That family that breaks a hotel bed together stays together?

If you know my mom then you'll know these were all her idea. Pretty great right?

Most Mom's say don't jump on the bed, my mom says, "Me first!"

The best Christmas tradition ever.

My favorite Christmas tradition is called the Christmas ball. This tradition comes from Marian D Hanks. My great grandfather served a mission with President Hanks and incorporated this Hanks tradition into our own Christmas celebrations.

We do the Christmas ball on Christmas eve. Everyone sits in a big circle on the floor and we start to roll the ball.

The ball used to be rolls of paper towels with a prize taped to each square but now we use beautiful material balls my Aunt made. Each pocket has a prize something like; gum, pencils, whistles, dish clothes, (I hated getting dish clothes as a kid) gift cards, and the occasional number.

The numbers are the best prizes, they mean you'll get a BIG prize after the ball is over. There are also papers in some of the pockets and they usually tell you to do something like sing "Jingle Bells," or hand your prize to the person next to you. These papers usually crack me up so long as I'm not the one who finds them in my pocket.

The big prizes that come with the numbers are usually the most exciting part. Your number might get you something fantastic like a bottle of sparkling cider, makeup, a candle, and once I even got an Mp3 player. There are also prizes that kind of stink like; a Chicago Bears wall clock, a solar powered pocket calculator, or jumper cables (which I later found out didn't work very well at all), etc.

The Christmas ball is the best! Even if you're the one to end up writing your name with your hips in front of everybody and win a glasses case as your prize. It's odds on, that you'll have fun being with your family, laugh lots and at least get a dish clothe or two out of it, which I no longer dread and totally hope I get.

The Empty Shoe

At Christmas time My Aunt will write a Christmas story and send it out to us. I always look forward to them. There was one special story that touched my heart so much that I've thought about it every Christmas since, and this year I thought I'd share it with you.

The Empty Shoe

It wasn't easy for any of us but it was definitely hardestfor Anna when Joshua and Amber moved in. Josh and Amber were foster children who were living with us. Anna was the baby of our family, though no one had dared call her a baby for a long time. She was five, so was Joshua. Amber was six.

Josh and Amber had come from a bad situation. We had to teach them all sorts of things that most kids their age already know. They didn't know what dresser drawers were for or how to hang clothes in a closet. They didn't know how to make a bed, they didn't even know how to get into a bed – under the covers, between the sheets. They thought toothpaste was to eat like candy. They accused Mom of stealing their clothes when she gathered them up to put them in the laundry.

There were other things we tried to teach them. They thought that whoever yelled the loudest was right. Josh especially, seemed to think that hitting was the most effective form of communication. It was not easy to live with Josh and Amber. You never knew what Amber was going to say or do, but with Joshua at least he was consistent. You know he'd hit you.

By December things were calming down – a little bit. Amber only shrieked about once a day. Joshua wasn't swearing or spitting much and instead of screaming, “You need to shut up your fat face you fatty!” he bellowed “Pleeeeeeease be quiet!”

But he still hit. He'd walk by and bop you just because he didn't like the way you looked. Anna had it the worst. Joshua was really mad that she was older than he was – a whole two months. And since she was the only one in the house smaller than he was – he smacked her every time he got close to her.

We were getting ready for Christmas. Joshua and Amber liked the decorations, they loved the music. They were nuts over the presents and the tree. They were a little confused about the Christmas stockings, they'd never had any before. But they felt better about them when they learned that they didn't have to wear them. I must admit my brothers and sisters (and I) found a great deal of delight in telling them about Santa and his elves who were watching and that naughty children wouldn't get anything for Christmas. Most of the time Joshua would just glare and say, “ I don't care.” But I did overhear him asking Mom if she thought Santa would bring him something.

One of our traditions is St Nicholas Eve. On December the 5^th, before we go to bed, we each set out one of our shoes. Inside of it we leave our letter for Santa Claus and a carrot for his reindeer. The next morning the letters and carrots are gone and our shoes are filled with candy. It looks pretty impressive, that long line of shoes full of goodies. And this year there were ten shoes in a row!

The little kids were so excited that they started lining their shoes up on December 1^st. No one was more excited than Joshua. We had to explain to him over and over all about the letters and candy. The more excited he got the wilder he got. He was spending most of his time in time-out. Then he refused to stay in time-out and Mom or Dad had to hold him – tightly- while he kicked and screamed and thrashed around until he decided he was ready to settle down. He didn't seem to believe us when we told him that Santa wouldn't bring him anything. By St. Nicholas Eve Josh was totally out of control. He slugged poor Anna every time she was in the same room. He tore up a book. He pounded on the piano. He knocked over chairs. He yelled. He threw his toys. He slammed doors. He sassed, he spit, he swore.

Finally Mom, who was holding him in her arms while he hollered told him, “Joshua, I am very sorry. Until you stop hurting others, you will lose all special privileges.” I don't think he understood what she said, but he did get very quiet when she set him down and took his shoe from the line in front of the Christmas tree. Later, after he'd been sent to bed, I saw him sneak out of his room and carefully put his shoe back.

We woke up early the next morning and St Nicholas had come. We all hurried to claim our shoes. We were noisily exclaiming over our bounty when we noticed Joshua. It got very quiet. Joshua looked at the shoe in his hands. It was empty. He held it up to his face and peered inside. He turned it upside down and shook it. He reached his hand in – all the way. Then he looked at us. His face crumpled and he sobbed and sobbed. I was about to tell him “I told you so,” when I saw Anna. She held out her hands to Joshua. Her arms bore the scratches and bruises that were Josh's signature. In one hand she held her candy cane and the other hand was full of bright foil wrapped chocolates.

“Don't cry, Joshua, you can have mine.”

Before the tears had dried on his face, Joshua's shoe was overflowing as we each shared, even Amber. He grinned happily as he counted his candy, but sometimes he would stop and look at Anna with a puzzled expression.

I wish I could say that Joshua's heart “grew three sizes that day.” He didn't change much, not right away. But I think we changed. You can't love someone, really love someone, whether they're nice or not, without that love blessing you.

And when it is hardest to love a person and you love them anyway, really love them, that love changes you. Joshua not only had never had a real Christmas before, he'd never really been loved before. But that's what Christmas is all about, isn't it!

Merry Christmas.

Brittney called to serve???

Brittney has been called to serve in the Argentina Buenos Aires west mission! She leaves April 4 and will be speaking Spanish!

Wow Brittney you are in for an amazing 18 months. I'm going to miss you sooo much! At least you will get to speak in you native tongue.

Can you believe that I will have 2 siblings out on a mission at the same time! I keep bouncing between totally psyched and super nervous. I don't think 2 years has ever seemed so long before.

Called to Serve???

Dominic has been called to serve in the Texas Lubbock mission! He leaves for the MTC February 29th.

Congratulations Dom! I can't believe you are already old enough to go on a mission. I'm going to miss you lots and lots.

My Future?

If I’m lucky (knock on wood) I may finish school and become a speech therapist. If that happens then this could someday be my job.

Back to School

The clip shows exactly what I’ve felt like coming back to school after the stroke. Everybody is so smart eager and energetic, and then there's me. I do my best work and I end up turning in a crumpled sheet of notebook paper with gum stuck to it.

This is going to be a challenging semester. Every once in a while I catch myself wondering, “was I foolish to come back so soon?”

Don’t get me wrong my progress has been miraculous. I couldn’t be happier with all the things I’m able to do. It’s just that coming back to school has made me realize that there are lots of improvements yet to be made. Everything is a little bit trickier and I have to work harder than I have before. What’s nice though is that the extra work I put into my assignments and studying is that much more rewarding. I don’t think I've ever been more proud of my gummy wrinkled notebook paper. :)

I guess whether I’ve been foolish or not I’m here now so I plan on putting forth my best effort and with the Lords help I’ll have no reason to be anything but proud of what I accomplish…. So long as it’s an A ;)… Just kidding

Summer Crafts

It's the end of summer and I'm more than ready to show off the summer crafts my Mom and I completed.

These are pillow cases that I cross stitched I know they aren't really fancy, but I'm proud of them anyway. I did them right after the stroke and since my coordination and concentration were lacking they took more effort than usual.Threading the needle was especially difficult and probably took more time than the actual sewing.

We put together this bookcase for my room I love the look of the craft paper we stuck on the back.

I bought this frame at Savers and had no idea what I was going to do with it. My mom and I played with a few ideas that evolved into something that I now love. There are pictures of my; great grandmothers, grandmothers, mom and sisters(thanks everyone who got pictures to me). We were also able to use jewelry,white gloves, a brooch, pearls, and dried flowers, many of those things had been passed down to us. It became a collage of the some of the women who have helped shape my life. They are all women of faith who loved their families and did the best they could with what they had. I hope someday to be someone who makes them proud.

Las Vegas Weekend

I just got home from my wonderful Weekend in Las Vegas.

We stayed at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and our room was beautiful. One whole wall was windows and the view at night was stupendous. We saw the fountain show at the Bellagio, and rode a 4D ride at the Excalibur. Their was a beautiful pool and we got to eat at a fancy restaurant called Aureole.

The highlight had to be seeing "Lion King." The opening number was incredible and totally overwhelming. I feel so lucky to have gone on this trip with my sisters and Mom. I never imagined we would get to do something so special. What a fantastic way to end the summer.

All the Girls at MandalayBay

Right after "Lion King"

Aureole Restaurant

Our scandalous Vegas photo :)

Summer reads

Since the stroke I've been determined to improve my concentration. I couldn't think of a better or more enjoyable way to do that than to read some good books. I thought I would share some of them with you and at the same time support some local authors because it just so happens that each of these books were written by people from Utah.

“The Earthsoul Prophesies” by Greg Park: This is a fantasy series that I really enjoyed. It was full of suspense and really fun to read. I’m often hesitant to read fantasy novels but I’m glad I pushed through the first few chapters because after that I was addicted. So far there are 3 books in the series and they just get better as you go. I’m very excited for the next one to come out!

“To Destroy You Is No Loss” By JoAn D. Criddle. I was required to read this book for one of my classes and was amazed by the story. It's written as a first person narrative, but is actually a biography. It’s about a family’s experiences during the Cambodian genocide. This is one of those books that stay with you long after you finish reading it. I was inspired by the strength and love this family demonstrated despite all of the horrible things that happened to them. Just to give you fair warning this story was definitely inspirational but it was also one of the saddest stories I have ever read I wouldn't recommend it for everyone.

“Matched” By Ally Condie This was an entertaining and undemanding read. It was a great book to kill an hour with or take on vacation. It is about a dystopian society which is of course a familiar subject but it had its own quirks that kept me interested. The next one comes out this fall and I’m sure I'll read it.

So there you go some cools books by some talented Utah authors. (all images found on google.com)

Da-bomb (Ambulatory EEG)

I am doing a 72 hour EEG which means I get to wear this cap and these wires for a little while. I'm looking good huh? They LITERALLY glued the leads on with something similar to super glue, and plan on getting the glue off with acetone. My poor hair. Other than being a little itchy and the opposite of fashionable this test isn't too bad. They are doing it to check to see if the "convulsive syncope" I experience is is actually a seizure. I am pretty sure it is all blood pressure related and figure the test results will be unremarkable but I'm glad the neurologist is being thorough.

Since I have all these wires coming off of me and a couple inside of me I have decided that my new nickname is going to be "Da-bom" lol!

P.S. Isn't my mom cute the tech smuggled her a cap of her own so we could be twinners :)

Happy Mothers day Mom! I love you so much. You are my guardian angel and bad influence all rolled into one:) We were meant to be friends.

3 Months later

Yup it has been 3 months to the day since I had the stroke. How does one celebrate such a momentous occasion? I really wanted to put something funny up about strokes but there is an embarrassing lack of stroke humor out there.

Things are going well. I’m starting to get some energy back. I still blackout lots multiple times a day if I'm not careful, but I’m certainly able to do more then I was 4 weeks ago. If it is a short trip I’m able to go solo if it is a longer excursion then I use the walker or wheelchair. I even got to go to the mall the other day.

Easter was great. We had dinner with my Dads side of the family and instead of the traditional Easter egg hunt we had a piñata. I didn’t even dent the thing but my brother Dom destroyed it.

Thanks again to everyone who has done so much to keep me entertained and have blessed me with your prayers.

The family on the way to our delicious Easter Dinner

Dominic and our Easter piñata

All patched up!

The hole in my heart (PFO) is now patched!

Surgery was not too bad. It all happened in one day. I showed up at 8 and got to leave a little after 5. They used a femoral line to get to my heart. This is the 2nd femoral line I've had in 2 months. I'm so glad they didn't have to crack open my chest, but I've got to say I don't find femoral lines very comfortable.

My mom LOVES pictures so she gave one of the nurses a camera.

Just before they started

This is the device they used to close the hole. It is bigger than I expected

You can just make it out on the x-ray.

They had a hard time getting around the pacemaker wires but eventually they got it where it needed to be. Before I even came to my heart started to beat irregularly. That was the complication we were most worried about. For now we are going to give it time to gets used to the device and see if it goes back to normal, or whatever my hearts approximation of normal is.

The hardest thing at the moment is my blood pressure is super low. I can't stay up for long before I black out. I'm trying to be especially careful not to fall. The doctor said not to jar the device or it could break loose, also I don't want to hit my head while on blood thinners.

Everyone has been so nice. I've got candy, movies, and books to keep myself occupied, plus before the closure a friend did glitter toes for me! (thanks Mette)

I'm very grateful for all the prayers said for me. Thank you for all the support and love you've shown me.

Bubbles

I recently had a test to figure out how big the hole in my heart is. The test is called "Transcranial doppler with bubbles". They put a something like a hat on my head that ultrasounds the main arteries in my brain. Then through an IV they push some air bubbles. They use the ultrasound to see and hear if bubbles are getting through the hole into the wrong side of my heart and then into my brain. PFOs (the type of hole I have) are given a rating between 1-5 . 1 meaning not much gets through. 5 a lot gets through. I got a rating of 5+ it sounded like pretty much everything was getting through.



My cardiologists were arguing about whether or not to go through with the closure since there is a risk of arrhythmias, however now that we know so much is getting through they feel that the only option is too close it soon. The closure is set for March 28th.


The video below is what we expected to hear during the test. He said to expect 2-10 bubbles.


This next video is what we heard when we did my TCD bubble. (Warning it is kinda loud)


Cool right? I had to chuckle to myself because while they were doing the test all I could think was THIS.

Press forward

I keep on keeping on. I talked to a cardiolgist about closing the hole in my heart and we will probably do the surgery at the end of March.

My speech therapy is going well I get frustrated at times but so does my mom and even the therapist... those tests are tough.

I feel pretty sick lately flu like and exhausted. Luckily I am home during this crash and not at school it's easier with my family there to make me laugh and fetch me stuff such as ice cream.

Speaking of ice cream I love candy/junk food. I LOVE IT. I feel sick much of the time but I still don't have the strength to say no to sugar in all of its delicious forms. especially ...

Cadburry mini eggs

I spent $10.00 on these fantastic morsels today and kind of wish I had bought more. The next time I will be able to buy these is at Christmas time. Do you think this candy trial is supposed to teach me patience?

Last but not least I have figured out why pirates always look like this:

"arrrrr" They had a stroke

That is me trying my darndest to smile.

My Mom and I went to Pirate Island just to get that picture :)