Good New?????

We got the call from our Realtor. The bank had accepted our offer under the condition that the guy who owned the house will take out a loan to pay off the rest of the loan, since we will be buying it for less then what is owed on the loan. So we are waiting again.
This is what I have found out about foreclosers. Is that if the house goes into forecloser there is a small amount of time that if the house sells the person who owned the house no longer has the forecloser held against him. So it will be in this guys best interest to agree with the deal. Our original closing date was January 15 now it is the 28.

The Punishment

So today William came running up stairs and informed me that Joseph and Michael were making a mess in the bathroom. So I said very loudly, as I was walking down the stairs, " they better not be because they will be in big trouble".
Even with this loud warning they were still up to no good when I looked into the bathroom. Well I had had it. These two boys, especially Joseph, had been making messes like crazy for the last week or so. So I gave them both a sound spanking (I know I have repented of this and I have fallen back into a routine of doing it again. I am trying, once again, not to spank anymore) and sent them to bed for the night (it was 4pm). They were very worried that that wouldn't get dinner so I informed them that I would be bringing them PB & J sandwiches for dinner.
As I walked away and started cooling down I came to realize that this is as much of a punishment for me as it would be for them. Joseph would most likely fall asleep pretty quickly. Then would sleep for who knows how long and wake up either at bed time or the middle of the night and start waking everyone else up, because he is good that way. Also they would most likely get PB&J all over their blankets (because they are messy) and I would have to clean there blankets.
So I came up with a new punishment. I told them to get into the bathroom because they were going to scrub down the whole thing. I got them into rubber gloves and put them to work scrubbing the shower. With in seconds I hear giggling. Then Joseph says "this is so fun". Arrgg. These boys can turn anything into a game. I remind them that this IS a Punishment and it IS not Fun and there will be no giggling. I few seconds later "hey brother lets trade sponges that will be fun". I give up. At least they are cleaning and not laying on the floor crying. We made our way to the sink then to the toilet. Which, for some reason, was even more fun then the shower. They loved scrubbing the inside with the brush and wiping down the whole outside with cloths. But I finally got them when I made them wipe down the whole floor. They didn't like that. I informed them that they will be cleaning the bathroom once a week until they can stop making messes (they didn't like that idea).
So even though this didn't turn out to be the awful punishment I wanted it to be. I did get my bathroom clean (they did a surprisingly good job with little help from me). And I think they realized they don't want to make messes anymore because they informed William and Isabelle if they make messes they are going to have to help clean the bathroom then all four of them get to clean together (I think they were trying to talk them into it, then that it would be fun to have them their). Silly boys.

House Update Again

Can I pull my hair out yet??? At what point am I allowed too??? Yesterday we got a call from our Realator and she had no info for us. Today she called and said the house sold(tears). But it sold to the bank that had the loan at it. Sooo since we had an offer in already they are considering it. They said it will take about a week before they will know what they will want to do. So again we are in the Waiting Place. Waiting for the mail to come, or the rain to go, or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No. We are just waiting. So we are just ignoring that we are trying to by a house and living life as normal as possible and trying not to be stressed that we may or may not be owning a house that we want. Oh the Joy! So stay tuned for the next exciting twist of Our Lives.

200 Post

This is my 200th Post. That's about all.

Sweet Isabelle

Me: Where is my kiss Isabelle?

(after giving me a quick kiss)
Isabelle:It is right here in my heart Mama.

This is why I love being a Mommy. What job could ever make you feel this good.

For Sale on the Courthouse Steps

So another update on our hopeful house to be. If the bank doesn't approve our bid by tomorrow morning they will be selling it on the Courthouse steps sometime tomorrow and we most likely won't be able to get it then. So please keep us in your prayers. I know Heavenly Father knows best and what ever happens it is all in his plan. So if is doesn't work out, truthfully I will sit and cry for awhile, but then I will move on and we will just know it wasn't right for our family. If it does work out, truthfully I will still cry, but then jump for joy. More updates tomorrow. I know you are all holding your breath. Right???

Ode to Pero

For the last 17 years we have had a dog named Pero. And if you are thinking that sound familiar. He was named after Ross Pero. Yes the crazy man who ran for President 17 years ago. That year we had three puppies left over from a litter. One had bushy brown hair (who we named Clinton), one I don't remember quite what he look like I just remember it resembled Bush (so of course we named him Bush) and last was a black dog who always had a odd expression on his fast, he was the runt, and had overly large droopy ears (So of course we named him Pero). Well we slowly got rid of Bush and Clinton but was never able to get rid of Pero (kind of opposite of our country).
Pero was a fun dog to have. He was the oddest looking dog ever. He had a snout of a large dog, the body of a medium dog, the legs of a small dog and the tail of a pig. He was odd all around. He had a funny personality and was a great dog to have.
Well being 17 year old he started going down hill. Last winter we weren't sure if he would make it. But you never know with Pero. This year with the first really cold days we realized he wasn't going to make it. Monday we saw him circling around in one spot for quite some time and it was below zero. Jeremiah had to go outside and carry him in because he couldn't figure out how to get to us. He was kind of out of it while in the house. And even fell down the steps(poor boy). So yesterday my Mom finally decided it was time and took him in and put him to sleep. It was sad to see him go but he was so miserable that I know he is happier now. The kids were a little upset. But once we explain how unhappy he was here and how much better he feels now he is in heaven they were OK.
So here is goodbye to a good, weird, oddball, loving dog who gave us 17 years of companionship and joy.

House Update

Today was the date to find out if our offer was excepted. Sadly... we haven't found out yet. Our Realtor called and said that they are waiting for it to go through HUD first and we should find out by Wednesday.
I guess this house is going through a short sell. Meaning that they guy is trying to get rid of it before it goes into foreclosure so the bank is letting them sell for less then it is worth. So they have to go through the bank to approve the offer, to see if the bank will be ok with that amount.
Good news to us is that they guy wants to except the offer. He just has to see if the bank will let him.
Keep posted more updates on Wednesday.

Making an Offer

Today we made an offer on a home.We are very excited about it. It is a 4 bedroom house that is going for 115,000 because they want to sell it before it goes into forcloser. The biggest things we can see that need fixed are the door frame on the front door and a good cleaning and a new paint job. We should find out by Monday if our offer was except and move on from there. I am worried about the inspection because who nows if something will crop up in it. Hopefully nothing. Sadly we won't be in 4th ward anymore and it wouldn't be in 5th ward either (sorry Steph). I am excited it will be in 3rd ward though because there are many people I love in it. So keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for us. I know if it the right thing the Lord will provide a way.

Family Pictures

In August when we went out to visit Jeremiah's family we had Family pictures taken.

Here is the whole Muldowney Clan (except Jacob who was on his mission on the time. And baby Jacob who, as you can tell by looking at Mimi, wasn't born yet). It was so fun to be together. I am so thankful for Jeremiah's family. They are so dear to me. I love them all so much.

Some Where Over the Rainbow

Dorthey (aka Isabelle)

Scarecrow (aka Joseph)
Tin Man (aka Michael)
Memeber of the Lollipop Guild, William
The whole Wizard of OZ clan, Gilda(Ann) holding Toto(Emmanual), Lollipop Guild-Ryan(red) Jeremiah(green) William (blue), Dorthey (Isabelle), Scarecrow(Joseph) Cowardly Lion (Isaac, which he wasn't so cowardly, he kept rarring at everyone) Tin Man (Michael) Wicked Witch of the West (beautiful green Me)
My oh so cute Crew
William and Isabelle showing off their Halloween shirts.

Dinner in a Pumpkin

Since I had two people ask here is the recipe. I had a friend give this to me at least 3-4 years ago. Thanks Rebecca

Dinner in a Pumpkin
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
¾ c diced celery
1/3 c diced green pepper
¾ c diced onion
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
4 oz can mushrooms (optional)
¼ c soy sauce
2 T brown sugar
1 can cream soup( I add 2 cans and I use mushroom)
2 c cooked rice

Cook beef, celery pepper and onion until beef is browned. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Pour into cleaned out pumpkins.
Cook at 350 for 1 ½ hours
Decorate pumpkin with
Black olives steamed carrots
Whole cloves parsley leaves

That awfull ice

On Friday I was out delivering newspapers. It was pretty icy out. Most of the sidewalks were covered with ice and snow so I was walking on the street. I saw a car coming so I started moving over to the side walk and that is when I slipped on the ice. I didn't even realize that I had slipped until after I hit the ground. At first I thought I would just be bruised up. But then I checked out my hand again and realized it was bleeding pretty good. I was up the street about 1/4 a mile from my house so I continued delivering papers. I am sure I looked pretty stupid. I was walking along with my right hand in the air, without a glove and keeping pressure on in it with my left hand until I would have to throw a paper. When I got home my Mom was up getting ready for school so she took a minute and cleaned up my hand and bandaged it.
This is my hand (not a great picture) two days after. I am going to have a pretty little scar. I think the worse part of it all was that the person in the car had to see me fall because they pulled into their garage close to where I fell and didn't even check to see if I was ok. They just closed the garage door. What kind people live in my neighborhood.

Presenting the Lollipop Guild

For a short time only (until Jeremiah finds out that I put this up and make me take it off) I present, for your entertainment, The Lollipop guild. Please enjoy. And PLEASE no one put this on youtube that is what Jeremiah is really worried about.

What did you eat for Halloween?

I love having special things to eat for Halloween. We started off the feasting the night before with Dinner in a pumpkin.

This year I used pie pumpkins and it was so much better.

For breakfast we enjoyed a very healthy breakfast of Shredded Wheat. Not exciting enough to take a picture of.

For lunch we started off with Hors d'Oeuvres of Rabbits Brains

The kids wouldn't even touch this. (It was breaded eggplant but I had to give it a fun name)
For the main course Mummy Dogs

We didn't have a small enough mustard bottle so the faces didn't turn out. But you get the picture.

With our meal we enjoyed a nice bubbling broth of Witches Brew.Michael was very disturbed by everything and said he wouldn't eat any of it. But as he saw me making everything he realized it was all fun.

For Dinner we enjoyed Dead Man Over Worms
This one is my favorite. Especially since it even freaks out Jeremiah. It is so fun when one of the kids say " I just want half an arm" What can be better then that.
We finished off the night after trick-or-treating with some delicious Apple Cider that my Mom whipped up while we were out.
I will say it was a very tasty Halloween.

Canning

This year I have taken up canning. It was so fun to do.My mom even bought me a special canning book that helped out a lot. I don't think you will understand the joy until you have spent a couple hours in the kitchen peeling, pitting and cutting up your fruit to prepare for the jars. Then when you are all finished and have jars of beautiful golden peaches and other yummy fruits sitting on your table it is just sheer joy. It is so wonderful that I know I can do this and if anything arises I have this new talent under my belt. It was also so nice to control how much sugar and such was put into it. I use a light syrup on the peaches and pears. I was considering using juice but the books said that they don't keep their taste, color, and shape as well in juice.

The apple sauce is sugar free in delicious.

My sister-in-law Ann gave me this great recipe for apple butter that is also sugar free. It calls for honey instead. I started using unfiltered raw honey that is so much better for you.

I have some more apples waiting for the works so I can make more applesauce and apple butter. Next year I have big plans for salsa and sugar free jams.

Recieving Priesthood Blessing

Today I was finally set apart as a Young Women's advisor. I don't know about any of you but I get so excited to receive any type of Priesthood blessings. I just know that Heavenly Father is speaking to me and telling me the thing I need to hear. I also feel so close to him at these moments because I know He knows me. He knows my trails, my fears, the thing I need to hear keep me going. I am so thankful that Jeremiah is a worthy Priesthood holder and he blesses our family greatly because he is.

Promptings of the Spirit

So Thursday I was getting ready to take Joseph down to Utah for a check up. We were to leave at 3:00pm. At 2:35ish, as I was trying to finish up last minute things before heading out, I just felt so uncomfortable about everything. I had had this feeling earlier and just shook it off. So I as I was experiencing this feeling once more I thought maybe I am not suppose to go out of town. Then whoosh I felt better. At this time I was headed to pick up Joseph and Michael(he was coming with) from school early. I was still battling with the decision because I just didn't know when I could get Joseph down again and we have to be really careful with his eye care. In a split second I picked up my cell phone and called the school and told them I was no longer going to pick up the boys early. Whoosh I felt even better. So I turned around and went home and called to doctors office and spent sometime setting up a new appointment. The funniest part to me was while I was calling to change my appointment I was thinking 'I am following a prompting from the Holy Ghost so everything will fall into place and they will make the appointment for next weekend when the boys have two days off of school, even though Jeremiah will have to switch his schedule around or I will just take all the kids with me.' So it didn't work out that way. They couldn't get us in until November 13, a month away. But as I checked out the calendar it would work out better for Jeremiah if I did it this way. And they thought Joseph was doing OK enough it could be pushed back that much.
That evening I just felt peace and joy. I got to spend a peaceful evening with my kids, which we don't get enough of. And a very pleasant Friday together. I am not sure why I had this prompting. The weather was better then it had been in a couple weeks. But as I was trying to get ready I kept having the feeling that if we went we were going to get hurt. So yay we are alive, healthy and safe.

The Joy of Womenhood

In Young Women's we had a beauty night. The Young Women's President read this quote to all the girls. It is taken from a talk in a Conference by Sister Nadauld.

The decision for you to be born into this earth female was determined long before mortal birth, as were the divine differences of male and female.
Our outward appearance is a reflection of what we are on the inside. Our lives reflect that for which we seek. And if with all our hearts we truly seek to know the Savior, we will reflect his love to others.
Celebrate your femininity! Part of knowing that you are a Daughter of God is looking your best. Looking your best on the outside should reflect your standards on the inside.
Women of God can never be like women of the world.
The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender.
The world has enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind.
There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined.
We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith.
We have enough women of greed; we need more goodness.
We have enough vanity; we need more virtue.
We have enough popularity; we need more purity.

Long Weekend

I don't often feel like this but I am so glad this weekend is over. We had a very exciting (not in a good way) weekend. It started off with a trip to the emergency room. Joseph started coughing some on Thursday evening. By Friday after school he was wheezing pretty bad. I tried to give him and nebulizer treatment but I couldn't find one part to it. So I had to give him his inhaler but that didn't help much. I ran to two pharmacy's who either couldn't sell it to me because I didn't use their pharmacy or because they just didn't have it. So I went home once more and tore apart my bathroom looking for the one part with no luck. I finally sat down and thought hard of where that part could be. It finally dawned on me where it was and I finally go him a treatment at 8pm. Usually he is breathing a lot better by the time his treatment is over but not this time. Within a half an hour he breathing was pretty hard again. And he told me he couldn't breath. So after calling Jeremiah at work and watching him for a little while I took him to the ER. (This is not the first time we have had to do this. We were actually there in August while out east)
They measured his breathing and it was at an 88. It is suppose to be at least a 92 and that's pushing it. So we were emitted in the ER. He was put on oxygen right away and gave him an IV. They ran a whole bunch of blood, urine and snot test on him and did a chest x-ray. Which we have never had any of that done before. Luckily everything came back negative. So after watching him for awhile and giving him some treatments they decided he needed to be emitted into the hospital.
So around 3AM they brought us to a new room. Jeremiah headed home around 3:30 and after they got everything situated I fell asleep at 4AM. They were back in doing test at 6AM so from then on I was in and out of sleep. The rest of the day was long and boring. The doctor came in and said he could go home once he could breath fine with out oxygen. Jeremiah brought the other kids in to visit. And my brother Daniel came in to help Jeremiah give Joseph a blessing. Jeremiah came in and traded me out around 1pm and I headed home for a day of canning peaches (next post). We were hoping Joseph would be home by supper but he just wasn't improving fast enough. They were able to take him off oxygen in the evening but kept him over night for observation. This morning they had to wait for the doctor to come sign him out. So at noon today Joseph came home. The said with all the medications he was on for his eyes, his immune system is really down. So when he got sick it was fast and bad. We were told we need to get him on a steroid treatment or else we will be in the hospital a lot this winter. Yeah one more medication on his list. It is so nice to have him home tonight. He is breathing really well and is very chipper.

Silly boy

Joseph is doing really well. Whenever anyone ask how he is doing he says: " I can see out of both my eyes now". It is kind of sad but really funny at the same time.

Something in the water

In our ward we have 5 sets a twins. Can you believe it. And what is more unbelievable is that they are all boys. One of the Moms had a great idea of getting pictures of all of them together. They are lined up oldest to youngest. It is so fun to look at these pictures. If you look close in all the sets one twin is a little taller then the other. I know two sets where not born in the ward but still that is pretty crazy to have 5 sets of twin boys in one ward. I just hope I some how get a set of girl twins if I get another set

Beware the one eyed man...

I managed to remember to take two pictures this morning before Joseph had his bandage removed. Here he is in all his glory!

He can see again

Joseph just went in to get his patch off and check out his eye. He is already able to see some stuff. The doctor his very happy with how is eye looks so far. Joseph has another check up next Thursday.

Joseph Surgery

Every thing went well. Jeremiah said Joseph was very brave going in. The surgery went well and he is recovering well. They will take off his patch tomorrow morning and we will see if he can see. I can't wait until they get home tomorrow night.

New Diet(not for me)

So I have been asked why I am going with out sugar. So here is my answer. William has had a tough start at school again this year(yay for life). The second day while sitting in the principals office William teacher and the principal asked if I have had William tested for anything. I told them "no". They went on to tell me the good reasons to get William tested (they were really careful not to say what for but I knew the meant ADHD) and to put him on medication. I told them at this point it is not an option but will think about it. I also told them that I felt that it is over diagnosed and over medicated( and plus I really believe William doesn't have it and I have read a lot to trust you mother intuition on this subject and that is what it is telling me). So I went home and Jeremiah and I talked a lot about it and prayed about it. The next morning around 3 am I woke up feeling like I need to fast for William the next day. The amazing thing is even though I wasn't fasting for the thing I need most (inspiration of what to do)(I was fasting that he would have a good day), I received the answer I need. I felt inspired to change his diet to help him out. So from that day I have taken out all dye's from his diet. And I have tried to take out as much sugar as possible. The whole family is abiding by this diet. I didn't want William to feel singled out and this would benefit all my kids and me. So we have been eating a lot of oatmeal for breakfast. I use sugar free, organic apple juice instead of water to sweeten the oatmeal. But I feel we are all getting bored of this breakfast(after eating it for almost 3 weeks). So this is why I am searching for help. Plus I feel like my kids need a little treat now and then. I have been making some treats with honey instead or by cutting out part of the sugar. But I could still use some help.
Also if anyone had information at there about how to help ADHD kids with out medication I would love to get a hold of it.
William has made a some progress already and I want to make sure I continue it.

Recipe search

I am on a search for recipes that do not call for any sugar. I am ok with things that call for honey. I need mostly breakfast, bread and treat recipes. Can anyone help me out?????

Joseph Update

We had another check up about a week ago. His left eye is looking wonderful and so we have schedule surgery for the right eye. It will be September 9. We are praying it will go as well as the left eye. We are once again asking anyone who would like to join us to fast for Joseph this up coming Sunday, September 6. We are so thankful for our family and friends. It sure makes things easier with your support and love.

New calling

I just received a new calling at church today. I am now a Beehive advisor. I am so excited. I love working with the young women. I am also super excited because one of my good friends in the ward is also the Beehive adviser (we have so many Beehives they have 2 advisers) and so I get to see her more. They have not found someone to replace me in my other calling so right now I am also teaching Sunday school to the kids who are 12 yrs old(which I love). So this next Sunday I am teaching Sunday school and giving the Beehive lesson. What could be more fun then that?

Life is zooming by

I have been so bad at posting lately. I actually don't feel too bad about it because I have made a desicion not to post on many times because it wasn't a priority. We have had a very busy summer and I am so sad it is already over. I have fun pictures and a lot of fun memories I will post soon when I feel like I can catch my breath.

Uncle Tims Quilt

My Mom made this quilt for her brother Tim. I helped a little so I felt like I could post it. It is made out of old jean his and his daughters have worn. It also has their Brands on the quilt. I think my mom did an amazing job.

Spiders

A big conversation in our home is about spiders. Which I guess I can't be to surprised since we find at least one in the basement every day and we see way too many in the garden. So this evening as the kids were going to bed this is the conversation they had.

William: Bad spiders have red eyes

Joseph:What color of eyes do good spiders have?

William: Blue eyes (of course, what a surprise they are the same color as his)

Joseph: Oh I never knew that before(he makes me laugh so hard)

William :Yeah good Daddy spiders have blue eyes and they teach their kid spiders to be good

Me: What about Mommy spiders

William: Well bad Mommy spiders have red eyes and they show Daddy spiders to show kid spiders to be bad (hmm I guess we know who is the meany in our house)

Joseph: When I am a spider I will have blue eyes and be good.

I love the minds of children. They will always give you a good laugh.

Joseph and Michaels B-day Party

We had Joseph and Michael's Birthday party on Saturday since I will be up at girls camp for their actual birthday. They begged to have two friend from church over so I decided to invite the whole family and play swimming pool kickball. We also had the pleasure of having uncle Ryan and Aunt Aunt (Ann)(as our kids call her) and their cute boys down from Sheridan to join in on the party. We had a lot of laughs and a couple of tears as kids got hit by the ball. At one point we played boys against girls and the men would tell the little girls to lay down so the would get pumbled by the ball.

We also made home made ice cream. The kids were all pushing in line to get a turn. Strong Kaden showed everyone how it was done and even took two turns.

The boys requested Transformer cakes. If you can't tell the yellow one is Bumble Bee and the black one (it was gray and got darker as the day went on) is Jazz. The boys had a great day and we are thankful for the family who made the effort to come.

Joseph Update

Jeremiah and Joseph headed down to Salt Lake once again on Wednesday. Joseph had a check up early Thursday morning. Dr. Vitali said everything is looking great and his eye sight has improved greatly. One bad thing is that the cataract is already returning to his eye (crazy right?). But luckily it is a really easy procedure to have it removed with a laser. They said it could be done while he is awake (yeah right like that will happen he is too squirmy). We don't go back down until August 21 for another check up and if everything is looking grand Joseph will be having cataract surgery on his right eye September 9. So wish us luck.
Joseph is doing really well with getting around. He is getting good at putting on sunglasses before he walks outside. And he runs around as if he could see fine out of both eyes. He is a trooper.

Climbing Tree's

The kids have taken to climbing trees. They are so funny to watch do this because they are not yet very good at it. But with some help they can get up a bit. Grandma helped Isabelle get up into the tree. Then Isabelle said "You can leave Grandma, don't worry I am just going to sit here by myself" And she did for a while.

Best Friends

Lately Isabelle and Joseph have become best friends. They love to go out on adventures together. If Isabelle wants to head out to play she makes sure Joseph is right behind.

After Joseph's surgery he had to wear a patch to bed for about a week. They gave him a little on to put on his stuff dog. Well Isabelle decided she would wear it so Joseph didn't have to wear his alone. I couldn't believe how long she kept it on. I figured once she headed for bed it would be off. But she kept it on all night and took it off when Joseph took his off in the morning. Now that is what a call a best friend.

Ice Cream Time

Last week for Family Home Evening we made some homemade icecream. The kids had a lot of fun turning the handle. It made a lot less work for Jeremiah and Me. The kids loved having icecream for the next week that they made.

Who are you going to Marry?

Today Isabelle came up to me and said "Mommy I love Joseph so much. When I grow up I am going to marry him"
I took the time to explain that even though we love our brother we can't marry him.
She took some time to ponder this. She soon came back and said
"Mommy I love Joseph. I also love Isaac (her cousin). I am going to marry Isaac."
So I started over and told her we don't marry our family. But I gave her a few sugestion for some cute little boys in our ward. I am not sure if she went for that.

The Great Gates

I just felt the need to post about the Gates family.
Here is the background. Darren and Heather Gates moved to Philadelphia for Darren to finish school. They had two little ones at the time. Well Jeremiah's parents took care of them and helped them out a lot (as Heather tells me).
By the time Jeremiah and I were married, the Gates had moved to Provo and just had their 4th kid. So when we moved down to Provo (2 months after we were married) Darren and Heather took care of us. They helped us find our first apartment. They put us up for a night when we couldn't move into our apartment right away. And through the years they check up on us now and again.
For me Heather was always some one to look up too. She is an amazing women and mother. Very loving and caring. I have always felt at peace in her presence.
This last trip I made to Utah I got to squeeze in a visit to the Gates. We had not seen them since we moved. It was so nice to be back in their home to see their 7 sweet children. When Jeremiah and I got married their oldest boy, Nathaniel, was 11. He is now 19 getting ready to leave on his mission in July. It is amazing to see this family grow. I loved seeing how church minded all the kids are and so giving and loving. I often hope I can be as good as a mother as Heather is. I am thankful to have the Gates in our life. They are truly a blessing to us. As I was leaving, Heather (oh she is so sweet), said "Isn't Missy like family. She is more like and Aunt then just a friend". Well I feel the same way. The Gates will always be family to us. Whether or not Sam and Isabelle get married.

Back to Utah We Go We Go

So yesterday Joseph and I headed back down to Utah. We were able to make it down to Provo this time and visit some friends. I always leave Provo wishing we had some more time to visit more friends. This time I got to go shopping with Karen. Visit with Mickelle and Scott. We enjoyed a great dinner with the Gates. We spent the night and had a yummy breakfast at McDonald's with Grandma and Grandpa Stephenson. And has quick visit with Malea and James. I think every time I come down I need to visit a new person. I think next time it will be friends from our last ward. We haven't seen any of them since we moved.
So anyway back to the reason we went down. Today Joseph went in for a check up. Dr Moshifar said his eye is looking good. Starting Monday we get to cut down on eye drops. Hurray. Also we found out he will have to have reading glasses and will have to wear sunglasses anytime he heads outside for the rest of his life.
We headed home right after the appointment. So in 35 hours I had driven a total of 15 hours. I am happy to be out of the car and sleeping in my own bed tonight.

Joseph Update

So here is what happened when we took Joseph in for his "day after surgery" check up.
First of all when the doctors came out and talked me after the surgery they told me Joseph wouldn't really be able to see anything for about a week. That it would be pretty cloudy because of some meds they injected into his eye.
After taking off the patch, Joseph said his eye felt weird and seeing was weird but he could kind of make out some things. Dr Vitale (uveitis specialist) checked his eye. Then Dr. Moshifar(lens specialist) checked his eye. As soon as Dr. Moshifar finished he looked up at Dr Vitale with a smile and said "I could have never expected it to look this good. The lens is taking so well" Dr Vitale said "I know I can't believe it".
They then had an aid bring in an ultrasound machine to get a good look inside his eye. As we were waiting I mentioned to the aid that Joseph was seeing a little. She decided to test out what he could see. She held out her fingers and asked how many Joseph saw. He got it right every time. So then she projected letters across the room and he was able to see every one. While Joseph was doing this the doctors walked back into the room and their jaws dropped. They couldn't believe he was able to see any of it. I started bawling. Silly Dr. Vitale came over and started patting my head like I was a little girl and said "it's OK everything is all right". I just thought "Well duh! My baby can see again. Why do you think I am crying". But I said "I know I know I just can't believe he can see again" I had to be nice.
So they are please with how everything is going. Watching Joseph is like night and day compared to how he was the day of the surgery. As we left the office and as we were driving home from Utah, Joseph pointed out everything that was exciting for him to see(which was quite a bit).
I have always believed in miracles. But this is the first time I got to witness one. Thank you again for the the prayers and fasting in Joseph's behalf.
We will be heading back to Salt Lake on Thursday for a check up on Friday. Then back again in early July. We have not yet set a date for the surgery on his right eye. I hope it will be in July but I know better then to get my hopes up.

Day after Surgery

Joseph was such a trooper through everything. I can't believe how little he complained.
Here is Joseph in the waiting room. Waiting to get his patch off. The patch took about 1/2 an hour to get off. That tape sticks so tight and the nurse was going really slow using some kind of wipes that make the tape unstick. Joseph got pretty antsy. Poor guy.

This is a picture of Joseph's eye that evening. I couldn't get a good shot because he is so wiggly. It doesn't quite show how bloody his eye was. He was put on a regiment of eye drops. One drop 3 times a day. One 4 times a day. And the last every 2 hours. For I don' t know how long.

Surgery Day

Here are some pictures of the surgery dayJoseph waiting to go in. If you notice he is using his hands to feel everything. He got to the point where he wouldn't even look at what he was doing. It was all by sense of feel.

After surgery. Joseph kept waking up and them falling back to sleep. This is the saddest looking picture. I always hate seeing him this way.

Joseph Surgery

Joseph's surgery went well. They only did the cataract surgery on the left eye. They were able to put in the lens and have great hopes of it taking. Joseph had a bit of a hard time waking up. He kept trying to pull off his eye patch and trying to pull out his I.V. He got a bit queasy in the car and threw up orange Popsicle in the car. In Joseph's words "the surgery made me sick and now there is disgusting orange Popsicle all over Grandma's car" (don't worry mom I already clean it up). He spent the rest of the day hanging out on Grandma and pa Stephenson's couch. He was such a good boy never complained. He never once complained of any pain and slept like an angel. I couldn't ask for anything to go any smoother.

T-Shirt Quilt

Tonight I just finished a T-shirt quilt my brother and sister in-law had me make them for their 30th anniversary (yes they have been married longer then I have been alive). They gave me some of the t-shirts of different places and things they have done in the last 30 years. It was a really fun quilt to make and I think it turned out great.

If you look close you can see the cool swirl design on the quilt. I was able to do that because of the class Jeremiah got me for Mother's day so I could use the big quilting machine.

Thank You All

I need to say thank you to all those who fasted with us today and kept Joseph in their prayers. I know many of you not only fasted for Joseph but fasted for our family to have strength. I felt it today. Today was one of the worse days I have ever had (read post below to understand). As I was going through this big trail I could feel the strength of others prayers for us. I am so thankful for all the people who love and care for my family. Thank you to all those who wrote us little note of encouragement. It has meant so much to me and Jeremiah. We love you all and thank you again. Please look for a post either Thursday or Friday for an update on Joseph.

One year Mark, What a bad way to Mark it.

Today was one year since my Dad had his stroke. Sadly it was the worse day he has had since his stroke.
This morning around 7:45 AM my Dad had a seizure. I am not sure how massive it was. I do know all of his body was shaking from it. My Mom had given him a shower and was helping him get dressed when it happened. He was in his shower chair still but had his legs out of the tub when it happened. Luckily My Mom was right there and was able to make sure he didn't get hurt at all. My little Michael was awake early and was at the door when it happened. Mom sent him to get me. She told him "go get your mommy and tell her Grandpa is hurt". Michael woke me up and said "Mom Grandma wants you". So of course I didn't hurry up. I made a stop at the bathroom and was getting ready to head upstairs when I heard Mom scream for me. I ran upstairs and noticed the bathroom light on. I headed toward there and called out for Mom. She yelled for me to call 911. As I called I asked what had happened so I could let the operator know. I could heard Dad breathing really deep and weird almost like a snore with water in it. I was so scared. She told me she wasn't sure if he had another stroke or a seizure but that he was unconscious. The operator got the information they needed and a fire truck got there within 2 minutes of me calling. An ambulance got there a few minutes later. I good friend, Steph came and got the kids. I didn't want them to see Grandpa being wheeled out in the gurney. Plus I wanted to be of some help.
Mom was amazing. She was very calm and knew what to do. I was a mess. I am a crier as everyone knows. By the time they got Dad into the ambulance Dad was starting to come too. He wasn't responsive, but his eyes were open.
Daniel came and got Mom and I and we followed the ambulance to the hospital. Then it was the waiting game. We had to wait to be let into his room. We had to wait for him to wake up again. We had to wait for the doctor to give us information. We had to wait for the results of the blood work and Cat scan. Luckily it seemed to go pretty quickly. Dad kept waking up and falling back to sleep quickly. Everything came back normal. So by 11:00 AM Dad was released from the hospital. He was given some seizure medicine and a prescription for more, which he will be taking twice a day.
Dad slept most of the day. We were happy he joined us for dinner. Plus we are so happy he is still here. I was really scared for awhile that he wouldn't be.
The doctor informed us that the seizure was caused by the stroke. Some stroke victims have strokes and some don't. Unfortunately Dad was one who did. The weirdest part for all of us is that is was exactly one year since his stroke. I hope next year we can mark it a better way.

Perfect intro

The world is dark, and light is precious.

Come closer, dear reader.

You must trust me.

I am telling you a story.

-Isn't this the perfect intro to a story. I am reading the kids "The Tale of Despereaux". This is what is written on the page before the story starts. I am already hooked.

Fasting

Joseph will be going into to Surgery Tuesday June 10th. Since fast Sunday is the Sunday before the surgery our family will be fasting for Joseph on June 7. We wanted to invite anyone who would like to join in. We appreciate every ones prayers for Joseph and all of the love and support we have received.

Little helper

Isabelle fell asleep at 5pm tonight and slept for about an hour. So when it was time for bed, surprise surprise, she wasn't tired. So I let her help me make the molten cake. She was such a good help and didn't make a mess, like I would have done at her age. She did help herself to a taste test while stirring.

Amazing Peanut Butter-Chocolate Molten Cake

I found this new recipe in a Kraft magazine. I made it tonight and decided I had to share it. 4 squares Baker’s Semi- Sweet Baking Chocolate
½ cup butter
1 cup powder sugar
2 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
6 Tbsp. flour
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 Tbsp. peanut butter
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
¼ tsp. vanilla
½ cup thawed cool whip topping.

Preheat oven to 425 F. Grease 1-qt soufflé or baking dish; set aside. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on High 1 to 1 ½ min. or until chocolate is almost melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in powdered sugar. Blend in whole eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour, set aside. Mix cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until well blended.
Pour half of the chocolate batter into prepared dish; cover with peanut butter mixture. Top with remaining chocolate batter.
Bake 20 min. or until edge is set but center is still slightly soft. Cool slightly. Top each serving with whipped topping. Store any leftover dessert in refrigerator.
Make 10 servings.

*I tried it with the whip cream on top and wished I would have put Ice cream
*I used 4 oz semi sweet chocolate chips instead of squares.

Easter Dress

I know this is really late but I really wanted to share a picture of Isabelle's Easter dress I made her. I haven't done any clothes sewing since Isabelles blessing dress. I was very please by the way it turned out. Isabelle calls it her "Princess Dress". The first time she put it on she danced around singing "pretty princess dress. I'm dancing in my pretty
princess dress." I had to hold her down to take it off her so I could finish it.

First Sprinkler of the Summer

We had my nephew Roman staying with us for most of the week since my sister and her husband went to Hawaii. We were so excited for a nice day to pull out the sprinkler.