I can't believe I had to take Owen to the ER

Now, for those of you who know me I don't particularly like taking my kids to the doctor. I know this sounds totally proud and arrogant, but I just hate feeling hostage to someone else for the treatment of my child simply because they have a degree that I don't have. So, when Owen came to me and told me he stuck a craisen up his nose I was pretty confident I would be able to get it out. I have had friend's kids do this and I have advised them and helped them. I know what to do and what to try. So, first I looked up his nose. I could see the craisen. It was pretty far up there. I knew that the best way to get it out is to use my finger to close his other nostril and place my mouth over his mouth and blow. Yes, it sounds creepy. Yes, it is not the most hygienic. But it is something that a parent can do that not even their doctor will do and it really works. It just didn't work for me. First, having never done it before my mind immediately remembered my lessons from infant CPR and blowing too hard and over inflating the lungs. I was not sure how hard I could blow, so I exercised considerable restraint. I tried 10 or more times but nothing. Secondly, I think the main problem was that the craisen was not completely obstructing air flow and so despite my blowing the air just moved around the craisen. Third, it was hard to do because Owen was crying.

Next I got out my baby blue bulb aspirator. I tried and tried. Owen cried and cried. I had to restrain him by placing his head between my thighs with his feet pointed the same direction as my feet and then placing each of his arms under my legs. It is a kind and gentle restraint, but it is so effective at immobilization that Owen was absolutely screaming.

Lastly I duct taped a hard straw to the end of my vacuum hand held tube. But I just didn't have enough hands to restrain him, position the straw part, flip the vacuum switch, and switch it off, so rather than give up I called a friend over to help me. We tried and gave it out best effort, but I could not get that stupid craisen out.

I called my doctor's office and naturally they were out for lunch from 12:30 - 2:00 and all my big kids had so many activities that I needed to be home starting at 3:00 so I felt like I had no choice but to run him to the local ER (which is about 2 min away). They got us right in. The doctor tried little forceps while a nurse and I restrained Owen. He had no luck.

Then he tried a larger nasal aspirator . . . no luck. Then he tried a suction thing (that oddly looked like my vacuum tube with a straw except that the tubing was flexible). no luck.

By now, Owen was in a frenzy. His nose was bleeding and swelling and the craisen was no longer visible. The doctor felt like the best idea was to send us home and watch him and let his body try and work it out. If it had been a marble or button then they would sedate him, but for a soft thing like a craisen that would continue to soften he hoped that it would break up and Owen would either swallow it or sneeze it out. I thought, "thanks for nothing, doc."

Geez, I can't wait to get that bill.

Home from the ER. Chocolate ice cream and hot chocolate is what he wanted.

He's iphone saavy. . . too iphone saavy!

Honestly I saw those 2 comments on my lock screen and nearly freaked out since I gave Owen my phone to play with while I showered. I was so relieved to see a blurred picture of a floor and not a naked photo of me on instagram. He may not get to play with my phone too much if he insists on posting photos to instagram. Eventually my "luck" will run out!

Owen in the kitchen

more messmaker than helper. . .

what age does that switch??? hmmmmm?

I takes a lot to tire Owen Out

I gave it my best. 3 softball games, household chores, 1 baseball game.



Finally the nap arrived.

My boys

Why is his face dirty so often? I was never going to be one of those moms.





And if dirt isn't enough, we've added a variety of scrapes and scratches that won't wash off.

Taking pictures of something other than my kids

Today I got to photograph these darling miniature gardens. It was so fun to do something kind of "out of the box". I mean how often do we really look at miniature gardens? The variety was surprisingly refreshing and it was a good reminder to change up routines and find new things to do and see.

Field Trip to Legoland

The day finally arrived. Adam has been anxiously awaiting his field trip to Legoland. (note -- this is not like the large amusement park in California, it is a small scale Lego themed playland for ages 10 and under). Owen and I met his class there and we had fun together. Surprisingly it was not too crowded (despite 6 kindergarten classes there.) It did remind me to be grateful to all the kindergarten teachers out there who teach every day.

He "kinda" needs a nap

Owen doesn't usually nap. Today he was unusually grumpy. After going to the bathroom he refused to put on his jeans. He was cranky and mad and finally I walked into the other room to have a break from his whining. I walked back in a few minutes later because he was quiet and I assumed he was getting into something. But no, he was asleep on the leather ottoman, sweating with his face next to the sticky leather.



I moved him to his bed and he took a great nap. I got so much done I started wishing he would take more naps, but then when he woke up he was grumpy from sleep inertia. And then here he is at 10:30 p.m. wide awake.



I don't think his naps are worth it.

Smoothie silliness

After a lazy Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a round of smoothies. The kids were SILLY.

Long time friends

This weekend the Tidwells came to stay with us. We have been friends with them for nearly 20 years. Jennie and I met as freshman roommates in Helaman Halls at BYU. We have been friends ever since.



We both have married, had kids, been next door neighbors, lived in the same town and then lived far apart. In fact it had been 2 1/2 years since I had seen Jennie and 6 years since I had seen her whole family. But, we fell back into great conversation, laughter, and fun. The kids hit it off and played and played. I am always amazed that when I am having such a great time I take very few photos. But here are some of the kids playing in the pool and enjoying cereal for breakfast.

Owen helping me . . . more than I often need

He is so cute though, so I put up with it.

Owen at the library

I'm not sure if he is really gaining a love of literacy.

Headed back home

I truly had a wonderful weekend filled with family and memories but I am always glad to be heading home to my family.  Here is everyone but Carrie (who flew out of Redding) on the shuttle to the airport from the rental car return place.

Redding CA - day 2 - the funeral

My 2 brothers drove in from Sacramento after midnight and so it was fun to wake up hearing their laughter through the hotel walls. We decided to take a morning drive up to Lake Shasta (which is where we would go on the houseboat with Chuck and Tami) during many a summer of my growing up. The lake was just how I remembered it.









Tyler serenaded all of us at the hotel lobby.


Here is the hearst.


So many friends were helping out making the day so beautiful.  The chapel was filled with flowers and the decorations for the luncheon were amazing.





Here are Candace, Chuck and Chad in the final family viewing.







My Dad and his fiance, Sally



Aunt Terri and Carrie



Cousin Mitch and Tyler



My siblings -- Shad, Me, Amber, Carrie, and Tyler



All of us with Sally and my Dad.



Some of the flowers at the cemetery.



All of us at the cemetery.



The cemetary was so peaceful.  It was a natural setting and gorgeous.



Here is their dog, Lucky waiting for Tami :(



Tami's yard was beautiful.  Every flower and bush was planted very specifically.  It was like heaven walking through her gardens.  She had several fountains.  





All of us cousins, aunts and uncles came back to the house and played games and even jumped on the trampoline.  I had to show them I still had "my stuff!"