September 2014

September 2nd

Yesterday Steven and I went to the movies with David, Tyler, and Heidi. Max called panicked Because Olivia had fallen down the stairs. It appears she did not learn her lesson because this morning I ran down stairs to find Sam's shoes and when I returned I found her STANDING on the top step, with no hands, and smiling from ear to ear.

She is quite the little dare devil.  She loves climbing up on the bookshelf and peering over the stairs.  She stresses me out.

September 8th

Sam and I are making cookies. I kept Olivia occupied with chocolate chips...

After almost 2 months of living with us my mom finally decided to pick up one of the many comic books laying around and see what all the fuss was about.

 September 9th

Instead of saying tomorrow Sam says, "on the next day". "Miss Natalee have really big juicy juicy apples. You want to try some on the next day?" I love how his mind works and how he expresses himself. 

September 10th

Max got a game ball at practice for having courage. This was the first game ball of the season.  Max is a light in a world filled with stress and competition. When his coach asked him to go tackle the 2nd biggest kid on the team, Max was courageous and ran with full force to take him down.

  I was working on Elese's photo book when I heard some noises. I turned around and this is what I found. 

September 11th

Reading Book of Mormon Stories before school. Sam usually just plays but today he sat with the family.

Later that day Olivia decided she wanted a bath. Fortunately, I was close by and there was no water in the tub.

September 13th

I picked up some plants for my new flower bed today. and then took Max to the Cub Scout bike rodeo Sam was a moving obstacle with his little car. He kept crashing into Simon. When we returned home Steven was working hard in the yard and Olivia was by his side helping out.

In the days following this (15, 16, and 17th) Olivia continued being her by being silly and getting into mischief. 

 Playing with make up with Elese.

 Trying to help herself to a banana.

Keeping grandma company.
September 23rd

Sam and Olivia's first trip to the zoo. For some reason they were both terrified of the train and screamed and cried but they warmed up to it. 

Sam loved his map and kept getting it out to show us what he wanted to see next. 

Olivia didn't like the animals at first and would scream at them "uh!" Like she was trying to get them to go away. Sam wanted to climb on all the animal statues and Olivia was trying to escape her stroller to join him because she loves climbing. 

 Steven was out of town last weekend and will be this weekend so he took the day off. I had to go to the chiropractor so we made a day of it. Walking around the zoo is tiring, we are both ready for a nap. 

I've been watching the Burt girls at night while their mom works. They just sleep on our couch. They are sweet girls. I enjoy having them. Steven thinks Amileia is very sweet. Last week Brooke was sick and threw up several times so I had Ashley come get them. Just after that Ashley and the other kids were really sick. Amileia is teething so she screamed a lot last night. Steven let me sleep in on his day off. He's so good to me. Evan was in town this weekend. Mom is reacting badly to some medication changes. 

Below is an email update I sent out to family regarding my moms current health situation.  
 

Dear Family, Friends, and loved ones of Gayle-

It is our hope to keep all of you informed in regards to our Moms health. We know all of you have a tremendous amount of love for her and would like to be kept informed. We also know that because of her optimistic attitude, as well as her forgetfulness, that our mother may neglect to tell you these things. Email seems to be the best forum for keeping multiple people informed. It may seem impersonal so if you would like a more personal approach please feel free to call any one of us with any questions or concerns you may have. Becky may be your best choice as she has the most up to date information.

This past week Becky took our Mom to the doctor.  Her A1C (This measures her blood sugar levels over the period of a few months) has gone down quite a bit since moving in with Becky.  In March it was 9.6 and it is now 7.8. The doctor hopes that this number will get below 7, so that is what we are aiming for. Fortunately, this is a step in the right direction.

Another test she was giving in March was the MoCa test which tests her cognitive abilities. In March her results came back with the score of 24 which indicates Mild early onset dementia. Unfortunately, when tested again this last week the results for this test were not positive like her A1C. She scored an 18 and the doctor called it a “significant decline” and recommended that we take action to get prepared for a continuously steady decline.  A score from 11-21 generally indicates Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Technically AD cannot be diagnosed with 100% certainty until autopsy but experienced doctors are usually about 90% accurate when they make such a diagnosis. Her doctor then prescribed a memory pill to help slow the decline. We also plan to search out an AD specialist to see if there are other things that can be done to help slow things down.

Our hope is that with medication we can slow this process down and enjoy many more years with our mother. Please feel free to contact her for nice uplifting chats that include lots of fun memories (she still has the same home and cell phone numbers). If there is anything in regards to a date for a visit or something that you would like to be sure she remembers please also give this information to Becky via a phone call, or email, so she can make sure it’s not forgotten. 

This is a sad and scary thing for all of us and we appreciate your love and concern for her. Please keep her in your prayers. This is not an easy thing for any of us but we are so happy that our Mom is who she is and that she has a positive demeanor. Despite this big news, things since she moved in with Becky have been going really well. She is happy and has shared several times that she has prayed about being here and knows it’s where she is supposed to be. Becky and her family love having her in their home and say that she “has truly been a blessing to have around.” Thank you for your love and concern. If you want any more information about her health please feel free to contact Becky at 801-568-7048.

Sincerely,

Eric, Evan, Blake, Spencer, and Becky

PS – We have done our best to contact everyone but we don’t have email address’ for everyone. If you don’t see someone listed on this email that you feel should know what is going on please feel free to forward them this email or call them.

I'm also watching the Butt twins and James on Mondays for two hours. I'm thankful for opportunities to serve and I'm feeling happy and blessed and overwhelmed. The Primary program is coming up and we have no chorister or pianist and they won't be called until one month before the program. I have worries about the future with my mom...but I'm feeling happy despite it all.
It's now the 25th. Sam has asked at least once a day if we can go to the zoo today.

September 26th
Sam went to snuggle grandma and fell asleep.

 

September 27th

After getting sick of hearing the word Mommy I said, "I would like to not hear the word mommy for just one minute." Then Sam said, "Becky. Becky! BECKY!"

Then he read a book with his sister.

Later that night Max had a football game that was made more exciting by the rain.  I enjoyed snuggling the girls so we could all stay warm.

September 29th

We met my aunt Ann in Provo and we went to the Bean Museum. The kids had fun looking around but mostly enjoyed the slide. 

 
September 30th
We enjoy walking Sam to preschool.

 Elese's home work..."because When he stands I can't push him over." "Daddy's sturdy like and oak tree."

 

 

August 2014

August 3rd

I am a child of God came up on my Sunday play list. Sam said, "Mom! That's I Am a Child of God! Daddy! That's my favorite song!" Proud that I'm raising a boy who knows he is a child of god.

 

August 4th

Our neighbor Dwayne Madray coaches Jordan High schools little league football and has been trying to recruit Max as his receiver. Max went today to check it out because he really wants to do it. It is a huge commitment. Practices and games won't leave him much time to play with friends. I was sure he would hate it. I was wrong. He loved it. Telling him he can't play with friends on practice days didn't even phase him. He came home early because it started pouring rain. 

August 6th

T4 Sam at Classic fun center. He moved his wrist band all the way up so it would be still and plugged his ears when it would get too loud.

 

August 11th 

There is a red sport car for sale down the street. Everybtime we would see it Sam would say, "Mommy, me want to buy that red car to drive it."

 

The kids made new chore charts. I thought I'd make it more exciting by letting them paint them.

I put two pocket protectors on them. One said, "to do" and the other said, "done" and put 3x5 cards in theme.  It was successful for about a year.  There was also a clip at the top. I had each of the kids think of an affirmation for the school year and we clipped it on top.  Max's affirmation was, "I am a mathematical genius" and believe it or not, he started feeling much more confident in math and his grades improved. Elese's was, "I am surrounded by great friends" and sure enough, she had great friends that year in school.  Sam's was, "I am super" and was and is still quite super.

 

August 13th

Max needs a new bike. He is getting too tall. We were on a walk and there were some young girls walking a dog. Max kept trying to look cool and nonchalant by riding with one hand. Then he tried to move over to let them pass and crashed into the fence. I love our sweet awkward boy.

Cute Olivia

Being naughty and standing up in her high chair.

Driving Sam's car.

August 18th

About a month ago we switched from reading the Book of Mormon to the children's Book of Mormon stories. Sam usually runs off and does his own thing but the other kids love sitting with Daddy and reading.

 

 

Olivia seems to never get enough to eat. She eats more than Max even with his added appetite because of football. Apparently she was still hungry after breakfast.

 

I took the kids on a before back to school kid day. Went to the farm after the chiropractor. Sam wanted to see the ducks first. Liv said "du!" And pointed to the ducks. 

 We got smoked out by the black smith, who Max thought was pretty cool,

Looked at the bunnies,

and Max rocked my dad's old solar powered fan hat.

After the farm we went to Hires for lunch with Grandma. Liv kept handing me her plate when she wanted more food.

August 19th

Sam: "These your puffs?" Me: "no, they are my breasts." Sam: "Oh, you have big ones. Me have little ones."

The other day I was eating a yummy watermelon/mint ice breaker when Olivia looked at me and said, "Awwww" just the way I do to her when she puts a non-food item in her mouth. Then I reach in and grab the said, non-food item and throw it away. So to appease her I said, "Awww" and she proceeded to reach her fingers in my mouth, grab my mint and then she ate it. Silly smart girl. She loves food. 

 

August 20th

First day of school. Kids both really like their teachers. 

Max got the teacher he wanted and thinks she's pretty.

Elese is happy Caitlin isn't in her class but still played with her at recess. 

 I was looking forward to a little more calm and free time but filled my time up with things I'd been outing off (paying bills etc). I went on a walk with Sam and Olivia, and we played outside and inside. 

 

Crock pot dinner made things run much smoother. A office aid (I think) transferred from Sandy to Lithia's school. She asked Lithia if she was related to Max and then told Lithia "he is a smart kid!" Sam starts preschool tomorrow...

 

August 21st

When asked by the big kids about pre-school Sam would get mad. Yesterday he asked if I could go with him and was upset when I said, "No." He has been talking about it and his backpack. This morning he wanted to get dressed and ready and was wearing his backpack. We had to take Max something he forgot so we were a little rushed. We got home, combed his hair, took a picture and then started walking. 

I had to run a bit so we wouldn't be late. When we got there everyone was outside. Ms Natalee said, "Hi, Sam!" He didn't respond so I told him to say hi and he shyly, but happily said, "Hello." I helped him out of the stroller and have him a hug and kiss. Miss Natalee said, "Come on. Let's go to preschool!" Sam followed the other kids. I was thinking, "Wow! That went really well." The I noticed they weren't going inside. From what I could see Sam was sitting on the step not wanting to go in. Natalee picked him up and the crying/screaming began. Fortunately he didn't seem to start a chain reaction with the other kids. He kept looking at me wanting me to save him. Poor guy. I'm sure he'll have a blast once he gets feeling more comfortable.

Sam was happy when I picked him up and I was told he stopped crying as soon as they got into the preschool room. He made a cute Sam Magnet. 

 He drew a picture of himself and said his favorite color is red and his favorite food is watermelon. After preschool we went to the chiropractor. He said he was tired but just wanted to watch his movie and eat fruit snacks. He didn't fall asleep. It's been weeks since he has napped. I had to put my foot down and he finally slept. When he woke up he was in a GREAT mood. I was trying to hint at the fact that he is happier when he takes a nap. I said, "Wow! Sam. You are so happy! I wonder why." His response was, "Me go to preschool and get happy. Me cry first but now me happy because me go to preschool for lots of days." I think he's changed his tune and is going to love preschool. He even talked to my mom about it. Sam sure does love that Abby. When I asked about his friends at preschool he said, "Me no have friends there. Abby not go to my preschool."

 

August 22nd

Sam filled his car up with "gas".

 August 23rd

Olivia is trying to be more independent.

 I made a random decision to audition for the marvelous wonderettes. Because of my recent hair cut I needed a new head shot. I stayed for call backs but didn't end up making it. It was fun to prepare a monologue (Beatrix from Promady) and audition again. I need/want to preform more.

August 24th

Susan and Steve came to drop off Abby for college. Sam was quite taken with Julyn. He said, "Who are you?" she said, "I'm your cousin Julyn." Then Sam said, "I'm going to hug you now." Every time he saw her he would give her (and only her) a big hug.

Olivia loved anyone one who had food. She was reluctant to be held by anyone until they started feeding her fruit.

August 26th

AYL Season finale at East Canyon Reservoir.

Sam kept begging to go on the boat. Once we were all climbing on he flipped out. My mom came so he stayed with her. I was a bit worried that he would run off and be difficult. My mom was no longer someone I trusted to babysit so I was pretty stressed and kept looking to shore to see if he was ok.  Steven and I needed to have a tubing competition so we had to go film so I had to leave him with my mom. Olivia did quite a bit of whining. Max and Elese were having a blast. Keith drove us in his boat. Darren and Jill surfed. Jaden jumped in the water so Max and Elese wanted to also. They both kind of freaked out. They aren't used to life jackets so they were scared that they would not hold them up. I totally get it, I've been there. Then it was our turn. I held on as tight as I could. Steven wanted to have me fall off the last time bit I begged him not to so he didn't knock me over. It was fun, cold, and a very aggressive deep tissue treatment on my behind. Jill and Jaden took care of Olivia. Then we had a picnic. Sam and grandma stayed in the car to stay warm and grandma drew pictures for him. Alisha announced that she is pregnant. We has a picnic and then finished a couple more shots. Now we are on our way home. Everyone had a good time. Sam climbed on the rocks with Reese Stein and Steven took a pic with his phone. I didn't take any pictures.

 

Elese wrote a book for Liz, my chiropractor's office manager.  

August 30th

Max's first official football game. (They had a pre-season game the week before and crushed them) 

This is Max killing his jersey at his pre-season game.

There was a kid that went to Dwayne's summer camp and then went to play for corner canyon. This kid (and his uncle who had "volunteered" to help Dwayne) knew all Jordan's plays and so they were crushed. It was a hit of humility because last week Max said, "No other teams have a chance. We are so good."

 

 August 31st

David and Tyler got in town just after Susan left. They left sat morning an David got here sat night. Sunday we went over and Max was so excited to see Tyler. 

 Steven and I enjoyed visiting with David. Sam was a chatter box and loved talking to David one minute and throwing a huge fit the next. Olivia was also very cranky.