The day I painted the bathroom (and hit my head)

I hit my head today. Kinda hard.

I feel a bit stupid about it.

You see, I put the ladder in the bathtub to paint the high parts of the wall. The ladder didn't fit very well, so it was wobbly and not locked into place. Then I climbed right up and sat on the very top. The part that warns that it is not a step, yeah, that part is where I parked it. I had a full tray of paint and I was reaching for the wall and pushing hard with the roller to make sure I got as much paint out of each stroke as possible.

Then it happened. I rolled too hard, lost my balance and the ladder went one direction and I went the other. It was the strangest sensation. Like I was being swallowed. It happened so fast and so slow all at the same time. I had the time to have thoughts go through my head like: "Well, this wasn't a good idea", "I hope I don't land on the ladder", "Grab something!", "Help!", and "This is going to be bad."
Then I hit my head on the marble window ledge and then again on the edge of the tub. Also, this is when I lost consciousness. Somewhere in there I also sliced the heel of my right foot on the ladder and pulled the towel rod out of the wall--landing on the bent rod. Great. Also, I think I'm going to take all the kids toys out of my bathtub. I landed on a tugboat, some Little People, and a bottle of shampoo. Of course I don't remember that happening, I just noticed when Brian pulled all those things out from under me.

Brian had just got home from a trip to Chicago a mere half hour before the fall. According to Brian he heard a yell, a crash, a bang, a few more crashes and then silence. He ran to the bathroom, saw paint everywhere, the ladder was out of the tub and standing upright next to the sink, and he found me in the bottom of the tub unconscious. He said it took about 15 seconds for me to come to and respond.
I woke up to see Brian's concerned face. My head hurt a lot. I felt ok otherwise- thanks to the adrenaline.  I had the shakes... and I felt stupid.

Brian called 911 and had the kids call Nana to come be with them (thank goodness for Nana). Ethan was in hysterics--he thought I was going to die (I didn't know this until he told me later, poor guy thought I was literally going to the hospital to die). So he called Nana and all he did was cry uncontrollably. Then Nora said to Ethan, "Give me the phone Ethan so I can tell Nana what's going on." She then calmly relayed to Nana what happened and asked her to come to our house. Brian was able to get on the phone and put Nana's mind at ease. Sheesh, the drama!

Our neighbor, Katie, came right over and took the kids. Then the paramedics arrived. At this point I realized I had cut my foot really bad, but it didn't seem to be bleeding so I wasn't too concerned.
I did NOT want to go the the hospital. But all I could think about where the stories of people who hit their head, didn't go to the hospital and then died the same day. I sucked up my pride and went with the paramedics on the stretcher--neck brace and all. When they helped me stand, the blood started gushing out of my heel--guess it was worse than I thought.

I was so embarrassed. I hadn't opened my eyes much because of the pain in my head, and tears were flowing unrestrained (pain, stupidity and embarrassment causes lots of tears)... I have the best neighbors and I was sure that they were all out watching the whole ordeal as I got wheeled out on the stretcher. I asked the paramedic, "How many people are watching? I'm so embarrassed." He said, "Just keep your eyes closed and it never happened." :-)

Ambulance ride, emergency room, CAT scan, x-rays.

Diagnosis: concussion and a severe laceration that needed stitches. Eight stitches.
They stitched me up and sent me home with a few prescriptions to kill pain, avoid vomiting, and protect against infection.

I'm suppose to rest for a few days and not hit my head on anything.
I'm just mad the bathroom is only half painted.
My advice: Hire painters. It is much cheaper than a trip to the E.R.

Why don't you act your age!

Sometimes you look around and say, "WHAT!" When did these kids grow up? Why aren't they babies- they were babies yesterday, I swear!

They want to do everything by themselves, for themselves, and make all their own decisions. They don't want you to brush their teeth or do their hair.

They don't necessarily listen to your advice or your requests for that matter.

They know how to use your phone better than you do. They laugh at jokes you can't believe they understand. And you can't spell words over their heads when you don't want them to know what you are talking about....

But, they are still your babies. You want to hug and squeeze them, give them kisses, tell them you love a hundred times a day, and pinch their cute tooshies. And at night you still sneak in while they are asleep and remember, and smile.

Or, at least, I do.

Ethan's Baptism

Ethan turned eight a few weeks ago. We believe that this is the age of accountability. Also, it is the age we believe is old enough to choose to be baptized. Ethan chose to be baptized.

Ethan's baptism was very nice. Grandma, Nana, Tara, Chris, Kristy, and their kids were all able to be there. There were some nice talks, a beautiful musical number and then we waited for our turn to have Ethan baptized... There were 9 kids getting baptized the same day! We were the last to get to use the baptismal font- it was a long wait ;)

When it was Ethan's turn, Brian baptized him (twice, because the first time he didn't say the words quite right). Then, since Ethan was the last kid, he got to pull the plug on the font- he was very excited about that. After Brian and Ethan were dried off and changed, they came into the room and he was confirmed and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a beautiful blessing. As he was being blessed, in my mind I saw Ethan as a grown boy, wearing a white shirt and tie, out serving the Lord on a mission. He was handsome, brave and strong- and he knew what he believed and was happy. I felt the Spirit so strong. Then, Grandpa Miles played his guitar and sang a song about baptism. It is a song that Miles wrote for Brian when he was baptized. So cool! Then we finished up the rest of the program.

For lunch we went to Golden Corral! Buffet! (Ethan keeps talking about the buff-ette that we went to ;)

It was a lovely day, and I'm so proud of Ethan. He is growing and maturing so quickly. Before I know it the day will be here that he is out serving that mission for the Lord. He'll be a fantastic missionary.

Enjoying Motherhood

There are moments in motherhood that some people call paychecks. Here are some of my "paychecks"...

Seeing what Nora has decided to wear to school.

Making silly faces with Wesley, watching him grow.

When the kids play together nicely.

Family walks on beautiful nights... and when funny stuff happens. "your eye, mommy!"

Ethan taking 12 samples from the Vitamix guy when he says, "take as many as you'd like!"

I love being a mom. When I look for the good stuff about being a mom- I see it everywhere, I hear the sweet things they say, I feel their chubby arms around my neck, and I know how to make them happy.
These kids were meant to be mine, and I was meant to be their mom.

Chicago and a baby!

 

 I'm not one to go on a trip without my kids in tow. I've rarely been away from them more than a night. BUT - my sister Megan was about to give birth to her fourth child... I hadn't seen her in so long, I haven't been able to be there for my sisters at any of their other births, and I we just got our tax return... ;)
So I presented my argument to my husband. And he lovingly said that I could go (after I promised to take care of all the details, told him how important it was to me, and begged a little).
So with kids schedules taken care of, meals planned, and totally AWESOME friends willing to watch the kids until Brian got home from work- I bought my plane tickets.
A little back story- Megan was going to have her baby naturally and I was planning on going to see her two weeks before her due date. But I just knew that she would have the baby while I was there! Everyone kept asking me (even Megan) but what if she doesn't have the baby while you're there??? I assured everyone that even if she didn't, that Megan and I love hanging out together and that we'd finish tons of projects and I give her back rubs- still a total win! Secretly, though, I knew she'd have the baby while I was there.
I caught a late flight out of Dallas. It wasn't until I got to the airport that I realized just how much I was going to miss Brian and the kids. It hit me kind of hard as they dropped me off. I kissed and kissed them and then headed off on my adventure.
The flight was lovely (I was nauseous as usual on the plane). I sat next to a Pastor from Naperville named Dave Ferguson. We chatted about kids, family, religion and politics.  I enjoyed every minute of it! I think I talked his ear off. After landing, and not throwing up, I was delighted to be in Chicago! But I forgot how long each of the terminals are- my legs were burning by the time I got to the front to be picked up. Meg was there waiting for me! She is so pretty pregnant.
We hung out, finished projects- checked them off of her mega-nesting list (yowser that thing was huge!), and talked and talked...And loved on Linky, JJ and Hazel of course.

Thursday night I got to meet up with some of my favorite gals from high school.  I hadn't seen them in years and years. I sure love them. Now we are "grown up" it's amazing how much closer you can be just through gaining similar life experience (husbands, jobs, bills, kids, mortgages) and I wish we could've had a sleep-over so we could've talked all night. I love those girls.

Friday was especially eventful. We went to Home Depot to buy a new toilet- it was cold and rainy, so of course the minivan wouldn't start. Jeff came to save us, but we just couldn't jump the van. We went home and organized, sewed, and cleaned... And Meg started having a lot more regular contractions. So by midnight she packed her bags and we headed off to the hospital.

It was so awesome to be there for the birth. Megan was amazing. Louisa was born on Saturday morning, she was perfect.

I got to spend the next two days with Megan at the hospital. We mostly just stared at Louisa, slept and talked. Seriously the best vacation ever!

Since Megan came home on Sunday, I had an extra hang-out day before I had to head home. Yay! So I packed Linky and JJ into the car and headed out to Sycamore to visit one of my favorite places- Ollies (I love you custard ice cream).

Tuesday I headed home. 
I had the best time.

11 Years...and counting!

Last week Brian and I celebrated our 11th year anniversary.
This is what I posted on his Facebook page, and I'm putting it here because I really think it sums up how I feel:

Happy anniversary stud muffin! It seems like we've always been together and like it was just yesterday that we met and fell in love. It's a good feeling- I love sharing my life with you.

We took Thursday and Friday to ourselves (sorta), and spent the night at a hotel to "get away"...  About 20 miles from home :)
Mostly we shopped for furniture, ate awesome food, and took naps. And mostly we just had a really great time being together, remembering why we love eachother.
Highlights:
Attending a local play staring the 2nd grade (Ethan had a speaking part!)
Attending the temple together
Eating at awesome restaurants and ordering without being worried about the price
Buying a grown-up couch and love seat (I love hand-me-downs, but there is something liberating about choosing it yourself)

Newlyweds

11 years feels great.

New Year!

2011 was a bumpy ride for me.  Not just personally, but things that occurred to my extended family as well.
Anyway, I don't want to dwell on the hardships- I'm ready for a New Year and a clean slate (although I wish I didn't have to start over on my deductible and out-of-pocket max with my insurance!) 
Last years awesomeness:
Baby Max was born

Nora started Kindergarten









Nora lost her first tooth

Wesley and Mama get to spend the day together while the kids are at school
Ethan started piano lessons
Wes moved into a big boy bed
Brian got an iPhone (so did I)
Brian and I have a nightly tradition of watching Jeopardy together :)
Ben got home from Afghanistan
Mom and Dad finished their basement!
We vacationed on the beach









We took the Kids to Disneyland for the 1st time








My sister came to visit

I grew a vegetable garden

I survived 3 surgeries ;)

And lots of other awesomeness...
2012, I'm ready for you!  And you are going to be GREAT!

Case

My nephew, Case is sick.  I love him so much.  When I see him at the hospital it makes my heart ache.  It's hard to see children sick and in pain- especially when that child holds a special place in your heart.
My husband has put together a blog of Case's journey through this cancer that is in his body right now.  We'll do our best to keep it updated as he goes through treatments and as he heals.
Case's Blog

Wishy Box

Christmas is quickly approaching- I know, I don't want to be reminded either, so much to do!!!
Well, my hubby made this awesome website that you can use to post your wishlist.  It is awesome.  You just go to the website : wishybox.com , create a login, and start putting stuff on your wishlist.  You link up with your friends and family (or invite them if they aren't on wishybox yet).  And THEN you let the perfect gift giving begin!  Oh, and did I mention you can drag your items into the order you want them ranked- and you can add notes, link to websites, list prices---  Coolest of all if you buy something for someone else, you mark that you've purchased it on their list BUT they can't see that it's been purchased only their friends and family can see.  So you don't get multiples!
Seriously check it out!

A few funnies

July 8, 2011
Nora saw some mannequins at the mall, and said, "Ha ha, look at that, fake moms."

July 17, 2011
I was reading a book and Wesley crawled on my lap, put my bookmark onto the page I was reading and said, "AH DUN!

That fabric on the table has to be good for something.

August 20, 2011
Ethan: mom! we haven't been to Sonic in like a month!
Me: I didn't go to Sonic until I was 25 years old, and somehow I'm still alive.
Ethan: Yeah, I guess you're right. I could survive without Sonic...At least for a year.

August 25, 2011
I (Brian) asked Nora if she likes sharks and she said, "No. I like ponies, and butterflies, and princesses, and mermaids, and unicorns, and pegasuses."

Wes likes to explore and investigate his surroundings.

 September 2011
Words Wes loves to say right now: "Eeeeww!" "Oh No!" "Daddy!" "Oh man." "Aah done"(all done) "No, no, no." "bo-pin" (broken) "pee-po" (paper) "ahm one" (I'm one) "Nana!" and "Bampa" (grandpa) - that's right "mommy" didn't make the top 10..

Sept. 22
Ethan made these huge Halloween Party invitations with time, date, location and instructions to wear a costume. I came in and saw them and said, "Uh, Ethan- you need to ask me first. We are NOT having a Halloween party."
Ethan said, "That's why it's a joke mom. Didn't you read the bottom? It says JK."

Tonsils be gone!

Warning:  At the end of this post is a very graphic/nasty picture.  Not intended for children to see.
Last Thursday I got a tonsillectomy.  And right now I hurt, like bad, man.  Ouch.
But I know in the long run it's going to be worth it.  I get sore throats ALL the time and to get strep I just have to be within a mile radius of the infected... Not to mention my chronic halitosis.   That's right, I said it.  I have bad breath.  It's not my fault!  I brush 2+ times a day, I floss, I gargle, I chew gum- I still have bad breath.  It's all because of those nasty little tonsils sitting in the back of my throat.  BUT not anymore!  They are gone, and even though it is the worst continuous pain I've ever experienced in my life- I know it's going to be worth it.  (and yes, I am trying to convince myself at the moment that it was worth it.)

Negativity Averted

Sometimes Sunday is extra hard, I have a child that makes sure of it- almost on a weekly basis.  I've been feeling a little down in the dumps because of some of the things that child said to me as I put said child to bed...  So I went on a little walk to clear my mind.  I didn't want to stay in grouchy/grumpy/sad mode so I prayed on my walked.  That helps a lot.  What mostly came to mind as I prayed was other people in my life who are suffering in some way right now.  So I tried to think of ways to help them and prayed for them in their time of need.  That helps a lot too- cause it makes me realize that it isn't really all about me.  Hopefully my child will forget the awful things they said, and will only remember that their mommy loves them, was patient, and didn't get angry (that was hard).  That being said, I also prayed about things I was thankful for- that helps a ton!
Here are five:
1.  My safe neighborhood - I was on a walk by myself at dusk, and not once did I feel scared or threatened.
2.  My mom - she is the best example of patience and calmness I've ever known
3.  My health - In recent (some very recent!) times I've had major health scares, right now things are really great.
4.  My husband - he made dinner tonight, did the dishes, didn't mind that I needed to leave to go on a walk, works hard for our family, supports my crazy hobbies, loves me despite my weaknesses....etc....
5.  My kids - the more I considered them, the more I thought of loving tender moments I have with them, EVERY day!  When they hold my hand, kiss my cheek for no reason, run by and say "I love you mama!", sit in my lap while I read to them, and today my favorite was when they played pretend Nora wanted to be 'Kendra'.  :)

Life is pretty awesome.  There are ups and downs, but how much would I appreciate all the wonderful moments if I never knew the hard ones?  Someday I have a feeling Sunday is going to be my favorite day of the week!

A new Caribbean instrument?

At 7:00 am...
Me: sleeping peacefully
Nora:  MOM!
Me: (not sleeping)  huh-wha?
Nora:  Ethan won't let me watch TV, he's been playing the Mimtembo all morning!

Beach Vacation

We just got home from a very excellent vacation.  2 days driving, 4 days camping on the beach, 1 day at Disneyland and 2 more days driving home.  We are oh-so tired- but it was worth every minute of driving and preparation.  Hopefully the kids made some memories that will last them a life time.