Loosing Teeth

This is Sydney's sixth birthday on Thanksgiving Day.

How can my baby be old enough to be loosing her teeth? Right after school started she lost her first tooth. Then, to add insult to injury, I had to pull out her next loose tooth on Monday. I miss my sweet little baby toothed grinning girl. But I sure wouldn't trade her for the sweet missing front tooth girl I have now.

My List

I've seen this floating around the blogging world. Things that I have done are typed in italics.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited the Bahamas
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Solved a Rubix Cube
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Went inside a pyramid
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Performed a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Flown a kite on the beach
14. Met a US president
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon (working on it)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (my parents)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's The David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Fainted
53. Drove over 100 mph
54. Visited Grauman's Chinese Theater
55. Learned Sign Language
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Watched a space shuttle re-enter the Earth's atmosphere
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Earned an Eagle Scout award
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someones life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own (isn't that what this is?)

There are many things on this list that I haven't done...and then again...there are many things that I have done that aren't on this list!

Holiday Eating Tips

I received this from a friend and spent so much time laughing I just had to pass it on.

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can..and quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin, mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruit cake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" Have a great holiday season.

He Looked Me In The Eyes

Today is graduation at BYU-Idaho for the Fall, 2008 semester. As usual, we have someone here representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a wonderful experience.

I heard he was in the building so I kind of just hung around outside of our office. When the security guy started giving me "the eye" I headed over to Accounting. When I saw him coming I headed back to my office. He rounded the stairs, looked me in the eyes and smiled right at me.

I felt wonderful and know this man has truly been called by God to be an apostle.

He looked me in the eyes!

Beautiful Girl

Here are few photos of my very beautiful little (but not too little) girl. She really has her dad wrapped around her little finger. With eyes and a smile like that.....who could refuse her?

Thing One Thing Two

When I went to Florida, I found these great shirts in the airport shop. They were so cute I had to get one for each of my kiddos. We have for years said to our children....chitlin, chitlin number one raise your hand....chitlin, chitlin number two raise your hand. Zack being our first raises his hand first. Syd being our second raises her hand second. They love when we do this and we just laugh and laugh at the silliness of it all. But seeing these shirts was too much so I had to get them each one.

My kiddos are sometimes so silly. More than anything, Sharman and I love to listen to our children laugh. It is our very favorite sound.

A Giant of A Man

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Tuesday, December 2, 2008, age 91.

Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully at about 11:30 pm of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died in 2006.

He had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday.

His funeral will be held in Salt Lake City Friday, December 5, 2008.

Sydney Is Six

SIX

Yep, my baby turned six years old today. This is a bit more difficult that I thought it would be. Maybe it has to do with knowing this is my last child so it is the last time I will be going through a sixth birthday.

The best thing about this birthday is that it is on Thanksgiving day. When we were getting ready to have Sydney we were able to choose her birthday because we deliver c-section. I figured if we did it on November 27 then there was a good chance we would be together as a family and likely it would be close to Thanksgiving. Well, fortune smiled on her today because it was not just close, it was on Thanksgiving day.

Syd was delighted to get phone calls from family and cards and gifts. She is so happy to have a day that is devoted to her. I think that she is a bit confused about why all the family got together to eat dinner today. I think she believes it is all about her. And who am I to disagree?

Happy birthday big girl.

Young Love

One thing I LOVE about working here on campus is meeting so many amazing people. Well, my path has been fortunate enough to cross the paths of Heather and Taylor. Heather is one of those amazingly beautiful girls who you can't help but feel good around. Taylor has such an award winning smile it makes you feel instantly at ease.

Well, last night they took the next step and got engaged!! They are getting married March, 2009! Hurray!!

They came over before Heather had to be to work today and even ended up being a few minutes late to work so they could tell me and show me they beautiful ring. The excitement and happiness around them is absolutely tangible!

I am so proud of you guys!

I Know

Yes, it has been a very long time since I last blogged.


There is good reason....I have been really sad. So much sadness in my life right now makes it difficult to blog.



My sister Becki (she is the beautiful one with the hair in the photo below) blogs as a therapy and I really need to take her example to heart. I will not bore you with the details of the oppressive sadness but suffice it to say that I so hope it will not last. My heart is aching but I pray that one day things will change and I will be able to be free of the loss and sorrow I am currently feeling.




On a brighter note, I recently purchased an iPod Classic 120 gig. I listened to all of the Twilight series. I am now listening to all of the Harry Potter series. Thanks to Emily I am well stocked on audiobooks and music.



We are coming up on Syd's sixth birthday. Our little girl will be six on Thanksgiving day. Hey, wait a minute....didn't we just bring her home from the hospital?! Honestly where does the time go? She is VIP at school this week. I really think this is a sick idea thought up by teachers to torchure moms with little talent into making a creative and cute poster to compare with the other children's mom. I got Syd's done last night late. Of course she had to take a poster and would not be happy with anything less. Her birthday wish this year?......to see her favorite cousin Taylor!

Tagged By Heather

Tag!!

8 TV Shows I Like to watch:

Prision Break
CSI
Law and Order
Are there really eight shows on TV still?

8 Restaurants I like to eat at:

Olive Garden
Applebees
Johnny Carinos
Taco Time
Gringos
Coldstone
Papa Murphys
Texas Roadhouse

8 Things that happened today:

Work
Lunch with LJ
Phone call from family
Began awarding winter term
Read
Prayers with the kiddos
Made snarky remarks about someone (sorry, I know it wasn't nice)
Speculated about new stake in Hibbard

8 Things I am looking forward to:

Hawaii
Happy kids
Happy hubby
Traveling as a family
Reading more
Finishing my current "projects"
Reuniting with friends
Attend the temple

8 Things on my wish list:

Happy kids
Healthy family
Going back to Hawaii
Having my family back together
Finish the book I am currently reading
Good friends
Spending quality time with my hubby
Go on a cruise

8 People to tag:

Emily
Melissa
Lisa-Marie
LJ
Tiffany
Bracken
Laurie
Becki

We Are Done

It has been a good season, we have had a lot of fun.......

We scored some touchdowns, but now we are done!.......

We took a lot of hits and we even broke some bones.....

Now at the end of the season, we are glad we can stay home!......

Congratulations to all of the grid kids from the Sugar-Salem West team!!! They ended the season 3 and 4. They played tough and worked hard and learned a lot.

Just so you know Zack, you make me proud! Keep up the hard work buddy!

Conference Weekend October 2008

We spent this past Conference weekend doing some fun things. First of all, Mac and Laurie brought their kiddos and we got to play!! We first went to Zack's football game.

Here is Whitney. She got cold and was not too happy because she was also tired. Poor kiddo.

Jayden, on the other hand, took off with Sydney and they had lots of fun running around the track and eating treats.

Here is Zack during the middle of the game. He is number 99. You can see him towards the middle of the crowd. Tomorrow is our last game (I think). He has had a lot of fun and done really well. He has grown a lot.

Jayden and Whitney made a new friend. This was a really big treat because Jayden is deathly afraid of dogs. Before the weekend was over, both of Laurie's children were walking around with the dog on a leash. They were having the time of their lives and even wanted to take the dog home with them. Amy would NOT have been happy with a dog in her home so it was a definite no go. Plus I would have had one very sad five year old in my house.

When it came time to go there were hugs going around for everyone. Whitney even got over her reservations about Sharman's facial hair and gave him a hug and kiss too.

Zack was so very excited to have another boy in the house. These two were always going for walks and jumping on the trampoline together. They truly were buddies this weekend.

Weekend over. Kids back into their own beds. Cousins travel home. Mom misses the kiddos and her sister and brother-in-law terribly! Come back and visit us soon. You are always welcome here.

Honoring Aspyn With Service

October is officially service month in our family thanks to a very special little girl I never met. The following are blogs of my sister-in-law who lost her second daughter but has invited all to share in her memory by serving others.

Our countdown to October is almost officially over. You may remember several months ago I posted a blog saying that when October came around that our family would be focusing on giving more service to those around us as a way to honor our little Aspyn. I also challenged and invited those who read this blog to join us. As the time has gotten closer I sill feel that it is very important to do but have wondered if it was necessary to make one month out of the year seem more important than the rest to serve those around us. It may seem weird to some that October is the Ogden family service month.

Let me explain a little more about why we are doing this.

When Aspyn passed on we really didn't know what to do or what to expect. But before we had the time to figure this all out we immediately were given support from our family and strangers that we did not know. Even at the hospital I had nurses and hospital workers that came to give emotional support and offering to help with making arrangements for Aspyn. I was amazed at the generosity of Amy Engle and the time that she spent at the hospital taking care of things for us. Such as taking pictures and putting together a memory box for us to keep. She was there almost the whole day ready to give of her time. Not much later we began to have family come to the hospital as well. Randy's parents came and were a big help to us with furthering the arrangements of what needed to happen as well as took the other kids to eat and brought them to the hospital, and were just an all around comfort to us. My mom hopped on a plane and got here that evening and was a big help with the kids in making sure that things tried to stay as normal for them as possible. If it weren't for her they might not have been trick-or-treating last year. My sister was available for me on the phone every time I called her and was a great listener as we shed tears together, even at 5:00 am when I woke her up to talk! It didn't end there either. We continued to receive support from people all around us even from people we didn't expect. Meals were brought in for several days, arrangements were made for graveside services and burial, we received gifts of love from family, friends, and even people we hardly know. At that time we had not really ever had the need of service from others, besides the occasional helping us move kind of thing. The amount of love and kindness that we received at that time was very touching and as I look back now it was also inspiring. So now we want to be able to give back.

We are taught in church to love and serve others. The two really go hand in hand. How can you love somebody and not want to serve them as well. So we decided that October we would really focus on giving to service to others in hope that we will make it a part of our lives always. I know that we have our families that keep us pretty busy and I remember in a VT lesson a couple of years ago that it said our service should begin in our homes with our families. However, we need to make great efforts to serve those in need as much as possible and incorporate our families into that. For our children who are older they can learn so much from our example but also by being a part of it.

It is my hope that by focusing on service this next month that we will become more in tune to the needs of others and be able to bless their lives as ours was blessed last fall. When I think of the Savior I think of how much he loves each of us, and how his mortal life was filled with service and charity. He gave all he had to everyone around him. And now he still serves and love us and we get to know of his love through the service of others. I knew that he hadn't forgot our family because he sent others to us in our time of sorrow and they brought his love with them. We need to always be willing to share his love with others, which means serving others, even if by small and simple means! Let us all follow his example and be better givers of service!

We found out that we were pregnant with Aspyn last March. That meant just a short 6 weeks after Ciara was born Aspyn was already on her way. She was due November 15th and Ciara's 1st b-day was to be on Dec. 27th. They were going to be less than a year apart. I was nervous and excited thinking about two babies that close. Everyone I talked to said they would be the best of friends! And I believe they still will be. I knew that something was different about her but had no idea that it was that she is a perfect angel who would not get to be with us here on earth. She was born when we were 38 weeks along. And at that time it was way too short. It is one of those times when I think being pregnant for longer than 40 weeks would not be too long just to have that extra time with her. I am so grateful for her though. Sometimes it is very difficult to know that she is gone; and I still have days where I think at anytime now I am going to wake up and she will be here. When mother's are asked what is your greatest fear I think it is always something to do with our kids. We never want to think of losing our children, whether it be death, drugs, disabilities, or other adversities. It is hard to think of something happening to our kids that we have no control over.

I received comfort from the teachings of the prophet Joseph F. Smith when he said that he mourned the passing of 9 of his children and that he had never felt such sadness. But what a blessing it is when we will still get to raise these perfect children in perfect circumstances in the Celestial Kingdom. I can't think of a greater blessing in her passing. Although I can honestly say that this isn't the way I wanted my faith to be tested! Besides this however, my testimony has been strengthened in that I know that my Heavenly Father and Jesus our Saviour love me and all of us. He showed me this in the days and months that have followed through everybody who came to our side. My deepest gratitude go to our families who made every effort to be here with us and came with such speed and hearts filled with love and compassion. Also our ward members who were here at our door almost immediately after we arrived home and have given words of comfort since that time. The staff at the Payson Hospital who shared tears with us, Amy Engle the SHARE volunteer who was a huge help in making sure we had pics and so many other mementos to remember her by; for Tammy & Liz and their thoughtfulness from so far away, and Dr. Nance who shared his compassion and concern with us.

So, Asypn as a tribute to you I will do my best to serve others, most especially my own family with additional love and concern that I likely would have overlooked were it not for your influence here on earth. We love you.

15 Years!

15 years ago we were here.......

We had five years together before we had these....

(no not the raccoons.....).

Since being married we have built this.....

And we have started this ........

(our own business)

and traveled to fun places like ..........

(Oregon Coast) and ..........

(Hawaii).

Yep, it has been a great and hard 15 years and yet after all of this time we are still just like this....

Looking forward to 15+ eternity more!

Gearing Up for......ME!!

My reserves are not refilled and it is time to gear up for another semester of school. Man am I tired. Each year I vow that I will be better prepared for the next semester and each year I am not.

Well recently I decided to take some time for me. So my house looks like a tornado has hit and my laundry is as high as a mountain, but I loved the time I put into my little projects.

As some of you know, one of my favorite places to shop is Deseret Industries (DI). It is a thrift store and I always find good deals. I recently found an old wooden chair, some wooden shelves, some outdoor type knick knacks and some old wooden weaved apple barrels. What am I doing with all of these golden finds? I am decorating my bathroom. I have done some sanding, painting, hammering, nailing and love my new finds.

Mini Jensen Family Reunion

Last weekend we went to Island Park for a Fred and Margie Jensen Family Reunion. It was so much fun!! Well, at least I thought it was fun. I spent some time doing some of my favorite things....playing games with the family, scrapbooking, and sleeping.

Sunday before we left we took lots of pictures of our family. It was wonderful.

During this entire experience I was amazed at the talent in our family. I have a sister-in-law (Heidi) who is a FANTASTIC photographer. At the end of our reunion we all got together again and shared our photos. Thanks to Kendon for burning a CD for each of us of all of the photos taken. It was wonderful. Some of the photos I am going to have developed and have framed and hang in my home. They are beautiful.

My sister-in-law Kaya has such a love for our children and it is apparent in the photos taken. The children also love her.

I loved spending time scrapbooking and talking with my sister-in-law Lisa-Marie and my brother-in-law Buck. Occassionally my mother-in-law Margie and my sister-in-law Kaya would stop in my room and visit while I was scrapbooking. There was a constant flow of children in and out of the room checking in and stopping by for some love. No one had to worry about their children as there was always someone taking them for rides on 4 wheelers or playing games with them or holding them. It was a great experience.

I was especially glad that my brother-in-law Delbert and his family came up on Saturday to spend the remainder of the reunion with us.

Best of all, the cooking was wonderful and I got to sleep in a bed and not on the dirt floor anymore. Clean cabin, beds for the adults, food galore, treats that couldn't be beat and much laughter and joking. Yep, this was a wonderful mini Jensen Reunion.

Vacation 2008

We have been gone for a week on vacation. We went to Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Cody, Wyoming; and Mammoth Falls in Yellowstone Park. The vacation was....well.....not much of a vacation. There was naughty children and an unhappy mom which equals a dad who wanted to pack the whole lot of us up and send us home.

We got home yesterday and were just in time to see Kelly (my brother-in-law who has been serving in the military in Korea) and his very beautiful wife, Kaya. Kaya is so personable. She speaks English well enough that I can understand her but still there is some difficulty in her understanding all the conversation all of the time. She is doing remarkably well. She played with all of the neices and nephews. They were not sure what to make of her but she kept on teasing and playing and soon she even had Meg coming to her for love. It was wonderful.

The best news of all, Lisa-Marie and Sirri should be on their way home TODAY!!! Hurray! Kendon left this morning at about 4:30 a.m. to help them head home. We hope they will be here before bedtime tonight. Sirri has another CT scan before they can leave but it should be done this morning and then they can head home. What happy kiddos, a happy husband and a happy mother!!!

My brother-in-law Buck from back East will be flying into Jackson Hole today around 11 a.m. and then all of my husband's family will be here. We are having a mini reunion in Island Park this weekend since all of the family will be here. Hopefully this will be better than the first part of our vacation. I will post photos later.

Update on Sirri from Lisa

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments, words of comfort, and prayers. We can truly feel your love and your faith is being felt through a calm peaceful feeling that has continued to be with our family.

We visited with the Oncologist in Rexburg Monday morning. He reviewed her CT scan with us and basically told us, "we need you at Primary Children's Hospital to remove the tumor. Oh, and we need you to leave TODAY." So, I zipped home, packed my bags (and I use the term, pack, lightly. It was more like threw together my bags) and headed out the door for Utah. Kendon had to stay in town for a few more hours to tie up some loose ends with work and then he came Monday night. He borrowed his brother's motorcycle to come and that was a bright moment for him! As soon as my mom heard the news she left work, bought a plane ticket (packed for four trips that she will head out for from here) and met us in Utah. Sirri has LOVED having her grandma here and Kendon and I have been thankful to have here as well! Thx mom!

Sirri was admitted into Primary Children's Hospital Monday night. She has seen many, many, many doctors and nurses and techs and social workers and children's specialists, and they have all treated Sirri nothing less than a princess. For a mom, that makes all the difference in the world. For the first while she would not give anyone the time of day. She would sit there and stare at them with her silly nervous tongue sticking out of her mouth and her evil eye penetrating anyone who dared approach. Now, Sirri is starting to warm up to all the staff and she is turning out to be quite the star around here. Everyone who comes in says, "I've heard about how cute this little girl is...."

Her medical prognosis is looking very promising so far. We have been asked a million questions, a million times and everyone is amazed around here that we continue to answer, "nope, no bruising, no night sweats, no change in activity or appetite, no breathing problems, no headaches, etc. etc. etc." These personnel are so used to seeing and treating kids that are sick, that Sirri has them baffled. I also think she is a bright ray of sunshine and change of pace from sick kiddos for them. So, because she really has no symptoms of being unhealthy in any way, they all feel that once we remove the tumor she will be in the clear.

Her surgery is today (Wednesday) at 12:30. Though it is almost 1:00 now and we have had no word yet. We're just waiting and Sirri is playing. She thinks she is on some vacation where her every beck and call is fulfilled! Lucky little girl. Unfortunately the fun will end soon.

The surgeon is optimistic that they will be able to remove the whole tumor during surgery. She is also optimistic that they will be able to do it using a scope and not have to make a large incision. This would be great. It would be less invasive and her recovery would be much quicker, meaning we go home sooner!!! Hurray! (I miss Connor and Meg so much!) There is the chance that they will not be able to remove the whole tumor and they will have to do chemotherapy to shrink it. They really don't feel that this will be the case though. During the surgery they will also do a bone marrow biopsy, just in case.

After the tumor is out they will do a biopsy to ensure that their suspicions are correct and that the tumor is benign.While we are here, the doctors have checked out her crazy fingers and have come to the conclusion that they are just that...crazy! They are for sure a blessing though, since they have been the catalyst in finding this tumor! Between her crazy fingers and a very intuitive, Dr. Gary Sena, we have been blessed!

They are also working on her diarrhea issues. They have run some tests that we are waiting for the results. I'm really hoping she doesn't have a tolerance to gluten. Could I figure a diet like that out?!?!?!?!

They have also ran a Cystic Fibrosis test and we are awaiting those results as well.I want you all to know that we are still feeling a great amount of peace and comfort. I am so thankful for that. PCHMC is a very hard and sad place to be. There are so many very sick children here and we feel so thankful for our healthy little Miss Sirri who is buzzing up and down the halls on a trike making everyone laugh and smile! We are very blessed.

I am also so very thankful for all our family and friends at home that have taken care of Connor and Meg and loved on them so they don't feel afraid or sad while we are away. They have been spending the days with their second Mommy, Jaci and I'm so thankful for that. It gives me one less thing to worry about. At night Stacey (our SIL) has been coming to stay at our house so the kids can sleep in their own beds. I know being able to be home at night has been helpful for them.

Connor is confused about what is happening but is adjusting well. He asks lots of questions. Some that can be answered and some that just confuse him more. Bless his heart. He did talk to me this morning which made me so happy. The first night we were here he tried to talk to me and just cried and cried. That has been one of the hardest moments for me.

I will try and post another update as soon after her surgery as possible. I hope that this is all clear and that I have included the whole story (I probably included too much, but want to remember all of this one day). I've also been working on this here and there, through sleepy eyes, and I can't remember who knows what. If I've left anything out, or you have any questions, please ask in your comments and I'll answer!

Thank you again for all your love and prayers. We can feel it!

P.S. No pics yet. We forgot our cable to hook up our camera. Bummer.

Update from Stacey: Sirri did very well during surgery. They were able to remove the tumor which they discovered was fully encased. This is wonderful news as it means that it did not spead. They did remove the entire thing via scope so it was a much less evasive surgery. The tumor did contain cancer cells. The results of the bone marrow test should come back in two or three days. The tumor was attached to her esophagus and her aorta.

Sirri has a chest tube in and it may have to remain in for a few days up to a couple of weeks.

Connor and Meg have been so wonderful. They both slept through the night the past two nights. Jaci has really kept them busy and worn them out so they are good and tired when they come home to be put to bed. Meg even woke up dry yesterday morning. Good job little sister.

Meg loves talking on the phone to her mom and dad each evening and morning. Connor is still getting use to the idea but is coming around. He did so much better the last few nights. He is such a wonderful helper and takes such good care of Meg. Jaci reports that he is always watching out for her and even made the comment the other day when they went to the sandbar that Sirri would really want to come do it to. What a wonderful kiddo. Kendon and Lisa are obviously doing something right to have such a caring little man.

Kendon is hoping to head home in the next day or so. He will likely be able to give you all a better update that I can.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who have been so caring and helped with phone calls, emails, visits and meals. You are amazing.

Lisa-Marie's Blog on Sirri's Condition

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."


This scripture has been rolling around in my head all day. And for that I am grateful. There are a lot of other things that could be going on up there in that crazy brain of mine, so to be feeling comfort and peace is truly a blessing.


On Thursday I took Sirri to our doctor for a routine well check. I had a few minor issues that I wanted to discuss with him before sending her to school. You know things like she walks a little pigeon toed and she has funky fingers.


I figured when we got to the funky fingers part, Dr. Sena would look at me like the crazy mother that I am, and say, "Well, ya, she does have some interesting fingers. Lucky girl is double jointed. What's next on your list?"


Instead, he proceeds to tell me that spoon shaped fingers like hers can be a sign of Cystic Fibrosis. He then listened to her chest and ordered x-rays of both her feet and her chest.


Typically the night before a scheduled doctor's appointment for my children I pray to Heavenly Father that our doctor will have the gift of discernment and that he will be able to listen to the Spirit in regards to my children's health. So, when Sirri's x-ray pictures came back and Dr. Sena told me, "you know, I just have a gut feeling that something isn't right here." I listened.


He explained that something did not look right with Sirri's heart. It seemed to be enlarged. He told me that she would need to have a Eco-cardiogram in I.F. and then go to Primary Children's Hospital in Utah for further testing.


The office in I.F. would not do the eco on Sirri because they are not a pediatric cardiologist office. They recommended she have a CT scan at our hospital and then go directly to Primary Children's. Within the hour Dr. Sena had scheduled an appointment for a CT scan Friday morning and an appointment with Primary Children's Hospital on Monday morning.


After a traumatic CT scan (we were not warned that Sirri would have to have an IV. She was actually quite brave and I was proud of her.) the results showed that the problem is not in her heart or her lungs but is some sort of mass in her chest.


So instead of seeing the cardiologist in Utah on Monday, we need to see an oncologist. Dr. Sena tried to reach the oncologist all day Friday and will call first thing Monday morning to get Sirri an appointment.


Dr. Sena has been fabulous through all of this. He has personally called me 5 or 6 times throughout this process, even when Friday was his day off. He has given us much hope through each step and turn of the way and has had the best bedside manner of any doctor I have dealt with. Instead of dwelling on all the scary possibilities that we could be dealing with, he has shared optimism and words of comfort. (For example, the mass he says, could very likely be an enlarged thymus gland. Not a problem he says. Easily fixed. I appreciate his, glass is half full outlook!)


So, until Monday, at the earliest, we aren't sure what we are dealing with. We are playing the waiting game. And that is where my crazy brain could start making me, well, even crazier. But instead, through much prayer and through fasting today, I have felt peace. Yes, I am anxious and worried, as any mother would be, but I am functioning and calm. I have felt my Heavenly Father's love and I know that He knows our family. I know that He has a plan and that through trust and faith and more prayer, we can be willing to follow that plan.


I am hoping that I am feeling peace, because Sirri is going to be well. I am praying that the doctors will discover that this is "nothing" and we can move on with our lives. But, if not. If this is the calm before the storm, I want to be able to look back and read this, and remember the way I felt today. I want to be able to remember that fasting and prayer work. I want to remember that I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my family. I want to remember that I do not have to feel alone and frightened. I want to remember that I can and that I HAVE felt peace through my Savior. That through Jesus' love, I can let not my heart be troubled or afraid.


"Peace...my peace I give unto you."

Sirri during the CT scan.

How we felt when we found out she had to have an IV.

How we felt when the nurse gave us both ice cream coupons for being so brave!


Update: The nurse just called. Wednesday at 11:00 is the earliest they could get us in. So glad I wrote this last night cause Wednesday seems like a long way away. I might have to read my own words a time or two (or 100) in the next few days for a good reminder.


Update Update: They got us in today at 10:30. Gotta run.


Stacey's update on the situation. Lisa-Marie and Sirri headed to Salt Lake City yesterday afternoon to Primary Children's Hospital. Sirri's Grandma Bigelow (Lisa's Mom) met them there. Kendon followed a couple of hours later. This morning the doctors and surgeons are meeting to figure out if they are going to go in and remove the mass from Sirri's chest from the front or back and whether they can do orthoscopic surgery or if they will need to open her up to remove it. The mass is 2 cm by 3 cm.

Please pray for our Sirri Marie. Also pray for her parents who are dealing with this burden of having their little girl facing surgery. Finally, pray for the two little kiddos still at home who do not understand what is happening.

I am so grateful for the help of our ward members who have stepped up and watch the other kiddos during the day so I can work and then I stay with them at night. You never know how much these people mean until you are in situations like this and they step up and really support you in your time of need. You really are extensions of our family.

The Rest of the Story

I teach the 10 and 11 year old girls in Primary. Today was my day to teach. The lesson was on Helaman and the 2,000 Stripling Warriors. The girls were very excited about the story. At the end of the hour I told the girls that the army of Antipus and army of Stripling Warriors overtook the Lamanites and forced them to either put down their weapons and become prisoners or be killed. I asked them if they knew what had happened to the prisoners. They were on the edge of their seats. I told them that the prisoners were sent to the land of Zarahemla. Then the girls asked....then what happened? I told them they would just have to come back next week to find out. They were really disappointed that I didn't tell them the entire story. In fact, Kelsi Sanderson said, "this is like a really dumb movie where it has a sequel."

During sharing time the Meyers girls asked me to tell them what happened next because they are going to a family reunion next week and just had to find out. I told them I couldn't tell them.

Tonight I got a phone call from Nichelle Meyers asking me to tell her where we were in the Book of Mormon so she could read what happens next because she thought it was awful that I wouldn't tell them what happened. I was really touched that maybe just maybe what I am trying to teach is making a difference.

So my sweet girls....you will have to come next week to find out "The Rest of the Story."

You Don't Know Me.....

Emily tagged me again. This time I have to tell you six things you probably don't know about me. Here goes....

1. I have always wanted to be a motivational speaker...I just don't know what to talk about that anyone else would want to listen to.

2. Sometimes I really do talk just to hear myself speak (sorry Zack and Syd). Ok, not really but I know that I say A LOT of the same things I swore I would never say to my kids when I was a parent.

3. My husband is funny. Ok, sometimes.....just sometimes ... he really is funnier than me. Please don't tell him.

4. I have never broken a bone, but have had eight different surgeries. I have never had braces, never had my tonsils out and don't wear glasses or contacts.

5. I was awful at being single. Now that I am married I finally have the confidence I needed to be good at being single. Go figure. Must have something to do with my amazing guy.

6. Relationships are invaluable to me. I don't know what I would do without my husband, family, and closest friends. Without relationships I think I would not survive. I value being with people. I love being part of something bigger than myself.

Now it is your turn. You are all tagged. I want to see six things that you think I don't know about you.

The Last Lecture.....It Was His Greatest

On September 18, 2007, Computer Science Professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told his audience about the cancer that is devouring his pancreas and that will claim his life in a matter of months. On the stage that day, Randy was youthful, energetic, handsome, often cheerfully, darkly funny. He seemed invincible. But this was a brief moment, as he himself acknowledged.

Randy’s lecture has become a phenomenon, as has the book he wrote based on the same principles, celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. Sadly, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on July 25th, 2008, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all, for generations to come.

I am really inspired by this man and his life. He knew he was dying and yet he did one last thing that will mean so much to so many but especially to his wife and children.

Tagged!

I have been tagged (thanks Em) on this. So this is me from A to Z.

A - age - 36

B - birthday - May 30, 1972 (Yep a Memorial Day Baby)

C - candy or cake - seriously, you want me to choose between my two favorite things?!

D - dessert you love - cheesecake

E - easiest person to talk to - Jerry (most of the time)

F - favorite song - "I Love The Way You Love Me"

G - gold or silver - so silver

H - habit - nervous twitch with my leg. I can't keep it still (but all of us Mishler girls have it).

I - instruments I play - flute (but I have a piano that is sitting in my dining room)

J - job title - Financial Aid Advisor

K - kids - Zachary (my bunny) and Sydney (my roo)

L - love or lust - love, definitely love

M- married or single - married 15 years in September

N - next to you - my sweet hubby

O - one wish - I want to go back to Hawaii with my fam

P - person you called last - my hubby

Q - quotes - Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. (Robert Frost rocks)

R - reasons to smile - sometimes people are like slinkies....not really good for much but you can't help but laugh when they fall down the stairs.

S - steak or pork - STEAK! We are carnivores!!

T - turns you on - guys wearing nice cologne

U - unique talent - that would be a big nothing. However, I think I am really funny. My hubby disagrees and thinks I am not nearly as funny as I think I am. I happen to think I am one of the funniest people I know.

V - vegetable - any smothered in Chiz's Ranch Dressing

W - woke up at what time - too early (7 a.m.) as always

X - x-rays I've had - ankle, abdomen, hand, head (hehehe....they each make a really good story)

Y - your favorite color - blue

Z - zodiac - Gemini

I tag Amy, Becki, Laurie, Tammie, Melissa and Lisa-Marie.

Growing....Growing......GROWING!!!

Zack starts fifth grade this fall. I am really okay with that. What I had no idea I wouldn't be prepared for was to see my sweet little boy begin football camp. I watched as my very tall (his head is up to my shoulders) son walked onto the football field and was towered over by kids who are in junior high and high school. I felt the lump in my throat rising.

He walked over to the field, sat down and proceeded to try and put his kleets on. I say he proceeded to try because these are his soccer kleets from this past Fall. We bought them and they fit fine. They are a size 3. He came almost crying back to the car. "Mom, these shoes don't fit me," he began to tear up. "What do you mean they don't fit....we JUST bought them!," I said completely shocked. I even (to my chagrin) made him give me his kleets and his shoes to compare sizes. I was completely dumbfounded to discover he was trying to shove his now size 5 feet into those practically new size 3 kleets. Dad to the rescue! New kleets and a football camp practice was well underway.

When he came home my "little" boy came strolling into my room as proud as a peacock wearing his new football pads, new kleets, and a football helmet! Now it was my turn to begin sobbing. I was so shocked to see my little boy literally transformed into a young man right before my very eyes. I am still trying to deal with the fact that my boy is now a football player AND a wrestler. This is definately going to take some getting use to.

Happy Birthday BOYS!!!

One birthday gift that Zack got four years ago today was one of the best gifts a kid could get. He is lucky enough to have his cousin Connor born on his birthday. These kiddos are wonderful and I am so glad they live next to each other and enjoy being together.

I also have a dear friend whose sweet baby boy was born on this day as well. No photos of him but I sure love him and am thinking of him too.

Man how my boys grow and all too quickly begin adventures of their own. No matter how old you boys get or how far you may go, you will always be loved by your Mothers and you will always be our little boys. But for now, while you are young, we enjoy every moment we can with you and wish you the Happiest of Birthdays!!!