The Graham's

Springtime Fun!!!

2010-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

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This Spring we have been so BUSY!! Ryan with Baseball, Emalee with Dance, Zach with Soccer. It has been fun but I am so glad things are starting to wind down because I am so tired.

Disneyland 2010

2010-04-09T18:45:00.001-07:00

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We finally took a vacation!!! We decided to go to Disneyland and we had so much fun. Because of Zach's medical problems we qualified for a fastpass and didn't have to wait in any lines. Trust me the lines were super long but not for us. Zach was a real trooper and went on every single ride-- even the ones he didn't really like. I was so impressed with my kids they didn't ask for a single thing or whine at all. Of course it could have been the lecture in the car all the way there that did that-- but it worked so that's all that matters. I have never been so tired and had my feet hurt so much in my whole life. So glad we got the chance to go and thanks to Mike and Carrie for letting us tag along and for being our own personal tour guides.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

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So I am really late at getting my Christmas Pictures posted. But I guess better late then never-- right. Anyway here are the pictures from our Christmas. Ryan got a new coat, cell phone, Megan Fox Poster, clothes, and a new video chair for his room. Emalee got clothes, movies, jewelry, and last but not least an American Girl Doll. Can you tell by the pictures how happy she was. Zachary got a new coat, clothes, a sock monkey, a little kid laptop, and lots of toys.

Christmas Letter 2009

2009-12-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Family & Friends,

Well it’s that time of year again. I almost decided to forgo the writing of this letter this year, as it seems I am busier then ever. But because I know how much I love hearing from all of you and for many of you this is the only update you get on the Graham family I decided I would just find the time. So here is a quick review of the past year.

Ryan is 13, soon to be 14 years old. He is taller then his mom and is very proud of that fact. I on the other hand am not so crazy about this. He is in the 8th grade and is doing amazingly well in school. He loves school, well I should say he loves his friends at school and can’t wait to get there usually. He is still playing baseball in the spring, basketball in the winter, he is in scouts, and is just a normal teenage boy. He loves to eat, sleep, play on the computer, texting, and did I say he loves to eat. He eats non- stop. Like I said he is just a normal teenager.

Emalee is 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. She is still dancing and loving every moment of it. She moved up on her competition team this year so now she takes about 4 hours of dance a week. So between school, dance, Activity Days, and homework she is one busy girl. She was also asked to dance in the Polar Express at one of the local High Schools. So she has been having practices for that as well. She has her performances this week and she is so excited. I personally don’t know how she keeps all the dances straight. She is growing into such a young lady and is no longer our little girl. But as she still reminds me daily she is a princess and don’t you forget it.

Zachary is 6 and started all day Kindergarten this year. He loves school and is doing so well. I was so nervous for him to go to school and he has done great so far. He played baseball last spring, is taking Hip Hop lessons and loves it, and is playing basketball. As for his health he has been relatively healthy. He has adjusted to his treatments that he has to do and they have helped so much. He has only missed 1 day of school so far this year so we are on a good streak. He continues to be my funny little boy and you never know what is going to come out of his mouth. There are days I wish I could be in his head for a few minutes because his mind sure doesn’t work anything like mine does. Everyday with Zach is an adventure in one way or another so he keeps us on our toes.

Rich is still with Superior Water and Air doing plumbing. We are grateful for his job especially with the way the economy is. His company chose to do pay cuts instead of lay offs. So even though that is not ideal at least he still has a steady job and more importantly health insurance. So we are VERY thankful for his job.

As for me as I said before I am busier then ever. With my kids in school all day I thought I would have all this extra time. HAHA. In August I became the Office Manager at Emalee’s dance studio. I really have enjoyed it for the most part. I’m also still doing transcription at home on the computer during the day. Plus I am still a crossing guard but instead of only 1 school I am doing 2 this year. The money is nice but on cold days it is really cold to be outside for 3 ½ hours a day. Then you throw in doctor visits for Zach, all the schoolwork, and running everyone around and that is why I am busier then ever. I am incredibly blessed though to be able to make an income and not have to worry about my kids because they can be with me if they need to be.

Well that about sums up what the Graham’s have been up to in 2009. We miss all of you and wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Love,
Rich, Kim, Ryan, Emalee, & Zach

Braces and Grades

2009-11-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

So it's been awhile again. I just don't seem to have enough time in my days for everything. Emalee got her top braces put on yesterday. She was so excited-- I'm not sure why but she was. She has done really well so far with them and could not wait to wear her new shirt to school today. She looks really cute of course but also is looking more grown up. I don't like that part. She certainly isn't a little girl anymore. The kids got their report cards a couple weeks ago and they are doing so well. Ryan got all A's and only 2 B's. He has a grade point average of 3.5 and has all honors citizenship. I am so PROUD of him. He is such a good kid and I am so lucky to be his mom. I don't always let him know how proud of him I am and I need to be better at that. Emalee is also doing well in school although 3rd grade has definitely been her biggest challenge in school so far. She has all honors citizenship too and her teacher says she works so hard and is so sweet. Yup that's my girl-- she has everyone fooled. HAHAHA. No really I know she is all of those things. She is such a good girl. Zach is doing really well too. We need to work on his fine motor skills a little bit but he is a really good boy at school and has all honors citizenship too. He has adjusted to school so well and loves going. I am so lucky to have such great kids and I am so PROUD to be their Mom !!!

Witches

2009-10-02T14:14:00.001-07:00

Carrie and I took the kids to Gardner Village to see the witches today. It was pretty crowded because it was mini witch weekend but we still had fun. They had witches doing everything from playing baseball to riding a bike over the stream. There was a lot to do there but most of it cost money so we just walked around and enjoyed the Fall weather and the atmosphere. We did venture into a few stores with all 5 kids under the age of 8 and they were really good. Afterwards we went to McDonald's for lunch (YUM) and the kids got to play some more. I think it was a fun day for all of us.

A Day In The Life of Zachary

2009-09-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

So this is all the medicine that Zachary takes on a daily basis. He takes some in the morning, some in the evening and some of them at both times. I really need to get this all written down so that if anything ever happened someone else would know when and what to give him.

Here is Zach getting his nebulizer treatment. When he doesn't feel good or when he wants to be difficult he makes me sit and hold him and the nebulizer. Most of the time he does it all on is own. Ryan and Emalee have even learned how to hook up his nebulizer and hook him up in his vest. I am so lucky to have such good kids that are willing to help their brother.

Zachary's Lexus

2009-09-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

So this is Zach and his $14,899 machine. The machine vibrates him and helps loosen the mucus in his lungs. He does this machine for 30 minutes every morning and 30 minutes every night. We refer to the machine as his Lexus because for the amount of money it cost it should have leather seats and a GPS System with it. Believe it or not when he is really tired he will sleep through the whole 30 minutes. This Lexus is far from quiet and my house usually sounds like it is getting ready for take off when the machine is on and yet Zach can sleep.

Zachary and Kindergarten

2009-09-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Zachary has been in Kindergarten for an entire month already I can't believe it. So far he has done very well. Only 1 trip to the school nurse so far and no missed days of school. He is LOVING being in all day school although he comes home pretty tired most days. Our biggest issue is that he won't eat his lunch and it doesn't matter what we give him he just won't eat. So far he has lost about 1.5 pounds which is not a lot but on Zach every ounce counts. So we are fighting that battle with him. He says he's not hungry but I can't imagine him going all day and not getting hungry. So we will have to see what they say when he goes into the CF Clinic in a couple weeks. Maybe they will have an idea that we haven't tried yet.

First Day Of School

2009-08-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Okay I have no idea why Blogger won't let me upload more then 2 pictures but this picture was to CUTE not to post. Here are Emalee and Ryan on the first day of school. Take a look at the 2 other posts to see more cute pictures of my Big kids.

3rd Grade Princess

2009-08-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

Emalee started 3rd grade and so far so good. No tears and we haven't had any major melt downs. She seems to really like her teacher so that is a really good thing with Emalee. Half the battle is having a teacher she likes. She is growing up and I really don't like it. Rich told me this morning to stop making her look so cute for school. Oh what fun the next few years will bring with Emalee and her Dad. I think the screaming has only begun.

The Cool 8th Grader

2009-08-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

So Ryan started 8th grade Monday. I can't believe it. He is getting so big !! Didn't he look cute on his first day?? I know that is totally an uncool Mom thing to say but it's true. So far school is going well. Of course we're only 3 days in. We'll see tonight he is supposed to get Algebra homework-- watch out I will probably be calling for help !!!

The Latest Fashion Craze

2009-08-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Emalee, Madison. Hannah, and Chloe all had matching dresses for church last Sunday. The looked so cute!! They are dresses made out of pillow cases that Carrie's mom made. She is one talented lady-- you should see the things she makes. It was so nice of her to include Emalee. As you can see the girls love each other and thought they were so special wearing matching dresses. Thanks Carrie's Mom !!

Sand, Water, and Fun

2009-08-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

A couple Saturdays ago we went up to Echo Reservoir and went boating with Mike and Carrie and Carries Family. Rich water skied and knee boarded.He did really well seeing as it's been 20 years. Ryan knee boarded and he did great for a first time.I got dragged behind the boat and embarrassed myself. Oh well Knee boarding is not for me--what can I say I never claimed to be an athlete. It was a lot of fun and I hope we get invited to go again. This time I think I will stick to riding in the boat though.

Zach digging in the sand.

Ryan relaxing on the beach.

Emalee on the beach.

Zach swimming.

Emalee swimming.

Ryan on the rope swing on the beach.

All In One Days Fun

2009-07-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

We went swimming and went and had a picnic with our friends Mike and Carrie and their Kids. We had a fun time swimming in Rich's parents pool and then afterwards we went up one of the Canyons and had a picnic. It was a nice relaxing day. Our kids love playing together so it made it fun for everyone. Notice no pictures of me in my bathing suit--that is the good part about being the one taking the pictures.

Summer Fun!!

2009-07-09T13:56:00.001-07:00

Summer has finally come to Utah and we are all so happy!!! Yesterday we had a little neighborhood pool party. It was really fun. The kids played in the water, ate Popsicles, and just had fun. It was a nice relaxing day and I am loving having nice weather and spending time with my kids. Angie thanks for letting us hang out on your driveway and for letting Carrie and I share your shade !!!

Star Students

2009-07-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

So I am a little late in my posting of things--But anyway here is a picture of Emalee at her awards ceremony on the last day of school. She received an award for outstanding citizenship for the whole second grade !!! She was very excited and had no idea she would be getting anything. I knew though, because her teacher had called me to make sure I would be there. We are so proud of our kids. They all had an excellent year in school-- Ryan received two certificates for outstanding scholarship from his principle. I think you have to have over a certain GPA and he had a 3.6 and a 3.7 for the last two quarters. Way to Go Ryan and EM!!!!

Let's Play Ball

2009-06-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

So Ryan played for the Angels this year. His team didn't exactly have the best season. Actually they only won 1 game but it's not about winning right?? Try and tell that to your 13 year old. Oh Well I can't really say Ryan had a great time but I do think he learned a lot and that's important too. Try telling your 13 yr old that too-- doesn't work really well. They still have their round robin tournament so we are hoping for at least one win. We will see. Anyway look at how cute my big boy looks!!!

Zach played for the Cardinals and overall has done really well. He is the littlest one on his team both with age and size. If we could just get his little legs to go a little faster the first baseman would be in trouble. Rich is the coach of Zach's team and they have had a pretty decent season. They still have one more regular season game and the round robin tournament to go so we'll see where they end up. Zach has had fun and he still has 2 more years of machine pitch to go. Now if we could just get the rain to stop long enough so we could play ball.

Zach's Preschool Graduation

2009-05-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Zach graduated from Preschool last Friday. I can't believe I won't have a reason to go and see Mrs. Becky. I have had a kid in there for the last 5 years. I might have to go and drive over there just to visit!!!

We Have To Dance!!!!!

2009-05-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Above are the pictures of Emalee in her costumes for her dances. They did so well in competition this year. For their production number they did Pinocchio and Emalee's class was Jimmy Cricket. They were so cute. Her other team dance they danced to a song called "Would You Like To Swing On a Star". Emalee did such a great job!! I really enjoyed the competitions this year and in a way I am almost sad they are over for the year. Next is the recital-- should be fun!!

St. George Dance Competition

2009-04-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

So last weekend we went to St. George for Emalee's first competition of the year. I had volunteered to drive the back drop and the stage for the girls production number down in the back of the truck. Well as things normally go in my life this didn't go exactly smooth. We got everything loaded up and everyone was happy and then disaster hit. The backdrop went flying off the truck and into the middle of I15. The straps we had strapped it down with completely disappeared and we have no idea how or why this happened. So after stopping, turning around, and heading back to collect the remains off the road. ( Which meant Rich was running in and out of traffic while the cars were going 80 MPH ) We were able to get to a Big K buy some new straps, some power tools ( Happy Fathers Day Rich ) and continue on our way. We finally got to St. George ( Zach counted the straps through the window the whole way down after this-- Mom there's still 5 straps- kind of cute) So Rich spent Friday night building new frames for the backdrop and I sat in the hotel room and sewed the rip canvas. Overall it turned out much better then I thought it would. So the good news is the team took 1st place in their production number. They did such a great job and personally I think the backdrop looked pretty good too. Emalee's individual team took 2nd place in their team dance. So a 1st and a 2nd place and everyone was happy. I didn't get any pictures of Emalee in her costumes ( I guess I was distracted by the backdrop disaster- didn't even think of pictures until everything was over) But I will get some next week at her competition. Way to Go Emalee!! We are so proud of you!!

Happy Easter

2009-04-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am a little late in getting my Easter pictures up on my blog as my Mom reminded me. So here are the pictures Mom. Thanks for the cute dress you made Emalee and the shirts for the boys.

Lost and Found Again !!!

2009-03-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

So here are our fugitives!!! Yes, Dudley and Roxey made another run for it yesterday in the middle of that blinding snow storm. I have no idea why they feel the need to run but apparently they do. They literally were not even outside for more then 10 minutes when we realized they were gone. The kids of course were upset and I was just MAD. I am so sick of chasing after them. So off Rich and I went in zero visibility to look for the 2 dumb dogs. After about 6 hours of looking and waiting in the Walmart parking lot ( That's where they usually go--Every other time that's where they have been found) We gave up. I had put out a couple ads on line and had checked the pounds website through out the day with no luck. Later in the afternoon I checked the pounds website again and sure enough it sounded like our 2 fugitives. So first thing this morning we are at the pound picking up our run-a-ways. They were found by the airport #2 and somebody dropped them off at the pound. $94 later they are home and the kids are happy. I'm still mad!!I decided to snap some pictures since I never have any to put out on my lost dog ads before they run again. So here are the guilty two. They look like they are in trouble don't they. I think they must be part cat because they certainly seem to have more then 9 lives.

My Crazy Life

2009-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Okay so I haven't been very good at updating my Blog lately. Not from lack of not wanting to, it just never seems to fit into my days. So as I have already spent 4 hours at the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic today I have decided to treat myself to a day off from transcribing which in turn gives me a chance to update my blog. The last month has been so BUSY I'm not even sure where to start.
I'll start with Zach. Since his b-day he has only been to 3 doctors appointments. That is a near record for him. As I said before we went and saw his CF Doctor today. Overall he seems to be doing pretty well. We are still working on his bowel issues, food issues, trying to get him to gain some weight ( wish I could give him some- I would gladly share). His lungs are actually doing pretty well and overall the Doctor was happy with his progress. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is forever and nothing is going to be fixed overnight or permanently. Zach started machine pitch in baseball and is loving it. He thinks he is just like his big brother and it is really way to cute.
Emalee is keeping me so busy!! Her dance team is getting ready for competition season. So they have been having extra practices on Saturday's along with her regular 3 hours of dance during the week. Then add Activity Days in ( which she just loves), School, and she really doesn't have much time to do anything else. She is insisting on taking tennis lessons this summer so we will see how that goes. She keeps telling Rich she needs a tennis skirt. So I'm not sure if she really wants to learn or just get a new skirt.
Ryan has started baseball season too. At his level they practice a lot and for long periods of time. This week the only days he doesn't practice are today and tomorrow. It's crazy. So between school, baseball, and Scouts he is way busy too. Then you throw his friends in the mix and it's no wonder I am going crazy.
So if anyone wonders what I have been up to there it is. Spring is always the craziest part of the year for me but I love watching my kids do things they love. If anyone is feeling bored let me know- I'm sure I can get you a kid to drive somewhere!!

Happy Birthday Zachary

2009-02-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

My little guy turned 6 years old today. I can't believe my baby is 6 years old already. He is such a sweet boy and I am so lucky to be his Mom. He has had more then his fair share in his 6 years so far and he just keeps on going. He certainly knows how to keep Mom and Dad on their toes that's for sure. Every time we think we've got things figured out he just keeps on surprising us. Happy 6th Birthday Zach, We Love You!!!

Sweet 16..........

2009-02-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

Today is our 16th wedding anniversary. Yes we have been married for 16 years. I can't believe it. Look at how young we were. It really doesn't seem that long ( well at least most days). I don't let Rich know enough that I appreciate everything that he does for us. I know that the road hasn't always been easy but I'm glad that I'm on this road with him. Thanks for putting up with me for all these years. ( Yes believe it or not I'm not always the easiest person to be married to) I love you and look forward to whatever the future brings. Thanks for the last 16 years.

Oh and look it's our Anniversary and were not in a Hospital. Must be a sign of good things to come. Don't you Think??

You Learned About What In Primary???

2009-01-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

As we were leaving church yesterday I was talking to Emalee about Primary. I asked if she had fun and she said yes. So then I asked her if she learned anything?? At first she said no and then she says oh yeah I know what I learned today. So I say what was it ?? She looks straight at me and says we learned about prostitutes. I nearly died. I said you learned what and she said it again. I said are you sure that is what you learned about and she insists that's what they learned. So I decided to just stop by the Primary room on my way out and find out exactly what they could have possibly been teaching. So I run into her teacher from last year and I tell her what Emalee just said, she looked as shocked as me. Then she says to Emalee are you sure it wasn't apostasy. Emalee says oh yeah that's what it was and gives us a big smile. So I am really glad they didn't learn about prostitutes in primary and that Emalee just had the word wrong. Still not sure where she learned that word though. Thanks Angie for clearing things up for me. Only my kids would come up with that they learned about prostitution at church. HAHA.

Happy 13th B-Day Ryan

2009-01-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

As of tomorrow we will officially have a teenager. I can't believe it. Ryan is growing up so fast. I can still remember the day I had him just like it was yesterday. Ryan is turning into a really nice young man and I am so PROUD of him. He is very responsible and very helpful with Emalee and Zach. I know I don't tell him nearly enough how much I appreciate the help that he gives me. So I just wanted to take a minute and let Ryan and everyone else know how happy I am that he is my son and that I love him. I will try to remember this when he is having one of his teenage moments, which are coming more and more frequently. I know he is a handsome kid but wasn't he a really cute baby!!! HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY RYAN!!!!!

Way To Go Utah!!!

2009-01-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year my mom made all of us Utah Ute Pajama Pants. Even the dogs got neckerchiefs to wear on their collars. So in celebration of the Big Sugar Bowl Game we all put on PJ Pants and watched the game. The dogs wouldn't cooperate at all to get their picture taken and Rich said I could not post pictures of him in his PJ's. But here are the kids and they looked so cute. It was a great game and the kids loved having us all dressed alike. Way to go Utah!!!!!!!

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-29T14:24:00.001-08:00

Emalee's Christmas Recital

2008-12-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

Emalee had her Christmas Recital on December 18th. She did such a good job. Her dad couldn't get over how much she has improved. Mostly it's just that she is more confident. I also danced but we will save everyone from having to experience that. Here is our little dancer.

Christmas Letter 2008

2008-12-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,
Here we are again in the holiday season. I know I say this every year, but it seems this time of year comes around faster every year. So here we ago again.
Ryan is 12 ½ and started Jr. High this year. He is getting so big. He is loving school and doing very well. So it seems all my worries about Jr. High were for nothing. He is still playing baseball and basketball and is just a typical pre teen. His favorite things are his phone and girls.
Emalee is 8 and in the 2nd grade. She also loves school and is doing very well. She is still dancing on her competition team and this year is one of the team leaders. So all that means is mom gets more to do. Emalee is growing up and I don’t really like it. But I can stand it more then her Dad. Rich does not want his little girl to grow up at all. I think it’s kind of funny. She is still very independent and noisy. She just loves to talk non-stop, dance, and sing.
Zachary is 5 ½ and in his last year of preschool. We held him out of Kindergarten for a year because of some of his health issues. He is such a funny kid and literally either has me laughing or crying depending on the situation. For those of you that don’t know we finally have a diagnosis of what is actually wrong with Zach. In November we found out that he has Cystic Fibrosis. So all the other things we have been told through the years were not the case, just as I had always suspected. So at least we know what we are working with and we are just moving forward. Not saying this is easy but what choice do we have. We are going to do everything we can for him. Zach is still playing baseball and is going to go back to skating lessons for hockey in January. He is a really good boy and has gone through a lot in his short life so far. He always has a smile, which I just love.
As for Rich and I we are just busy working and taking care of the kids. Rich is still working at Superior Water and coaching baseball for Zach. I am just busy with my 4 part time jobs that equal more then 1 full time job I’m sure and taking care of the kids. I did start a blog this year and have had a lot of fun with that. The web address is http://richkimgrahamfamily.blogspot.com/. I try to update it a couple times a month. So I would love for you to check it out.
We hope that this holiday season finds everyone safe and well. We are thankful for every one of you. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Love,
Rich, Kim, Ryan, Emalee, & Zachary

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

So I wasn't going to put up all of my Christmas decorations this year. I kept thinking to myself it's a lot of work and nobody ever sees it but us. But when it came right down to it I ended up putting everything up. It turned out really nice and I will love having all this stuff around until Christmas Day. By then I will want to rip it all down and those that know me know that it will all be down on the 26th. So I thought I would take some pictures to show off all of my work. Because before I know it I will be putting it all away again. Happy Holidays.

Holland Here We Come

2008-11-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

As most of you know Zach was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis on Wednesday of this week. Even though we knew it was a possibiity it was still really hard to hear. So today we just spent 5 1/2 hours in the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Primary Children's. They are really nice and made Rich and I feel a lot better. They answered a lot of our questions. Poor Zach got poked and proded and wasn't very happy but seeing how we were there for so long he was actually really good. Of course the 5 different toys they gave him helped him feel better. Anyway this is a poem that they give to the parents on their first visit up to the clinic and I thought it was so good that I would share it.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Were going to enjoy every minute of our trip to Holland!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

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You really can't judge a book by it's cover

2008-10-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

So as most of you know I am a crossing guard for Benion Jr. High. For the most part the kids are okay. There are a few that I just don't care for but for the most part they are a pretty decent group of kids. We probably cross close to a 100 kids so we get to see quite a variety. There is this one boy that has always kind of scared me. I actually nick named him to myself " Columbine". He wears the long black trench coat and is usually dressed in all black. He has a lip piercing and is always alone. Never with any of the other kids. To tell you the truth he looks a lot older then Jr. High. So last year I would just cross him and never try to talk to him. So this year I decided I would start telling him everyday to have a great day or night depending on the time of the day. So twice a day I talk to this kid and I never get any response. So a couple days ago I see him with his sister, trust me there must not be any parents in this house. She didn't look any better then he did and it was really so sad as I watched them walk home. I just started thinking how lucky my kids are to have parents that care and are around to make sure they are okay. But back to the story--- he TALKED!!! Yesterday afternoon when I crossed him I said my usual " have a good night and he said you too" I almost squealed like a little school girl. I was so excited to think maybe I might have gotten through to some small part of him. So this morning I thought if anwers me again then I will know. Well sure enough he said thanks this morning and nodded his head. So maybe by the end of the school year I might even get a sentence out of him. It just teaches me that you really can't judge a book by it's cover and I hope that maybe he will know that if no one else cares at least the crossing guard will always be there to tell him to have a great day.

Emalee's Baptism

2008-10-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Emalee was baptised today. She looked so pretty. She had a really good day and of course loved being the center of attention. Mom and Dad are so proud of our little girl.

HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON!!!

2008-10-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

So Saturday night Zach decided he needed to drag out his cowboy pj's. Well you can't be a real cowboy unless you have all the accessories to go along with it. We had a plastice hanger as a shoot gun. ( That's what Zach calls it), not sure how the baseball glove or the pen on a string all tied in but trust me in his mind it was all a necessity. We even had to bring Thunder (one of his play horses) down from his room to be with Lighting ( his other play horse). Apparently cowboys need to have 2 horses at a time. Or at least that's what we were told. When it was time for bed he even put his horses to bed and covered them with a blanket. Anyway this was just to cute not to share.

I'm sure he'll love these picture when he's 16 don't you think.

Update On Zach

2008-09-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would update on Zach. So as I mentioned before Zach had several different tests run last week to find out finally what is really wrong with my sweet boy. On Friday the Doctor called me back for the first time. Never a good sign when the Dr. is out of town and calls you. So one of the tests that Zach had done was for Cystic Fibrosis. I was positive it was not going to be that and almost didn't take him in for the test. His results came back above what they should be for the test to be negative. So as the doctor was explaining to me over the phone, I was trying really hard not to totally freak out what we needed to do next. She had already contacted the Pulmonoligist at the hospital and talked to them about Zach. She said they wanted to retest him in 2 months for this due to the fact that several other things came back positive on him. They are hoping that his other levels are throwing everything off. To make a long story very short he is allergic to Wheat, Milk, Egg Whites, and Soy. So what do I feed him-- my question exactly.

The doctor called today again to tell me that she has an appointment for me with a new Allergist and a Pulmonoligist set up for me on the 26Th of this month. Anyone who has ever tried to get an appointment with a Dr. at Primary Children's knows this is pretty quick service. She also gave me the information to get with a Dietitian at the hospital. That appointment is set up for the 23rd. So we are just taking this all one day at a time. I have said all along I could handle whatever was wrong with him as long as we finally knew what it was. Well now we know and so we are trying to deal. I am just praying that when we retest in 2 months that he comes back in normal range for the Cystic Fibrosis.

I have always known that there was something not right with Zach. Even when everyone tried to convince me that he was just fine. I always had a feeling that there was something wrong. So mothers intuition was right and I am very thankful I kept fighting and finding doctors until I got an answer. So for all the mom's reading this listen to your heart because as mom's we know our kids better then anyone else.

Zach

2008-09-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Zach is not to interested in having his picture taken

can you tell!!!
Here we finally got a good one. Only took 12 pictures.
All set for Preschool.

Zach started his last year of Preschool today. He was very excited and had his backpack completely loaded with stuff he didn't need. ( I cleaned it out before he got out of the house with it.) Yesterday Zach FINALLY had his appointment with his new Doctor up at Primary Children's. We really liked her and she seems to really want to get to the bottom of what is going on. It's only taken us 5 1/2 years to find a doctor to help us. He had some blood work done and is going in for another test tomorrow. She thinks it could be one of 5 or 6 different things. So we are just going to start narrowing them down. I am just hoping and praying that we really get an answer this time and that every test doesn't come back inconclusive. Which has always been the standard answer with every other doctor. So I will keep you updated as to what we find out. I really think this Doctor won't give up until we get an answer!!! YEAH!!!

Calling---- What Calling???

2008-08-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

So about a month ago I got called to be a Den Leader of the 8 yr. old boys. To say I was less then enthusiastic is an understatement. My exact words were that I would try it and see if it was something I could even do. So last week I'm just going about my day when Victoria shows up to be babysat for the day. As Alta is leaving she says " Oh congratulations on your new calling" I said how did you find out I was a Den Leader ( They are no longer in our ward) She said I didn't know you were a Den Leader I meant your calling in the Stake Activity Days. She said they sustained you yesterday at Stake Conference. I said that wasn't me I know nothing about it. So I proceed to go through out my day. Pretty soon my phone starts ringing with several different people calling me about my new calling. I tell them the same thing it's not me.

So I call Rich and ask him do you think it could be me and they forgot to tell me?? He just laughs and laughs and is no help. So I wait all that night and the next day to see if I get a call from the Stake. No one calls so I just forget about it.

Then last Sunday comes and we are having a homecoming so the Stake President is there of course. After Sacrament I'm taking Zach to Primary--still not thinking anything about this calling and the Stake President comes and asks if he can meet with me and Rich. Right then and there I knew it must be me.

So off we go to meet with him and sure enough they had forgotten to ask me about the calling and they had already sustained me at Stake Conference. The Stake President felt really bad I could tell. He kept apologizing like crazy. By this time I'm just laughing. What do I know about Activity Days--Let alone be the Stake Activity Days Coordinator. So before anything else could go wrong he set me apart and released me from being a Den Leader.

So I have a new calling and hopefully I will learn what exactly it is. So beware if people start congratulating you on a calling you know nothing about. It might possibly be you.

Our 2nd Grade Girl

2008-08-25T08:23:00.001-07:00

Dressed in all the latest fashions!!!

She is so cute!!

Showing off her cool new lunch purse

and backpack.

Today Emalee started 2nd grade and we made the morning with no tears. She was really happy and seemed excited for school. Of course her cute clothes and new shoes helped greatly. When I told her how cute she looked, she looked at me and said I know. Good thing she's not conceited. (haha) Let's just hope that she has a really good day. She already told me on the way to school that she wants to become teachers pet again. Just like last year she said. So it looks like were off an running on a another school year that will be full of stories to be told, I'm sure.

Junior High---- Oh My!!!!!

2008-08-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

My cute boy!!!
How cool am I!!

So today is Ryan's first day of Junior High!!! The school where Ryan goes has all the 7th graders come the day before school actually starts so they get the school to themselves for the first day. He was excited and nervous. As is Mom and Dad. We can't believe we have a kid old enough to be in Jr. High. Really where did the time go. It seems like just a couple years ago I was taking him to his first day of Kindergarten. Of course we were much to cool to give mom a hug goodbye but that's okay. I'll get him back someday. Emalee on the other hand had a complete melt down in the car after Ryan got out. She doesn't want her brother going to that school. This is the same girl that was cheering yesterday when she found out he had to go to school before her. I guess the realization really hit her that he won't be at the same school that's she's in. So hopefully now that she's had her moment she can start school on Monday tear free. Let's hope. This is going to be a new experience for us all. I know it's going to be a good one or if not at least I'll have plenty to write about.

Grandparents

2008-08-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my last grandparent that I had passed away, my Grandma Heinrich. (She's the one in the purple dress) It's not a big shock, she's been sick for a while and has been terribly lonely since my Grandpa died in April 2004. My Grandpa Foote passed away in December 2000 and my Grandma Foote in September 2005. The thing about Grandparents is the you really don't appreciate everything that they do and tell you until they're not here or are unable to anymore. There is probably not a day that goes by that I do not think of something my grandparents tried to teach me or wanted me to know. What I wouldn't give to be able to call them and ask them how to do some of these things now. My Grandma Foote was an amazing seamstress. She could sew anything. I can't count the times she tried to teach me to sew of course at the time I didn't think I would ever want or need to know these things. I wish I could learn from her now!! My Grandma Heinrich was quite a lady. She new how to entertain and was quite the social butterfly. My Grandfathers were both hardworking. My Grandpa Foote served in WWII and I wish I could ask him more about that. Even though he didn't like to talk about it-- as most men that served over there don't. I have recently found some really old pictures of him and his army buddies. I would have loved to have him tell me about them. My Grandpa Heinrich was very involved with the Oddfellows. He held a lot of postions and was even Grand Poo-Paa as I liked to call him for a year. ( Don't know the official title--Just know it was a big deal) He thought it was really funny everytime I called him that. The time we have here with our families is really short and we need to try to get evertything we can from it. I was lucky enough to have really wonderful grandparents. They even came to visit me ( all 4 of them toghether after I moved to Utah) At the time I remember it being a lot of work. They were all older and had variuos things wrong with them--but I will always treasure that time that they chose to come and spend with me. So for those of you reading this that still have one or more of your Grandparents you are lucky. Take the time to be with them-- because life is really short. As for my Grandparents I will remember them and miss them everyday.

Ryan's Summer

2008-08-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

So Ryan is having quite the summer for himself. As a present for his 12th B-day last January my Dad and Stepmom gave Ryan a ticket to Florida to come and visit. At the time it seemed like summer was really far off and that sending my kid on a plane to fly 2000 miles by himself wouldn't be that big of a deal. Well summer is here and Ryan is gone. He left last Thursday to fly to Ft. Lauderdale all by himself. He of course made it just fine and is having a great time being spoiled rotten by Grandpa and Grandma Foote. I know that kids have to grow up but Ryan seems to be doing more then his fair share this summer. ( Braces, Contacts, Cell Phone, 1 Week at Boyscout Camp, 10 days in Florida) We miss Ryan being around!! But don't worry Ryan I will save some of the house cleaning for when you get home. I wouldn't want you to feel that you weren't loved. HAHA

The Latest Style

2008-07-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

So this is my new shoe!!!Isn't it pretty. I went in for my surgery on foot yesterday. I had a Neoroma that had to be removed. So far so good. The drugs are good and the pain is not to bad. Worst part is I am wrapped all the way up to my knee. The doctor never mentioned that part. I look pretty funny in my Capri's. The shower was no fun this morning either. Not sure how I will survive that part for the next 3 weeks. Oh well hopefully it will go by fast. So if anyone wants to know how or where to get a lovely fashionable shoe like me I'm more then willing to share.

Memories

2008-07-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Okay I saw this on a couple of my friends blogs. So hopefully the few of you will play along.

1. Add a comment on my blog. Leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

On the 4th we went up Big Cottonwood Canyon and took Guardsmans Pass over to Park City. Along the way we ended up in a parade at Brighton ( long story) and found some snow. I had to have a picture in the snow on the 4th of July.

Swimming Fun

2008-07-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

So most everyone knows that I always seem to have other kids at my house. I hardly ever just have my own!!! Last Friday we had a little swimming party in our blow up pool. The kids love playing in it. Here is Kendyll, Emalee, Victoria, Zach, and Nathan posing before they got all wet.

Trip to the Zoo

2008-07-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Emalee and Mom "Dancing Queens"

2008-06-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Emalee's class learned this dance about 4 weeks before the recital. She loved it. She loved the bikini and she loved how much her dad would shake his head and cover his eyes whenever she did the dance.

Okay so they offered an adult dance class at Emalee's dance studio this year and I got roped into taking it by one of the other moms. What I didn't know at the time was that they wanted us to perform at the recital. So I ended up performing at the dance recital. It surely wasn't the best dance ever but I had a good time. I just kept telling myself that it's good to push yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable and put you outside of your comfort zone. Well this certainly did that. Overall I think we didn't look to bad for a bunch of mom's.

Emalee's Dance

2008-06-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here is one of Emalee's dances that she did for competition. They were so cute. This video was when she performed at her recital at the Gallivan Center June 21st.

Finally We Have An Appointment For Zach

2008-06-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

So everyone knows the struggles we have had with keeping Zach healthy. Trust me when I say it is a full time job. We have been trying for probably close to a year to get him into one of the Pediatric Gastro Doctors up at Primary Children's. The way that they schedule is they have one day a month you can call and leave a message to get an appointment. If you are lucky you get an appointment, if you are not you are just told to call back the next month on a certain day. ( Also they never have the scheduling on the same day so you have to keep track of what day they say to call back for that month). So today is my lucky day!!! They actually just called me and we finally have an appointment for September 2ND at 9:00 AM. Now I have to hope and pray that maybe we will finally start getting some answers as to what this kid really has. We have had diagnosis from anything to-- mom is just babying him, ( Yes I like cleaning up diahrea and vomit), to Irritable Bowl Syndrome maybe, Chrones Disease maybe, and several others that I can not even remember the names of right now. So here goes another try and I know this time we are actually going to get some answers and not just it might be this or it might be that. So I will let you know how it goes.

What a day!!! May 30th, 2008

2008-06-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

So this was quite the day. Ryan graduated from 6th grade!!! Emalee recieved an award at the school award assembly, and Zach finished the day off with a T-Ball Game. Here is a movie Rich and I put together of our day.

Where Have My Little Kids Gone?

2008-05-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

So this is the last week of school for my kids. In some ways that is a relief-- no more homework, no more driving to and from Murray twice a day, no more worrying about if they have lunch money or if I have anything to make them for lunch. So those are all a plus. The down side they are going to be home all DAY!!!! Ryan officially graduates from Elementary School on Friday. I can't believe he is going to be in Junior High. Zach graduated from preschool last Thursday. I am a horrible mom, I didn't even take any pictures. Luckily he is going to be in preschool again next year so I get a redo on the picture thing. Emalee is finishing her last week of 1st grade and is not really looking forward to 2nd grade. Here we go again with her. She is my kid that doesn't like change. I used to think when people told me to enjoy them it goes fast what do they know. Well they did know and it does go by way to fast.

Why Don't We Have A Blog Mom?

2008-05-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

So everyone has a blog and my kids are always seeing me check and read them. So they are constantly saying why don't you have a blog mom ? So here goes my attempt. Hopefully I will be able to keep it up and make it look cute like all the other Blogs I read.
( AllisonP, Allison L. , Michelle). So here we go.