Super Busy Saturday

Last Saturday Jen had a baby shower planned for Julie.  Well since Julie had the twins that morning the shower got postponed to this week.  Jen always goes to a lot of work.  She planned this shower around the Kevin's favorite team, the Dolphins.  If you remember when they announced that they were having twins it was with the Dolphin, football theme.  Everything was so cute and I really hope Kevin was able to see it.  He had a track meet and so I'm not sure.  This shower was as much for Kevin and Julie and the twins.  Julie got a lot of diapers, blankets and clothes.  I gave each twin a bank with some $$$ and some burp clothes and diapers.  While this shower was going on so was a bridal shower in Mountain Green for Mallory's soon to be daughter in law. (I missed it) Dirk's dads funeral was the same time this shower got over. (I missed it as well)  I picked Julie up for the shower and had Kimleighel take her home.

Over a month ago I promised Carla that I would take her families pictures since Sarah and her family were in town.  I had Trichelle drop me off at Carla's.  I think we got some really cute pictures and we did it pretty fast.  Jessica needed to leave to go to work.  She lives and works in SLC and her schedule had been changed and she didn't have as much time as we had hoped.  The sun was a little bright and we got some squinty eyes but for the most part I think we got some good pictures.  It was fun taking them.  

I wouldn't mind learning more about photography and editing.  I really enjoy it and would love to have more knowledge concerning it.  I guess I will have to take some classes since I have always had an interest.  I wouldn't want to take pictures for money...just for friends and family because I enjoy it.

Carla and I had promised our DUP group that we would attend the Daughter of Utah Pioneers Jubilee.  I didn't really feel like it but since they were counting on us for lunch we went over.  I ended up winning a crocheted afghan. ☺

I didn't have much time at home before I had to leave for Ivy's dance recital.  I met Larry there since he ended up stopping to check on Justin.  What happened to Justin you might be asking.  Well, while he was working today a chisel shot back and smacked him in the mouth. It broke his front tooth off but left the root in his mouth. It also broke some of the bones in his mouth as well as splitting his upper lip.  He text me that him and Macie were going to have matching scares.  He will need surgeries on his mouth now.  Once a mom, always a mom.  My heart broke for my son and his family.

I'm not going to lie...I cried when I saw Ivy.  She reminded me of Trichelle when she was around 16-17.  Ivy is only turning 11 next month.  She's beautiful but growing up way too fast! Crazy how time flies!

After the recital we came home so Larry could shower and then we went up to see the twins.  Julie was there with them and so we visited with her until Kevin and Kamryn got there.  Kevin was able to feed Briggs.  These babies are doing so good and when they can eat without getting worn out they can come home.  They are getting so close.  Kam was excited to hold Brynlie.  Tonight was the first night the twins have been side by side since they were born.  I like seeing them together.  

We took Kam home with us and her and Jordyn got to sleep over.  Kevin dropped off Jordy on his way to the hospital.  We had a good time with the girls and let them stay with us all day Sunday as well.

Full Day Friday

Today started off early.  I went into Roy to get a planter for Dirk and Robin because Dirk's dad passed away earlier this week.  I got there before the Floral Shop opened and so I had to wait. I found Jaydan at Cross Fit and talked to him for a few minutes.  I wasn't sure how Larry and I were going to swing a viewing or a funeral with all we had going on.  We didn't make it to either.  I did visit with Robin after getting the planter.  I hope she really was okay with us not coming.  I let her know that we would try but things didn't work out.  We didn't make it to a wedding reception either.  Sometimes you just have to pick and choose and we went with our original plans that had been planned for over a month. 

I watched Macie and Parker with Kimi's help so that Natalie could help with Field Day.  They are easy to have over.  So easy I forgot to take any pictures of them.  I know the kids like coming over and that makes me feel good.  Our house is a fun place for kids.  We have lots to do with very little restrictions.  Natalie got to come visit a little between her times and I always enjoy visiting with her.  

Today Kamryn had her second grade program and so Gramps, Kimleighel and I went to that.  Since Julie is home she was able to go early and save us some seats.  I waited as long as possible before leaving since Natalie was going to be done just before Kam's program started.  It ended up being perfect timing and I was able to take Macie out to her and get seated before it started.  Kamryn is a smarty pants and always does a good job memorizing her parts.  I enjoy watching her.  It's fun being close enough to be able to go to some of the things the grands are involved in.  I really like going if I can.

I kept hoping to get back up to see the twins but that didn't happen today.  We know they are doing good though and so that is comforting!

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun!  Go HERE to JOIN IN!!! 

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Breakfast ~ Why do you live where you do? Larry's grandpa Lowe offered us this land and so we decided we had better take him up on his offer.  It was a good deal and we haven't been sorry.  I have loved living in the country and the only thing I haven't cared for are the mosquito's. 

Lunch ~ What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? I liked cartoons, The Brady Bunch, I Dream of Jeannie, Mash.  Actually there were a lot of good shows while I was growing up.  I did watch TV a lot more then.

Dinner ~ When was the last time you did something for the first time?Last Week What was it? I went to Detroit for the first time and rode a People Mover.  I also got twins in my family for the first time and had two babies in the NICU.

Midnight Snack ~ What is your favorite color? I prefer the Rainbow!  I like all colors.  I lean towards, bright pink, turquoise and purple! I've added yellow to my favorites! List three reasons to explain your choice. The are bright and cheerful.  These colors look good on most people.  They make me happy!

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Look For and Expect Miracles in Your Life!  I think miracles happen more than we realize.  Larry made a comment a few weeks back about wanting to see all the times he was protected in this life that he wasn't aware of.  Since I heard him say that I am curious as well.  

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Back to Reality

So I might have planned on getting some things done today.  You know when you come home from vacation there is always plenty to do.  But, sometimes I get surprised and things don't go as I had planned.  Kimleighel likes to tend the babies at our house.  It's easier to get them to take naps here.  When she comes they all like to hang out with gramma.   So, I usually don't get the things done that I had planned on doing.  I have to remind myself sometimes that Kimleighel and my grands won't be around all the time and to enjoy them while they are.  I really do enjoy them...they are precious as can be.

It took me the whole day to do the laundry and make a pasta salad for the SNAP closing tonight.  But it's okay that's all I was able to accomplish.  These little's are growing like weeds and I'm glad that I am able to spend time with them as they grow.  I kind of don't like when they start school because I see them even less.

Justin's ward (young men/women) came and did a little carnival for our Closing Social tonight.  He went to a lot of work to make it fun.  I think everyone enjoys coming to the Closing Social because they all like eating and we always have a big spread.  I bought the gifts for the games and spent a little more than usual just to make it a little nicer.  Usually this night is kind of sad because it means that we won't see each other until our camps.  This year however we will be getting together to do Sacrament meetings again!  Yeah! I'm so excited because these friends of mine all have such special spirits and it is felt by others as they share themselves through their talks and songs.  I didn't keep it a secret and told some of the participants.  They are excited too!

Detroit

 Ever since Larry was nine years old, he has been a Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan!  He has always dreamed of going to Detroit and watching his teams.  His dream finally came true.  We were able to see two Detroit Tigers games while we were there.  Each night they won and we had a great time.  Our seats were good each night too.  I enjoy baseball and am happy to accompany Larry.  I do not enjoy football though and so if Larry wants to see inside the Ford Stadium where the Lions play he will probably want to bring some sons.  These stadiums are across the street from each other.  Another stadium is being built close and I think it's for hockey...could be basketball.

Our hotel was just blocks away from the stadiums and we could see the field from our room window.  We could even see people walking around the stadium while peering out our window.  It's was a great little get away.  Much more appreciated once we got home and couldn't keep up with everything happening. We had weddings, reception, bridal and baby showers, funerals and family gatherings all the same time.  It was hard choosing what to do and how to make up for the things we missed.  Life away from home is so much simpler.

Detroit City is huge and lots of really cool old buildings right by some big new ones.  We rode the people mover around and few times just to see a little more.

Every now and then it's good to walk away from all the hustle and bustle and just relax.  This trip gave us that!

The Twins Came Early

We got a text from Kevin early Saturday Morning saying that Julie was headed to the Hospital in an ambulance to be checked out.  Julie woke up wet thinking her water had broke and was shocked to discover that it was blood and not water.  She had placenta abruption.  When she got to the hospital the specialist that she has been seeing wanting her to be life flighted to the U of U hospital.  Julie's doctor that she loves, Dr. Hartman, was the doctor on call at McKay and checked Julie and discovered that she was dilated to an 8 and there was no way she could make it.  He said he would deliver the babies.  Because of all the blood he chose to deliver the twins by C-Section.  Because it was Dr. Hartman Julie was fine with that decision and totally trusted his call.  Having Dr. Hartman be the doctor on call was one of many tiny miracles that took place that day.  

Ever since we found out the Brynlie had fluid on her brain we have been praying for miracles.  Even though I know God has His plan for us, I still believe and feel that it is okay to pray for miracles and expect them to happen.  Just because the blind man was blind didn't mean he had to stay that way.  Lots of miracles have happened because of all the prayers of our families and friends.  God knows us and hears us and answers our prayers.  We have recognized so many miracles and I am positive there are so many more happening that we aren't even aware of.

Brynlie was life flighted to the Uof U to have tests done on her.  Darinda noticed the Helicopter on her way to Shelby's wedding.  (she didn't know it had her niece in it)  The doctors discovered that Brynlie also has Spinal Bifida Occulta.  However, her reflex's and other test results were all positive and good.  She responded like a healthy baby. (another miracle) 

I was dying that I wasn't home to be with Kevin and Julie.  I was blessed with peace though knowing that everyone was stable and doing good.  We would have flown back home if they wouldn't have been.

I was anxious to get pictures and updates.  It was an emotional day for Larry and I.  We feel so blessed to have these babies here.  Thursday, Julie had gone to the doctor and he suggested a steroid shot series to be given on Thursday and then another on Friday to help boost the progress of the babies lungs.  He told Julie he thought it was a good idea just in case the babies decided to come on Saturday.  Another miracle for these cuties.

After being tested and tested some more, Brynlie was transported back to McKay to be with her mommy and brother.  That happened on Tuesday. Another miracle! Oh and since Kevin's insurance didn't pay to have a transfer back, Primary Children's Hospital took care of it. Miracle!  (I'm happy I have always donated to primary's....who'd have thought it would come back to us?)

We were happy and when we got home Wednesday night be cleaned up and went to the hospital to meet our newest grands.  They are pretty tiny and absolutely perfect! Larry was fine with just holding Briggs but not me....I had to hold each of them. Oh my heart!  It's incredible how love just keeps filling a heart that seems so full already.  There is always room for more love!  I'm so in love with Brynlie and Briggs already!

Julie came home on Wednesday and her little nurse and assistant were ready to serve and take care of her. Kevin and Julie are so cute and they are wonderful parents.  I'm so excited that we all get to experience the joys of twins.  Our family is so blessed!

Our Get Away...More Needed than Realized

Friday morning Larry and I flew to Pennsylvania to see Shari and her family.  Shari was very thoughtful and had us stop at the Hershey Factory before heading home from the airport.  She figured that this little vacation was more for Larry since we did center it around his Detroit Tigers.  Shari knew I would be in my own little "Heaven" and she was right!  Chocolate everywhere....lots and lots of chocolate!  There were also lots and lots of people...the place was buzzing!  I did purchase some chocolate and a cute Hershey Kiss key chain.  I also got me another sweatshirt.  I'd rather wear the sweatshirt for years than all the chocolate.  This year the sweatshirt I got is purple...the prettiest purple.  I love sweatshirts!  I love chocolate! I love Shari and her family!  I love Larry and our family!

Cameron had several basketball games on Saturday and Sunday and I enjoyed watching him play.  Cameron is a great kid and so loving.  I didn't get a picture of Taylor this trip because she wasn't around much.  She's darling too.  We had to wake up early both days to drive an hour for Cameron's games.  It was enjoyable living in their world for a few days.

On Saturday Shari, Duane, Larry and I drove to Baltimore for a baseball game.  The Orioles were playing the Tigers.  It was a little cold but turned out okay since rain was a huge part of the day.  Larry wore his Tigers shirt, Shari and Duane their Orioles shirts and I wore my Hershey's shirt...all our favorite teams!  Duane got the first foal ball and their were several more hit our way throughout the game.  Larry met a player from the past, Boog Powell.  We had a great time even though the Tigers lost.  They scored first though so that was cool.