I believe in miracles

Yesterday I took the kids swimming at the second shoot.  That is what they call a section of the canal.  It is pretty fun. They go under a bridge and it pushes them out.  They love it.  But Mayah pushed off and ended up hitting her head against the metal bridge.  She cried and I could tell it really hurt her.  So we headed home.  She didn't eat dinner and was very tired and fell asleep.  I had her sleep with me.  She woke in the night asking for medicine because she said she had a headache.  And then again this morning she said it was still there and wanted more medicine.  It wasn't going away and it was making me a bit nervous.  She was laying in bed and trying to stay at still as possible as to not jolt her head.  I was thinking about taking her in to the ER.  Head injuries scare me.  I checked her eyes and watched her for concerns and everything seemed fine except the horrible headache.

Then Ethan had a 103.5 fever.  UGH.  I wanted so bad to go to church.  A young man in the ward was going on a mission to Hawaii and I didn't want to miss his farewell. 

I knew what I had to do.  I prayed with as much sincerity as I could possibly have.  I asked for a miracle.  I asked if there was anyway that my children could be healed so that we could attend church.....even if we could just go to Sacrament Meeting.  Then I could bring the kids home.  After I prayed I went out of my room.  When I came back in Mayah said that her headache was pretty much gone.  WHAT?!!!  MIRACLE.  She got up and got some cereal.  Then I asked Ethan how he was feeling and he said he was feeling better.  We took him temperature and it was back in the normal range. 

I immediately got back on my knees and offered a pray of thanks.  I seriously witnessed a miracle.  I didn't think we would be able to go.  Not only that..........the kids felt good enough to stay the whole time at church.  Another wow.  But as soon as Ethan got in the car I knew he was starting to feel yucky again because he gave me his M&M cookie.  Who gives up a yummy cookie just like that if they are well? :)

When we got home we took his temp and it was up again.  That just proves to me that the Lord was very aware of us and answered my prayers.

Don's brother and wife came today.  They are on their way to moving to Wenatchee.  But his brother will be heading to Iraq for a year and his family will be close to his wifes mom.  It was a nice visit and they will be coming back tomorrow for another visit.  SO great that they will be here for Mayah's baptism.

 I love being a mom.  Today was such a great day and my kids were so full of sweetness.  I am thankful for them.

A lady that works at Lakeview called me to let me know that there is an opening.  She wanted to know if I wanted to apply or keep subbing.  UGH.  I am so tired of making decisions.  What do I do?  Sub or permanent job while going to school?  I don't know.  I have all sorts of things floating around in my head that concern other areas too and I just don't know what to do.  I guess I will be back on my knees.  I wonder if the Lord gets tired of hearing my pleas.

I did it

I wasn't going to bike today but after the sun went down and it looked so nice outside I couldn't resist.  Tonight I went 8.27 miles.  I started out exercising with just walking for a couple of weeks.  But I have found that I really really enjoy biking A LOT MORE.

Today I worked on my science homework.  I got my experiment done and can't wait to be done with this class.  I have another task to do in one more class and my Psychology to finish up before Aug. 30. 

I took the kids swimming again.  But that got cut short when Mayah hit her head on the bridge.  Poor girl.  She was in tears and said she had a headache. As soon as we got home she went and laid down on the couch.  She said she was hungry so I made dinner and called everyone to come eat.  She came and sat at the table for a second and decided to head back to the couch.  She fell right to sleep.  It worried me a bit so I checked her eyes with a flashlight and gave her some Ibuprophin.  She has been sleeping every since and I keep checking on her.  She is sleeping with me tonight. 

When I told Ethan to get ready for bed he looked completely drained.  I told him I would give him a piggy back but he just laid there without saying a word.  I went to help him up and he felt really hot.  Took his temp and it was 103.5.  Dang I do not know what is up with my kids and fevers.  Gave him some meds and it came down a bit. 

We went to a few garage sales this morning.  Ethan bought himself a tub of legos for $5.  Pretty good deal.  Got a few small things but nothing too amazing. 

Today is my nieces 8th birthday.  She watches over us from above.  She would have been exactly two weeks younger than Mayah.  Sad.  Mayah told me today that she would have been so fun to play with.  My sister and her husband and two kids sent up 8 ballons for her.  Very cool.

Not exciting

I've gotten back into blogging.  Mostly it is my journal.  I love reading back through my blog and remembering what we did on certain days.  Most of the time our days are not too exciting but it is nice to document our day to day happenings.

Today I took Rachel to Dr. McHargue.  He is so awesome.  And yes he happens to be my brother and a dentist.  He sealed one of her teeth and now she will be getting braces next week.  She is a bit nervous but also excited.  If you know someone who needs an AMAZING dentist call Dr. McHargue at Division Street Dental.  And no I am not being partial here. I really wouldn't give you his name if I didn't feel he was THE BEST.  A family in our ward recently started seeing him and she said she will NEVER go anywhere else.  You won't be disappointed.  He loves what he does and really wants more kids in his office.  He is GREAT with kids.

After we got home Ethan helped me jump the van.  It wouldn't start and I wasn't sure why.  But Ethan held one side of the jumper cables while I hooked them on the car and then he started grandma's car and gave it some gas.  Didn't take long before the van started right up.  Never to young to start teaching kids.  He is 9.

I took Ethan and my mom to watch my nephews basketball game. Ethan LOVES basketball.  He paid very close attention to the score board.  There were about three times when they messed up the score and he knew EVERY SINGLE TIME.  He told me they forgot to give our team their points.  I just thought he was mistaken but sure enough a few minutes later they put the new score up.  Then he told me that they gave our teams points to the other team and they fixed that too.  He was very aware of what was going on.  I can't wait to get him involved in something he really loves.

We did some shopping at Walmart and I got a few school supplies that were on sale.  I love getting a good deal.  Rachel and Mayah had cleaned the house for me and what a blessing it was to come home to a clean home.  

When we got home the kids had been waiting to go swimming so I took them to the big canal and to the second shoot.  They love to swim.  And it is still super hot and going to be for the next week as well.

Rachel didn't swim long.  She got in the car and started crying and talking to me about some personal things and the fear of being made fun of in middle school.  UGH....I knew she must be tired because that is when all of her feelings come out and she ends up in tears.  We talked through it.  I kept praying....hoping I would say the right thing or just know when to listen.  This hormone stuff?  It is all new to me.  My boys didn't do this and I was not like this as a teenager.  I just pray always that I can keep the communication open and be able to say what will help her and be there for her.

When we got back I had her take her temperature and sure enough she has a fever AGAIN.  HMMMMM  I gave her tylenol and it came down.

Kids were all in their beds reading and I took another bike ride tonight.  I tell you.........i love it but the seat on the bike is extremely hard.  Trying to get used to it.  I went 7.4 miles tonight.  My goal is 10 miles soon. 

Gratitude

A couple days ago I took the kids to Safeway to grab a few things.  When we walked past the peaches and apricots they smelled SO YUMMY.  The kids asked me to buy some and I was tempted but hate paying the high prices they want. 

We had a busy day in town shopping and going to the library.  When we got back there was a basket full of apricots on our front porch.  Not sure who they were from but the kids were SO excited.  They jumped out of the car and took them inside and ate a couple.  Then Rachel said, "MOM, do you think someone heard us in the store talking about wanting to buy some apricots?"  FUNNY.  I'm pretty sure no one heard us.

We are very grateful for whoever thought of us and dropped off the fruit that my kids really really wanted. THANKS SO MUCH.

After it cooled down a bit at about 8:30 I took another bike ride.  I went over 6.5 miles this time.  It was so pretty out.  There was a slight sunset and cool breeze.  On the other side the moon was so bright.  It was so refreshing. 

I am so thankful for my blessings.  I am so thankful for my wonderful and caring husband.  He always has my back and is very Christlike.  He is a great example to me.  I am thankful for my five kids.  They bring lots of joy into our home.  I never knew how hard parenting was going to be.  It is a tough job but very rewarding.  I am grateful for the Savior in my life.  At times I feel alone and that my circumstances aren't common and many can't relate to my situation.  And that is when I turn to the Savior.  He has felt it all.  He knows me and how I feel and the pain and sorrow that sometimes come.  I feel so blessed to be able to take all my problems to Him and be able to let Him carry them for me.  I am blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  That is the very thing that keeps me going and has real purpose.  Without the gospel I honestly don't see how I could make it through my trials.  There is so much hope and understanding of so many things.  This life is not the end.  There is so much more.  Having an eternal perspective puts my life into perspective.  I find it such a blessing.  I thank my Heavenly Father every day for what I have.

Ethan ended up with a fever tonight.  Rachel had one yesterday and Mayah the day before that.  Thankfully it only lasts a day.

The boys (Caleb, Zach and Don) are still at the Orchard.  It has been very very hot.  Got close to 100 today.  This weekend is supposed to be 103.  Not looking foward to that.  Doesn't leave me much time to get things done outside. 

Missing my family

I love it when my sister and her family come from Virginia.  It is a blast.  Normally they stay for 3 weeks but this time it was only 2.  The kids are getting older and are involved in sports camps during the summer so they had to make their visit a bit shorter. SNIFF SNIFF.  I can't believe how fast 2 weeks go by when you are having fun.  Why doesn't it go this fast when I am studying?  Oh...studying?  What is that anyway.  I think I only got one assignment done the whole time my sis was here. OH well.  Now I have to get a move on and get some crap done.

The 4th of July is our family reunion time.  Such a busy time but fun too.  LOTS AND LOTS of volleyball. I don't think I have ever played this much volleyball in a row.  PHEW.  My ankles were hurting A LOT.  I think next time I better not go barefoot.  I have always loved volleyball. I used to be good.  I used to have power serves.  But I am getting older, fatter and much slower.  I look at my two nieces....Leila and Sara and want to play just like them.....one day.  One day when I get this lazy body back in shape.  Sara is only 13.  And she can jump serve.  THIRTEEN people.  JUMP SERVE.  Did you hear that?  DANG she is good. 

We BBQ'd pork for pulled pork sandwiches.  We had a family talent show.  We sang, danced and visited.  We stayed up way too late.  Did I say that we also played volleyball?  I am about ready for some more.  But all the players have gone home.  Have to wait till next year.

Today was an awesome day.  The kids and I went over to the canal so they could give the dog a bath.  That black lab really stinks.  They lathered her up with dish soap.  She smells much better.  Then the younger three told me they would clean the whole house if I took them to State Park.  I know.....that isn't the name of it anymore but too bad.  That was the name of the park when I was growing up.  And I won't budge.  I am not going to call it anything different.  I don't care if the name has been changed.  It will always be Stake Park to me.  Who wouldn't take that deal.  I get a clean house AND a chance to play with my kids in the water.  DEAL. 

We spent 3 hours there.  I swam and played football with Ethan.  The girls wanted me to play mermaids.  UMMM how do you do that anyway?  :)  They told me we all had to make up a name for ourselves and it had to be a color.  Mayah was Ruby and I was Lavender and Rachel.....I can't remember.  Then we swam like mermaids.  Have you ever tried to swim like a mermaid?  It isn't easy.  It didn't last long.  It was super fun though.  The kids took a snack to eat and also spent some time building a sand castle while I relaxed on my towel. 

When we got home the kids were exhausted.  After dinner they went to bed and I took a 5 mile bike ride.  I love the cool evenings here.  So beautiful and breezy.  Not too hot....not too cold.  PERFECT.  It was awesome. 

Caleb, Zachary and Don are working in their cousins orchard doing cherries.  The boys are exhausted.  They put in about 10 hours a day and sometimes even go out in the evening to do more work.  I am so proud of them.  They are getting some pretty good compliments.  Such good experience for a 13 and 15 year old. 

Well didn't get much homework done today and now I am too tired to think.  I am just going to call it a night. 

I love summer.....no getting on kids for homework, no early mornings.  JUST SUMMER FUN.

Oh forgot....the neighbor hired the kids to feed their animals and water the flowers while they were gone for a week.  We went down every day and fed the chickens, ducks and geese, rabbits, guinea hens, goat, birds, and fish.  We also cleaned out the water containers and collected eggs.

I could not believe it when every day we went there...one fish had died.  That was four fish.  FOUR.  I couldn't figure out what was going on so I went to Petco to buy some new goldfish to replace the ones that were dying.  They couldn't sell any because they were under observation.  When I talked to my brother about it he said NOT to buy any fish from there.  Something to do with diseases and such and that people are having problems with their fish dying when purchased from Petco.  And that is where she got them.  I still felt bad and we did everything she asked. 

Again perfect opportunity for my kids to have extra experiences.  They loved it and looked forward to it each day.  We love our neighbors too.  They are amazing. 

My sister and her husband and family

 My siblings and mom........just missing my dad.  He is looking down on us for us for sure.

 My brother and his wife and girls.

 The girls with their stars for the 4th of july.  My sister in law did every one of these girls' hair. TALENT.

 Caleb is the only one not here. He wasn't feeling well. But look how cute these teens are. 

 My sister and her two daughters.

 My sister and husband and three of their four kids. These girls are the amazing volleyball players. 

 AND me and my famly.  DANG....look at how tall them boys are.  They are giants.

 My niece and her family

 My cousin and her husband and my uncle Jack and cousin Tom

 My brother and his wife and my niece and her family

 My brother, sister and cousins.....

 Rachel and Jenna singing in the talent show

 My aunt Mary.  I haven't seen her in YEARS.

 Jaeley singing Frozen in the talent show.  This girl has moves and it was HILARIOUS to watch her.

 My niece. This girl can sing.

 My two boys and nephews doing a rap for the talent show.

 Sara and Hailey singing for the talent show and then they made up a cute cute song for grandma.