saturday last day of may

Off to Ikea (happy screams from me!) and then to newport beach-

We are going to see how Luke does! He was so sad to not go yesterday- we really hope that this is a good idea, and that it does not end up being too difficult.

Hooray for vacation!

photo update

last night I said I posted photos, but I was not able to until this morning-

go check out the day of surgery photos on Update 2-

malibu beach tuesday

on tuesday night we drove from our hotel to malibu beach- we were so amazed to be driving through the mountains and then all of sudden be at the coast! the whole family loved being at the beach-

SPT-something blue

self portrait tuesday-she photographs on tuesday

(I really did do this on tuesday- but could not post until today!)

Lelly's last challenge for the month of may was something Blue

I was excited because I knew it was our family's day at the "big blue"

So here I am with my blue eyed family at the big blue-

Update 4

Luke had a good afternoon- We were all thankful. Jay took Jack and Savanna out for the afternoon to the beach, and I stayed home with Tucker and Luke. The originally plan was to have us all go, but Luke had a rough morning, and we just were not sure that the beach would be a good idea. He was so sad. But things turned around and he had a good afternoon.

We had a wonderful evening with the Reeds-(another post altogether) and we came home and the kids got right to bed. Tucker was worn out- his poor little hacking cough. Luke got in bed and had a beach ball. And you can probably see where this is going ... he dropped it on his nose. He cried and cried. I am sure it surprised him- shocked him, and hurt. I wonder if he will feel more prone to protecting his nose tomorrow?

I was able to load some photos tonight, and I have added them to the appropriate posts.

'what to eat wednesday -posted on friday!

This could be titled "what we ate wednesday"-

Thank you

All the notes, and the gifts have been such a blessing for Luke. The packages sent here.

We have been pulling them out constantly. Whenever we need a distraction, which seems to be every few minutes. 

We are thankful for each one. Each note, each sticker. They are a blessing.

Thank you!

Update 3

Oh I am glad thats over-

you know when things are just going great and then you have a difficult moment that kind of wipes you out?

Well that we was me last night.

Really over all things have been great. Better than expected. But last night things got a little tense. I felt exhausted, and had a little emotional meltdown myself.

But now I think that I am a little more rested and ready to face the day.

We stayed an extra night up in Thousand Oaks- because the surgeon wanted to see us the next morning (thursday.) We had only packed for 1 night. (thank goodness I did pack extra dipaers!)

We went and saw Dr. Ozaki Thursday morning and he felt everything looked good. He talked a little more about future surgeries, and the possibility of this surgery not staying. That Luke would have great improvement on his breathing, but the "memory" of the skin, might lead it to dipping back down again. 

We drove back down to the Reeds (where we are staying) and have been able to unwind.

It is a constant thing, of watching Luke- keeping him from touching his nose, or trying to pick at it, or peel off the tape. 

The thing that Luke complains of is the itching. That is where his hands are the problem!

Wednesday night Jay and I took turns sleeping with him, and holding his arms to keep him from grabbing himself.  

Then last night Luke had a really hard time unwinding. Getting him to take his medicine. Him wanting to play in the bath, and put his face down in the water. Cleaning his face, and giving him his nasal spray. All of those things plus just the normal bedtime routine stuff, took all of our strength. The older kids were great, they just took care of themselves. And Tucker, well I just laid him down and he never made a peep. 

Luke finally settled down, and took a deep breathe. He asked if I would sleep with him. I said yes and he drifted off to sleep. He had a much better sleep than the night before. He startled less, and he did not seem to touch his nose as much. (or I just slept through it easier!)

About 4 A.M.- Jay came in and said that Tucker was getting sick. I went in and he had a fever, and had a barking cough. (kind of like croup ,hmmm.) I asked him if he hurt, and he put his hand up to his chest and throat.  We gave him motrin, and he settled back down.

So far this morning, he seems to be doing alright. He has a little wheezing but he us up playing and dancing around. (please, please let this be short lived, and contained to Tucker, and not the others)

We have not had the most reliable internet connections on this trip. That has been a little frustrating for me. I feel like there are so many things I want to remember and share. 

So I will keep typing them and post them when I have time. There have been some wonderful memories made, and some tough things too. That is probably what makes the good times so good. 

Update 2 *now with photos

*Edited 5/31 to add photos

8:00 A.M.Luke did great this morning.He was able to sleep until 7:05-then we scooped him up and drove over to the surgical center. Jay carried him in and answered a few questions for one of the nurses then kissed Luke good-bye. I know it was hard for Jay to just leave us here.

Luke pretended to sleep- I think he was retreating, and not dealing with what we were going to do. 

But as soon as I pulled out a present from his friend Jadyn- he perked right up. He became his social self! He was cracking everyone up. This surgical center is wonderful. Everyone is so nice, and its so happy and cheery! The anesthesiologist walked through the waiting room and was social with Luke- and joked with him about his magnets, then talked about the contest they would have to blow up balloons. He said the person who would win would get to go to sleep first.

We went back and got warmed up with those really warm blankets and he played with the spiderman magnets from jadyn 

while they took his temp and blood pressure. They let him just wear his jammies. They gave him some socks, that he was not at all interested in, but was talked into them when we looked at the bottom and tried to decide if they had puppy or tiger tracks on the bottom. He chose the puppy, and barked his way back.
Then we met the surgeon and took pictures. 

We came back to his bed for about a minute-and then the anesthesiologist said hey Luke- lets go blow up the balloons- and Luke hoped up and walked into the OR- it was so quick I barely got his picture!

So now I wait. Dr. Ozaki said it would take about 2 hours per procedure.

This is the longest I have sat alone in a while. Any other time that I have been alone, I am running errands as fast as a I can.

I am thankful for people like our surgeon. Those that can take care of things that I can't. We all have different strengths and abilities.

9:30 A.M.
That was so fast, and Luke is doing so well!

Dr. Ozaki came out and said that he only did Lukes nose, and that it would be 30 min or so until I could go back and be with him. I got to go back 20 min later, before Luke was awake. He slept for a long time, and I kept talking to him.

The rest of the family got there, and about 3 minutes later Luke woke up.

Everyone was able to be there to talk to him ,and he just kind of stared at everyone. The family was so calm and comforting to him. We all talked about his puppy socks- and all of the other kids got a pair. Then Luke asked for a mirror so he could see what he looked like.

And that was it. I carried him out to the car and gave him the speed racers from his Nan & Grandpa and he held them for the ride back to the hotel.

12:28 P.M.
Now we are watching a little Noggin. Jay went to pick up a jamba juice and Lukes med's. RIght now he is still a little numb (so thankful for that) and he is doing great. I think the big thing is trying to keep him from rubbing it.
Just now Luke said his nose is hurting a little bit, and he keeps trying to touch it.
He has a stent in his nose, and the little white steri strips going over the top holding the stints inside.

2:00 P.M.

Got the medicine and now Luke is resting-watching a little tv & finishing his jamba juice.

Update 1

Its tuesday night, and we are about ready to wake Luke up for a little snack before the cut off of midnight for no food or drink. 

The last 2 days have been wonderful!

Just wonderful.

Yesterday was magical- I can not even believe that we did a whole 14 hours straight at Disneyland! But we did!

It was unbelievable. I cried several times (really!) at the sheer joy and excitement of it all. I was not prepared for how emotional it would be for me!

I can't tell the stories about the day in just a few minutes. I have to work on this one- and will post it hopefully in the next few days, with the photos-

Just know that it was a wonderful day for our family- exceeding everyone's dreams!

We met with the surgeon this afternoon, and everything looks good for tomorrow. He was surprised at how closed off Luke's nose is, that it is more closed than most. That this will help him breathe so much better, and help with his allergies! (YAHOO!)

He did say that he did not think he would touch his lip, but that he would wait and see how things looked once they started and Luke was asleep, and he could measure things a bit more.

Thank you for your love, and your prayers- we feel at peace going into tomorrow.

Made it

We made it to California-
Everyone was so good- I mean really- 2 days in the car, about 11 hours each day- and there were no major meltdowns, the kids hardly complained!
They really did not ask how much longer - mostly they would ask what time it was, and Luke always asked if we were going the right way.
(hmm he is really used to driving with his momma!)
I have so many things to share- photos we have taken- but that will all have to wait-
Just know that we got here safely, to a wonderful home
where they have rolled out the red carpet for us!
Next stop ...
DISNEYLAND!

Blessing in Disguise

About a month ago I started getting serious about finalizing our plans for this trip. I had found the rental car that we wanted: minivan, unlimited miles, the right price ... I tried to reserve it and it would not go through. Closed for scheduled maintenance. I called the company, same thing, computers down for maintenance. They said to call in a few hours. Well it was already really late, (or really early) so I decided to wait until the next day.

I got online the next morning- and everything had changed. The prices, the mileage, AND there were now driving restrictions on what state you could go to. 

So we kept checking around- no mini vans to be found- but we did find 7 passenger SUV's - We jumped on the reservation- I spoke to the attendant, explained that I really wanted a mini van, and that we needed 6 seats- He apologized and said that there were only SUV's -So we made the reservation.

The vehicle was supposed to be a Toyota Highlander- no storage space- but what we were going to do? I kept praying that if there was any way for a better car to fit our family to be available when we went to pick it up...or to be able to be content with what we got.

I called several times to check on minivans- nothing. 

So its 5- we walk in to the building to pick up our rental. And the woman behind the counter says- "we have a chevy trailblazer for you." 

Jay and I look at each other and then back at her. 

Jay asks how many seats there are.

She answers "5."

Hmmm problem- we are a 6 seat family-

She says "sorry."

Sorry? 

"Well there are no other rentals"  

I told her that we had asked for 6 seats.

"well, we don't guarantee our reservations, and we reserve for 5 to 7 seats. "

She asked how many kids we had-

We answered 4-

Then the guy next to her asks "well how many are in carseats?"

We said 2-

And then he just kind of looked at us- Like he was thinking of how to fit 6 people into a 5 passenger car. 

Jay quickly explained how bad of an idea it would be for us to try and do that.

The poor gal- started calling around- and could not find anything- 

We told her to keep checking. 

We asked her to call Tulsa and have someone drive it down for us-she looked at us like we had to be joking , (we were not) and then said "I don't think we can do that."

She went into the back to talk on the phone- then came back out, and said if we hurried over to the airport we could trade the Chevy Trailblazer for a really big SUV- 

We hurried to the airport.

Shaking our heads all the way- ready to not back down if they could not help us.

Shaking our heads that they thought we could squeeze a family of 6 into a 5 passenger car.

Shaking our heads at the lack of customer service.

We got to the airport walked into the rental area, and were told, 

"Yea, we got a call, but we don't have any cars for you."

The woman quickly called a supervisor over, after we very calmly explained that we were told to come exchange this car for something that seats at least 6-

The supervisor looks at us and says 

"well, all I can give you is a minivan."

"Great." we say, "we'll take it."

Again ... 

we left shaking our heads and wondering how you can reserve something for 6 and then be given something for 5-

shaking our heads at the "mysterious" turn up of a minivan after being told there was nothing to rent.

shaking our heads with smiles on our faces- that we got what we really truly wanted-

What a blessing.

SPT-something borrowed

she photographs on tuesdays-oops its thursday!

I was so excited when Lelly posted the month long challenges- I knew exactly what I wanted to take a photo of for the "something borrowed"-

This is my cute neighbor Lisa-
She is the one who made me the most delicious blueberry sweetness-
She made me the yummy turkey gobbler cobbler-
She also got me hooked on the wasa crackers-

Everything she does is cute. We borrow things from each other all the time. We are separated by one house. It is so great to be able to pick up the phone and ask for something, and know that she will call too. We have borrowed cheese, pasta, canned goods, soap, & paper from each other. We have picked up each others children, or dropped them off when the other is in a bind. We even borrow each others children to keep ours occupied so we can get something done!
Her home is so comfortable. When we first moved in, it was winter- not a great time to meet your neighbors. But as soon as things warmed up, and the kids were out of school, she had us over for lunch. I instantly felt comfortable. Like walking into an old friends home.
There was a moment- that lasted an instant- and then it was gone- that I felt a tinge of discomfort. When I asked her what her husband did for a living- and she replied "he is a senator."
For a split second, I almost felt self-conscious. And then it was gone.
It did not last because she is so down to earth- easy to talk to- I almost forget why I have called her, or why I walked down to her house.

I can almost always count on seeing her in a cute apron- and tonight when I ran down to get this photo- I had mine on too! We laughed and laughed taking this picture! Thanks for taking it with me, Lisa!

I have the best neighbor!
It is so wonderful to have a great neighbor to "borrow" from!

What to eat Wednesday- Cherry Pie

I love this pie- This is my Nana's and my Mom's cherry pie-
For the longest time I made this for Jay on his birthday. Sometime ago-I had asked him what kind of pie he liked and he said "berry."
Well when he said "berry"- somewhere in my mind I thought that meant "cherry!"
So whenever I would ask what he wanted and he would say "berry," I always made "cherry!"
3 years ago- On his birthdayI finally learned what he meant when he said- "berry"- We laughed and laughed over this miscommunication! I wonder how many more years we would have gone, with him wanting berry, and me making cherry!

I wish I could say that I made the crust- but no-
My mother in law makes the best crust, and someday I will learn how- but not today-

Cherry Pie


1 can red tart cherries in their juice
2 1/2 Tablespoon minute Tapioca
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon flour
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring

Mix all together & let set for 15 minutes. Stir and put in pie crust. Add top crust and vent. Cook for 15 minutes @450, then for 25 minutes @350 or until brown.

its Tuesday?

I just gained a day!
Its 9:11 am and ever since I got up, I have been thinking it was Wednesday!
I think maybe because Jay was asking me about Wednesday morning things- before my eyes had opened. So that was what was stuck in my head!
What a relief!
Ahhhh-

......

Thanks- for all the emails- the comments, the phone calls, the prayers- the treats- the kind words-
I am feeling more calm, and getting prepared for the trip- and trying to stay focused on what needs to be done-
Everyone is getting excited for the road trip, and for the big trip to Disneyland!

I said I would post what I thought my friends and Luke's friends could do to help-

Well I am finally getting to it!
I am putting together a traveling care package for Luke-
If anyone would like to write him a note- or have your kids draw him a picture-
email me and I can send you our address (or the address of where we will be staying)
I am also putting together a photo album for Luke with pictures of his friends- email me a pic and I can print them out to add to the book!
I will be using these things during his recovery, when he needs a little boost, or when he is getting bored and restless.

We really do appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. I can feel the difference.
It seemed strange to ask for prayers, but sometimes you just have to ask for what you need.
As of today- everyone is healthy- and we are keeping up with all the last week of school activities.
Thank you again- we are so grateful-

Overheard

wife:"I wish we had a hammock."
husband: "I wish we had a nanny."

What I feel positive about

I just read a question on Cathy Zielske's blog - "what do you feel positive about today?"


This is what I feel positive about-


He has been running a fever since Sunday-
won't sleep for longer than 30 minutes or so
(and he has been so great with night's and nap's before sunday!)
wants to be held, doesn't want to be held
alternating motrin and tylenol
not eating much or drinking-
unless you count licorice and a titch of ice cream

so today I had to pay bills- had to- like I am late on some- had to-
I sat on the floor and tried to make him a little nest and used my body as part of it
and he fell asleep-
I got up and he stayed asleep
its been over 1 hour

I think I can feel very positive about it-
I will feel even more positive when I take a shower!

What I really want to eat Wednesday

right out of the carton

What to eat Wednesday- Icing

This is the icing that I talked about in this post-
Oh I just love the smell of this (and the taste)-
My mom first got this recipe when she started taking cake decorating classes in 1975-
After that she started decorating wedding cakes at home, but with 4 kids under the age of 6 I don't think it lasted for more than a few years. (anytime would have been long!)

Now I forgot that this needs to be a little more "firm" when its humid.
And of course today is the most humid day we have had for a while-
You just need to add a little more powdered sugar to make it more firm.
It would be a good idea to use a heavy duty mixer for this- it has a really long mixing time!


1 1/4 cup crisco
2 pound powdered sugar
pinch salt
1/2 cup ice water (take out the ice!)
1 teaspoon lemon
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon almond
mix for 10 minutes

SPT-something new

This month Lelly suggested:

tuesday, may 6 something old
tuesday, may 13 something new
tuesday, may 20 something borrowed
tuesday, may 27 something blue

take it literally, take it figuratively, but by all means, make a commitment to complete all four challenges for the month of may!
(this is my self portrait- I am in between showers- holding a poor little sick boy and I am thinking about the items on the table that look like they are right above my head)


Well this probably should have gone under the "old" but they are new to me, and I just had to document the story.

There is an understanding throughout my family that if our Nana offers something, you just take it.
It does not matter what it is. Just take it.

She is 92 years old, and likes to save stuff.
In fact when somebody asked if my Nana had something, my Grandaddy said "if it ever made its way into this house, then its still here!"

On several occasions she has given me things that I can actually use like a pie plate or bowl, or that my kids love to play with, like old clothes for dress ups.
Sometimes there are things that I really have no use for, and those things get donated.
Other times I get food.

My daughter said it best as we carried armload after armload of old food to the car,

"Mom? We are not really going to eat any of this are we?"

"No, No. Don't worry dear. It is all going to the trash." I said.

But the last trip in my Nana opened up the spice cabinet and started handing me these beautiful old spice tins.
I loved them.
And then she said- "Before you go buy any "NEW" spices call me and I will just give you what I have. I just love giving you things because I know you will use them, you don't just throw them away."

OOPS- Somehow I kind of felt exposed. Like she "knew" what I was going to do.
Although I know she didn't.
She really thinks that I am going to use the food and the spices.
The old outdated tins covered in rust.

Well I am not throwing away the spice tins.
They are just too cool.
I will find some use for them- and then I can honestly say that I have used the stuff she has given me!

busy time of year-

**** I wrote this on friday, but somehow it did not post- So I added a few things ... here it is-

This is that time of the year that is so busy- and you start to forget what you have done, and where you are going and when ...

This week we have had-

excitement-(disneyland)

Jack's mock trial for the wolf of the 3 little pigs- He was the defendant and won!

Mornings with mom at the school

Savannas 5th grade program

Luke's parent tea

Savanna's field trip

Mother's Daybreakfast

family toasting mom

What we have left ...
littles ENT appointments
kids awards assembly
jack field trip
orchestra concert
1 yet to be made pediatrician appointment
recital rehearsal
recital
last day of school activities for each child
preparing to leave ....

and then all the normal activities, practices errands etc.

breathe, breathe.

I started to get a little worried about how I am going to get it all done.
But then I remembered a talk I read during the year Luke was born.
I was going to give a talk on freedom- and I wanted to talk specifically about the freedom of choice, and the freedom our choices give us.

This talk reminds me that the very act of doing all these things is what is going to help me accomplish all I need to do- it will keep me moving, it will keep me sane in the preparations for the trip, and Luke's surgery.
Here is the part that I love the most-

*********
"Very often, too, freedom means packing a burden. Sometimes we want to escape the burden, thinking that freedom would lie in that. A few years ago, I took my truck into the mountains to get some firewood one late fall afternoon. The road up the canyon was covered with snow, and the higher I went, the deeper the snow. Soon I was far up, and the snow was deep. I pulled off the road and promptly got stuck. I moved several logs that were in front of the wheels, but I still couldn’t go. By this time it was getting dark. “Maybe someone will come along,” I thought. “While I’m waiting, I might as well cut up a little wood.” Soon I had a whole load of firewood, but still no one had come. “Well,” I thought, “I’d better start walking.”

Before I did, I decided to try just one more time to move the track. I put my truck in gear, and it slowly but surely pulled back onto the road. The load of wood had given the truck traction. What it could not do empty, it could do full.

We must not run around empty. Often we spend too much energy trying to escape our burdens. It is a misconception that too much work always destroys our freedom. Sometimes it’s not that we have too much to do, but that we don’t have enough and therefore are barely in gear and have no traction at all. Actually, freedom comes with the load."

*********

Now I am not at all saying add a bunch of stuff to the already overwhelmingly tight load that most of us faces day to day-
We still must choose wisely between good better best-
But the momentum of the things we do- helps us move along.
What we can't not do empty, we can do full.