The Wolfes

The Non-Poster's Post

2010-09-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

I just got a book from the fabulous Robin Williams called, "The Non-Designer's Design and Type Book." I really enjoy her writing style. It's entertaining + educational = a good combo, in my humble opinion! I'd encourage anyone to read her stuff, especially the art-minded. Anyway, the title reminds me of something that happened today. I have the opportunity to design a website for a client for school. She sent me a link to her blog. I wanted to respond in kind, especially given the work I'm going to be doing for her (website-making). However, it was pretty embarrassing, since I hadn't updated my own blog since JANUARY!

Hurry quick, get rid of the so-old-it's-not-even-available-anymore layout; write a fresh post so you seem a little more professional.

Ahh, that's better. I'd say I'll update you all on how the work for my client goes, but you know how often I keep up on my blog... or not... :)

My missing part

2010-01-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

I'm reposting this from HydranAngels, where I originally wrote it.

"I find myself occasionally looking for something I've lost.

"I'll go into my little guy's old room and, for a split second, I'll think, something should be here that isn't; what is that, anyway?
Or I'll drive past his old therapy place and feel the mental reminder click in, "Oh, it's Tuesday. We should be going there today."
Or, most bittersweet of all, I'll have a dream where I'm holding him and taking care of him again, but when I wake up, only emptiness is in the spot my sleep-addled brain remembers so recently there being a little person.

"We go by his gravesite, and as my husband and I sit contemplating silently, I think, Xavier isn't here. This place is so cold, so empty. He was always life and exuberance, happy just to be alive.

"My mind wanders at such times, wondering just what he is doing right now in his little spirit form. Regardless of how illogical it is, I wish I could be with him once more; not for death, just a temporary visitation somehow. Yet I know that even were this possible, I wouldn't be satisfied once the time was through.

"For this reason, I'm thankful for God's plan of salvation, taught in my church, so I know that families can be together forever, and that we can all live together in happiness with our Heavenly Father.

"I didn't intend on this being missionary-oriented, so I hope that doesn't offend anyone. But I suppose it's impossible for me to discuss this topic without bringing my beliefs into it. For more information, please see http://www.lds.org.

"Thanks for reading my vent."

Back to school, back to school...

2009-12-06T23:34:00.000-08:00

TJ and I are in the process of registering for classes, getting our Financial Aid in order, and all of that "fun" stuff. :P :) TJ is trying to juggle his current class load while getting re-registered as well. He's got a lot on his plate. He keeps giving school his best, and has got the grades to prove it! I'm so proud of him!
I got my financial aid offers back, and that was a relief! Now I'm getting in gear mentally for going back. Time to blow off the dust and polish off the rust! lol

Check out devsdoodlings for my latest foray into school prep/just pure fun!

Hello again!

2009-10-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

This adorable picture of Xavier is one I took on my cell phone, and I scrapbooked it today. I really like how it turned out!

So I'm finally getting back to my blog, after the craziness of this summer. All of you who read this probably already know, but just in case someone missed it, our little Xavier guy passed away in July. We miss him always, of course, but feel comforted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, knowing that because of what He did, we can be together forever someday.

I also have a tryptic (a 3-piece) digital artwork I am working on right now that I'll be posting to my art blog soon. I finished the first segment yesterday evening. I am so excited about it! I loooooove making art. It so freeing; I can express myself so well through it. You know what? I don't want to wait to show you the painting I made yesterday, after all, so I'll post it to my art blog after this. Stay tuned! :D

Toddler Property Laws

2009-06-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

One of Xavier's helpers gave us this cute list a while ago, and I thought I'd share.

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks like mine, it's mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it's broken, it's yours. (No, the pieces are probably still mine.)

WHEELCHAIR!!!

2009-03-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

We got Xman's wheelchair on Tuesday! It came faster than expected! It is AWESOME!!

Look at some of its wonderful features:

It flexes with his movement.

(It might be hard to tell in these pictures,

but in the lower pic,

he is stretching backwards a bit.)

The handle folds down, too,

which helps get it in the van.

The wheels also pop off for this purpose.

It has metal loops to anchor the chair into our van.

It has a tray for him to play/eat on.

And so much more! We are thrilled!

lol

It's also a good color scheme.

They originally told us it would be a teal/purple/blue color palette! Yuk!

We think he enjoys his "big boy chair". It's just great.

I'm just happy Medicaid paid for it! (It cost around $7000!!!! )

In any event, it is great to have it here for him.

Look at the website for the company it was ordered from:

http://www.kidsupco.com/

Daddy and sonny time

2009-03-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

TJ was playing with Xavier. It was so cute!

Mmm, tasty!

(I was watching carefully so Xavier

didn't actually bite himself!

That would have been a sad surprise!)

"Dad, I want some real food!"

Christmas 2008

2009-03-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Some much-belated Christmas photos!

Big Boy Bed!

2009-03-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

The first of a 4-part catch-up!

Xavier in his twin bed with side rails.

See how cute he looks in it?

Awesome food storage site!

2009-02-13T09:56:00.001-08:00

My friend told me about this cool website where you can plan EXACTLY how much you'll need of the food you use! It has other awesome stuff, too! Check it out!

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/

Our Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

We had a great thanksgiving! MMMM, foood... Seriously, though, it was fun to be with family and to reflect on the many things I have to be thankful for: the gospel, my family, our freedom... I'm looking forward to Christmas now!

Thanks to Holli for the beautiful new family pictures! Here are a few of my favorites:

This last one is the same as my profile picture, I liked it so much! Xavier did really well taking the pictures, even though it was a little chilly outside.

Taking a nod fom Holli and Alissa, check out my new creative blog, http://devsdoodlings.blogspot.com/. I already have my first post on there and everything!

Aaah, at last!

2008-11-20T15:05:00.000-08:00

TJ and I finally finished all our unpacking and got our place all put together for our 60-day inspection last Monday. (That went fine, by the way. He wasn't here for more than a couple of minutes. He said everything looked "really good".) Wow, it is so nice to have it all clean! I am so blessed to have a husband who helps me! His work made it all possible.

Xavier's eye surgery went well last week.He had to stay for a few days to make sure his oxygen levels were maintaining the level they should be, but he wasn't in too much pain from it or anything. I felt a little restless with having to stay, because he wasn't that low, I didn't think, and I was sure he'd be ok. But the doctors need to feel comfortable with the situation before they can release a patient. I shouldn't complain. They do such good work there, and are so professional. We're hoping this will be one of the last surgeries, if not the last one. His surgeon wants to see him again in December for the other eye again - same reason as this last time - and we'll determine things from there. TJ and I have been discussing not doing any more surgeries, if those opaque membranes are just going to keep regrowing. We feel it would be kinder just to leave him be. He already has better vision than he began with, and that's what we really wanted for him. We'll see what the surgeon, Dr. Hoffman, has to say next month, but at this point, that's what we're thinking.

So at Xavier's speech therapy this afternoon, we made an exciting discovery. Let me preface this by saying we've been seeing this face more often than normal lately:
We weren't sure why that was. We thought, maybe teething, but we just weren't sure. We did teething gel and Tylenol off and on. So today, Shelly, the speech therapist, kept noticing the cracker he was chewing on catching on something. She felt in there and had me feel, and, sure enough, there it was!!
OK, I photoshopped this tooth in. I can't even see the real one. But when I run my finger over his bottom gum, there are definite little corners poking out!! Hooray!!

TJ and I have our fun trip to Salt Lake this weekend planned. I am soooo excited!! Coldplay, nice hotel... The Celine Dion concert we planned to attend has been postponed until February, :( but the stuff we are still going to do now sounds great! I'm so enthused I can hardly wait (is it a crime if I speak in a rhyme?)!!

Tagged!

2008-10-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

I used the 5th folder instead of the 4th, because my 4th folder is my scrapbooking materials!

I tag anyone who hasn't done this yet who wants to!

Halloween 'n' stuff

2008-10-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all! We've been blessed to move into a nice friendly ward. We've already had the counsellors in the bishopric and the bishop (separate occasions), the elders' quorum and relief society presidencies AND my visiting teachers come over; plus, I've been given a VT companion (who has already contacted me) and a route! This, and we've only been going a little over a month! How awesome is that! I'm so grateful for it. I was praying we would find a good fellowshipping ward to help us all feel welcome. Yet again the Lord has blessed me in answer to my prayers far beyond what I could have hoped for!

We've also been involved in the ward activites already. My VT companion, Erin, let us know about the ward halloween party last week. That was fun. It was at the church, with a little spook alley & trick or treating. We didn't take Xavier through the spook alley, though, because I didn't think he'd like it. I went to enrichment on the 14 - progressive dinner, yum! Erin also invited me to play volleyball with some of the ladies Friday mornings, and I went last week. It was nice to meet new people.

Our unpacking, though slow, is progressing: On Tuesday evening, Xavier got to sleep in his own room for the 1st time ever! That's been nice for everyone, I think, except in the morning for our little guy when I'm tired and don't hear him right away! He was pretty sad one day when that happened. Oops :). All in all, our stuff is slowly finding a home. It's been a challenge for us, trying to fit a house's worth of stuff in a small apartment. We're getting there, though. As our place is subsidized, we have a 2-month inspection on the 11th, which is coming right up. That being said, we need to make sure things are the way they should be by then. It's a little stressful, but we'll get there.

Finally, check out some of my favorite Halloween pics from last night!

Hello?

2008-10-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

It's been so long, I think maybe my blog's forgotten about me! :) Oh well. I am happy to be starting my letters up again, being as it has been so long since I last wrote! Being without reliable email and moving took its toll! How are all of you? Here are a few of the things we've been up to lately:

First of all, a few "Xavier moments". I was cleaning out the jockey box in the car the other day while waiting for TJ so we could go grocery shopping. Xavier was sitting in his car seat. I found a primary song cd in the mess I was sorting and put it in the cd player, knowing he would like it. Once he heard the other kids singing those sweet songs, he started smiling and cooing with it. It was so cute.

He had surgery on his right eye 2 weeks ago Thursday. It was for cloudy membrane removal - something minor they sometimes have to do after cataract surgery. (Cloudy membranes occasionally regrow in eyes with an aggressive healing response, his surgeon said. They aren't as dense as cataracts but will still blur vision. The surgeon says we shouldn't have to worry about them regrowing a 2nd time. He'll have the left eye done on Nov 13, and then hopefully no more surgeries for a while.) The surgery went well. He stayed overnight but was ok - it was just because he sleeps a lot after surgery. They usually like them to get up and around and eat something, but that isn't usually our guy's style. He was fine the next day and was his usual little happy self.

Just a few days after that, I was expressing my gratitude during family prayer that he didn't seem to be hurting. Right after I said "thanks that he doesn't seem like he's in pain" he started just squealing! When I asked him about it, he smiled and laughed for a solid 4-5 seconds!

Finally, I was blessed with a big smile from him when I asked him if the warm water felt good in his tub. Our little sunshine! He is such a miracle baby and a blessing!

We moved into new place 9/11, Xavier's first birthday. YAYYYYYY for both things, especially the birthday!!!! We had a birthday party for him the Saturday before with all his cousins on TJ's side. Lots of toys and cute clothes were showered. As for his actual big day (which was on a Thursday), Deanne gave him a little food grinder, so he had chicken nuggets and apples, and bananas and cheesecake. He liked both really well. I'm so glad he's one! I just can't tell you. We never thought we'd even get one day, and now he's over a year old! As for our move, it went well with Mike, Jon and Jake's help (father- & brother-in-law and nephew). Now just to get everything in its place...

TJ and I have been married for 4 years now, on September 17th. Wow, to me that's such a long time. It's way longer than any other relationship I ever had. I am so grateful for him. He puts up with a ton from me, and with such patience and love. He is such a blessing in my life. What a great guy.

I finally found our new ward, several tries later. Yahoo!! I went to 3 different buildings and was told about 6 or so different wards (even the internet was off) before I finally found the right one, 1st ward. What can you expect from a town that just got a whole new stake, though. It's bound to be crazy. I'm just glad to know where we fit! They seem really nice, too! Members of the bishopric and Relief Society have already been over to visit with us! Talk about making us feel welcome!

In my travels around ward buildings and times, I learned there is an elder in one of the wards in our building who is in my brother Kyle's mission right now! How cool is that? His name is Elder Miles Naylor. He's been out about 2-1/2 months, as he left July 30. I think he might be in the other ward in the building, Twin Falls 7th ward, but I'm not sure.

Well, I've really enjoyed conference, what I've watched so far. I didn't watch it on TV last weekend, but I've been watching it after then on the internet. I feel the Spirit so much as I listen to our leaders speak. I look forward to catching up on the rest of it.

In closing, here is a copy of Xavier's birthday announcement. What a little cutie! Love you all! P.S. I knowww I still haven't got pictures of him & his glasses on here yet! He just got his 2nd pair, the silicone-frame kind, which should be more comfy that the stiff-frame ones he had before. I'll have to post pictures with both sets!! Check out Deanne's blog for some glasses pics she took!

GLASSES!!!

2008-08-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

I know this is my 3rd post in 24 hours, but the glasses place just called me, and they finally have his glasses in!!!! WOO-HOO! Deanne will probably take him up there tomorrow. I'll definitely post pictures when I get him back!

Apartment Number!!!!

2008-08-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

It's not much but it is something - This morning, when TJ called the apts we've been waiting on, the lady told him which number we'll be living in!! Hooray!!

In other good news, the receptionist at the glasses checked, and told me X-man's glasses should be getting there today or tomorrow!!! Yayy!!! What's another good thing to go with it is he's still with Deanne, so he'll be close to have them fitted when the get there! Woo-hoo! He's finally going to get his glasses!!

I forgot to mention earlier that our little hotel room is pretty nice for what we're paying! The size is adequate for our needs. It also was recently remodeled with a beautiful hardwood floor. I like it, because it's easy to keep clean!

Our special little spirit

2008-08-03T16:54:00.001-07:00

I wanted to tell you all this story earlier, like last week when it happened, but I didn't have much time the day I sat down to email. I did want to make sure I told it to you, though. For some of you it will be a repeat, but it's worth telling again. When my Mom and Dad and everyone were down visiting, they and Grandma and Grandpa and Xavier and I went to the Twin Falls temple open house. (TJ was working.) I had looked forward to taking Xavier to the open house for a long time, because I was sure he'd enjoy it. He loves church so much - smiles a lot there, sings with the music, etc. And he truly did seem to love it. He was more still than usual, and just seemed to be taking everything in. There is such a beautiful spirit there, even though it isn't even dedicated yet. The craftsmanship is magnificent, of course, and the whole edifice is elegant in its well-appointed simplicity. My favorite part, without question, though, was at the very first. When you first walk into the temple, in the left-hand side of the entryway is a gorgeous print of Christ's face from a detail of the painting "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler" by Heinrich Hofmann. When Xavier saw that picture, he got the BIGGEST smile on his face!!!! What's more, come to think of it, when he smiles big like that, he'll usually laugh as well, but he was subdued and reverent, just smiling. I wish you all could have seen it. It reaffirmed my testimony again that our little guy knows and loves the Savior so well! He is such an example to me of the believer, so obedient, and so much loves the things that are right. I love him so much. I want to go back again sometime in the next two weeks while the open house is still going, and take TJ and Xavier. I think it will make a great family home evening. Maybe we should invite Grandma and Grandpa, too!

While I'm on the topic of the temple, it has been such a blessing for our area already, not surprisingly. I have noticed even members of our family that are inactive, such as my aunts Anita and Marla, acting interested. I can tell they feel something. How marvellous!! I hope that this helps bring to pass something I've prayed for for a long time, and that is that they will be brought back into the gospel. I pray that they'll bring their families, too! I know Anita's sons Trevor and Cade like the temple. They've been to the open house a few times, now. What a wonderful thing is the gospel!! How grateful I am for it, and for our Heavenly Father and our Savior, for giving it to us!!

Since it's fast Sunday, I want to share with you all an insight I gained recently from studying the scriptures. I've felt impressed for a while now to study the New Testament again, so I started the other day. I was reading in Matthew chapter 4 yesterday, and since I had in the back of my mind the upcoming fast today, Jesus' fasting experience in vv 1 - 11 'really stood out to me. I was studying the traditional text along with the JST, which adds some powerful insights!! What a blessed tool! Anyhow, as I was reading the passages there, I was thinking how full of light the Savior must have been just after he'd fasted. I know many times after I fast, if I do it right, I feel so at peace and so enlightened! The awesome thing about Christ is, being a sinless Man, I'm sure he wouldn't have lost that light, unlike me, who loses light through sin quite regularly. One thing I did realize about myself though, is, even though the former statement is true, it's also true that slowly but surely, as I keep making righteous efforts, gradually I've gained more and more light over time! I pray that I may continue in that path of faithfulness. But back to Christ, the real Hero in the story: The JST says He was carried about to the different places - the pinnacle of the temple, an exceedingly high mountain - and shown what he was shown about the kingdoms of the world by the Spirit. What a glorious experience that must have been, to be so virtuous and worthy to be able to have the Spirit minister unto Him in such a manner. Satan tried his evil worst to lead our Savior away, but the Lord didn't budge an inch, and dismissed the tempter without further ado. What a marvellous, marvellous guy! The whole experience must have helped sanctify Him until His light was, as I put it in my journal, as bright as a supernova!! If as bright as a supernova then, it only continues to increase until now He is indescribably bright! Like I said earler, what a Hero!

Now down to more mundane matters, although no less dear to my heart. Xavier had a post-op checkup in Salt Lake again Friday. It went well, but he has some regrowth of membranes in his eyes. The right eye in particular has some growth right in the center. They (the regrowths) aren't as dense as the cataracts were, the dr said, but he still wants to take a look at the right eye under anesthesia. He may want to go in the day after he does that, and remove the regrowth. The EUA (exam under anesthesia) is scheduled for the 25th of September. Sigh. Poor little guy. I hope it's not a big deal for him. They wanted to do the EUA on the 11th of September, but I said, "That's his birthday!" and I had them schedule it later. Deanne wanted to borrow Xavier for a few days, so on the way back from Salt Lake, we met up in Burley (a town near Twin) and I let her take him. I was sad to see him go, but I know he'll be back soon. I miss the little fella like crazy, even though he really isn't far away and I know he's in good hands. What a cute little guy. Deanne and I will probably meet up again on Monday or Tuesday, and I'll get him back. Yayy!! The plan was to hopefully (finally!) get him his glasses while he's over there, but they still! aren't in. Sigh. Hopefully soon... Maybe by tomorrow or perhaps Tuesday they'll have them. The doctor didn't seemed concerned about going this long without glasses as far as it causing problems, so that's good, at least. We'll just keep waiting...

That's about it for us! TJ and I did go to see Hancock and Ironman at the drive-in last night, which was fun, other than some bad language in the movies. I need to be better about refusing evil media. Well anyhow, talk to you all again soon! Oh yeah, and here are some of my favorites of those studio pics!

Hello Twin Falls!

2008-07-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, we all got down to Twin last week, and are having a good time! TJ came down last Monday morning, and Xavier and I came down Tuesday evening

Well, I must make this brief today, but soon I'll post some of my favorites of those studio pictures!

Moving!!! (sort of)

2008-07-22T10:17:00.001-07:00

Well, TJ and I got discussing things on Friday night. We decided Xavier and I would go down to Twin around the same time as TJ, instead of waiting for the apartment to open up first. It's going to be good, because we were going to miss T while he was gone. He found a hotel that does monthly rates, not too far from Grandma & Grandpa's (or the reunion! Woo-hoo!). It's older, but clean, TJ said, with new carpet and paint. So for the past few days, I've been getting used to the idea of being gone about a month sooner than I thought. I almost cried leaving my friends in Relief Society yesterday!! I am sad to leave, but happy to move forward. I am happy for TJ to start this new chapter in our lives. We'll just have to come back and visit as much as possible. Deanne wants to borrow Xavier once a month - meet 1/2 way, and she'd borrow him for a couple of days. I think that sounds great! I'll miss our little guy, but it will be good to share him when they can't see him every day anymore. Incidentally, I am so grateful he has remained healthy! When he was born almost a year ago, we never dreamed he'd be still doing this well so much later! What a great blessing!!!

I got some funny pictures of Xavier with food all over his face last week. I had been spoon-feeding him, and I'm still a little messy at it. Oh well. It makes for good memories! TJ also gave Xavier his 3rd haircut on Friday! T was a little nervous, never having cut our little guy's hair before, but he did a good job. He used the clippers, with which he's cut his own hair countless times, so I knew he would do well. The most delicate thing about cutting Xavier's hair is being careful not to cut the skin above the shunt, or on the bones that haven't fused yet at the back of his skull, and protrude a little. TJ was extremely gentle, though, as I knew he would be, so everything turned out beautifully. Check them out!

We (TJ & I) went to this dinner theater in Pocatello called "Mystique" on Saturday. It was AWESOME! For an appetizer, they gave us 4 giant prawn shrimp with cocktail sauce along with a tasty little salad. But back to dinner: for the main course, we had prime rib roast with a peppery rub, roasted cubed potatos, and sugared carrots. To finish off, they gave us chocolate-vanilla swirl cheesecake with a chocolate crust! And that was just dinner! The show was 1st-class! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Not only was the acting and singing phenomenal, but so were the costumes (I must admit, my favorite part!). The decorations in the place are swanky-looking, too: lots of gold, including big golden lions, and the walls were painted to look like green marble! Even on the tables, they had these romantic candles flickering in little red cups! I tell you, it was AMAZING!! If you guys lived around here, I'd say you definitely should go! TJ had to buy the VIP seating because all the regular seats were sold out, which meant the shrimp was included, and we had slightly better seats. Normally, he said, he would have just stuck with the normal seats, but it was either the fancier ones or nothing. In any event, it was all definitely worth it!! On the way home, TJ was trying out the new GPS again. (He loves it, by the way, and uses it at every available opportunity!) He wanted to take this route home that was supposed to be the shortest distance, one we'd never tried before. It went across the Shoshone-Bannock reservation. So we were going along just fine - the roads got a little rough, but not bad. Suddenly, the GPS said, "Turn right on 'Unnamed'." We were a little confused at that, but thought we'd check it out anyway. It didn't look like there was a road there, but possibly just a little roadside turnout. "Let's just try it," TJ said. So I turned the car toward the way the GPS said. When the headlights shone over the path ahead, what we saw was what looked like a wagon trail, with 4-foot weeds on either side!! We looked at each other, laughed, and turned around and went the other way. It was fun to try at least!

We got these beautiful studio shots of Xavier done yesterday (July 21st). I am so glad we did them! I've wanted to have them done for a while now! Deanne suggested it yesterday, and then very generously paid for them. They are beautiful! When I get some time, I'll post them too!

Well, I'd best get a move on (literally)! Talk to you all again soon!

Giggles

2008-07-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I was holding Xavier last night while TJ and I were watching TV. Our little guy's feet were pointed toward TJ, so he (TJ) started to play with them. He must have found a ticklish spot, because he had Xavier not only smiling and doing his little "aah" laugh that he has before, he was also doing this high-pitched giggle, too, that I don't remember hearing before. It was hilarious! He did it for about 5 minutes straight, as long as TJ kept tickling him. I wish I had a video. We're going to try to get one of him doing it sometime. (We're also going to get one of him doing his physical therapy, but that's a different topic.)

10 months old!!

2008-07-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

That's how old Xavier is as of yesterday! It's so cool! I am so grateful! Well, we haven't been up to much this week, other than TJ getting hired by Dell!!! Yayyyy!! Our niece, Katie, just turned 8 and was baptized by her dad today. It was very sweet. She's a happy little girl. It was a good time to reflect on my own covenants, and when I made them. TJ had to work, but X-man and I went with everyone else. T only has 3 more days to work there at the state hospital. I speak for him - woohoo!!!! Seriously, he is excited we're moving on with our lives. I am, too! New things are always refreshing. Xavier should be getting his glasses soon, probably in the next week or so. I know, I probably said that last week. She said it could take a little while. Here's hoping we get them soon! The only other thing of interest is that I'm singing in sacrament meeting tomorrow. The topic of the meeting is going to be families. I chose to sing "Families Can be Together Forever". I'm going to sing the first verse twice, first in Spanish, second in English. I felt prompted to do it this way as my testimony, and also my expression of gratitude and joy, that all families all over the earth can be eternal. I may also get to go to the temple on Wednesday with some ladies from the ward. That will be neat. I haven't been since just after Xavier was born.

"I always want to be with my own family/And the Lord has shown me how I can."

TJ's job!!

2008-07-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

Dell called TJ yesterday, and offered him a job, starting July 21st (Danielle's b-day!)! I am so proud of him! It sounds like their pay and benefits are really good, too, so that's nice. The only thing is that we won't be moved down there quite yet by then, so T will have to find a place to stay for about a month until that's squared away, too. Anyhow, I was so excited about his news, and didn't want to wait until the weekend to tell you all.

Also, I called Xavier's eye dr on Salt Lake and asked him if he still wanted us to come Monday when we hanen't got his glasses in yet. Thankfully, he let us wait! We don't have to go back until Aug 1, now. Yayyyyy! I am thankful every day that PCMC is so professional and close

2008-07-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

From 7/7/08: "Howdy, everyone! TJ's been working on getting a job in Twin, as you know. He talked to the hiring manager at Dell on Friday, and it sounded pretty positive that he got the job there. They needed some paperwork right away, so he went down there again to hand-deliver it, because even faxing stuff, it didn't sound like everything was going to get to the appropriate place in time. The people down there today seemed a little less certain to him about him having the job, but he's hoping that because the other guy is the one actually doing the hiring, he'll still get it. Here's crossing our fingers! My man also turned 29 yesterday! I made him sourdough bread with pulled pork, corn on the cob, bbq beans, and a banana lush. It was TJ's idea to do the lush banana flavor. Everything was really good, if I do say so myself! We had fun opening presents. His main gift I gave him was a Magellan GPS travel thing-y. (Not something I would have chosen, you can tell! ) He picked it out himself. We found it on clearance at Toys 'R' Us for a good deal. We're going to trade it for another one, though, that has Canada maps. We thought this one did, but it doesn't. It will be cool to have this little gadget, for visiting Canadian family, or going to Disneyland, or what have you.

"We head off to Salt Lake again tomorrow. This time it's just for a checkup for our little guy's eyes. I think it will be fine - just an in-and-out type of visit. Between going to Twin and Salt Lake, TJ and I are feeling a little whiny about all the travelling lately. Sigh. Oh well. Hopefully, this will be the last Salt Lake trip for a while. We have the paperwork filled out for the gas reinbursement from Medicaid, too, so hopefully we'll get that turned in, too, and start getting paid for that. It will be nice!

"I don't know if I mentioned it earlier, but I have been feeling a little blue/trepidation at leaving all our friends and X-man's medical personnel behind... (especially the medical people). I know it will all work out, but it seems like it may be a big chore, and potentially we'll forget something important. (Not me! Me, forgetful? Wait, what's my name again?) I'll just have to keep praying about it!

"Oh yeah, and we had a great 4th! How was all of yours? Xavier seemed to really enjoy the fireworks! It was cute to see him looking at the lights, and his little eyes getting wide with the sounds! ! I'm sure he got much more out of them, now that he can see better. It was so cool for both TJ and I to see him having a good time with them. TJ was hoping to get Xavier's glasses before then, but they took longer than that to order them. At least, we should be getting them in the next week or so, so he'll be able to enjoy a whole new world of sight! (I hope, being as we don't have them yet, Dr. Hoffman, the eye surgeon, won't want to have us come back just so he can see how our little guy is with them. Ugh, DRIVING!!). Anyway, I better get on with my day!"

Just a little bit more...

2008-07-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Jessica asked me a few questions about our guy, and I wanted to share what I told her! What I said was Xavier is rolling more! He gets better every time we work on it together! He occasionally will roll on his own while I'm helping him do his exercises! At the urging of his speech therapist, I've started to feed him solid food. I've been mixing it in with his bottle for a while now, but haven't been actually spoon feeding him until just the last few weeks. We've only done it a few times so far. I wasn't sure how it would work for him. He's a champ at it, though! He seems like he enjoys it, even! This evening, he slicked down a helping of berries, bananas and oatmeal in a jiffy, and wanted more! I am so pleased with him! What a bg boy! He's growing up so fast!

Arrgh!

2008-07-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

From 7/2/08: "Our little pirate sends you all greetings! That's one of the funny sounds he makes lately. He also goes "aah" just to talk, and licks his lips like he's drinking a bottle when he's hungry. It's really funny! He's so cute! His eyes continue to get better. He has a small infection in the one that just had surgery (I think it's pinkeye), but I have been giving him an antibiotic drop the hospital had had him taking when he first had the surgery, and it seems like it's clearing it up. Anyway, that's my Xavier moment for this email.

"We came across a little bit of frustration this week in TJ's job-finding process and with our apt (soon to be). We went to Twin on Tuesday because T had a job interview at Dell. It went OK, I think, but not as well as he had hoped because he hasn't been trained on servers, and his interviewer had thought he had been. He doesn't think he'll get the job because of that, but maybe it's a good thing because they may not have been as able to work with his school schedule as a nursing home might be. That's where he's going to try for next. I really think, like I believe I said before, that he'll have an easy time getting on at one of those. He has a proficiency test at Dell later this month just to see if he might be able to do the servers (I think), so we'll wait for the final word on that until then. As far as our apartment, we turned in some info to the lady while we were in town, and she was saying because of some other things going on, she may put us in some older apts than the ones we thought we were getting into. We don't like the idea of them as well, because they were built in the 60's or something, and the ones we are hoping we get were built in 2002. The older ones also don't have fridges (ugh! I don't want to have to buy a fridge right now!). I think we'll still end up with the newer ones, though, because for one, the older ones aren't wheelchair accessible (I don't think so anyway), which of course is a necessity, and for another, the problematic situation didn't sound that serious (I don't remember exactly what she said).

"Well, I hope everyone had a happy 4th!

"TJ told me where to find the pics of Xavier's last surgery, so check out the cute/funny pictures of us!"

Apartment!!!

2008-07-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

From 6/27/08: "TJ talked to the lady over the apts we've been waiting on on Tuesday to see how things were going. She said there was an orientation scheduled for 9 am the next morning in Twin about them that she recommended we attend. We figured it was time to find some place to live even if we had to find another apt temporarily while we waited on an opening in the govt-subsidized ones. So we packed our stuff to stay for a couple of days to look for another place, while hoping we'd still get into the one we wanted soon. Off we all jetted westward bright and early the Wednesday morning (we left at 5:30! ). While we were at the meeting, the lady over the apts and the orientation informed us that she wasn't positive, but it sounded like the person just ahead of us on the waiting list was probably going to decide to live somewhere else. She said they had until the 30th to decide. That got our hopes up a little, but we didn't plan on anything. Thus we were happily surprised when, within just a couple of hours following the meeting, the apt lady called to tell us the other person had definitely decided to live somewhere else. We get to move in mid-August! Such a blessing!

It sounds like TJ is going to have an easy time finding a decent job, too, judging by his previous experiences with some of the nursing homes he is applying at, and from the warm reception he got at his old workplace, Dell. As far as medical wokplaces, the hospital had a few positions open, and he'd like to get on with them because they will help pay for tuition to get his RN. He says they're harder to get on with, but it sounds like if he doesn't get that job, there will be plenty other good ones available. I am excited for him.

Myself, as much as I am joyous about moving, I still feel a little nervous for the reason of locating a whole new battery of medical personnel for Xavier. I just want it all to go smoothly, and I'm worried that it won't. Logically, I know if I am careful about it, things should work out fine. Sigh. Guess I'll just have to take it one day at a time.

Last of all, I thought I'd send you all some of my favorite older pictures of Xavier that were on this memory card!"

Week 3

2008-07-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

From 6/23/08: "Hi you all! I'll keep this brief for now because it's really late (or early!). I didn't want to forget and not write, so I thought I'd dash off a quick note. Xavier's left cataract surgery went well, and we're home now. We did have to stay for a couple nights because he had a hard time keeping up his oxygen saturation there for a little bit. He got it back to normal now, so that's good. He just holds his breath when he's mad, which was quite a lot there unfortunately because he didn't like them taking his vitals (especially his blood pressure). They thought about sending him home with oxygen, but thankfully he didn't have to have it come home with him. His eyes look great, and one of these first days this week I hope, we'll get his eyeglass prescription filled. We can already tell that he is seeing more. TJ held his hand's shadow over Xavier's left eye yesterday, and it was apparent our little guy was trying to focus on it, which he didn't do before. It's so exciting. Those two have really become even closer buddies lately. It's cute to watch. Xavier grabbed a hold of TJ's thumb last night, and kept pulling it into his mouth and sucking on it. I didn't see it, but T told me about it. They're so cute together! It's adorable how much TJ loves Xavier! He's really become a wonderful father. Well, I'm going to bed now! Have a great week, all!"

Week 2 of letters

2008-07-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

From 6/16/08: "Hi all! Not much to tell this week, other than Xavier's cataract surgery, the one for his right eye. It went really well. He sailed through it, and woke up and drank some bottle not long after he was out. That's something the hospital insists the kids do after they get out of surgery, eat something and keep it down, before they'll release them. He slicked down about 2 oz of glucose water in a about 1/2 an hour, and was good to go! I don't wonder the poor little guy was so hungry: He wasn't allowed to eat anything after 9:45 am, and his surgery didn't happen until early afternoon - I want to say around 2 or 3, but I'm not sure exactly when it was. (I kind of lost track of the time.) It was scheduled for 11:15, but they were running behind. He slept for 3-ish hours while we were waiting, so he didn't suffer with a growling tummy for too long. I was glad he drank so much so quickly, because last time (after his tear duct probe), he slept for a long time, and didn't want to wake up and eat. Because of that, I offered him food a little more aggressively this time. I hope everything goes well this Thursday, when they do his left eye! They are going to fit him for glasses after his surgery on Thursday! They said contacts would probably eventually be his better bet, but they're trying this first. Eventually, they said they may be able to implant artificial lenses in his eyes, when he gets bigger.

"Check out these pictures from our trip! Oh, also see the picture of our (my family's) stay in Lava in March! (TJ was already gone to work when the photo below was taken)

(This was our view from the cabin!)

(This is where Xavier first swam!)

"Happy Father's Day to those dads I didn't talk to! Xavier gave TJ a Pirates of the Caribbean pocket watch with a picture of him with his eye patch in it, and I gave him a couple A Perfect Circle cds and a remote controlled Batman Begins car. He seemed pleased with them! Well, that's it for now! Talk to you soon!"

1st weekly letter blog

2008-07-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

I started writing a weekly letter to my family recently, and thought "I ought to put them on my blog!" So here goes!

From 6/9/08: "Well, for those of you that don't know, TJ finished his math class with an "A"! All of his hard work really paid off! Speaking of payment, the poor guy has been working crazy hours this week. I think he said someone quit. Anyhow, we should be getting a nice paycheck this time, but I feel a little spouse-deprived... Today, for instance, he got off about 3:30 am after covering part of someone else's shift immediately working his own shift (the evening, from 2:30 -11 pm). He came home, slept until about 1 pm, when someone called and wanted him to work their shift. So he's working a double this evening, from 2:30 - 11 PLUS 11 - 6:30 am!! Ugh, poor guy! The weird hours are really wearing on him. I'll be glad when he can have a more normal shift (hopefully)when we move to Twin.

"Speaking of moving, no we haven't heard from those apts yet. Still waiting! I hope they'll notify us soon! How are the houses coming, Danielle & Jamie?

"Xavier has his cataract surgeries this coming Thursday, the 12, for his right eye, and next week on the 19th for his left. I pray those go well. (Now, to think about glasses/contacts for him...) Lately his "people" (his speech therapist, who helps him eat better (i.e. swallowing), and the nutritionist from the WIC office, where we get free formula because we're low-income) have been talking to me about the possibility of him needing a feeding tube someday. Oh, our little guy has to go through so much! He always does it so bravely and cheerfully, too! What a little example he is to me! Lately, he's become such a talker! He's really found his voice! He communicates with yells, growls, cries, coos, and so forth. He's also begun to play with us! For instance, when Deanne(my Mom-in-law) kisses him on the cheeks and talks to him, a lot of times he'll smile and even laugh! He has become quite the little smiler! It's so precious! I tried attaching the pics I have of him smiling, but it's not working right now. I'll try again next week! ! He also has become adept at rolling, as long as we're there to help him. The other day when his physical therapist was out, she barely had to help him at all, and he was rolling from his sides to his tummy or back! While on his tummy, he would alternately bring his knees up under him, then kick them out. Maybe someday, he'll learn to crawl! He's such a miracle boy! I was going to say "little", but he's close to 18 lbs now! He's growing right up!

"Last week, TJ & I got the Wii Fit game! It is so much fun, and really good exercise, too! There is one minigame that has you run. It takes less space and is more entertaining than our treadmill, so we're going to sell that! I'm excited about our new game, because it makes working out fun! I am also jazzed about the prospect of selling our treadmill, because it means I will have some extra cash to buy T the recumbent trike he's been wanting, for his birthday (July 6). I figure if he rides that around Twin when the weather is good, it will save us gas money. (THAT's a different matter...) I think I'll either list it on craigslist or the paper, or maybe both. We'll see.
As for myself, not that much to tell... I finally learned what info I have to turn in for my calling as RS secretary. It's so simple! Just the # of ladies that attend each month! Here I've gone months wondering what to turn in, and have got no real answer from those I asked. I finally got hold of the ward clerk, and he pointed me in the right direction! Hallelujah! What a great thing is clarity!

"Well, that's a pretty good first edition, I think! Have a great week, all! Be talking to you soon!"

Xavier laughing pics

2008-05-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Many of you probably saw Deanne's blog

with the originals of these pictures,

but when I saw the cute shots of my little guy,

I was itching to give them a personal touch on Picnik.

Here's my version of those precious pictures!!

---

Ahh. I just love our little guy so much!

My awesome husband

2008-05-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

After reading some of my friends' and family's blogs about the great Mother's Day presents they got, I wanted to write a blog about what TJ gave me. It was exactly what I wanted - a fashion designing game for my nintendo DS, and a pack of pen-sized styluses (styli?) for it, too. I'm a little embarassed that that is what I wanted - it seems so immature!- but it really is fun! TJ always has such a knack for picking out just the right thing, whether it be for me or for someone else. He has such an insightful way of finding really meaningful presents. More often than not, too, he'll find it in some amazing sale! He has such a talent for it. I believe it's because that's how he expresses his love for others. His gifts to me over the years have varied in type and cost (Celine Dion tickets being one of my all-time faves!!), but have constantly shown to me the depth of his devotion. What a sweet guy! I love you, honey!

Final, TF and ROLLING!!!!

2008-04-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I wrote a blog about us, so I thought I'd do a quick update. TJ has just about finished his math class. He only has the final left, and it'll be done! He should end up getting a pretty good grade on it, too: it's open book, only 20 questions, and the 2 hardest chapters will be omitted. Plus, he can take it at home, and take all the time he needs. He feels pretty confident, I think. He said even if he does poorly on the final, though, he'll likely still get a C. So either way, it should work out pretty well.

TJ & I went down to Twin Falls last week to try to find a place to live. We're going to be moving down there in the fall, for TJ to get ready to go to the nursing program. We thought it would take us a couple of days to find a place, but we found one the first day! We applied with the Twin Falls Housing Authority, which is subsidized. They said with Xavier's condition, they'd put us at the top of the list! They're duplexes, and are fairly new, built in 2002. They seem nice! They've got a little patio, and the room sizes seem comfortable. There's a lot of grass & a play area for the kids. They're also wheelchair accessible-very important as we may be there a while, and because they're subsidized, rent will be cheap (based on our income, but I don't think we'll be rich any time soon! :)!) It sounds really good. TJ & I are both quite excited! He asked me to go by there a few times just to look, after it sounded promising, so we went. Funny man!

Now for the main event! Drumroll please...Xavier's started having physical therapy. This is to help him to stay limber, and to hopefully make progress as to the things he's able to do. See the Rays of Sunshine link for info about Xavier's condition, if you're confused. So Sunday, I had him laying on his side for him to hopefully roll to his back, and HE DID IT!!!! Way to go, Xavier!!!! He was mad about doing laying down, so he was kicking his little legs, and the momentum got him going. We are all so proud of you, little buddy!!!!

Look at this adorable pic of him sleeping TJ's mom took. He's just such a little angel! I edited the picture on that picnik site Holli told me about! It's a lot of fun!

Friends

2008-04-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

I took some pictures of the flowers that were growing at the church and the temple on Alissa & Spence's wedding day, Saturday. I saw some truths about friends evident in them I thought I'd share.

"A Good Friend"

Good friends know it's more fun when you're all together.

They see the beauty in your differences.

They brighten your life just by being there.

They lead out by example.

Most of all, good friends take a personal interest in your life,

and want to make sure everything's going ok.

This post is dedicated to all of you, my very good friends!

Testing, testing, 123..

2008-03-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Pardon my dust! I'm playing with my blog to check out different options. So if you come and it looks totally different, that's why...

I Quit!

2008-03-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

That's what I told my former employers there at Qwest! They gave me the option of being fired or quitting, and I chose the latter. My boss said he would still pay me my vacation if I quit, so that's what I did. (I got that in writing, too, of course!) He was really nice about the whole thing, actually. There are a lot of nice people there, many of whom are my friends. I will miss them, but not my job :p. I have a much more challenging and much more fulfilling job now, as a full-time wife and mom. I am SO grateful for that.

A funny side note: as I was driving to work this morning, I was feeling, as you all know, kind of anxious about the whole deal. I felt sure I would be fired, and I was sad about being away from my little baby all day. So I turned to a Christian radio station to help soothe my spirits. There was a speaker on just then, talking about 1 Kings. As part of his lesson, he said (basically),"A mother's place is with her children." I found God's comic timing pretty perfect.

As it turns out, He wasn't placing that comment in my road paradoxically, for which I am grateful. I would have learned to be happy about it, if what He had meant was "Usually a mom should be with her kids, but I want you to work", but I am SO thankful in my case, He approved of and made possible my righteous desire to be home with my little boy. Another thing the speaker mentioned is how very much influence a mother has over her children. His example was King Ahab's mother in the Old Testament. He mentioned Omri, Ahab's father, was a very wicked man, "and did worse than all that were before him" (1 Kings 16:25), but that "Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him. (emphasis added, v. 30, same chapter)" The speaker mentioned another wicked king, Jeroboam (whose father was also wicked), and pointed out the verse 1 Kings 15:2, which names Jeroboam's mother. "Why would the mother be named?" he asked. "Many times the father is named, but it is unusual for the mother to be." Then he said something that made a deep impact upon me. He said (in essence), "It is because even with a wicked father, the mother (Jeroboam's or Ahab's) could have turned her son toward God. The king, the boy's father, left early in the morning and always had a full schedule, so the mother had ample opportunity to shape the young man's life for good."

I felt that that was an inspired analysis. It was one of those moments in studying the scriptures that I feel will affect the rest of my life. I was left pondering, "What am I doing to shape my son's life for good? What kind of influence am I having on him? Am I doing my best to counteract the evil he may face?" I conclude with I just cannot say how thankful now I am to be able to do my best in exerting a righteous influence on my little son. And that I don't have to go to a job I despise! :) Here's a pic of me "doing my new job."

First haircut

2008-03-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Xavier got his first haircut! What a big step! I was happy for him, but felt twinges of nostalgia for the baby he's growing out of being at the same time. He did so well! As you can see here, he just drank his bottle and barely noticed we were messing with his hair! My sister-in-law Kristy cut off about 2". What a lot of hair he had! This is the finished project! How handsome!! As for everything else, TJ is settling in to his job. Sometimes he says it's a little boring, but mostly it's pretty good. He's usually working the swing shift or night shift. He actually says he likes the night shift better, though, because it seems to him you have more of the day to yourself that way.

I tenatively venture back into the world of the employed tomorrow. ???? Wish me luck!

We took Xavier to church for the first time on Sunday. Well, actually just sacrament meeting. He did alright. He fussed some, but probably would have done the same at home. I felt it went tolerably well.

Anyhoo...th.th.that's all for now, folks!

Shot time...

2008-03-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Xavier is doing so well! He got into sz 2 diapers on Tuesday, and (finally!) got his 1st shots Thursday. They were waiting because they weren't sure how long he'd live. He's sure showed them! He weighs 14 lbs 11 oz now, and is 25.3" long. Sniff. My little guy is growing up! Oh, he got approved for medicaid, too! ZThat will be a great help!

Tj is loving his new job!

'K, I have a lot more to write, but I think I smell a stinky bum... and it's not mine...

Our latest batch of blessings!

2008-03-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well, TJ started his job at Blackfoot South, the state mental hospital, as a CNA on Monday. So far, he loves it! He's working with the geriatric unit, and he said, actually, for the most part, they seem relatively easy to deal with. (Easier than some Alzheimer's patients, I believe were his sentiments!) He likes his coworkers and bosses, and the pay and benefits are pretty good, too! It's such a blessing he got a good job that he likes, especially now that I'm going to be going back from maternity leave here soon to Qwest, and will most likely quit/get fired very soon afterward :P(anyone who doesn't know that story, just ask!). He's downstairs working on his class right now, so hopefully it's going well. I try not to bug him while he's working on it. Those of you who've taken an online class like I have know that one of the main frustrations that can happen is with the internet connection failing. That's happened a few times to TJ. His teacher has been really understanding and good to help extend his deadlines if necessary though, because s/he (?)can see how hard TJ is working on it (through many a phone call); plus, TJ's not the only one who has the same problem, so that helps.

I meant to write about this second thing a week or so ago 'cuz I was pretty excited about it...but I'm a slacker...While TJ & I were in town one day (I believe it was last Friday) and Deanne, TJ's mom, was watching X-man, his feeding tube was coming out (it was put through his nose down into his stomach). He hadn't been eating through it since he was in the hospital in January, anyway. We had kept it in just in case, and had also been doing his medicines through it (which was very handy!! Nice not to have to worry about the little critter spitting out his yukky-tasting meds! ;) ). So when it started to work out, Deanne called TJ & asked if she could just take it out. We approved, and so now we have a "free" baby! No more tube! It's nicer on everyone, and as for him spitting out the meds, usually we'll just give them to him orally now, drop by drop, and he usually does great.

Xavier got approved for SSI sometime during this past little while, which will be so helpful for us. The gov't pays us a monthly sum to help with expenses. Also, we're pretty sure he will also qualify for Medicaid, which will, among other things, help pay for a wheelchair when the time comes. That will be so helpful, because, as I realized through googling the subject this morning, they are a pretty penny! It is such a blessing our government has programs like this.

My sister-in-law, Alissa and her fiancè, Spencer, are nearing the "big day!" They are so cute! The closer they get, the more excited I am for them. I just saw a copy of their announcement, and it's adorable! Thank the Lord for temples and eternal families!

Well, I've been considering my life lately and how I need to better it, and when I look over my blessings like this, I realize how much I have to be grateful to the Savior for, and how much I ought to better serve Him as thanks.

Xavier today

2008-02-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hey, all, here is a long-awaited update. Sorry I'm such a slacker! Xavier is doing AWESOME!!! He is obviously feeling a TON better. He is more alert, more active, and more vocal. I quote: "WAAAAHHH!!" Tee hee! He used to just whine. It is so awesome our little guy is doing SO well. Ahhh. It just warms my heart.

Oh, and TJ got the job with Blackfoot South, which is a local state mental hospital as a CNA. This is really cool because it's one of the few entry-level jobs in this area with BENEFITS!!! Oh, yeah, and he's still maintaining his A average in his online math class! I'm just a little excited and a little proud of him. OK, a lot!

To close, check out this cute pic of Xavier and his 2nd cousin Hunter.

Hunter: "Life is cool...just dreaming of bottles...mmm, tasty..."

Xavier:"Oh, please, hold the cameras."

Shunt surgery

2008-02-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Our little Xavier went for his shunt surgery today, which went really well. He's just recovering now. Hopefully it will help him feel better. Keep us in your prayers! Hope you are all doing well!

My two guys

2008-02-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

TJ is doing fantastic at his online class! He's done a lot of chapters, several quizzes, and a few tests so far, and he's only ever gotten "A"s on all of those grades!! Amazing! I know it hasn't always been easy for him, but he's perservered and prevailed! That's my man!

We'll be heading to Salt Lake a little later today for Xavier's shunt consultation. I hope that goes well. Please keep us in your prayers.

Apparently angels are funny...

2008-01-27T15:37:00.000-08:00

...or so it would seem! I was holding Xavier yesterday while he slept. I was also playing with my Nintendo DS, when I suddenly felt his little body shaking. He was also making an odd sound, a kind of "heh, heh, heh". Somewhat alarmed (thinking he may be having a seizure), I looked down at him. Lo and behold, he had the biggest grin on his face, and was just giggling this quiet little laugh!! Needless to say, it was adorable. He's chuckled before, but I don't remember him outright laughing like that. I thought, either he's having a really funny dream, or someone on the other side told him a good one! It got me wishing I knew what the joke was!

So far, TJ has gotten about a 99% average from his online math class! I'm so proud of him! He has been working hard at getting a job, and has some promising leads at some local hospitals. Hopefully, they'll realize what a valuable employee he would be for them, and offer him a job!

Back already!

2008-01-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

Our stay at PCMC went well. We got back about 8:30 last night. They want to do a surgery to relief the extra pressure in his head, but Xavier has a couple of infections right now, one in his bloodstream, and one in his urinary tract, so they want to get that cleared up before they proceed. That's why we came home, to wait it out. He seems to be feeling better for the moment. At times, he even seems like his former healthy self! He can drink his bottle now, which he didn't feel well enough to do much of for a few days. That's a big relief!! They switched his pain and anti-seizure medicines, and they seem to be working better. The poor little guy has about 8 medications now, 5 of which he will take regularly. One is his antibiotic, too, so he'll hopfully soon be over taking that one. The others are "just in case" pain meds. Whew!! How much medicine can one little guy take!! We left the feeding tube in him, so in the event he doesn't feel well enough again to eat, we'll at least be able to give him the meds he so very much needs. As far as the surgery, it should be relatively minor, with great results for him. He will be much more comfortable. Let's hope he can stay with us long enough to enjoy the reults of it, if that's Heavenly Father's plan for him.

We're having the Creekside hospice agency come in and help us with him, and so far they've been wonderful! They will help us with his meds, as well as diapers and wipes, along with a great variety of other helpful services. I am so glad we chose to let them help us. They just started today.

In other news, TJ started his online math class. He's going through CSI. It seems to be going well so far! I am so proud of him!

To close today's latest, I want to show you this ADORABLE!!!!! picture we got of our guy. I've wanted to get a picture of one of his angelic little smiles for a long time, but have never succeeded. That is, until now!! TJ took this in the hospital yesterday, as we were getting ready to go home. Have you ever seen anything so sweet?!

Going to Salt Lake

2008-01-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd write a quick update. We have been off and on about wanting to go down to Primary Children's, but we finally decided to go for sure this morning. Xavier has been having a hard time getting his medicine down the last few days, with it slowly worsening all the time. It seems like he is having a hard time swallowing. He has had a cold, too, and so at first we weren't positive whether it was just that bugging him or something else. It has become apparent, though, that more than just a cold is giving him trouble. We know the swallowing problem is from the excess fluid in his poor little head. Our doctor in Blackfoot advised us that as more fluid builds up, the more strain it puts on his brain stem which controlls his basic functions of swallowing, sucking, breathing, etc. We've occasionally noticed problems in these areas from time to time, especially if for some reason, he's behind on his meds, but things have been declining gradually for a week or so. We called our local clinic this morning, and when they said they c0uldn't do any more for him, we prayed about it, and finally decided to see what the specialists down at PCMC would do or say. We know, of course, that anything they do won't be a permanent fix, but hopefully they can help him be as comfortable as possible for the time being. Please pray for us. Please especially pray for our little guy!

"Leader of the Pack"

2008-01-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

That's what his little shirt says, if you can't read it. My cousin by marriage and good friend Jessica Payton saw the little outfit at Walmart, and said she just *had* to get it for him, because we call ourselves the Wolfepack. How much more adorable can you get?!

We went to the Rexburg temple open house on Saturday with Jessica and her husband Brian, and members of TJ's family. It was so beautiful. Like all temples, you can feel the sweet peace of the Lord's Spirit there.

This last pic is one of the ones I wanted to put in my Chistmas blog, but I didn't have it right there readily available. Oh, I just love our guy!!!

Actually...(2)

2008-01-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

After I just wrote the previous blog, I talked to Deanne again, and she advised we keep his Feb 14th appt, just in case. TJ was OK with that, so I guess that's what we'll do! You just never know with us! :)

Actually...

2008-01-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

Well, even though it was a very hard decision (for me!), TJ and I, and TJ's mom, discussed it more last night, and we decided not to go down to Primary Children's. Reason being, a CAT scan or MRI will just tell us what we already know, and we decided a surgery to relieve the excess pressure would not be in his best interests. It has been so hard for me to feel like I am sitting back and doing nothing! It's so hard to watch him suffer. However, I know we are doing the best thing for him, and that this way, he will actually suffer less. We will also incur less medical bills this way, too, and that's always good. I have felt many times that I am beginning to get a small taste of what Heavenly Father must have felt as He had to watch His Son suffer!

In other news, TJ did not get in to the math class he needed at EITC to get his LPN. He enrolled instead in 2 online classes from CSI. That's actually GREAT because whereas he was going to have to take about 17(?) more credits to get his LPN, now he only has to take 6 credits, and he will be in the main program!!! We are talking about moving to Twin Falls to have him finish at CSI after that. You see? Heavenly Father watches over us after all, and makes sure, as long as we follow Him, the best things happen for us!!

Also, a week or two ago, I got called, to my overwhelming surprise, to be secretary in the Relief Society! I guess Heavenly Father knows what He's doing (ok, I know it!)! I'm just a regular person, but I'll do my very best for Him!

Xavier's next appt at PCMC

2008-01-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, everyone! Hope yours was as great as ours was! I was waiting to update my blog until I got my hands on our Christmas pictures, but I never did, other than the above pics I downloaded fom Deanne's (my mother-in-law) Shutterfly account. Ours was quiet - just staying home with the fam (other than in the pictures where we went to the family Christmas party at a Chinese restaurant)- but really, what more can I ask for? We had a white Christmas, which was a nice change from years past! It was so beautiful, and we had such a great relaxing time! We were loaded with presents on Christmas, and we played fun games over the holidays, like Apples to Apples, and Rook. Playing games together as a family has always been one of my favorite things about the holidays. We never dreamed that Xavier would be here this long, since we've known about his condition, so we still feel so blessed to have him! We thought he had a cold yesterday, so we took him to the doctor over in Blackfoot, 15 miles away. He doesn't, thankfully! They did advise us to take him for another consultation at Primary Children's in Salt Lake, though, since he's outlasted any odds we were originally given. They scheduled us for Valentine's Day, but our doctor and nurse here recommended, too, that we just show up to the E.R. down there and just explaining the situation and giving them our doctor's cell phone number. Consequently, we'll probably head down there shortly, like tomorrow maybe. I'll keep you all posted!

2007-12-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!! Our little guy is doing very well at the moment, and we are very excited to spend our first Christmas together! The first picture is a fairly recent one of our guy. He's pretty easy-going, most of the time!! The other one is of Xavier and his cousin Hunter. Aren't they too precious!

New blog!

2007-12-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Got the idea to start a blog the other day, so thought I'd give it a try!