Finally something broke

So we had the awesome chance to drive up to Utah to see awesome Uncle Stevie marry awesome Aunt Liz and see amazing Uncle Chris come home from his mission.  We were due to leave super early on a Saturday morning, so Friday I was doing a lot of trip preparations and packing.

Z was going through a phase where he liked to sit on the railing like he was riding a horse and watch what was going upstairs.  Occasionally he would wiggle like he was riding a horse and then he would start to loose his balance and then he would get himself down.  Getting up to getting down took about a total of 90 seconds.  I would look at him as he was playing trains or something, I would put something away and he was already up there- I would then hear a 'whoa' in the background so I would check on him and he would be climbing down.  Keep in mind this action of climbing up there was not condoned!  Many time I would scold and occasionally swat a little boy for doing such things.  I would (or try to) impress upon his little brain that this was NOT as safe activity and that he would get a big owie.  After shoving this (obviously un-successfully) into his brain I would redirect him to something that was safe.  On floor.  Away from the stairs.

This was the case this Friday afternoon the day before we were leaving for 2 weeks.  After redirecting him, I ran downstairs for a minute, the next thing I know I hear a HUGE thump followed by a series of smaller thumps (I recognized these as 'falling down stairs thumps') and then a wail and scream/cry like no other.  It was that moment I knew I would be going to the ER with Z.  Again.

I rush upstairs as he is coming to me with his blankets he went and got and climbed into my lap and just cried.  I could tell he hurt but he wouldn't let me move him to find out where.  I could tell it wasn't his legs or arms- so part of me was hoping he just got the air knocked out of him.  I knew that wasn't a likely option but I was hoping!

As I was calming him down I smelled him.

So I was changing him and every time I moved his upper body- he would burst into tears again.  It was so sad!  I called Mr. Manly and told him I thought we needed to go to the ER- he came home and was feeling his bones and didn't feel anything, at this point he had calmed down and was able and willing to sit on the couch.  I was still un-sure.  I call magnificent Aunt Mallory who happens to be a ER nurse and described the reactions and situation and she agreed with my guess- he broke his collar bone.  To test this theory (and I still feel bad about this) we nicely held his right hand and held a piece of candy.  He tried reaching for it with the bad side and broke down sobbing.

After a quick call to the hospital and a blessing- we heading to the ER.  Again.

The only pictures we got were in the waiting room.  They took us in, x-rayed him and then we sat on the little bed and waited for the Dr. to come in and confirm the break.

Poor guy really handled it like a champ.  He was so tough and proud- it kind of made my mommy heart proud!

They just told me to give him medicine for the pain and then gave him an 'eight brace' to wear.  They told me that most kids hate them and it's a fight.  But really he did so well with it, he liked to wear it.  I think I helped it feel better.  So it was really nice that he never fought us about wearing it.

Six weeks later we went to the Dr- and he said it looked so awesome that in another 5 years you won't even be able to tell it was broken!  So that was awesome!  He then said that we can either take the brace off, or leave it on if it slows him down or makes him more careful.  We then both looked at Z and laughed and said fat chance of him slowing down!  So then the brace came off!

After the break- he has been a bit more careful.  But he also acquired the talent of doing things one armed.  

Z- I am glad you are mine.  I love you dearly.  But you better be rich so I can live off of you- you owe me!!

So as I took these sweetest kids to get the seemingly endless list of school supplies- we decided to make into a mini date.

School Supplies.

Dinner.

Bowling.

It all equals one of the best nights.  I don't think they will remember this night in 20 years.  I might not either.  But right now I am holding onto these memories with an iron fist.  They are so young and precious and happy.  I want to keep them in this bubble forever.

I love you babies.  I love you so much I really can't show you all the ways.  So for now I will just continue to fold your endless amounts of laundry, and make you food that you sometimes whine about eating, and I will carpool you around.  Because as crazy as it is.  I am just glad that I am there for you and we get that time together.

Happy Birthday Momma!!!!!

so on the 8th of this month i decided to surprise my momma for her birthday. and oh was she shocked!!! i think if the neighbors had their window open, they would have her her scream!!! it was great!!!! everyone knew about it but her- it great! and to make it super nice for me, i went WITHOUT the kids! crazy! i missed them soooooooo much, but it was a nice break.

steven picked me up at the airport, and we had a great time, and then we went in, and steven was like "hey mom! i gotta surprise for you, close your eyes, and hold out your hands!" so she does and then i go and stand right in front of her and steven tells her she can open her eyes now. so she does and she studies the keys for a sec, and then she looks up rather confused, and then she sees me, and i think i could have counted to like 10 before it really sunk in that it was me. and then she screamed, jumped up and gave me a hug. it was great!

so we just hung out and stuff and then dallin stopped by with his gf, mallory, and some friends to say hi and then we went to bed cuz of daylight savings. and then we had birthday parties for my granddaddy and brother chris- that was fun, and my mom's parents and my dad's mom came up for the parties it was great! it was soooooo awesome to see everyone!

then on monday- i wen to lunch with my momma, and margie and mandy halling (now matthews) and her 2 kids and another friend. and then i went shopping with mom and dad. which was great- i found 4 pairs of shoes for $50!!!!! yeah FOREVER YOUNG!!! it was awesome and then i spent way to much money at desseret book. but i love that store. anyway- i flew home on tuesday and it was an amazing trip! until the flight home...... holy crow- was it awful.

i left slc at 1:15 pm, and arrived at dfw at 3:30. which was great. my flight leaving dfw to longview didnt leave until 7:30. and one would ask why wait that long when i could be picked up at 3:30 and home by 7:30, well, it is a 3 hour drive to dallas and only 45 minutes to longview. and with kids and gas prices.... it was a now brainer. anyway, as i sit and wait for my flight, i have a feeling to go and check the gate information. good thing i did cuz my gate was changed, b36 to b37, not bad. well it gets to be about 7ish, and they start saying that there will be delays because of maintenance, that is an okay excuse, well, they keep delaying and delaying and delaying and finally at 10:30 they CANCELED my flight, yes we were all VERY mad..... and poor joseph had been driving around longview trying to find things for him and the kids to do, since about 6:30. why so early when my flight wasnt supposed to come in till 8:30? well, they were VERY excited to get mom, they missed me! anyway, they put us up in a nice hotel with bad service and i had to go to bed without brushing my teeth, or washing my face, or anything. it was awful, thank heavens for altoids gum! it is sooooo strong! anyway- i was picked up at 10:15 on wednesday, and had a great time! but it was soooo nice to see my babies again. i missed them! they made me a sign that says welcome home that happens to be on my camera still, i will try to remember to post it. it was soooooo cute! but when you see me just remember that i had been able to shower and stuff and i was nasty! oh well, i was home right? thanks joe for a great vacation!

i am so grateful for a mom who taught me so much, about life and about myself. i cant even imagine who i would be if she were any different. i love you mom!