Taking Charge

This is me taking charge :) I know what I need to do, and so I am going to do it. This has been a growing experience, so I am going to take advantage of it, and learn from it this time.

If you really love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours.

This is my most favorite quote of all time, and it has been for many different reasons and circumstances. I am putting faith in this quote and Heavenly Father (maybe more than I ever have, I will admit), and letting my worries go. I am going to let it go and then see what happens...because I know it certainly can't be bad.

If it works out, great. If it doesn't, that's ok too, because I KNOW that there is something waiting...there around the corner, just for me. I am not going to let this get the best of me.

Thanks for all the support everyone has given me, and I love that you are there for me every step of the way. I love everyone (yes, even you) and can't wait for the adventures that lie ahead.

Love,

Ceana ;)

We Do Just A LITTLE Bit Of Reading

Since school started we have been making weekly treks to the library. Often the big kids get to ride their bikes for their PE to do all of the family "errands" (library, PO, etc) A couple of weeks ago Kaeli came home, made a beeline to me in the office and said "you HAVE to come and take a picture!" When I asked her what it was I was supposed to take a pict of she proceeded to say "Look Mom!" and unrolled the library receipt out for me.

We dont like reading or anything at our house at all....can you tell? With 6 kiddos constantly devouring books it is no wonder that it is as long as our grocery shopping lists usually are because they are devouring food just as fast! We are more than happy to make the treks back and forth to the library, we are thrilled that the kids all love books so much. We are lucky to have 2 libraries very close by and a 3rd one just 10 minutes away. We will never run out of things to read! BTW if any of you out there have books you LOVE and want to share with us for new reading material that would be great!

The Results Are In!

I took a look at the tri website today and was excited to see that results were posted there. I am thrilled with my time, under 3 hrs is better than I could have ever hoped for. If I understand the way things were posted, though, I was second to LAST in my age group...oh well, maybe with time and practice I will get better.....

SWIM - 0:19:41 (500 meters)
BIKE - 1:22:02 (12 miles)
WALK - 1:12:00 (5K+) (3.7 miles)
TOTAL - 2:53:43

FUNNY KIDS

I have been wanting to write down a couple of funny things the kids have said recently. After Kaeli told me something yesterday in RS that made me laugh out loud, hard, I knew I needed to take time to write some things down.

1) Ky is at that age where it is easy to mix things up, or rather he applies new words to things he already knows, for example:
*He recently asked for "the graham cracker" movie. I had no idea what he was talking about, but Kaeli finally figured it out. The kids had been into the Barbie movies again, and he wanted to watch The NUTcracker....he doesnt know that word, or even what it is, or the fact that it has nothing to do with one of his favorite snacks...just current knowledge applied to new learning...it gave us a good laugh.
*He also recently asked for "bread on a stick" - again, I was clueless (he does that to me alot lately) Kaeli, again, figured out what he wanted. He wanted one of her yummy, homemade BREADSTICKS. Another word he doesnt know yet, he was just applying current knowledge - which was the words we use for corn dog - it is a "hot dog on a stick"

2) Kaeli is currently the only girl in her sunday school class. The boys in her class tend to not really speak up, and she is used to answering all the questions. Yesterday was more unusual than most sundays. She had been asked a question by her teacher, which she quickly answered. He then asked another question, and she chose to remain silent, to give one of the boys a chance to say something. When she remained quiet for too long one of the boys leaned over to her with his hand cupped over his mouth and whispered loudly "This is the part where you give a smart answer." - Knowing the young man who said it, it just made me literally laugh right out loud, and it was hard to stop laughing....

She also shared another experience from class with me. Her teacher had asked the class what happens when you throw a rock into a pond or lake. I know you are guessing the same answer I responded with. The boys in her class were not quite so perceptive...their answers were as follows: "it sinks?", "it gets wet?", "if is is a pumice rock it will float!". Finally Kaeli, quite exasperated (can you see her eyes rolling?) answered "It makes ripples!" - to which one of the boys responded "well, if you want to get technical about it!" (which her teacher did) I just had to laugh at this too - it is a sweet group of boys, but with boys come those things I have just chalked up to being "boy genes" - ones that make you look at them and say "huh? and roll your eyes all the way back in your head....they also make you laugh hysterically at times....

3) Kelsianne is talking a mile a minute these days. She can scream loud enough to shatter your eardrum, and for all of the neighbors to hear her with all the doors and windows CLOSED. She is very spunky at times and puts up with no nonsense from her brothers. She can dish it out even more than they can. Recently has been no different. She waggles her finger at them and says "NO, NO!" and gives crusty looks to them as if they were about to die. Some of her newfound verbal skills are still trying to work out the fine art of actually becoming language. Some of her newest words are "Ba-dy" (which really is BARBIE) "Wa-dee" (water), "may-dough" (tomato), "kee" (which can mean 2 things depending on what she is holding, it could be a binki or a blankee), "kinky bum" (which is pretty self explanatory and very helpful). She cant quite get the pieces right yet, no matter how many times we practice with her. She tends to drop or switch her constants around (like when the big kids used to say PAsketti vs SPAghetti) all the time, with almost every word. At times, when she does this, I still cannot put any order to what she is trying to say. It is a constant challenge.
Every answer she gives to anyone is "yuuupp" or "nope". She runs everywhere, or as Kaeli would put it she stomps everywhere - even when she runs. She is such a tank that there is no mistake when she is coming or going. "Tinkbell" is still her favorite friend and must be tucked in bed with her. We have at least moved past the stage where she was carrying her around everywhere, chewing on her wings and legs...poor little thing. She loves that doll, and we have a better time now not having to keep track of it (we have never seen anything in the stores like it even though we have looked HARD)

4) Recently Caiden often confuses me with his questions, and it takes quite a bit of effort to figure out what he is really needing. Case in point - just a moment ago he asked me why it isnt safe to wear dog collars (yes, meaning people). My response was "because people dont wear dog collars" (can you see my eyes starting to roll...) He continued, "no why isnt it safe to wear them at night?" Now, I am thinking he means the dogs (I am wrong of course) and I answer "you mean, the leash? It isnt safe for them, they might get tangled up" to which I FINALLY figured out what he was talking about as he pulled out a soccer "necklace" he was given from a friend that looks like military DOG TAGS. He was asking why he couldnt wear it at night. (Can you see my eyes rolled all the way to the back of my head and my extreme self control at not laughing right out loud as he sits here completely oblivious to his misunderstanding?) His sister and I, again, explained to him why that wouldnt be such a smart idea. (again is this total cluelessness just boy genes? Yup)

IT'S OFFICIAL !!!

I am a TRI-ATHLETE!

I was certain a week ago that I was NOT going to do this...then I got a blessing and some other things fell into place and I was extended more tender mercies than I could count....

Preston dragged my sorry rear out of bed at 430am - yes that is AM. A friend of mine who teaches seminary says that waking up that early is called "waking up at the crack of stupid" - and I should have been feeling that way for even THINKING about competing when I havent been able to exercise for WEEKS. I wasnt though, I was strangely calm about the whole thing. (TM#1)
Preston & Ceana agreed to volunteer at the pool (wish I had picts of them too) so they dropped me off at the DHS stadium to get checked in and they were off to find out their duties. It was crazy being there so early, surrounded by other sisters who were also trickling in. The bikes were slowly being added to the rows that stretched from one side of the stadium to the other (there was an actual photographer at the event, we are supposed to have picts posted soon, hopefully there will be more I can share here too).
It really was strange for me to be so totally calm about the whole thing, I felt like that the entire day, and even after - like it was really just a memory from a dream - kind of surreal, it has been weird.
After I got all checked in I walked the block or so down to the DAC to get ready for my heat for the swim. I got there to find out that another sister who was in the same ward (before we split wards) was in my lane and only one other sister too. That had been a big concern for me, having to swim in a lane with 5 other sisters knowing I was going to be on my back - which meant slower than everyone else. Only having 3 of us in the widest lane was a miracle (TM #2)
We chatted briefly and watched the clock tick the minutes away until it was our turn. Finally the time arrived to start. Last minute instructions were given and then Preston had the fun of being the official announcer for the day. I think he enjoyed having that megaphone on loud and being the one to send everyone off! Ceana was also ready at her post where she was keeping track of time and counting laps for us (she was assigned to my lane!)
Ceana took this awesome shot of the lane I was in. It kind of gives the perspective of what it felt like - LONG...
During check in we were given instructions and all the stuff we needed for the race - including being "tatooed" in 3 places - literally someone wrote my race # and my swim heat/lane on my body (upper arm, right calf, right hand)This is me and my friend from the Mon 1st ward showing them off just before the race.

Both Preston & Ceana were assigned to my lane (TM #3) Preston snapped these off for me as I came to the end of the pool where they were. It is so hard to describe how I felt as I swam. The water was almost calming and relaxing (TM #4) and the fact that I didnt have to worry about watching my own time or counting laps just made things go even better. With just 3 of us in the lane all swimming at about the same speed, things really went well. We drifted a couple of times, but just laughed it off and encouraged each other. I was shocked when I was swimming and ceana told me I only was down to my final lap. It had gone by so quickly. Suddenly I was done and jumping out of the pool to dry off enough to get to my bike. I got a big hug and a very excited comment from a sister in our ward who has been like a mom to all of us during the last several months, she has been so great to all of us. I realized I was so focused on my next transition that I didnt even wave or get to say anything to Preston or Ceana, though.
Later in the day I got a chance to ask Ceana about my time - found out I did my 500 meters in about 17 min - which is only slightly slower than I was timed at 3 months ago. I was really excited about that - that my body remembered what to do, and that finding my own way of doing things, and my own rhythm had helped me be more successful than I had ever imagined! It was a really great feeling!

IT"S OFFICIAL II

The second part of the race was the biking. This has been my HARDEST event during all of my training. It is crazy to remember back to May when Preston had to teach me how to even ride the dumb thing. Now I was getting ready to ride 12 miles in a real race. It still is kind of crazy to think about. We live in a very rural area, and because of all of the fields and stuff, the fog can be VERY thick and dense and cold. You can see here in this picture that it had cleared some (ceana took this at the END of the race since I was on my own in the transition time) When I got on my bike before 7am there was barely any light and the fog was so thick that really you couldnt see far in front of you. It was also very heavy with moisture. Even if I hadnt have been wet from the pool, I was soaked just from all of the condensation. Wish I would have been able to get a pict of all the zillions of droplets on every inch of exposed skin and hair. My arms looked like they were covered in tiny diamonds, and my face wasnt very dry when I tried to wipe my cheeks on my already wet sleeves. It was a strange sensation to blink and feel the water on my eyelashes - that doesnt even happen in the pool or shower - the fog just clung to everything.

When I was getting ready to get on my bike I wolfed down some juice and trailmix that I had taken. I am so glad I did too. I wouldnt have even known about doing that if one of the tri coordinators had not shared her experiences with us. I am so glad she did. (TM #5)When I got going I realized that I had forgotten my ear muff (those of you who know me well, know that my ears do NOT do cold and it is usually really bad because it brings on migraines) The temps were really low with the time of day it was plus the heavy fog, and yet I felt completely wrapped in warmth (TM #6) The wind that blew past me was warm and gentle and my ears felt like they had earmuffs over them, I never felt the wind against them at all. The 1st half of the ride was not bad. I just kept trying to focus on pedaling and making sure I didnt wobble. When I got to the turn around point, though, the tops of my thighs were burning like crazy. I took time to get off and stretch and see if I could work out some of the ouch. I also downed some gatorade (usually I think that stuff is NASTY, but I must of needed it because it actually tasted good) (TM #7)

The 2nd half of the ride was HARD,with a capital H. I really struggled most of the way, and even had a spot where I had to get off my bike and walk (that didnt last too long though because I got too many people worried that I was not ok) As I rode back I sent silent prayers out, I knew I could not, would not, be able to make it back to the stadium alone. I started to have songs flow through my mind. As I looked at the solid white line along the road "Hold To The Rod" came to me - "Hold to the rod, It's strong and bright and true, twill safely guide us through....." That white line on the road was my rod, if I followed it I would be safely led back. It was bright and I needed it to stay on the right path and to stay safe. I sang until I couldnt remember the words, and then another song would come in its place. Another song that came through was the chorus from "The Prince Of Egypt" - it is one of our favorite movies and we watch it often. It seemed the perfect song for where I was at "There can be miracles when you believe, though hope is frail, it's hard to kill. There can be miracles you can achieve, when you believe, somehow you will, you will when you believe." The other lines flitted on the edge of my brain, but it seemed that the lesson taught in that song was exactly what I needed. I had completely given up on the thought of competing, I knew I wasnt prepared to do it. But because of a priesthood blessing, and trusting and believing that I was where I was supposed to be, miracles really were happening. The entire ride back was like that. Hymns came and went and even though I am a self-professed NON singer, I sang as loud as I could, focusing on the messages of the gospel principles that I was seeing in action right at that time. I know the people I rode past probably thought I was crazy, but it was the strength and re-focus of my heart and mind that I needed to get me back to the stadium. (TM #8) I found out that other sisters had similar experiences throughout the day...

The other thing that helped on the bike ride, esp on that long ride back, were all the cute little things the Tri coordinators had written on the road in colored chalk (TM #9) Just when I thought I couldnt do anymore, I would ride past a "HUGS" or "U R AWESOME" or "SMILE" - and I would smile or even laugh out loud at the funny/cute things. Those little words made all the difference because I knew that there were sisters who knew and cared about me, that they were thinking of me, and that I wasnt alone. Their small and simple act of kindness and love made my long, often lonely journey not so hard to bear. Times havent been posted yet about the bike portion, but I am guessing it was really miraculous because I know what time I was completly done...It will be fun to find out soon.

My transition time to the walk again included juice and trailmix. I was glad for the brief moment to stop, my legs felt really wobbly after being on the bike for so long. It took me a lot longer than I thought to get my legs under me, and I was kind of glad that I had 2 loops to work out the kinks. I was also again glad that it was not my job to worry about what time it was, or where I was. My only job was to walk, at my own pace, and only think about how I was doing vs worrying about how I was doing compared to others. I think this is the first time I have felt a real freedom in that area. (TM #10) I KNEW that someone else was keeping track of my time, my efforts, and making sure I was ok. I was free to concentrate, reflect and enjoy the moment that I was in, and not worry about what anyone else was thinking or doing, or if I was measuring up to others' expectations. It was a good feeling, a lesson I should work harder to make real all the time...
On the last piece of the last lap I walked, I was excited to see Preston & Ceana walking towards me. We were all worried that they wouldnt be done helping at the pool before I was completely finished with the race. I asked Ceana to take a pict, except she had put the camera away in the truck. They took the shortcut to the finish line to snag the camera while I finished my lap. It was really an amazing thing to see the families, and ward and stake leaders all there at the end, cheering and clapping. Ceana stood at the other side of the finish line to get picts and Preston was up in the stands cheering me on. It was so amazing, it made me kind of giggly and clappy (?)
This is the sister from our ward who has been our "mom" through the whole thing. She was also one of the main coordinators of this monster undertaking. While I was giddy with the fact I had actually done this amazing thing, she grabbed me into a bear hug, sobbing her eyes out, repeating "you did it, you did it!" It was very exciting and emotional for both of us. Not only were there tears, but she put in her own spunk and made us laugh just seconds later. Preston had come down out of the stands to me, and R saw him first. "There's your sweet guy" she said as he swept me into a hug and kiss, and in the same breath without missing a beat she said "get a room you two." We just laughed right out loud! It brought the lightness and joy to add to the tears of deep emotion. I found out later that she had waited and cheered everyone across the finish line, right down to the very last sister! That is the kind of person she is. Thanx R for everything, you have been an angel to all of us!
Well, here I am, award medal around my neck (darling things made by another sis in the stake) and still not quite believing that I really did compete AND finish! (and finish in a time that seems almost impossible to me) Preston helped me gather up my bike and bag-o-stuff, and I made a bee line for the bathroom (thanx to all the gatorade, juice, and water) and then to somewhere I could stretch. The tops of my thighs were burning because I had stopped moving at such an intense pace. I took some time to stretch and cool down a bit more. I also took some time to cheer on others who were transitioning or finishing as well. It was fun to do that for others as they came in and out of the stadium, it felt great to give some of what I had also received.

Preston and I did the ID marathon, and other sisters have also done other races. We all agreed how different this was, and how amazing it felt. The race was never about individuals, or about winning. It was about giving, supporting, encouraging, learning, growing and loving. It was about all of us helping each other to reach our goals and to finish together. All the months of training culminated at this wonderful day, but all of the friendships, giving, serving, teaching, learning, and love will last way beyond this day and time. Our stake has become "one" in many ways. We have become unified as sisters and friends, and have been given blessings and opportunities that though they started out being focused on the triathlon, have and will change our lives forever, probably in more ways than we will ever know. I am truly thankful to a Heavenly Father who inspired our stake leaders to do this, and for His not-so-gentle push for me to follow through and see this through to the end. I would have missed so much, including the lessons that only came during the race, and in the time that I have spent reflecting on everything. It is a time, and a special day, that I will never forget.

Just as a PS - the day didnt end there. I was spoiled to be able to come home to a wonderful, deep, jetted tub filled with hot water to soak my still sore legs. I also got to eat yummy pancakes Kaeli had made, and a got short nap while Preston helped the kids with homework. I was also surprised with beautiful "congrats" flowers from Preston's parents.

I also got to enjoy the friendship, sisterhood, and stories of all the other sisters who were in the tri at the special stake dinner that was held before the RS general conference broadcast. It was so fun, and emotional to listen to the sisters share some of their experiences about their training and the race. I was even brave enough to heed the again, not-so-gentle, prompting to share some of the TM that I had experienced. The broadcast was amazing and it was a joy to see the extra spunky mood Pres Monson was in, and to listen to him speak to the sisters around the world. The messages were sweet and inspired and there will be much to think about and remember.

It truly was a glorious day. It feels great to be so tired, and so happy at the same time. Knowing that the sisters of the stake came together to accomplish hundreds of wonderful things, both big and small, and that those things will be a blessing to all of us forever. Our stake will never be the same! Because of the ties and friendships formed throughout the wards, it will be more wonderful than ever and we will all be blessed because of it!

All Finished

It is almost 6pm and they just brought Colton out to me. He is still totally zonkified. Dr Milzcuk came and talked with me a bit ago and he said everything seemed to "just fall into place" and surgery only took about 2 hrs vs 3+ like last time. More tender mercies.

I have talked in detail with the nurses left on the floor - one of them was the nurse we had over at the other building where we started out. They seem to understand what we went through last time and they are willing to release him to go ahead and go home, even if he doesnt show as much as he did last time as far as being awake and stuff.

I am going to start packing things up and get ourselves ready to go. If we can get back down to the bottom before 7pm, the valet will go get the truck for us vs us having to go track it down. More tender mercies if that will also be put in place for us.

It has been a very long day, but so many blessings that have come. It will be good to get us both home and settled and know that we are good for the night. Esp knowing that we have another very long challenging day ahead of us tomorrow. Will be sure to post about all the tri fun, or not-so-fun, will see which it will be. All I can do is try my best and do what I can.

Very thankful for all that has been given to us, and to Preston and the kids today while we have all had so much that has been going on. Truly we have been very blessed.

Just a little PS - Colton was great in the wheelchair on our way back down on the tram. We made it back down with just a few minutes to spare to get the valet to get the truck vs having to track it down. Colton felt a bit nauseous at first, but never got sick thankfully, and snoozed the entire way home. When we arrived home, Colton was very alert and awake - even to the point of asking for, and eating his doughnut and juice - and noticing that his other tooth was missing. He almost bounced off the walls and was still awake when I headed for bed. He has recovered very quickly and is eating and drinking everything. I have only had to give him tylenol and motrin 1 time each and those were pretty spread out. Again, many more tender mercies extended to us to allow many more wonderful things to happen, and to alleviate many concerns.

Colton Surgery #2

This post will probably be a combination of all of our adventures today before I post it...

UPDATE #2 -
Heavenly Father sends many tender mercies - our day has been filled with them.

We were able to get here to the hospital with little problems (other than the crazy people on the freeway going way too fast) We were able to drop off our car to the valet parking that is available to patients. If we are later than the parking lot is open they promised to move the truck and the keys to the exit booth for us so we can just load up and go. We rode the tram up to the main building. That is always Colton's favorite part - he stares out the window and I make sure and keep my back to the window so I dont barf all over the other passengers :)

When we came up on Monday for Colton's post-op appt we stopped by the little snack shop and got doughnuts. They had Halloween ones already, but since I only had $1 we got one to share. Today we made a point to stop by again and got his orange Halloween doughnut to save for after his surgery.

Then we walked up the big hill to the day-patient building. All of the staff was great. They even had a cute gal who was an official greeter and escort for families to get through the hallways. We were taken back to get Colton all set up and ran into a couple of snags. The monitoring equipment was on the fritz, but the cute nurse was great and so patient. We pulled out Colton's homework to help fill the time. As we were working I overheard a nurse answer a phone call and heard him say "we are moving colton to the main hospital?" My ears perked up then, and I realized as I listened to the rest of the conversation that we were going to be moved. Shortly after that Dr Milzcuk came and found us and the conversation went something like this "Hey, bud, how are you? I wanted to let you know that we are going to move Colton back over to the main hospital. Without going into all the logistics and circumstances, just thought you would like to know and wanted to let you know that this is going to really work out for the best. Will meet you over there soon. K, bye" - This was a HUGE tender mercy for us as where we were at that time was going to make things a bit complicated to get back to the tram and car and such knowing that Colton would probably be unconscious...

We were met by another nurse who escorted us through the maze of hallways over to the main hospital. On our way we saw our cute little nurse who Colton had 3 weeks ago. She remembered us and was surprised to see us. She was on her way to her lunch break, but we found out just a bit later that she would be our nurse again for the afternoon. That was another tender mercy. Colton did so well with her last time that it was good to know that she would be with us again. We also got to chat about how things went last time. It was fun to laugh at her reaction as I told her what happened once we were home and how long Colton slept after the anesthesia.

We are still hanging out waiting for our turn and it is now 2pm. We were told that Dr Milzcuk is still in surgery for another case that is taking longer than expected (we were supposed to be in surgery 1 hr ago). We have met with the anesthesiologist, who seems really great too. She finished up and left, only to return about a minute later. She has informed us that because of Colton's loose tooth that he will most likely be visited by the tooth fairy during surgery....I told her to go for it since it is barely hanging on now. Colton will be excited that it is gone. He is looking forward to the tooth fairy bringing him more dimes to get more Hot Wheels cars from the store.

We were just visited by Dr Milzcuk's surgery assistant and another anesthesiologist. Looks like it shouldnt be too long now. Dr Milzcuk wasnt kidding when he told us earlier that we would be cared for with more staff to meet all of the needs for Colton's surgery. We just met ANOTHER nurse who will be with him for all of surgery. That is Dr Milzcuk, 2 anesthesioligists, at least 2 nurses, the surgery assistant, plus our cute floor nurse. WOW!

Well, they just came to get Colton - he was not quite under yet from the pre-surgery med, and he wanted me to carry him. They allowed me to and I took him down to the surgery room and then handed him off to them. It was harder this time for me to take him down there. I am going to try to go get something to eat and just read or walk for awhile. We are behind schedule quite a bit. It is almost 230pm. Will make sure and post again when Colton is back here with me.

UPDATE #3
More tender mercies - I just got back from the cafeteria where they are having Pasta Friday! I got a HUGE bowl of corkscrew pasta with sauce, chicken and shrimp AND fresh squash and veggies. I am pretty sure one of the squash chunks was pumpkin - just tasted like it to me...it added interesting flavor to the pasta. I also got fruit, juice and powerade to help me get through tomorrow. I didnt think I would eat the whole bowl, but I did. My body must know that I am trying to "bulk up" for the race tomorrow. Hoping I can still get more in me throughout the rest of the evening.
I did just get a short visit and have heard conversations going on that tell me that Colton's surgery is making better progress than expected. It may not be too much longer until he is actually out of surgery. I am hoping to get an update soon. Will be sure to post when I know more.

The Countdown Is On...

I have been awake since before 5am, trying to fill my time constructively and to keep me as calm as possible. We are on the countdown for Colton's 2nd surgery today.

Both Colton & I got special blessings last night (a 2nd one for me) to be ready for today. I will be going up with Colton by myself, which I am trying to not be worried about. This last 2 weeks have been crazy with appts trying to get ready for today. Preston will be working from home with the kids to try to get them caught up on all their school work and back on track with lessons and things.

Colton has been a trooper this last couple of weeks. We fell into a pretty good routine with his meds, bandages, etc. He has been counting down every day until he saw Dr Milzcuk on Monday, and was more than happy to tell everyone he was going in for surgery again.
He has also been excited to show everyone his mouth - he lost another tooth on Monday and will most likely lose a 2nd tooth in the next few days (or less). He has been thrilled that the tooth fairy is so generous and he has been able to get some new Hot Wheels cars from the store that he has been able to pay for all by himself.

He is taking all of this upheaval to our schedule in stride and looks forward to his time with all of his specialists. I am not taking it so well, though I know that we are very blessed to have such wonderful people caring for Colton and our family for medical and educational needs.

Since he had eating/drinking restrictions for the later surgery time, he and I stayed up until midnight having snacks and drinks and watching a movie. He also got a real bath and a haircut last night from his dad, knowing it will be a couple of weeks before we can even attempt a "spit" bath for him, and a hair cut wont happen until the bandages are completely off again.

Someone yesterday asked me if things will be "done" after his surgery today. This someone doesnt know us quite yet and I had an interesting time explaining that we have added stuff back into our schedule vs taking things away. Hopefully, though, all the appts will become more consistent. We can just plan to take one day, or even one week at a time, and go from there. I know I am going to be away alot more, and that may be tricky and harder for the big kids to make sure their school work is done. We will just keep doing the best that we can, and be sure to keep in constant contact with the kids' teachers. So far, everyone has been really great to understand and to work with us to keep the kids working well and to help them be successful in the things they are completing.

Well, guess that is all for now. Will plan to post more throughout the day. For now, I need to go eat and finish packing so we are ready to go in an hour. Thanx to everyone for your thoughts/prayers for Colton and our family. It really means so much.

Piano is FUN!

Our sweet friend who gave the kids' piano lessons moved away right before school started. The kids were really sad about not having piano after making so much progress over the summer. We have another friend in the ward who also teaches, but her schedule was already jam-packed. We were fortunate enough to find another friend in the ward who teaches both piano and voice lessons. She was excited about adding all the kids and was even willing to come to us! It has been really great. She has so many wonderful ideas and the kids are excelling quickly with all of the new fun they are finding with her. Kaeli gets the added bonus of voice lessons too. Her best friend is also taking lessons and Maria agreed to put the girls together and give them a 1 hr lesson each week in exchange for babysitting for her! Major score for Kaeli - she does a great job with maria's kids and is thrilled that she and J will have that time together each week.
I finally got the chance to get some picts last week when Maria was here.

One of the main teaching methods that Maria uses is having the kids practice and learn from music that the KIDS love, not just lesson books. It has really made a big difference to the kids motivation

Colton esp looks forward to his time with Maria because she works with him on and off the piano. They do fun rhythm and motion exercises to teach about the patterns and other important skills and learning that goes into learning to play. He loves it and so do Ky & Kels, since they also get to join in on all the fun.