Tuesday, February 7, 2012
An Angry Birds Birthday
Noah turned 4 on January 31st. On February 4th, we had a birthday party for him at our house with an Angry Bird theme. The turn out for his party was great and Noah had a blast. After the ER visit the morning of his birthday, this party is just what he needed. Check out photos of Noah's Angry Bird bash!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Birthday Bummer
January 31st is Noah's 4th Birthday. Our plan was to take Noah out for a fun dinner somewhere as he is having his birthday party this Saturday. After midnight on the 31st, Noah woke up crying, gasping and coughing. It was evident from the sound of his cough that he had croup again. After a breathing treatment and trying to calm him down, I ended up taking him to the emergency room. Thankfully he was not admitted and the doctor was able to get his croup under control. After several hours in the ER, we finally made it home at 4:30 a.m.
While this is not at all how I planned to celebrate Noah's 4th Birthday, I am thankful he is okay and hopeful he will be well in time for his party on Saturday.
While this is not at all how I planned to celebrate Noah's 4th Birthday, I am thankful he is okay and hopeful he will be well in time for his party on Saturday.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Transition: From Nursery to Primary
This year, Noah began Primary at church. It has been a rough transition from him coming from nursery where he plays all day to going to a classroom setting.
Today was the worst of the last few weeks. I dropped him off in Primary class and a mere 5 minutes later, one of the teachers came to find me, so I had to go sit in class with Noah. Noah's birthday is coming up. All started out great in Primary as they gave each child a birthday goodie back for their upcoming birthdays. After the birthday celebration, it was time for a game/music activity. From that point, it was all down hill. Noah FLIPPED out because he wasn't getting a turn at the game. Keep in mind that they were drawing names so they could be fair. Noah's name wasn't getting called so he begins whining, talking out of turn and getting out of his seat....a lot! THEN, Noah's name gets called. I think to myself, "Finally, he'll get his turn and calm down". He took his turn and then got upset because he had to stop, thus he gave his loudest, high pitch scream. AHHH!!!!!! I immediately took him out in the hallway and had a stern talk with him about his behavior. When Noah calmed down, we went back in class. My child continued to get up and down, whine and cry. I have to stay it was rather embarrassing.
FINALLY the class was over and it was time for Noah to go to his Sunbeam class. He went with his teacher to class and I thought I was free to go to my class...WRONG! Five minutes later, Noah and his teacher came to find me. I gave up at that point and grabbed my stuff and came home.
I am not sure if Noah was just having a bad day or if he was just being especially whiny today but his behavior was less than desirable. I certainly hope his behavior is better next week and that he warms up to the classroom setting more. I understand change can be difficult for a child so I pray that we can work together to make his transition smoother every week.
Today was the worst of the last few weeks. I dropped him off in Primary class and a mere 5 minutes later, one of the teachers came to find me, so I had to go sit in class with Noah. Noah's birthday is coming up. All started out great in Primary as they gave each child a birthday goodie back for their upcoming birthdays. After the birthday celebration, it was time for a game/music activity. From that point, it was all down hill. Noah FLIPPED out because he wasn't getting a turn at the game. Keep in mind that they were drawing names so they could be fair. Noah's name wasn't getting called so he begins whining, talking out of turn and getting out of his seat....a lot! THEN, Noah's name gets called. I think to myself, "Finally, he'll get his turn and calm down". He took his turn and then got upset because he had to stop, thus he gave his loudest, high pitch scream. AHHH!!!!!! I immediately took him out in the hallway and had a stern talk with him about his behavior. When Noah calmed down, we went back in class. My child continued to get up and down, whine and cry. I have to stay it was rather embarrassing.
FINALLY the class was over and it was time for Noah to go to his Sunbeam class. He went with his teacher to class and I thought I was free to go to my class...WRONG! Five minutes later, Noah and his teacher came to find me. I gave up at that point and grabbed my stuff and came home.
I am not sure if Noah was just having a bad day or if he was just being especially whiny today but his behavior was less than desirable. I certainly hope his behavior is better next week and that he warms up to the classroom setting more. I understand change can be difficult for a child so I pray that we can work together to make his transition smoother every week.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Finding the Right in a World Full of Wrong
I know I have talked a lot over the last few months about the many trials that myself and my family have faced. I know after all I have endured, I need to stand tall and stand strong, come what may.
As I reflect on what I need to do in my life to be a better woman, wife, mother, friend, sister and daughter, I first understand that I need to find peace with myself. I feel at times that my life is lacking and I know why. Not going to church will certainly make one feel that way. I neglected going for the last few months for what I thought was a good reason, that being because of my heart and the surgery. There is no good reason. What I should have done was get my butt up and ask for help in order to get me there. I don't want to be misleading but since we moved to Vegas, being active was not always on the top of our list. I, at most times, feel that moving to Vegas was the biggest mistake of my life. If we had not have moved to Vegas, we more than likely would have not gone inactive, nor would we have had the trials we have had for letting the world overcome us. I very much dislike Vegas and all of the wrong that it has brought to us, however I know the place is not entirely to blame. I found the wrong in the world and let it overtake my life and my family. I did this and now I have to fix it.
I know what the right is. I have never doubted it since I first came to know the truth and to gain a testimony. Instead of doubting it, I forgot it. I am not sure which is worse, but I imagine that both will produce the same end result: regret. I have a lot of regret and I have a lot of time to make up for.
I missed the first 2 Sundays this year but have gone the last two weeks. I can't say that it has been easy to go at it alone but I know if I stay on the path that God has laid out for me, I will be better for it. My boys need me to teach them the way and I cannot do it if all I do is wrong.
Noah is a sunbeam now and he is learning so fast. It was a hard transition for him to go from the nursery to a classroom setting but he is trying hard. His example of trying inspires me. He loves to say bedtime prayer with me and he loves to tell me after church what he learned in his class. Today he learned about choosing the right. He told me today that choosing the right meant that he needs to make good choices. WOW...WHAT A REVELATION! My soon to be 4 year old son has opened my eyes. CHOOSE THE RIGHT.....I need to find the right in this world full of wrong.
As I reflect on what I need to do in my life to be a better woman, wife, mother, friend, sister and daughter, I first understand that I need to find peace with myself. I feel at times that my life is lacking and I know why. Not going to church will certainly make one feel that way. I neglected going for the last few months for what I thought was a good reason, that being because of my heart and the surgery. There is no good reason. What I should have done was get my butt up and ask for help in order to get me there. I don't want to be misleading but since we moved to Vegas, being active was not always on the top of our list. I, at most times, feel that moving to Vegas was the biggest mistake of my life. If we had not have moved to Vegas, we more than likely would have not gone inactive, nor would we have had the trials we have had for letting the world overcome us. I very much dislike Vegas and all of the wrong that it has brought to us, however I know the place is not entirely to blame. I found the wrong in the world and let it overtake my life and my family. I did this and now I have to fix it.
I know what the right is. I have never doubted it since I first came to know the truth and to gain a testimony. Instead of doubting it, I forgot it. I am not sure which is worse, but I imagine that both will produce the same end result: regret. I have a lot of regret and I have a lot of time to make up for.
I missed the first 2 Sundays this year but have gone the last two weeks. I can't say that it has been easy to go at it alone but I know if I stay on the path that God has laid out for me, I will be better for it. My boys need me to teach them the way and I cannot do it if all I do is wrong.
Noah is a sunbeam now and he is learning so fast. It was a hard transition for him to go from the nursery to a classroom setting but he is trying hard. His example of trying inspires me. He loves to say bedtime prayer with me and he loves to tell me after church what he learned in his class. Today he learned about choosing the right. He told me today that choosing the right meant that he needs to make good choices. WOW...WHAT A REVELATION! My soon to be 4 year old son has opened my eyes. CHOOSE THE RIGHT.....I need to find the right in this world full of wrong.
"Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes,' Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be." -Thomas S. Monson
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A Year in Review
2011 brought a lot of ups and downs, tears and triumphs, hope and healing, love and challenges.
The year started off with me being pregnant and looking forward to and preparing for Baby #2 to arrive. Noah turned 3 years old on January 31st. Noah has grown so much and is so very smart.
Several months before having Baby #2, we starting looking at purchasing our first house in Las Vegas. We finally found a home we loved and put in an offer. Kolsen Briggs Collis was born on May 22nd. What a treat he became to our family! We actually closed on our home the day after I had Kolsen and signed our closing papers while still in the hospital.
On July 11th, Josh and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary. So hard to believe it has been that long. After 11 years and 2 kids later, we are still keeping on!
Several months later I found out I need to have heart surgery yet again...for the 4th time! I got through it with the help of my hubby and mother-in-law, and with my boys giving me the will to get through it.
Some relationships grew, faltered and grew some more, leaving open wounds and lots of scars, but all the while bringing insight to the core of those relationships.
2011 brought several new journeys, taught valuable lessons and gave me so much to appreciate. I am hoping 2012 does the same.
The year started off with me being pregnant and looking forward to and preparing for Baby #2 to arrive. Noah turned 3 years old on January 31st. Noah has grown so much and is so very smart.
Several months before having Baby #2, we starting looking at purchasing our first house in Las Vegas. We finally found a home we loved and put in an offer. Kolsen Briggs Collis was born on May 22nd. What a treat he became to our family! We actually closed on our home the day after I had Kolsen and signed our closing papers while still in the hospital.
On July 11th, Josh and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary. So hard to believe it has been that long. After 11 years and 2 kids later, we are still keeping on!
Several months later I found out I need to have heart surgery yet again...for the 4th time! I got through it with the help of my hubby and mother-in-law, and with my boys giving me the will to get through it.
Some relationships grew, faltered and grew some more, leaving open wounds and lots of scars, but all the while bringing insight to the core of those relationships.
2011 brought several new journeys, taught valuable lessons and gave me so much to appreciate. I am hoping 2012 does the same.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Giving Thanks
I have seen this going around Facebook so I thought I would implement it into my blog and update it every day.
What are you thankful for? Every day this month in honor of Thanksgiving, post what you are thankful for.
Day 1: I am thankful for my husband. Despite our ups and downs, he is my eternal companion and I love him more than I can express.
Day 2: I am thankful for my two wonderful little boys. Noah and Kolsen are very different in their personalities which is why I love them so much. They make my life complete and I can't imagine a life without them in it.
Day 3: I am thankful for all things church related. My Heavenly Father, my Savior, my church family, the gospel and for the joy they all bring to my life. I am certainly very blessed to know the gospel and for it to be implemented into my life.
Day 4: I'm thankful for my family, my little family and extended family, and my in-law family. They have given me so much love and support and I couldn't ask for a better family.
Day 5: I'm thankful for the scenery of the earth, for mountains, rain, snow and sunshine. We took a road trip to Beatty, Nevada and ran into rain and saw lots of snow on the mountains. We were able to capture some magnificent sights.
Day 6: I am thankful for learning and teaching. I taught Noah how to fold laundry today and he had so much fun. I gave him several items to fold and left him alone with them. When I came back to check on him, he had folded everything correctly. I'm so proud of him for wanting to learn, for learning, and that I am able to teach him.
Day 7: I am thankful for music. There is always a way to express yourself through music. For me, there is always a song that I can find that either makes me feel better or corresponds to an event in my life. For that, I am thankful.
Day 8: I am thankful for technology. Computers, phones, TV, etc., what did we ever do without these things?! I love that I can keep in touch with all my family and friends that I wouldn't normally be able to stay in touch with, without the help of technology.
Day 9: I am thankful for movies, whether it be a feel good movie, suspense, drama, period film, family movie, or fantasy. I love movies!!!
Day 10: Today I am thankful for love. The love of a child, a spouse, a family member, a friend: there are all kinds of love. Unconditional love is never ending and I love that I can love and be loved in return.
Day 11: I am thankful for my mother-in-law, Candy. She came out to Vegas for my heart surgery and helped me out with my boys when I was not able. She went home today and I am thankful for her help and support.
Day 12: I am thankful for having a home of my own. We bought a house and moved in 2 days after Kolsen was born in May 2011. It is nice to be able to paint and personalize our home to our liking. We still have a lot that we want to do to our home but since it's our home, we can do it in baby steps. What a great investment!
Day 13: Today, I am thankful for my health. Despite the fact that I have an abnormal heart, I could be a lot worse off than I am.
Day 14: Today, I am thankful for my job. I have such a great job that I love and I love my boss and the girls I work with. I couldn't ask for a better work family.
Day 15: Today, I am thankful for medications when they are truly needed.
Day 16: Today, I am thankful for the fall season, for the leaves that turn colors and the cool down of Vegas' hot temperatures.
Day 17: I am thankful for smiles, especially the smiles of those who instantly make me feel better, especially the smiles of my two boys.
Day 18: I am thankful for laughter. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine.
Day 19: I am thankful for "me" time. I don't always get time to myself but when I do, I make each minute count.
Day 20: I am thankful for naps. I don't always get naps and when I do they are short but they make me feel so refreshed.
Day 21: I am thankful for shower's. After my surgery and not being able to take a shower for 3 weeks, I forgot how much I love the convenience of a nice hot shower. Don't get me wrong, baths are wonderful, but not everyday.
Day 22: I am thankful for the health of my children. Both of my boys are happy and healthy and such a blessing.
Day 23: I am thankful for the conveniences of living in Vegas. No matter what you need, you can get it at almost any time of the day or/night.
Day 24: I am thankful for all my many blessing and for everything there is to be thankful for. I am truly a blessed woman.
What are you thankful for? Every day this month in honor of Thanksgiving, post what you are thankful for.
Day 1: I am thankful for my husband. Despite our ups and downs, he is my eternal companion and I love him more than I can express.
Day 2: I am thankful for my two wonderful little boys. Noah and Kolsen are very different in their personalities which is why I love them so much. They make my life complete and I can't imagine a life without them in it.
Day 3: I am thankful for all things church related. My Heavenly Father, my Savior, my church family, the gospel and for the joy they all bring to my life. I am certainly very blessed to know the gospel and for it to be implemented into my life.
Day 4: I'm thankful for my family, my little family and extended family, and my in-law family. They have given me so much love and support and I couldn't ask for a better family.
Day 5: I'm thankful for the scenery of the earth, for mountains, rain, snow and sunshine. We took a road trip to Beatty, Nevada and ran into rain and saw lots of snow on the mountains. We were able to capture some magnificent sights.
Day 6: I am thankful for learning and teaching. I taught Noah how to fold laundry today and he had so much fun. I gave him several items to fold and left him alone with them. When I came back to check on him, he had folded everything correctly. I'm so proud of him for wanting to learn, for learning, and that I am able to teach him.
Day 7: I am thankful for music. There is always a way to express yourself through music. For me, there is always a song that I can find that either makes me feel better or corresponds to an event in my life. For that, I am thankful.
Day 8: I am thankful for technology. Computers, phones, TV, etc., what did we ever do without these things?! I love that I can keep in touch with all my family and friends that I wouldn't normally be able to stay in touch with, without the help of technology.
Day 9: I am thankful for movies, whether it be a feel good movie, suspense, drama, period film, family movie, or fantasy. I love movies!!!
Day 10: Today I am thankful for love. The love of a child, a spouse, a family member, a friend: there are all kinds of love. Unconditional love is never ending and I love that I can love and be loved in return.
Day 11: I am thankful for my mother-in-law, Candy. She came out to Vegas for my heart surgery and helped me out with my boys when I was not able. She went home today and I am thankful for her help and support.
Day 12: I am thankful for having a home of my own. We bought a house and moved in 2 days after Kolsen was born in May 2011. It is nice to be able to paint and personalize our home to our liking. We still have a lot that we want to do to our home but since it's our home, we can do it in baby steps. What a great investment!
Day 13: Today, I am thankful for my health. Despite the fact that I have an abnormal heart, I could be a lot worse off than I am.
Day 14: Today, I am thankful for my job. I have such a great job that I love and I love my boss and the girls I work with. I couldn't ask for a better work family.
Day 15: Today, I am thankful for medications when they are truly needed.
Day 16: Today, I am thankful for the fall season, for the leaves that turn colors and the cool down of Vegas' hot temperatures.
Day 17: I am thankful for smiles, especially the smiles of those who instantly make me feel better, especially the smiles of my two boys.
Day 18: I am thankful for laughter. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine.
Day 19: I am thankful for "me" time. I don't always get time to myself but when I do, I make each minute count.
Day 20: I am thankful for naps. I don't always get naps and when I do they are short but they make me feel so refreshed.
Day 21: I am thankful for shower's. After my surgery and not being able to take a shower for 3 weeks, I forgot how much I love the convenience of a nice hot shower. Don't get me wrong, baths are wonderful, but not everyday.
Day 22: I am thankful for the health of my children. Both of my boys are happy and healthy and such a blessing.
Day 23: I am thankful for the conveniences of living in Vegas. No matter what you need, you can get it at almost any time of the day or/night.
Day 24: I am thankful for all my many blessing and for everything there is to be thankful for. I am truly a blessed woman.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Reflection
While watching yesterday's IndyCar race, we saw a horrible crash which took the life of one driver, Dan Wheldon. He left behind his wife and two sons, 2 year old Sebastian and 7 month old Oliver. It was so very sad to see the events unfold. Such a tragedy makes one reflect on their own life and serves as a reminder that life is short and precious.
With my surgery coming up in about 10 days, it made me reflect on my life and how quickly life can be taken in an instant. Since I have had children, I've always worried "what if something happened to me?" This worry only just intensified with yesterday's event. I hope and pray everything goes well with surgery so I can continue to cherish precious moments with my children and family.
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~Abraham Lincoln
With my surgery coming up in about 10 days, it made me reflect on my life and how quickly life can be taken in an instant. Since I have had children, I've always worried "what if something happened to me?" This worry only just intensified with yesterday's event. I hope and pray everything goes well with surgery so I can continue to cherish precious moments with my children and family.
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~Abraham Lincoln
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