of like a butterfly. I think she still does that, but with a little bit more maturity. Now she has turned into a younger, female version of her father. She looks like Martin, but she acts like him too. She is the happiest child I know and, like her father, the eternal optimist. She likes to read like her dad and it's a cinch that she has her dad's knack for math. She's very emotional and sensitive and such a great student. She loves to depend on her own abilities in her school work and her dancing, piano, and art studies. She is shy and funny and sweet all at the same time and is also an amazing big sister. She cannot wait to be a mommy.

For her big 10th birthday she had 9 screaming, laughing, giddy tweens over for pizza, a movie and some fun. She planned all the activities herself. I think the hit of the party was the scavenger hunt Alex made for them and "Mafia," which is a game I am unsure of how to play but seems to be a big hit with her friends, as every time they are here they want to play it.

Happy Birthday, to my beautiful little Livi-bug! You have made my life so much sweeter! I love you like crazy!

Doing some craft Livi came up with.

Playing Mafia.

The scavenger hunt.

The Cuteness' Sisters

2008-12-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

The Cuteness and I had a funny discussion the other day. I asked him if he knew the story of Christmas and Jesus, etc., etc., and he acted dumb--which is not unheard of for Isaac (he sometimes acts like he doesn't know what's going on). I kind of prodded him, asking who Jesus' mother was and father and explained to him that Jesus is our brother. We also talked about how Jesus died and where he is now and we also talked a little bit about heaven and how there are lots of people there that are our brothers and sisters. After we had talked for a while he got ready for school and I drove him there. On the way, he asked me how many brothers he had, since now he knew everyone on the earth was his brother. I answered that he probably had millions and millions of brothers. Later, I looked in the rear-view mirror and saw that he was smiling while he looked out the window. I asked him what he was thinking about and he said he was smiling because he had lots of sisters too. I thought that was so cute. He loves Olivia so much. He love Alex too. But Olivia and he have always had a bond like none other. She is always so happy to take his hand when they get off the bus and walk him home or snuggle with him while they watch TV, or teach him how to add and subtract, or walk him to Primary every Sunday. I love to see them love each other and have fun together. I often tell my kids that my favorite thing to see is them being nice to each other. That rarely happens, I mean this is the real world, but I hope by telling them that it will eventually sink in. Especially with Alex and Olivia. Right now there's not a lot they agree on, but I know they love each other. I would love for them to show it more often. I don't mean they have to hug or anything "WEIRD" like that, but some civility would be nice once in a while! I'm holding out hope that they will grow into a better relationship. That would be such a great gift for me!

Back to the Living

2008-11-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

Friday was a great day with the family, following a great Thanksgiving. We spent a really fun day getting the tree up and decorating the house, followed by sitting down to watch a great flick. Not even mid-way through the film my stomach started to act up (that's putting it lightly). Shortly thereafter, I retreated to my bedroom to begin the most uncomfortably painful 5 hours of my life. My stomach began a roller coaster ride that both made me hurl several times and wish my sweet life was over. Long story short, I was sick . . . sick as any person should ever be allowed.

No worries, however, after two and a half days of sleeping non-stop, I have breached the surface of consciousness. Yes, I am alive and glad to say it. But, that, my friends was the SICKEST stomach flu I have ever had. Poor Martin had it too. But there's some unwritten law somewhere that says if Martin and I get the same illness, he gets it for a day (or less) and I get it for at least 3. Go figure.

Happy, Healthy Holidays!!

"Twilight" Seconds

2008-11-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, people. At long last, here is my op on the movie. I know, I know. You're welcome!

First, my opinion on the book is much different than the movie. The book, for me, was a page-turner, yes, but I was disappointed. However, I was somewhat tainted because I went to my book club prior to reading the book. I was expecting different things--perhaps bigger things when I went to read the book. I enjoyed it, but probably would have liked it more had I read the book before going to book club. I found out way too much.

I went to see the movie last Saturday night with some book-club sistas (holla back) and friends. I enjoyed the movie, loved the characters, and enjoyed seeing my beloved Pacific Northwest on the big screen. However, I was again tainted by all the teenagers and teenager wannabes cooing and swooning over Edward and their laughing during what I thought were unfunny scenes. Very annoying...remember folks, ANTI-cheese here.

Anwyhoo, Martin and I went to the movies Wednesday night to see "Australia." Well, we got there too late and so Martin suggested seeing "Twilight." I agreed. I wanted to see what he thought (he's never read the book). He was surprised at how much he enjoyed it. He said it was fun to guess what was going to happen and what was actually going on. To him it was a mystery.

I also liked it, maybe more the second time. I was paying attention to details this time and was under the impression that it moved better the second time (plus, there were far less teenagers in the theatre). I also noticed how beautiful the scenery was and it reminded me of here. Don't you all wish you could live here too? Okay--MINUS the rain.

Oh, and the music is great also. I think I heard some Iron and Wine, Collective Soul, and Paramour. LOVED the soundtrack! Definitely my kind of music.

So that ties up my impressions of the movie. It's a good one, but I suggest seeing it in a theatre sans teenagers! You'll like it better...unless, of course, you are a teenager.

Happy Relaxing Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

I am so looking forward to tomorrow--It's Turkey day!!! Woot!! This year I am not entertaining any guests (usually my mom and dad come up), so we are going OUT, baby!! Oh, yeah! We did this once before when I was pregnant with Isaac, or maybe shortly after he was born, can't remember which. It was the most relaxing holiday. It was just me and Martin and the kids and we had a great time. I was thinking if I had to make that huge meal again for these troops who don't eat I would scream. Making big meals + kids who don't eat them = a grouchy, unhappy Heather. Plus, the year we went out I remember the food tasting sooo good. I'm looking forward to that again. Sleep in, get up, get dressed, go eat...nothing better. BTW we go to Black Angus - and yes, they do the whole turkey dinner thing for me, Martin and Alex and Livi and Isaac can order mac and cheese and pizza respectively. Yum (not).

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday tomorrow. I hope you also have a great Christmas season this year. I'm looking forward to it, although it will be the first in 32 years that we won't have my sister with us. I have a hunch she will be there in spirit. I know she will be missed!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The New Cutest Baby in the World (I'm not biased)

2008-11-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

My youngest sister, Mindy had a baby girl yesterday! She was a bit early and so we were slightly worried, but she turned out to be perfect. She is 6 lbs. 3 oz. and is beautiful, as you can see. Her name is Oakley Dot Miller, the "Dot" is after my Grandma Higley whose nick-name was Dot, also it is Mindy's middle name. I can't wait to see Oakley in the flesh, and snuggle and hug her. Everyone in Utah better get it out of their systems before I get there, because I will want full-time contact with this little girl--It's only fair, guys! It is so great to welcome new spirits into our family!

Sorry, Suckas!

2008-11-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay. I know this might be mean, but....

Oh, yeah!!

Once again, righteousness has prevailed!!!!

Not a Good Thing (Flashback Friday)

2008-11-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went out with the fam to dinner. After dinner, on our way out to the car, the wind had picked up and was blowing really hard and the rain had started pretty heavily. So we ran to get in the car. When we got home, Livi looked down at my leg as I was getting out of the car and said, "What's that." I looked down and was HORRIFIED to see a big wad of gum on my pants at calf-level. I was like, "Oh, no. This is not happening to me." How in the heck did that happen? I do not know...I do not even want to think how it happened. I'm guessing it either was under the table at the retaurant or someone chose to spit it out in that wind storm. Either way I am near vomiting point right now. I took my pants off right when I got home, before I even went up to my room and handed them directly to Martin who is currently trying to pull the mess off.

Some of you know I have a HATE/HATE relationship with gum. There is a story to this aversion. This is the story for flashback Friday. Actually there are two stories:

1. As I was growing up we always used to go to West Yellowstone the day after Christmas and stayed until New Years. We did this every year and stayed in a condo there with all my family and a lot of family friends. We were big snowmobilers. We always had to pull this big trailer with all our snowmobiles on it and my mom and dad would take turns driving on the slick roads (my mom is an awesome driver and is better than any man I've ever seen) up to Yellowstone. It usually snowed the whole way there and that made for some treacherous roads. When my dad would drive he would chew gum to stay awake. He is notorious for falling asleep at the drop of a hat, so keeping awake was a bit of a chore. That is all well and good. BUT, he tortured me with this incessant popping and chomping on his gum. He did this even when I begged him to keep it quiet and I would usually end up sobbing in the back when he resisted--all 7 hours of the drive. He was relentless. Ask any of my family. He is very, very annoying. He has actually had people who are complete strangers approach him in movies and shows asking him (begging him) to stop. This wouldn't be so bad, except that he didn't just keep it up on the way to Yellowstone, but every single last vacation we took as a family...and we did a lot of vacationing and traveling. Thus started my hatred of gum.

2. The summer between my Junior and Senior years I was dating a guy I met that summer. I was so into him and we had a lot of fun. It was a summer of love! ...but one evening we went to a dance. As we were dancing (the typical bear-hug) he was chewing gum. I didn't think much of it, eveyone chews gum at that age. At the end of one of the dances he started to apologize profusely--he had gotten gum in my hair. Not just a little, a whole mouth full. He didn't dare tell me (can't blame him) until it was really stuck and a tangled mess. Luckily, my friend Jen was there and we left immediately. She spent the next three hours pulling bits of gum and hair out of my head. I had long curly hair and the gum was everywhere. She had to use peanut butter, then some lemon cleaner stuff my mom had, ice, and finally, lots and lots of snips from the scissors. Jen was heroic. She was able to save a lot of hair, but I was disgusted. The damage had been done.

What the heck is it about me that attracts this kind of thing? I can see it once or twice, but it keeps happening. I get it on my shoes, in my house, in my car. No place is exempt. This is why I hate gum. This, and the fact that I don't like the taste of the stuff. I don't mind people who are quiet about it, but most of the time I find people do not know how to chew it inconspicuously. And for heaven's sake, put it in the garbage when you're done with it. I hate how some people spit it wherever they may be at the time. It is not biodegradable, people. Kids are especially bad at this and that is why I have put a house-wide ban on the stuff. My kids know what will happen if I find them with gum!

Yes, I'm the gum Nazi.

The Amazing Feat of My Feet

2008-11-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's coming up on a year since I had my first surgery on my left foot. This surgery was to relieve some of the horrible pain I've been having in both my feet for 5 years. I have Plantar Fasciitis, which if you don't know, is an inflammation of the fascia, or tendon that extends from the toes to the heel. Plantar Fasciitis is very common. It is cause for foot pain in many adults. It usually results in that first-step-of-the-day pain that people get upon getting up in the morning. Sometimes it can result in pain throughout the day. It can last for a few months to (in my case) several years or forever. Mine started getting bad when I had Isaac. I gained some weight after having kids (go figure!) and did a lot of exercising to lose the weight, but in the end just ended up hurting my feet worse. Many joggers get this condition and people who use their calf muscles frequently, also pregnant women. I used to walk hours on the tread mill, set at a steep incline (I wouldn't do that again). That, combined with my weight gain contributed greatly to my problem.

I went through all kinds of treatments for my problem. First, I got orthotics and bought expensive plantar fascia-friendly shoes, did all kinds of physical therapy including stretching my soleus muscle frequently, and wore night splints to bed. When that didn't work, I did cortisone shots, which helped a lot at first. They got rid of my pain for about 8 months, but then I would be right back where I started. I probably had 8 shots in each foot over a 3 year period before they quit working. I was really bummed when they didn't work anymore. Then I was prescribed a night splint that used electrical pulses. I wore that with no relief and then went on to ultrasound treatments. Next my podiatrist suggested trying Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, which is the same idea they use to treat kidney stones when they are shattered internally. I was up for anything by this point and went through this somewhat painful procedure under local anesthetic (I remember it was very loud and made my bones vibrate against each other). The idea is to break up the fascia a bit and increase the amount of blood and healing cells to the area. I was one of a few patients my doctor did this with (actually, he just numbed me up and let the people with the expensive machine do their thing). I waited the prescribed 3 months to see if this helped to no avail.

By September of last year I was ready to throw in the towel but my doctor talked me into one last stitch effort. This one was called Autologous blood injection and I was the second of his patients to try it. He withdrew 3 milliliters of my own blood and put it in a centrifuge to separate the growth plates. Then, under general anesthetic, I was injected with the growth plate in the fascia. Well, you guessed it, this didn't work either. I waited the 6 weeks he suggested I should wait and was in just as much pain. I was so disappointed and so upset. Every time I wanted to do anything that required me to be on my feet I suffered the consequences for days following. This included just cleaning the house and taking care of my family--all necessary activities. Plus, I was unable to work out, which I missed terribly. Also, every time I went through a treatment, from corticosteroid injections to the blood injection, I was laid up for weeks at a time to allow the procedure to "heal" my foot--which meant no exercise.

At this point I had done a lot of research on the Internet (years of it) and decided I needed to talk to somebody about having surgery. I was at the end of the line. I switched doctors because the podiatrist I had didn't do surgeries for my type of problem. I (with the help of one of Martin's friends who is a podiatrist in Spokane) found a doctor in Seattle who does a lot of these surgeries. I was very impressed with him and he was amazed at all the procedures I had undergone without relief. He ordered a bone scan and found I was more than a good candidate for Plantar Fascia release surgery. He also suggested that I undergo Gastrocnemius muscle release as well, to relieve some of the tension and tightness in my calf, which would also help the problem. I was game and underwent surgery in November of 2007 on my left foot and leg and surgery on my right foot and leg in February of 2008. In the surgeries the surgeon cut the fascia completely. Then it would hopefully heal with more length in the fascia and the gastroc. With each surgery I was laid up for 4 weeks in which I could put no weight on my foot, followed by 2 weeks of partial weight bearing activity. It was very hard to be off my feet for that long and I was so glad I had Martin and friends to help me through it.

Sorry about the lousy pictures. Martin + my bad camera = bad photos!

As I said before, it's been a year since my first surgery and I'm finally able to work out on my feet. I have a hard time with walking too much so I use the elliptical machine which is less jarring and more low-impact, but I've worked up to doing an hour at a time and could do more if I wanted! I am in pain afterward if I sit down for too long and then get up to walk around, but the pain is tolerable. Most pain comes from just standing around. I try to avoid that too much. The good thing is that each morning the pain is improved from the activity I did the previous day. It is a huge step up! I'm not 100% better, but I would say 40% better and that is enough for me--for now. My doctor says I will continue to improve as many as 18 months post-op, so I have hopes that I will continue to improve.

Was it worth it? I'd have to say yes. I am able to go barefoot (although I shouldn't) if needed and my pain is improved, however little. My quality of life is better, that's for sure. I know losing weight will be a big help too, so that is my current goal.

So if you have pain-free feet, thank the Lord above for your many blessings! I'm glad I am better. BTW: Most sufferers of Plantar Fasciitis don't have the problems I did. Usually, with non-invasive treatment, it will get better. I guess I'm just lucky!

Funny fun-time fun

2008-11-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post these pictures that Olivia took of us. We were waiting to eat at the Cheesecake Factory and the kids were bored, so I got the camera out. Olivia took about 3 million pictures of Isaac. Isaac with his hands up, Isaac with his tongue out, Isaac smiling silly, Isaac dancing. She was putting him in various funny poses. Here are some of the best:

I'm not sure what Livi was trying to accomplish here, but it's awfully close to flipping the bird. Careful, buddy!

Isaac laughed at this one because he can "see up his own nose."

My personal favorite.

Murphy and Me (Not Marley and Me)

2008-11-13T17:42:00.001-08:00

Murphy is our hilarious neighbor, and yes, he is a dog. He is a beautiful brown and white husky who can't be older than a year. Now, I had never officially met Murphy--until today. I usually just see him in our back yard sniffing around and barking at me between the fence when I'm out doing yard work.

When I came home this morning from running errands I opened my car door and got a scare when I saw this animal looking at me. I didn't expect anything to be in the garage and I was caught off guard. My first thought was that it was a wolf. He immediately ran away and I realized it was the neighbor's dog. He started playing this game with me of hide and seek. I was in a hurry because I had someone coming over to appraise the house so I headed into the house with Isaac. I tried to close the garage door, but Murphy would not get out until I jumped and ran at him. Then he'd take off and run up and down the sidewalk and come right back into the garage. Every time I'd chase him off again and push the button to close the garage, he'd come back and trip the sensor and stop the garage door from closing. It took me about 10 minutes of this little dance to come up with a plan. I had to go out and distract Murphy while Isaac pushed the garage door button. It finally closed and I went inside the front door.

A few minutes later, the appraiser was ringing the door bell. I opened the door, forgetting all about my dog-encounter. I found Murphy wagging his tail, standing next to the appraiser who said something like, "I think your dog wants to come in." Before I could say, "That ain't my dog," Murphy was pushing his nose against my hands and arms trying to get by. I tried to grab his collar as he sped past me, running so fast around the corner that his paws slid across the wood floor. As I tried to chase and grab him, the appraiser laughingly said he'd start his work outside the house. Isaac was screaming and laughing (I think because it was funny how I looked) as I chased him around the downstairs. Soon, Murphy took off up the stairs three steps at a time. No sooner was he upstairs than I heard him run through every room, knocking things over and scaring Tinker half to death. As she hissed and spat I chased the dog from room to room. He was always just inches from my grasp. Finally, I cornered him in the bonus room (thank heaven for double doors) and shut the door. You'd be surprised how much that dog did not want to be caught. I grabbed his collar, cursing "bad dog" profusely and dragged him downstairs where Isaac brought me my shoes, still laughing.

I marched Murphy (by now I knew his name from his tags) and rang the doorbell. My poor neighbor opened the door in her night gown bewildered and was surprised and horrified to see Murphy. She immediately apologized, asking where I'd found him. She said, "He's a pistol, huh?" I replied in the affirmative. It was actually good, because before today, I hadn't met my neighbor, only Martin and the kids had. She was so embarrassed as I told her where he'd been. I assured her I liked dogs and laughed off her apologies. It was an insane 15-20 minutes, but it made me laugh.

When Martin got home tonight Isaac started to tell him the whole Murphy incident. Martin was laughing and said he'd had the same problem leaving work this morning. Murphy apparently wanted to take a ride in his car and Martin had a hard time getting him to back off enough to close his car door. What a funny dog. Usually Murphy never gets out, and I hope he doesn't any time soon.

I love dogs. I'm really a dog person, but can't get past the picking up poop part enough to actually get one. I have a trippy gag reflex. I grew up with dogs and think they are the funniest creatures on the earth. I also think they can be real pains in the butt. I choose to have cats because they are much easier to take care of (and not quite so hyper). But if I ever have a house in the country somewhere or a nice big backyard I might reconsider.

I dedicate this post to Ruffy, Max, Rumpy, Quigley, Sam, Dusty and Duffy and all the other dogs I've ever loved (even if they have peed on my sweater). And here's to you, Murphy!

No, this is not Murphy, but it resembles him and Tinker looks like that cat!

Flashback Friday (part III) Isaac's wish

2008-11-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

It's Friday!! I'm a big fan of Fridays. I like them better even than Saturdays because on Fridays you have the weekend to look forward to. On Saturdays I'm usually bored because all the stuff I usually do on the weekdays, I reserve for weekdays. I refuse to do cleaning and a lot of laundry on weekends. The goal here is to enjoy my family a little bit more.

I have this thing in my brain that if there's work to be done I can't sit and watch TV or relax and read a book or do crafty things. I include exercise as work here. I think I inherited this from my mom, because that woman can rarely just sit and enjoy herself (she's got too much to get done). Sometimes I try to relax but I drive myself crazy until I get up and clean something or do some laundry or go to the gym. But Saturdays (Sundays too) I've trained myself to not do "work." I find I'm happier on days when I have work to do and I get that work done. I guess this is why I like Fridays.

Today I'm going to do a flashback of funny things the Cuteness has said this week. I don't want to forget them. This is quite possibly not a "true" flashback but I can't think of anything else, so let's just go with it.

Isaac has been learning a lot of things at school. I'm amazed at how much he is understanding. He is also becoming a lot more social and having a fun time with friends, when before I don't really think he knew there were other people in the room. It's all good fun.

The other night, I was putting him to bed and after he said his prayers he looked at me and said, "Wanna know what I wished for?" I didn't catch what he was saying because he says "wished" like "wooshed;" he always has. After figuring out what he was saying I realized he meant that when you say prayers you wish for things. I didn't know what to say, so I just went along and asked him what he "wooshed" for. He answered that he wanted everyone in Issaquah to go to Utah with him for Christmas! Wow, that's a lot of people--but he meant all of his friends. He is conflicted because he loves to got to Utah every year but he is going to miss his friends from school when he's gone. Too cute.

Isaac has NEVER really talked about going to Utah for Christmas. Honestly, I don't think he really ever realized what was happening until we actually got there. I have also never heard him say anything about living in Issaquah. This more engaged sense of where he is and what he is doing has developed a lot later than with my other two and it's cracking me up.

The rest of this week he has been driving Martin and I up the wall with asking us constantly when Christmas will be. I keep saying, "Oh, about 2 months," or "around 50 days," but he doesn't really understand weeks or days yet (or numbers for that matter). So we say, "In about 6 more churches," which is to say there will be 6 more times we go to church until Christmas. This seems to work and his face lightens up and he says, "Only six?"

I hope he isn't hoping Heavenly Father will come through and grant his wish. I tried to explain to him that it's good to wish for things but that sometimes those wishes don't come true. Especially if they're really big wishes that would be difficult to come true. I tried to tell him that didn't mean that Heavenly Father wasn't looking out for us. He said he understood but smiled. I think he secretly still thinks he might get his wish:). Such faith and innocence.

Oh, a friend of mine took this photo of him while he was at school and I love it. Thanks to Katie M..

Somehow Muddling Through Halloween

2008-11-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

Monday's are hard. I find them especially hard after a holiday. I don't think I have ever picked up so many candy wrappers in my life. I almost want to set my house on fire and just forget about it.

Alex collected 9 pounds of candy.

Read it again...YES--9 pounds (that's the size Olivia was when she was born--she was a rather chubby baby). I see that pillow case full of candy and it makes me want to dry heave--and I usually love me some candy. But this has GREED written all over it. When does it switch to a contest. I mean, at what point in a child's life does he/she switch from a sweet, costume-wearing cherub graciously and deliberately getting a couple of little candies (so cute), to a candy-mongering juvenile racing, pillaging and plundering every house within a five mile radius?

I'm glad, though, that Alex is now old enough to go trick or treating with his friends around the neighborhood, and we don't have to take him. I don't know how long he and his buddies were gone, but I think it was a couple of hours at least. I'm hoping they minded their P's and Q's and didn't like, I don't know, try tying fireworks to poor unsuspecting feline victims in the neighborhood (just hypothetical, of course). Alex is usually not one to get into trouble, but who knows what 5 12-year-olds will do when bored or provoked.

Alex also had a rather nice head-start on his candy collection because we went to Microsoft to trick or treat and the kids insisted on doing two floors of Martin's building. If you don't know Microsoft's buildings layout, it is like this: Everyone has their own office...there are no cubicles. So each person has candy to hand out to all the kids....row after row after row of offices (after row). I think there must be around 100 or more offices per floor. So you get the idea. The kids obviously were not lacking in the candy department.

After going to M's work, we were "scheduled" to go to the ward trunk or treat. After looking at all the candy in the kids' buckets I vetoed that. They didn't argue too much with me. I thought they might, but I think they were tired; at least the littlest ones were tired. Alex, again, couldn't have cared less. He had other fish to fry.

I'm hoping that his costume wasn't too appropriate for the night.

Flashback Friday (Part two)

2008-10-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween. Well, I guess I like Halloween. Although, I find fear not an emotion I particularly like to experience, I try to find the fun in Halloween. It's easier to do that when you have kids, I guess. I remember liking it as a kid and I just like to watch my kids enjoying themselves.

So here are some memorable Halloween stories to scare you!

1. My first memory of Halloween is when I was probably 3 years old. We went to a good friend of the family's home. They had turned their garage into a haunted house and thus began my long dislike of haunted houses. I remember very little about the tour through the "house" but I do remember a giant gorilla, an alien and someone being electrocuted (always nice for a 3-year+old to experience). I still remember being terrified out of my mind!

2. I remember when I was young, in elementary, coming home from school after a great day of parties and tons of sugar. My sisters and I would walk home from the bus stop and we could barely contain our excitement for trick or treating. We would get home and try and perfect our costumes and wait impatiently for my mom and dad to get home and take us trick or treating.

3. One time my dad dressed up like a fat woman. It was embarrassing.

4. My mom had the best scary stories I have ever heard. She would tell them to us sometimes when we begged and they still frighten me when I think about them. They were so great because she claimed they were all true and they were things that happened to her or people she knew and they seemed all too feasible. My mom is the best story-teller.

5. The year I met Martin, my best friend Jen and friend Steph took me (or rather, dragged me) to a haunted house. In Utah in the 80's and 90's haunted houses were the rage. I remember the March of Dimes haunted house and many more. There was one at Rocky Point near my house. Anyway, Jen talked me into going. I was scared so bad I nearly had a heart attack. From the minute I walked in, to the long awaited minute I walked out, I HATED it. There was one part that a guy with a chain saw came after me and I wanted drop to the floor, huddle in the corner and cry in the fetal position--no really, literally. Jen was so brave...not scared at all. I think maybe we went with a guy but I don't think he was hot so I literally had nobody to hang onto except Jen and she left me at some point. Some friend!

6. Also, the year I met Martin we went to a Howard Jones concert on Halloween or the day before, I can't remember which. It was great because we had just met a couple of weeks earlier, but had already kissed and there was lots of snuggling and such. That was a good Halloween. Nothing like HoJo.

Happy Halloween! Make some great memories this year!

Thoughtful Thursday

2008-10-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

A friend of my came up with doing "Thoughtful Thursdays," and I liked the idea and decided to be a copy-cat (thanks, Shellee). In these posts I will be telling about a thoughtful act someone did for me and then I will do something thoughtful for someone else (the last thing I won't post about, because I might try to do something anonymously and I also don't want to seem like I'm bragging that I helped someone!). It think this will help me be more grateful for my blessings and it will help me be more proactive about doing thoughtful things for other people. I'm excited to do this!

A year ago I was going through a difficult time. I had just had foot and calf surgery on one leg and was preparing to do the same to the next leg. I had to use crutches and a little knee scooter (that I loved) to get around in my own house for 6 weeks on each leg. All the time this was going on my sister was very sick in the hospital and drawing her final breaths. It was overwhelming and I was tired and sick of sitting around the house all day doing literally nothing and worrying about my sister. I wondered if anyone knew or cared.

One evening some friends (who will remain anonymous) showed up on my doorstep with several (I think 5) casseroles for me to freeze and use at my discretion. They had gotten together and decided on their own accord to help my family out by providing us with some meals. It touched me that they did this without provocation. I think they knew about my surgeries, yes, but they didn't know about the inner struggle I was having and their kindness made my day--actually my week! I will always remain thankful for their caring about me and knowing I was in need of a jump start.

Beautiful Day

2008-10-26T20:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was such a nice, autumn day. We were able to be out in the sun at Alex's final football game of the season and it was great. They played at East Lake High; they have a really nice football field--wow. I even got to take my coat off most of the game. There were dragon flies flying around everywhere and it was just fun to talk with Martin. Dragon flies equal magical in my book. Did they win their game? Ummm....not exactly, but it was fun anyway.

Does this look like a face that is happy to be done with football? I would have to say, emphatically, yes. I know he will miss getting hit in the head and ribs on a daily basis, but I personally, will not miss driving him to practice every day! Happy days are here again!!! Does it matter their record was 1 and 9? Nah.

Funny side note: he still plays football daily with his friends outside. Weird. A month ago he told me he hated football (I think that was because he didn't feel like going to practice that day). I guess he doesn't really hate it so much.

Olivia enjoyed her day also. She did her favorite thing: reading. She is so much like her dad. These days she nearly always has book in hand. I would get upset, but what can you really find wrong with that? And, bonus: the book she was reading, "Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear," gave her several good ideas to vanish her own big brother.

She is such a good sport to go to all these games. If I counted up the hours she's spent at baseball and football games it would probably be astronomical. She just goes along and usually plays with other friends, socializes and never complains. She also looks after her little brother too.

Second funny side note: Alex complains about going to an hour and a half dance recital Olivia has once a year. Okay, that's just sad.

And here's The Cuteness again hitting another childhood milestone. Do you see it? Look closely...yep, he lost his first tooth. Major BFD (big freaking deal). He came in Friday night while I was almost asleep with this huge grin on his face, toothbrush in one hand, tooth in the other and blood dripping down his lips!!! Oh, what an adorable scene. Adorable and then-(gag, cough, dry heave)- a little tiny bit disgusting. He was so excited to welcome the Tooth Fairy for the first time. He woke up to a $3 reward (wow, I usually only got 50 cents). He was very pleased.

Here's what he did at the football game. We forgot to bring a block (Isaac's favorite toy) and he was not sure how he could survive. Martin saved the day with one of his business cards from his wallet. I kid you not, the child played with this card for two hours. How do you play with a block or business card? Well, if you're Isaac, you turn the said card into anything you can imagine. It can be a spaceship, a guy, a car, or, my personal favorite, Indiana Jones. Explosions usually accompany the play and can be very annoying to his sibilings. But, at the football game, nobody cared or bothered him! Score one for The Cuteness.

It's Party Time!!

2008-10-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

I went to the costume/party store to look for some costume ideas for the kids. It was a mistake as the store I went to had mostly adult costumes and 2/3 of them had to be covered in areas with "post it" notes because of the partial nudity. Wait a second...did I say nudity?

Truly, I was thinking Halloween was more for kids, like it was when I was younger. Ah, those were the days. Now, I know there have always been the "french maid" costumes and such that were skimpy, but apparently, the rules have changed to include everything from busty pirates to half-naked angels. I mean do people dress up for their jobs and wear these costumes? Is there a market for this? I don't know.

Martin tells me there are these costume parties for adults that basically the idea is to go in the raunchiest, skimpiest costume you can find. I don't know what takes place at these parties but I can only imagine in my wildest dreams.

Also, what happens when you are not the model type portrayed on the front of these costume packages? I guarantee I would not look as good as the model in that lei and flower pasties "hula" outfit that I saw. I KNOW I'm not the only one.

So what does a person do who is invited to a party like this, and is not a size 2, 4 or even 10? I guess that's what the Spongebob adult costumes are for. Fun. All these beautiful people walking around and you're the only one not showing considerable skin making your date drool.

Yep, I had my eyes opened at the party store today. I shall never be the same.

Meme's the word

2008-10-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my friend Deb W., whom I miss terribly, with a meme. I'm supposed to post the 4th photo from my 4th folder. I've never heard of a meme before. But according to my friend, Stacey, a meme can be a catchphrase or concept that spreads quickly from one person to another. Thanks, Stac. Cool!!! So here's mine:

This is my crazy dad, nephew, Dallon, niece, Marie and niece Savannah holding my other niece Phoenix. They are, of course, making funny faces. It's New Year's Eve of '06 and we were at my sister Mindy's home. It's funny, but with all the people in this picture my eye directly goes to my sister, Jenny who is behind my dad (you can't see her face). Boy, I wish I had taken more pictures of her while she was here. It's good to know she was there. She loved a good party. We always play this funny game called "Loaded Question" with my mom and sisters and older nieces on New Year's. It's become a tradition. That game is so hilarious! Every year I laugh harder and harder. Last year I nearly passed out from laughterand I am ashamed to admit I nearly wet my pants. Unfortunatley, Jenny was in the hospital last year and we played without her and I guess will from now on.

I recommend that game to anyone, especially a group of women who are friends and very comfortable with each other. It's kind of a "get to know you" game and be prepared to laugh--hard.

I tag Brenda, Jen V. and Dayna

New 2008 Survey

2008-10-17T15:43:00.001-07:00

Here's another survey.

1. What is your best physical feature? I’m told it’s my winning smile
2. Where were you born? Ogden, Utah
3. How many siblings do you have? 4 sisters 1 brother
4. What is your favorite pastime? Reading or working out. Actually, reading AND working out at the same time.
5. If you had to have a tattoo what would it be and where? “Martin,” you don’t need to know where.
6. How old were you when you had your first kiss? Pushing 16
7. What is your favorite time of day? Bedtime
8. Dogs or cats? I love dogs because they are so loving but cats are easier to take care of and they have funny “I don’t care about you” attitudes.
9. What song best describes you? "She's a maniac"
10. How many books, on average, do your read per year? 10-20, maybe more, maybe less.
11. Are you most often a rescuer or rescuee? Usually rescuer, but have been rescued many times.
12. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you? When Martin and I were first married we lived in a little duplex in Farmington and there was this gang of dogs. They traveled the neighborhood causing all kinds of havoc. It was funny because they were like people with a leader and everything. There was probably like 20 of them or more and they were all owned by people. It was so funny to see their atttitudes . That’s all I can think of right now.
13. What is your favorite kind of soup? Tomato, with fishy crackers
14. How many broken bones have you had? Zip
15. What was the best part of High School? Graduating and never going back to that hell on Earth
16. What is your favorite school subject? Literature and writing
17. If you got to choose a celebrity to date, who would it be? Chris Martin, for sure. But, seriously, how can I compete with Gwyneth Paltrow? Speaking of, my sister, Mindy looks just like her!
18. If you were deserted on a desert island who would you want with you? Martin
19. Have you ever been abroad? Yah, I’m a broad. Ha-ha. J/k. Not unless you count Canada
20. Can you drive a stick? Absolutely
21. What is your favorite meat? Chicken most of the time—free range
22. Ever been in a fist fight? Yes, my younger sisters both punched me, and one time my big brother bloodied my nose at Knott’s Berry Farm because my sister, Jenny was lost and I made the comment that I hoped we never found her.
23. Do you like ketchup? Yuck. Fry sauce, on the other hand, is mmmmm.
24. Dancer or singer? singer
25. Do you like horror movies? Hate them. I cried silently to myself when my brother dragged me to “The Sixth Sense.” I was so scared. ("I see dead people")

I'd love it if you wanted to post your answers!

Happy Halloween!

Question and Answer

2008-10-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

My friend, Jen Vesper emailed me this and since I haven't posted anything lately, I thought I'd post this.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 10 am. Really. My husband is a sweet heart.

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds AND pearls

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? City of Ember with Olivia’s school class. It was good, but over my head. I think I need to read the book.

4. What is your favorite TV show? The Office. I love to hate Michael Scott.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal. Various kinds.

6. What is your middle name? Marie

7. Least favorite foods? Sushi. I can’t even get it past my nose, the smell triggers my gag reflex something awful. Most other foods I like too much.

8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Coldplay, Viva La Vida, baby! I also am listening a lot to Pilot Speed.

9. What kind of car do you drive? 04 Chrysler Pacifica. I love my car…Martin’s car just makes me cry. It’s a ’94 Toyota Camry. It’s so small Martin looks like Mr. Incredible in it.

10. Favorite sandwich? Subway club.

11. What characteristic do you despise? Know-it-alls, especially when it comes to politics. Also, flakiness and cheesiness.

12. Favorite item of clothing? My velveteen sweats. I love being draped in velvet like George on Seinfeld.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Italy with my hubby so I can understand the people through him. I’m afraid to go anywhere too far or too foreign. No desire to go anywhere third-world.

14. Favorite brand of clothing? Speedo (but not on me--just kidding)

15. Where would you like to retire? Where my children are. I’m hoping that will be here in Issaquah or Utah.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? I guess I’d have to say this past birthday. My sister had just passed and my sisters and mom and I went to the Greenery at Rainbow Gardens for lunch. It was a mistake as it was difficult to be somewhere she loved so much. However, my best friend made me an awesome Hello Kitty cake and then we went to Toad's to play Laser tag and ride go carts (neither of which I could do because I was only a week or two post-op on my foot).

17. Favorite sport to watch? Alex playing baseball. Also, I like to watch him playing football now (I know, that’s just crazy). I like to watch the M’s too, but not this year...they were terrible!

18. Farthermost place you are sending this? Not sure of the exact miles.

19. Person you expect to send it back first? Don’t care.

20. When is your birthday? March 19, 1974

21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Neither. I’m usually in bed by 10 and I don’t get up until late after 8. I am always tired!

22. What is your shoe size? That depends on the shoe. I wear a 7 in shoes if they lace up. If they’re any other kind I could go clear up to 8 or 9. I have really, really, wide, thick feet. I hate my feet!

23. Pets? One beautifully annoying kitty-cat named “Tinker.”

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Yes, I want to try out for American Idol. That or have another baby; whichever comes first.

25. What did you want to be when you were little? A Marine Biologist

26. How are you today? Tired, and mad because I got all dressed to go work out at the gym and it turns out there’s some meeting going on there so I couldn’t.

27. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate with hazelnuts. I love the Ritter Sport bars.

28. What is your favorite flower? Daisies

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Halloween. I’ll also be glad when it’s over.

30. What is your full name? Heather Marie Higley Chamberlain

31. What are you listening to right now? Isaac making one of his “movies.” I am hearing all kinds of explosions and screaming from his characters.

32. What was the last thing you ate? A bagel with cream cheese.

33. Do you wish on stars? Sure, it can’t hurt-right?

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow

35. How is the weather right now? It’s raining, big surprise. Very autumnish.

36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Haven’t been on the phone yet. I hate the freaking phone, I try to avoid it at all costs.

37. Favorite soft drink? Hello, Diet Coke!

38. Favorite restaurant? Firenze, Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory.

39. Real hair color? Dark blonde.

40. What was your favorite toy as a child? My Friend Mandy doll. My mom threw her away so I got another one. My sister Jenny had a My Friend Jenny doll.

41. Summer or winter? Summer, although, I hate being sweaty and hot.

42. Hugs or kisses? Depends on who’s giving them.

43. Chocolate or Vanilla? Well, if it’s ice cream I’d have to say Vanilla. But for all other intents and purposes chocolate.

44. Coffee or tea? Nah…

45. Do you want your friends/family to email you back? No

46. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday. I finished a book that was amazing that made me sob uncontrollably.

47. What is under your bed? Tinker

48. What did you do last night? Watched a Presidential debate; a lame one!

49. What are you afraid of? My children being in peril.

50. Salty or sweet? 90% of the time sweet.

51. How many keys on your key ring? 5 or 6

52. How many years at your current job? 12 years

53. Favorite day of the week? "It's Friday, I'm in love!"

54. How many towns have you lived in? 7

55. Do you make friends easily? Not at all. I’m very unfriendly by nature. People generally bug me and that makes me ornery and mean.

Me llike antibiotics

2008-10-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

I have been sick for the past week or so. It didn't get really bad until Monday, when I decided I was going to tackle cleaning the shower. I wasn't thinking, obviously. I have had a really bad cough. So I got in the shower, sprayed it down with the first cleaner I use for mold, then rinsed that off. Then I sprayed with the other cleaner I use for hard water stuff (seriously, can't they come up with one cleaner to do both things?). It was so smelly in there, and I was scrubbing so hard that it went directly to my lungs and I started to cough profusely. I could not stop. I was sweating and coughing. I looked in the mirror and my face was bright red with white splotches, probably from the lack of oxygen:). I seriously have NEVER coughed that hard. I called Martin and asked if he could come home because I was supposed to pick up the boys from school and needed him to do it...driving would have been a very bad thing at this point. So, I was on the phone with Martin and trying to talk and I couldn't. Everytime I inhaled to say something I coughed. Finally, I told Martin what I needed and hung up. Then went to the couch and passed out.

Since then I have been struggling with this infernal cough. I went to the doctor on Friday night and he did prescribe some antibiotics but told me to hold off on taking them. He assumed I probably had a virus. So I waited....until yesterday. I took the first dose last night before bed and I woke up 85% better--85%, people! Now that is good luck.

Lesson learned: cold + cleaning chemicals = dumb. I better check what's in those freaking cleaning supplies. That can't be good for my health. Or better yet, hire someone to clean!!!

Yeah, that's what I thought

2008-10-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

Your Issue Profile: 4% Obama, 96% McCain

The results are in, and John McCain is definitely your choice.

You're probably not surprised. It's possible you've had your eye on McCain for years.

Popular or not, you will likely stick by McCain. For you, it's a matter of principle.

And besides, there's something exciting about rooting for the underdog!

Should You Vote for Obama or McCain?

I guess this does not surprise me at all. I am republican through and through. I listen to talk radio (Rush, Medved, and Beck), and like it. I read Ann Colter and Sean Hannity and agree with them. So, like it or not, I'm not just a little bit red but I BLEED red. I used to think I was just choosing the lesser of two evils (didn't love McCain that much) but obvioulsy it means more to me than that. The issues have made me what I am--and the issues are really important to me. So, according to the issues, I am for McCain.

As to "rooting for the underdog," I don't know that I agree with that. McCain may be an underdog, but only in the left-wing media's eyes, and in their biased view of the issues. Lucky for me, I form my own opinions based on my ideals and that's what everyone is welcome to do. So don't mail me and question me for what I believe...I don't think any less of someone for the way they feel.

My late sister Jenny was sooo liberal. I used to think she was out-of-control in her political views, but now I see her differently. I respect her now more than ever. She was someone who really weighed the issues according to her beliefs and learned and studied as much as she could. If anyone does that, I have to respect that. If there's anything I learned from her, it was that I shouldn't be embarrassed to state my opinion. And that's all I'm doing here! So, form your opinions and run with them! Thanks for reading!