Now April was a fun month. We had a good time in April. We started the month off with conference. I absolutely love conference!! It brings me so much peace, hope, and inspiration to be better. It is always the best to start a month off with talks by inspired brothers and sisters of our Heavenly Father.
I did lots of yard work in April. To be honest, I hate pulling weeds, but it does make your yard look so fresh with they are gone. We still have lots to do in our backyard. I am not looking forward to it. But when it's done, it will be beautiful. All I got to say is, our next house we will be putting in our our garden touches. Nothing huge like this house and the great thing about the next house is that no one before us will have trashed the crap out of it. The last two houses we bought we have had to do so much to the yard and it's back breaking work. Yes, I know it's good for you, but I would rather be doing my hobbies then yard work.
So in April I started a softball team for the Julian and Allen family clans. We play every Friday night. It's a blast. I also joined a Wednesday coed league. I am loving every second of it. I just feel like softball is my thing. I am good at it and I feel like I can make friends doing it. Every time I get ready to play I get the softball butterflies and there's a shaking in my bones. I love the feeling I get when I am on the field and when I am up to bat. Heavenly Father really has blessed me with a talent. It is what I have needed to release built up stress and anxiety throughout the week. It makes me a happier person. I won't ever be giving up on this sport. I love it too much! Well with softball comes injuries. Those of you who know me. I play hardcore all out, diving, sliding, do it or die attitude. When you play like this there is going to be times of injury, well I experienced my first one of the season my second week of games. I was pitching and a line drive was hit so hard I didn't even see it coming. It hit me right in the head. I was out! I had to go to the hospital in an ambulance. (That cost a pretty penny) Luckily I didn't have any brain bleeds, but a huge concussion and a knocking headache. The doctor cut a incision on my head to help with the goose egg. She pushed all the blood out and it bled for 6 hours. I was grateful she did that because my black eyes would have been worse. It was a long two weeks. No softball, no housework, no nothing. I just sat on my butt. Not fun. But now I am in full swing of things again. Softball here I come!
April I found the love of upcycling old things I find either in my house or at thrift stores. I have made some really cute home decor for my house. I also found the love of painting. We finished our Kitchen cabinets in April, I also painted stripes on the wall of our family room, Stenciled an awesome design in our front room and did some great accent walls in our master bed and two bathrooms. I am enjoying decorating our house even though we will only be here for another years or so. It is giving me ideas of what I want to do in our next house. I think in the next house I am going to try venturing out into other colors for the kids room and maybe Parker's Man cave area. We will see! I got to admit though our kitchen is looking pretty amazing. Redoing the cabinets really made a huge difference. It's fun to have crafting ideas and get them done. I love it!
April was a month of Ryker developmental Miracles. Ryker figured out how to sit unassisted this month. He got to show off his stuff to his therapists and they are loving the improvements. Thank goodness. I was getting worried they would just right us off and we would have to find new ones. He is also cruising up a storm with rolling. Ryker goes all over the place now. They way I found that out was he was on my bed and all of a sudden he decided to roll off the bed. Crash! Onto the floor. First bruise! Within the same week he rolls to get his oxygen tank and knocks it over on himself. Once again reminder that my baby is a mover. Mama needs to be prepared. We also had a sleep study in April. That was crazy. Once again I hate Primary's. It is the worse place ever. I am so happy we don't have to go there very much anymore. I get these chills that go up my spine every time I walk through the doors. I hate that place. Well a week before the study I called the doctor to see if we could do a sleep study without the bipap settings. He told me he didn't feel comfortable doing that. I did try to tell him Ryker wasn't tolerating the bipap, but of course he didn't listen. Well the sleep study comes along and of course, Ryker doesn't tolerate the bipap. Just like I said. For 5 hours the Respiratory therapist struggled to get him to fall asleep because he hate the mask. The only time he fell asleep was on the nasal cannula. Well she finally called the doctor to get orders to do a study without the bipap and what do you know. Ryker did amazing!! Got the phone call that he doesn't need a machine to breath anymore. No more bipap! No more medical bills for it! He doesn't have severe sleep apnea anymore. He just needs a small dose of oxygen while he sleeps. Huge!!! Huge!! Heavenly Father once again blessed my little buddy with a miracle. I truly didn't think he would ever get off that thing. I thought he would be on it his whole life. Not matter what the doctors say, that surgery was the answer. I am glad we stuck to our guns. Little Ryker is proving the medical world wrong everyday, I love it! And I am so proud to be him mama! Great job little buddy!
April went by fast I felt. To be honest I can't believe summer is just around the corner. Life has been going by so fast. Ryker is almost two and I can't believe we been dealing with all the craziness for two years now. We are barely catching our breath right now and before you know it life will through us into another tornado and we will be moving again. Wow!
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Updating my peeps... Here's a look at what we did in March
I haven't been the best person to update the blog. Parker tells me if I want followers I have to write something. So here I am followers, I am writing something for your enjoyment. Let's do a little run down of all amazingness of our little Allen Family.
March: Josh and Sadie came up quiet a bit in March. We hung out a ton! I sure love those two. Sadie is such a great sister and a huge example of how I want to be as a person. She has so much patience and compassion for others. I love watching her with my little Ryker. She has a pure love for him. She is going be a great mom someday. I can't wait to move closer to her. I am totally hanging out with her so much when I move closer to them.
We had the opportunity in the beginning of March to see our long lost friends from Idaho Falls. They just moved back from Georgia to Idaho Falls. We were and still are super excited to be closer to them. We love them so much. They are such a great example of friendship and support through the hard times. We hungout with them all weekend and got to see how big their kids have gotten. Time really does go by fast. Kids grow up so much in two years. We had a blast going to a decade dinner party with them. We dressed up in the 20's and our costumes were pretty fantastic. I was proud of ourselves for throwing something amazing like that together. It was a good time. March was also a headache because after that trip, our little family came down with two weeks of torture sicknesses. I got the stomach flu for a week. Being sick and trying to take care of little ryks is hard. I was worrying the whole time he would get it. Well Parker was the unlucky one who got it, but it was much worse for him. He ended up with a stomach infection. Don't fun missing work for being sick. Well through all the craziness, Ryker ended up getting a really bad respiratory virus and double ear infection. It was so bad we debted for two days if we needed to take him to the hospital. In the pit of my stomach I kinda new I should have, but I didn't want to experience the hospital again. We have had enough complications with Primary's that I didn't want to go back. It's like I've been traumatized from that hospital and I don't ever want to go back.
March was a busy month, we had Easter, which was way crazy, Jonas' baby blessing was that day as well and celebrating Easter with both sides of the family. We played the game of driving everywhere. It was a pretty good day. We got to see all the favorites and eat lots of good food. Sheila made a great Easter egg hunt for the grand kids. Ryker still doesn't understand all the fun of it all, but someday he will. It was great to get the traditions in anyways. We also had the Provo Temple dedication at the end of March. We haven't been to the temple as a couple in forever. I totally miss the days when we could go weekly, but I am still an overly protective mama and have a hard time leaving Ryker with anyone. Hopefully I get over that someday, but right now I am just now ready. It was a great experience to feel the temple spirit and here the wonderful stories of the history of the temple building. I love this church so much. It brings me so much joy. March was a hard month for Ryker and his development. I was feeling and sometimes still feel the burden of having special needs baby. We were told over and over of how much Ryker is behind in his milestones. One therapist even put us on hold for 6 weeks because he just wasn't moving forward. It's a little frustrating and burdensome. I feel sometimes I don't try hard enough to make Ryker do his therapy at home. I often give in to his crying unlike the therapists, but we just keep trying. It's been rough. Just another reminder of how my life is always going to be and a huge reminder that Ryker is just a special boy and working at his own pace. He is special needs. There are days I don't see that. I just pretend he is normal like all other kids. But then sometimes things happen to put that reminder back. It's like hearing the news from the doctor again. I still take one day at a time. I think it will always be like that.
I even got a new calling for our ward. I am the new Relief Society Activities coordinator. I was this in Idaho Falls for a while so I kinda know what to do. I planned a really cool Relief Society Birthday Party for March. We had a Mad Hatter Tea Party and I tied in all the crazy life experience Alice had in Wonderland with the gospel. We also played The queen of Hearts minute to win it games. I had fun, but the difficult thing for this ward is no one comes. And the ones that do come I felt didn't want to join in on the fun and they have thought it was dumb. I don't know. I struggle a lot with this ward. I feel like I don't fit in. It just doesn't feel like a family like our other ward in Idaho Falls did. I feel like people don't want to go out of their way to make friends with anyone. They are all stuck in their own worlds without inviting others to come in. I know I could do better at inviting others into my world, but it's difficult when you don't feel like you fit in.
March was a pretty interesting month. Still just rolling with the punches. Living life to it's fullest. I did invest my time in march to planting seeds to make my flower beds beautiful this year. It was hard work, but it was well worth it. They are making their way into the world and turning out to be so pretty. Well peeps....there's a glimpse into what we did in March 2016.
March: Josh and Sadie came up quiet a bit in March. We hung out a ton! I sure love those two. Sadie is such a great sister and a huge example of how I want to be as a person. She has so much patience and compassion for others. I love watching her with my little Ryker. She has a pure love for him. She is going be a great mom someday. I can't wait to move closer to her. I am totally hanging out with her so much when I move closer to them.
We had the opportunity in the beginning of March to see our long lost friends from Idaho Falls. They just moved back from Georgia to Idaho Falls. We were and still are super excited to be closer to them. We love them so much. They are such a great example of friendship and support through the hard times. We hungout with them all weekend and got to see how big their kids have gotten. Time really does go by fast. Kids grow up so much in two years. We had a blast going to a decade dinner party with them. We dressed up in the 20's and our costumes were pretty fantastic. I was proud of ourselves for throwing something amazing like that together. It was a good time. March was also a headache because after that trip, our little family came down with two weeks of torture sicknesses. I got the stomach flu for a week. Being sick and trying to take care of little ryks is hard. I was worrying the whole time he would get it. Well Parker was the unlucky one who got it, but it was much worse for him. He ended up with a stomach infection. Don't fun missing work for being sick. Well through all the craziness, Ryker ended up getting a really bad respiratory virus and double ear infection. It was so bad we debted for two days if we needed to take him to the hospital. In the pit of my stomach I kinda new I should have, but I didn't want to experience the hospital again. We have had enough complications with Primary's that I didn't want to go back. It's like I've been traumatized from that hospital and I don't ever want to go back.
March was a busy month, we had Easter, which was way crazy, Jonas' baby blessing was that day as well and celebrating Easter with both sides of the family. We played the game of driving everywhere. It was a pretty good day. We got to see all the favorites and eat lots of good food. Sheila made a great Easter egg hunt for the grand kids. Ryker still doesn't understand all the fun of it all, but someday he will. It was great to get the traditions in anyways. We also had the Provo Temple dedication at the end of March. We haven't been to the temple as a couple in forever. I totally miss the days when we could go weekly, but I am still an overly protective mama and have a hard time leaving Ryker with anyone. Hopefully I get over that someday, but right now I am just now ready. It was a great experience to feel the temple spirit and here the wonderful stories of the history of the temple building. I love this church so much. It brings me so much joy. March was a hard month for Ryker and his development. I was feeling and sometimes still feel the burden of having special needs baby. We were told over and over of how much Ryker is behind in his milestones. One therapist even put us on hold for 6 weeks because he just wasn't moving forward. It's a little frustrating and burdensome. I feel sometimes I don't try hard enough to make Ryker do his therapy at home. I often give in to his crying unlike the therapists, but we just keep trying. It's been rough. Just another reminder of how my life is always going to be and a huge reminder that Ryker is just a special boy and working at his own pace. He is special needs. There are days I don't see that. I just pretend he is normal like all other kids. But then sometimes things happen to put that reminder back. It's like hearing the news from the doctor again. I still take one day at a time. I think it will always be like that.
I even got a new calling for our ward. I am the new Relief Society Activities coordinator. I was this in Idaho Falls for a while so I kinda know what to do. I planned a really cool Relief Society Birthday Party for March. We had a Mad Hatter Tea Party and I tied in all the crazy life experience Alice had in Wonderland with the gospel. We also played The queen of Hearts minute to win it games. I had fun, but the difficult thing for this ward is no one comes. And the ones that do come I felt didn't want to join in on the fun and they have thought it was dumb. I don't know. I struggle a lot with this ward. I feel like I don't fit in. It just doesn't feel like a family like our other ward in Idaho Falls did. I feel like people don't want to go out of their way to make friends with anyone. They are all stuck in their own worlds without inviting others to come in. I know I could do better at inviting others into my world, but it's difficult when you don't feel like you fit in.
March was a pretty interesting month. Still just rolling with the punches. Living life to it's fullest. I did invest my time in march to planting seeds to make my flower beds beautiful this year. It was hard work, but it was well worth it. They are making their way into the world and turning out to be so pretty. Well peeps....there's a glimpse into what we did in March 2016.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
May 8, 2016 A reflection on Mother's day!
Mother's day! I can't believe another has come again. Last year was my first one and to be honest I know I was very stressed to be a mother at that point in my life. I reflect on my two years of being a mother and it is something totally different then what I expected. My experience as a mother is completely different then anyone else's experience. It's my own personal motherhood experience I wouldn't change it any other way.
This last week, I was visited by my mother in law and sister in law. As I watched those two I had a great appreciation for them in a motherly aspect. My sister in law has a crazy toddler who I adore so much, but he is very mobile. He has toddler aspects that have been in grained to his brain that Ryker doesn't possess yet. But as I watched her parent him and his little sister I was impressed with how she dealt with it all. She does it with so much grace and love. I am grateful Ryker is wear he is developmentally because seeing what he could be, I was thinking I don't know if I could keep up. She is such an amazing example of patience. I need more of her patience in my life.
My mother in law. Wow! What a lady! She is one of my best friends, someone I call for spiritual and temporal advice. She is always willing to service my family and help out whenever she can. In my eyes she is exactly what a grandma is suppose to be. She reminds me of my grandma. Fun, adventurous, and spiritual. I love having deep conversations with her about my life, my son's life, my husband, and our future. I love dreaming big dreams with her. She makes my life full of traditions and I appreciate all the traditions she has planned for our family. I couldn't ask for a better mother in law. She is the balance I need in my life because she is completely different then my own mother.
Now my mom, man I love her. She too is one of my best friends. She's a huge inspiration to me. After life has thrown her through the ringer she is still willing to push forward. Now there have been some crazy ups and extreme downs with our relationship. There are times I am so frustrated with her that I want to ring her neck, but then there are times that I wouldn't want her to change because her craziness is exactly what I need. She pushes me to be better. She makes me be stronger. She has installed the Julian fight to keep going and don't take NO for answer. She has made me braver and fearless. My mom is incredible! I wouldn't change her one bit, mostly because I am exactly like her. We butt head often because we are both head strong. My likes are her likes. My mother is crazy, but her crazy is my crazy and that's the way I like it. My son is lucky to have such a loving, crazy grandma like my mom. I hope one day he has some of our crazy in him as well.
I love mother's day. I really gets me thinking about all the great mother examples that have make me who I am today. I have worked with amazing ladies at Joanns. They really help me see the importance of life and what I looked forward in the future. My ex boyfriend's mother was a huge example to me. I needed her in that point in time. She also had a huge impact on who I am and what I want to become. All these amazing mothers have blessed my life so much. I hope one day I can possess some maybe even all the amazing Christ like attributes they all have. I hope this mother's day in unforgettable to all of you.
This last week, I was visited by my mother in law and sister in law. As I watched those two I had a great appreciation for them in a motherly aspect. My sister in law has a crazy toddler who I adore so much, but he is very mobile. He has toddler aspects that have been in grained to his brain that Ryker doesn't possess yet. But as I watched her parent him and his little sister I was impressed with how she dealt with it all. She does it with so much grace and love. I am grateful Ryker is wear he is developmentally because seeing what he could be, I was thinking I don't know if I could keep up. She is such an amazing example of patience. I need more of her patience in my life.
My mother in law. Wow! What a lady! She is one of my best friends, someone I call for spiritual and temporal advice. She is always willing to service my family and help out whenever she can. In my eyes she is exactly what a grandma is suppose to be. She reminds me of my grandma. Fun, adventurous, and spiritual. I love having deep conversations with her about my life, my son's life, my husband, and our future. I love dreaming big dreams with her. She makes my life full of traditions and I appreciate all the traditions she has planned for our family. I couldn't ask for a better mother in law. She is the balance I need in my life because she is completely different then my own mother.
Now my mom, man I love her. She too is one of my best friends. She's a huge inspiration to me. After life has thrown her through the ringer she is still willing to push forward. Now there have been some crazy ups and extreme downs with our relationship. There are times I am so frustrated with her that I want to ring her neck, but then there are times that I wouldn't want her to change because her craziness is exactly what I need. She pushes me to be better. She makes me be stronger. She has installed the Julian fight to keep going and don't take NO for answer. She has made me braver and fearless. My mom is incredible! I wouldn't change her one bit, mostly because I am exactly like her. We butt head often because we are both head strong. My likes are her likes. My mother is crazy, but her crazy is my crazy and that's the way I like it. My son is lucky to have such a loving, crazy grandma like my mom. I hope one day he has some of our crazy in him as well.
I love mother's day. I really gets me thinking about all the great mother examples that have make me who I am today. I have worked with amazing ladies at Joanns. They really help me see the importance of life and what I looked forward in the future. My ex boyfriend's mother was a huge example to me. I needed her in that point in time. She also had a huge impact on who I am and what I want to become. All these amazing mothers have blessed my life so much. I hope one day I can possess some maybe even all the amazing Christ like attributes they all have. I hope this mother's day in unforgettable to all of you.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
It's been awhile...
Man I can't believe what has happened the last month or so. We have had a baby shower, sickness, vacation, new babies born, and surgery. Our family has been real busy this last month with birthdays, family functions, and lots of busy weekends. Hopefully it will slow down soon.
Well let's start off with a quick run down of all the exciting adventures for this month. We started it off with a baby shower for my sister in law Kenzi. We partied like no other. That little cute niece of mine has everything she ever needs and all those bows we made was pretty crazy. She will be one stylish baby doll. I even made her a great diaper cake with a couple of cute bows she can wear. I got to meet her a couple of weeks after the baby shower. I snuggled her and kissed her sweet baby head. I couldn't believe how little she was, but in reality she is just the perfect size for a new born. It's crazy to think that Ryker was so much smaller and shorter then her. It was really fun to see how much hair she has though. Her princess like features are adorable. She is such a sweet baby.
We have been trying to keep Ryker a happy healthy little boy this past month for his surgery that is taken place today. Sometimes I get frustrated because some people just don't understand how serious a sickness can be for my little man. Reminding people not to come over, or we can't be around those that are sick. Some people are in denial of how sick their kids are or that it's just a little runny nose. My kid is just tired. It's s touchy subject sometimes, but for my little man a little cold your kid has or a small virus that makes your kid throw up can and probably will make Ryker go to the hospital. I am such a mama bear when it comes to that kind of thing. I feel like we can't be around some people because we just don't know until it's too late. Well we made it through this crazy sickness month with no hiccups. Hopefully the rest of the cold and flu sickness season will be successful. Thank goodness we are still getting the RSV shot. Next year will be a more of a worry story without it.
We had a family vacation this last month. We traveled to Saint George for the parade of homes and warm weather. I am not going to lie, that weather was like a dream. Cool breezes, wonderful sun shine, and beautiful red rock. It was pretty awesome! The houses we saw were pretty cool too! It gave us lots of ideas on what to do to our next house. Ryker did ok. We had some mishaps such as loosing his bottle and leaving his nasal cannula at home. oops. Luckly for me, I was prepared with extras. We even had a mishap with Ryker getting allergies. But overall it was a success and hopefully we can get go on a longer one in the summer time.
We also had another baby born last week. Baby Jonas Julian Younkin. He totally looks like his daddy. Congrats Daddy Jeromy! I am so excited to be an aunt to your cute son! Your going to be such a great parent!
Birthdays are always a joy in January and February. We have Grandma Sheila, Tyce, Mommy, and Uncle Josh all within a couple of weeks of each other. Crazy! We celebrated with tons of cake, ice cream and family get together. My birthday this year was epic. We went to nickle mania to play arcade games and won little Ryker some awesome toys! Uncle Jeromy came up with an idea of going through all the machines a getting the extra coins. It was brilliant when we needed a few more tickets for an amazing Snake and Hat! I am loving getting some gaming time in with my two brothers. It's nice to live close to them.
We went to the new provo temple open house this past week. It was AMAZING! They used so much of the historical stuff from the old tabernacle. Ryker and I got to hang with Sadie and Josh all weekend. They slept at our house for two nights, we made skirts while the boys played video games. Bonding time! We even did a little dance dance to the kinec! Great times!
So a little while ago I was told because Ryker is special needs and will most likely be on an IEP, he will start Preschool next year, Like 2017! Makes me happy, excited, nervous, and anxious. He is doing so well. I can't believe we are here in his development state. He is impressing everyone mostly his mama. Well with this new information we have decided that we maybe moving more south to Utah county. There are a couple of great programs for Ryker that we are interested in and we are thinking because of all our stairs it would be beneficial for Ryker if we built a house that is all one level. He isn't walking yet, but int he future he will be using a walker or a wheel chair or something and our stairs will just not work. We have needed to be here in this house for family and decisions of others makes it so we need to be here. But I feel like our time is coming to an end here and it will be time for us to move again for Ryker. God really puts us where are need to be and we always find out reasons why we were suppose to do the things we do. God is amazing in showing us the tender mercies, miracles, and blessings when we follow his path and way for each of us. I feel often that Ryker has come to remind me of the miracles in my life and of God's plan for me. My little man humbles me everyday and keeps me on the straight and narrow path back to God. I have also noticed the amazing change in those around him. His grandpa once told me that Ryker is here to save our precious family. He is here to show us the way. Relationships and hearts have changed in both sides of our families because of Ryker's influence.
I sure do love my little Ryks. He amazes me everyday. Ryker is so close to our Heavenly Father, He is always happy and patient and courageous. He is one of the bravest little boys I know. Today showed me how brave that kid is. After surgery he had is eyes open (after they were bleeding and sore) he was ready to play and smiled all day at the hospital. The only thing that upset him was how hungry he was, after the bottle he was ready to rock and roll. All the nurses were amazed at how happy he was after surgery. Once again he proved to his mom how special and brave he is in this sweet life of his. We went home after only a few short hours of coming out of surgery. I was expecting to stay over night like all the other experiences we have had this last year.
This last surgery made me grateful for all the amazing things Ryker does in his little life. There were many kids in the surgery waiting room that have far more complications then Ryker. He is finally over all his crazy his of medical problems. All of them have been fixed and now he is finally like other kids. NORMAL. Well Ryker normal, but still he is on the right path to improvement. Ryker is special and I hope all that can have the pleasure of being with him can feel how special he is.
Well let's start off with a quick run down of all the exciting adventures for this month. We started it off with a baby shower for my sister in law Kenzi. We partied like no other. That little cute niece of mine has everything she ever needs and all those bows we made was pretty crazy. She will be one stylish baby doll. I even made her a great diaper cake with a couple of cute bows she can wear. I got to meet her a couple of weeks after the baby shower. I snuggled her and kissed her sweet baby head. I couldn't believe how little she was, but in reality she is just the perfect size for a new born. It's crazy to think that Ryker was so much smaller and shorter then her. It was really fun to see how much hair she has though. Her princess like features are adorable. She is such a sweet baby.
We have been trying to keep Ryker a happy healthy little boy this past month for his surgery that is taken place today. Sometimes I get frustrated because some people just don't understand how serious a sickness can be for my little man. Reminding people not to come over, or we can't be around those that are sick. Some people are in denial of how sick their kids are or that it's just a little runny nose. My kid is just tired. It's s touchy subject sometimes, but for my little man a little cold your kid has or a small virus that makes your kid throw up can and probably will make Ryker go to the hospital. I am such a mama bear when it comes to that kind of thing. I feel like we can't be around some people because we just don't know until it's too late. Well we made it through this crazy sickness month with no hiccups. Hopefully the rest of the cold and flu sickness season will be successful. Thank goodness we are still getting the RSV shot. Next year will be a more of a worry story without it.
We had a family vacation this last month. We traveled to Saint George for the parade of homes and warm weather. I am not going to lie, that weather was like a dream. Cool breezes, wonderful sun shine, and beautiful red rock. It was pretty awesome! The houses we saw were pretty cool too! It gave us lots of ideas on what to do to our next house. Ryker did ok. We had some mishaps such as loosing his bottle and leaving his nasal cannula at home. oops. Luckly for me, I was prepared with extras. We even had a mishap with Ryker getting allergies. But overall it was a success and hopefully we can get go on a longer one in the summer time.
We also had another baby born last week. Baby Jonas Julian Younkin. He totally looks like his daddy. Congrats Daddy Jeromy! I am so excited to be an aunt to your cute son! Your going to be such a great parent!
Birthdays are always a joy in January and February. We have Grandma Sheila, Tyce, Mommy, and Uncle Josh all within a couple of weeks of each other. Crazy! We celebrated with tons of cake, ice cream and family get together. My birthday this year was epic. We went to nickle mania to play arcade games and won little Ryker some awesome toys! Uncle Jeromy came up with an idea of going through all the machines a getting the extra coins. It was brilliant when we needed a few more tickets for an amazing Snake and Hat! I am loving getting some gaming time in with my two brothers. It's nice to live close to them.
We went to the new provo temple open house this past week. It was AMAZING! They used so much of the historical stuff from the old tabernacle. Ryker and I got to hang with Sadie and Josh all weekend. They slept at our house for two nights, we made skirts while the boys played video games. Bonding time! We even did a little dance dance to the kinec! Great times!
So a little while ago I was told because Ryker is special needs and will most likely be on an IEP, he will start Preschool next year, Like 2017! Makes me happy, excited, nervous, and anxious. He is doing so well. I can't believe we are here in his development state. He is impressing everyone mostly his mama. Well with this new information we have decided that we maybe moving more south to Utah county. There are a couple of great programs for Ryker that we are interested in and we are thinking because of all our stairs it would be beneficial for Ryker if we built a house that is all one level. He isn't walking yet, but int he future he will be using a walker or a wheel chair or something and our stairs will just not work. We have needed to be here in this house for family and decisions of others makes it so we need to be here. But I feel like our time is coming to an end here and it will be time for us to move again for Ryker. God really puts us where are need to be and we always find out reasons why we were suppose to do the things we do. God is amazing in showing us the tender mercies, miracles, and blessings when we follow his path and way for each of us. I feel often that Ryker has come to remind me of the miracles in my life and of God's plan for me. My little man humbles me everyday and keeps me on the straight and narrow path back to God. I have also noticed the amazing change in those around him. His grandpa once told me that Ryker is here to save our precious family. He is here to show us the way. Relationships and hearts have changed in both sides of our families because of Ryker's influence.
I sure do love my little Ryks. He amazes me everyday. Ryker is so close to our Heavenly Father, He is always happy and patient and courageous. He is one of the bravest little boys I know. Today showed me how brave that kid is. After surgery he had is eyes open (after they were bleeding and sore) he was ready to play and smiled all day at the hospital. The only thing that upset him was how hungry he was, after the bottle he was ready to rock and roll. All the nurses were amazed at how happy he was after surgery. Once again he proved to his mom how special and brave he is in this sweet life of his. We went home after only a few short hours of coming out of surgery. I was expecting to stay over night like all the other experiences we have had this last year.
This last surgery made me grateful for all the amazing things Ryker does in his little life. There were many kids in the surgery waiting room that have far more complications then Ryker. He is finally over all his crazy his of medical problems. All of them have been fixed and now he is finally like other kids. NORMAL. Well Ryker normal, but still he is on the right path to improvement. Ryker is special and I hope all that can have the pleasure of being with him can feel how special he is.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
January has flown by!
Wow! I can't believe how fast January has gone by. I feel like we were just getting over the holidays and now February is in two days.
As I sit here thinking back a year ago, we were getting home from Primary Children's for the long and scary stay at the hospital. We were told many times Ryker wasn't doing well and he was dropping his oxygen to the teen's. We even signed papers stating the hospital wasn't liable for Ryker's situation if we chose to go home without being trached. They basically told us he was going to die, but that thought never ever not even being born early came to my mind. I never felt that worry or stress. The only stress I felt was help my baby so we could go home. I really just wanted out of there because they weren't doing anything for him that I couldn't do at home. Well I sit here and think, I am so glad I followed my mother's intuition. I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father speaks to us directly through the holy ghost. If I didn't have him and the priesthood blessings in our little family, I wouldn't have made it. I think over and over again how amazing Ryker is. He is the reason for me to remember our Heavevly Father. I will never be able to forget all the miracles. I have been so close to him this past year. Having Ryker in our family has truly changed my heart, faith, and patience. I don't know if I could have learned what I did without him and our year of trials has made me a different person.
This past week my sweet niece Naya Garcia was born. Unfortunately, with sick kids and conflicting scheduling we haven't made it over to see her. I want to snuggle that precious thing. But I hate to admit, I am slightly jealous of how perfect she is. The first time I saw Ryker he was so little with tubes. I didn't realize how hard things would be from that day on. This little sweet girl is so lucky not to live the hard medical life Ryker has been given and it makes me hurt inside to know it's not over for him. He will always have a surgery to wait for, doctors to see, and therapists to push him. He won't have the normal kid life like this sweet baby will with of all the appointments and people staring. My nephew who is four is already asking me questions like why is Ryker different? Why are his hands crippled? Why can't he walk like other kids? It has hit me, these are going to be questions I have to answer all the time. Ryker will have to answer these questions when he is older. I am scared to think of how kids will treat him.It's sad that all these fears and emotions come to me when I see my sweet niece. Sometimes I wish I had a kid that fit the normal kid picture, but then I remember all the miracles and tender mercies of have seen. I remember that Ryker has a special purpose here. I love being his mom. I am grateful to be his mom, but I know I am not perfect. Those thoughts do come into my mind sometimes, but I remember all the blessings we have with my little man and I know in my heart he was sent to me for a reason. So no matter how different you are my beautiful Ryker, I will always love you and you will always be normal in mommy's world.
As I sit here thinking back a year ago, we were getting home from Primary Children's for the long and scary stay at the hospital. We were told many times Ryker wasn't doing well and he was dropping his oxygen to the teen's. We even signed papers stating the hospital wasn't liable for Ryker's situation if we chose to go home without being trached. They basically told us he was going to die, but that thought never ever not even being born early came to my mind. I never felt that worry or stress. The only stress I felt was help my baby so we could go home. I really just wanted out of there because they weren't doing anything for him that I couldn't do at home. Well I sit here and think, I am so glad I followed my mother's intuition. I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father speaks to us directly through the holy ghost. If I didn't have him and the priesthood blessings in our little family, I wouldn't have made it. I think over and over again how amazing Ryker is. He is the reason for me to remember our Heavevly Father. I will never be able to forget all the miracles. I have been so close to him this past year. Having Ryker in our family has truly changed my heart, faith, and patience. I don't know if I could have learned what I did without him and our year of trials has made me a different person.
This past week my sweet niece Naya Garcia was born. Unfortunately, with sick kids and conflicting scheduling we haven't made it over to see her. I want to snuggle that precious thing. But I hate to admit, I am slightly jealous of how perfect she is. The first time I saw Ryker he was so little with tubes. I didn't realize how hard things would be from that day on. This little sweet girl is so lucky not to live the hard medical life Ryker has been given and it makes me hurt inside to know it's not over for him. He will always have a surgery to wait for, doctors to see, and therapists to push him. He won't have the normal kid life like this sweet baby will with of all the appointments and people staring. My nephew who is four is already asking me questions like why is Ryker different? Why are his hands crippled? Why can't he walk like other kids? It has hit me, these are going to be questions I have to answer all the time. Ryker will have to answer these questions when he is older. I am scared to think of how kids will treat him.It's sad that all these fears and emotions come to me when I see my sweet niece. Sometimes I wish I had a kid that fit the normal kid picture, but then I remember all the miracles and tender mercies of have seen. I remember that Ryker has a special purpose here. I love being his mom. I am grateful to be his mom, but I know I am not perfect. Those thoughts do come into my mind sometimes, but I remember all the blessings we have with my little man and I know in my heart he was sent to me for a reason. So no matter how different you are my beautiful Ryker, I will always love you and you will always be normal in mommy's world.
Monday, January 18, 2016
2016...What will you be?
It's a new year, with new goals, new adventures, and new family bond. Lately I have been pondering Ryker's Baby blessing from last year. Somethings have stuck out to me. Be able to control your body, Focus on what you need to focus on, Being able to breath on your own, Run and jump like any other kid, eating on your own, nothing serious will be wrong. It's a huge eye opener to me to see all these amazing things happen in my little man's life. I don't know how people can't believe in a loving Heavenly Father. He is real. I testifiy of that known truth. My loving and kind Heavenly Father has blessed my son with all those things. When he was born deep down I doubted for a minute. I wasn't sure it would happen, but seeing all the miracles that happened this last year, WOW! it's a testimony builder to know God is real, He loves us, He is there, and He knows ALL!
In Relief Society this week we were taught about tender mercies. This too is another testimony builder for me. I have seen so many tender mercies in little Ryker's life this past year. Those are the things that have got me through this hard year. I believe that if we find those tender mercies and recognize them in our lives, we will see more miracles and have a stronger testimony of those things we struggle to believe. The more I open my heart the bigger my vision gets to see the big picture of this life and God's plan. I was reading the other day about someone from High School I played softball with recently lost her baby boy. He was only alive for 35 minutes because he was born with no brain. It got me thinking about God's Plan. No matter there is always a plan. I may have been blessed to have Ryker stay a live and be with us, but if it was God's plan he could not be here. There is a reason Ryker is here, I don't know what the reason, but it's a special mission just like all of us have. God places us where he needs us. He guides us to where we need to go. We need to recognize that God is in charge not us, There are many people here on earth that are lost. We need to help them recognize God's hand in their lives.
This month has been a busy one. We started the month off with Great Grandma Allen's yearly Christmas party. It was a little late this year, but we got to see some people there that are usually not there. Melissa and her wonderful cute red heads came. It was really good to see them. They are like my favorites ever!. We ate and enjoyed everyone's company. It was really good to see everyone. We need to so more with that side of the family. I do have fun with them. This month, I also got a get surprise when I walked into the Joann's fabrics and crafts and saw an old friend of mine. She was a huge part of my life when I was in High School and I don't think I would be where I am without her influence and example. I truly have missed her in my life and I am so glad I ran into her. She got to meet Ryker and I got to caught up with her for a few minutes. It brought back so many memories and good times with those ladies at Joanns. I would love to work for Michelle again. She was one of the best Bosses I have ever worked for. I will have to make some more stops there to visit. The ladies at Joanns helped me go on a mission and they were dedicated writers every week. I felt there love every week I received a letter from them. I appreciate all they have done for me.
The other day I got to see another great example to me while I was in High School. Jerri Phelps was a great influence on me. I really needed her through some of those crazy times. I sure loved spending time with her the other day and caught up on what has been happening with her and her family. Life is crazy. Things are so different and people have changed so much. I can't believe I am where I am today because things could have gone a different way. WOW! I am feeling so grateful for all those amazing influences I had while I was so young in the gospel. I needed them to guide me to be a better person and follow the right path.
Another great experience I had this month was getting together with some amazing Sorelle from my mission. I have missed them so much. We had such a great time together and we grow together. One of my favorites Misha Greer really bonded with Ryker. She just seemed like she connected with him like not many do. It was great to see her and feel her support through my struggles this past year. I absolutely love her to death. Another great example is my other companion I hung out with is Melissa Moorehead Wilde. She is moving to saint George. I am super sad about it because we didn't get to hang out like we should have. But she taught me to have fun and relax. I had some great companions in the mission. Heavenly Father knew what I needed and I am so grateful for each and everyone. They all taught me something different. Missions are amazing! Everyone needs to experience a mission. It makes you grow in ways you would never think.
In Relief Society this week we were taught about tender mercies. This too is another testimony builder for me. I have seen so many tender mercies in little Ryker's life this past year. Those are the things that have got me through this hard year. I believe that if we find those tender mercies and recognize them in our lives, we will see more miracles and have a stronger testimony of those things we struggle to believe. The more I open my heart the bigger my vision gets to see the big picture of this life and God's plan. I was reading the other day about someone from High School I played softball with recently lost her baby boy. He was only alive for 35 minutes because he was born with no brain. It got me thinking about God's Plan. No matter there is always a plan. I may have been blessed to have Ryker stay a live and be with us, but if it was God's plan he could not be here. There is a reason Ryker is here, I don't know what the reason, but it's a special mission just like all of us have. God places us where he needs us. He guides us to where we need to go. We need to recognize that God is in charge not us, There are many people here on earth that are lost. We need to help them recognize God's hand in their lives.
This month has been a busy one. We started the month off with Great Grandma Allen's yearly Christmas party. It was a little late this year, but we got to see some people there that are usually not there. Melissa and her wonderful cute red heads came. It was really good to see them. They are like my favorites ever!. We ate and enjoyed everyone's company. It was really good to see everyone. We need to so more with that side of the family. I do have fun with them. This month, I also got a get surprise when I walked into the Joann's fabrics and crafts and saw an old friend of mine. She was a huge part of my life when I was in High School and I don't think I would be where I am without her influence and example. I truly have missed her in my life and I am so glad I ran into her. She got to meet Ryker and I got to caught up with her for a few minutes. It brought back so many memories and good times with those ladies at Joanns. I would love to work for Michelle again. She was one of the best Bosses I have ever worked for. I will have to make some more stops there to visit. The ladies at Joanns helped me go on a mission and they were dedicated writers every week. I felt there love every week I received a letter from them. I appreciate all they have done for me.
The other day I got to see another great example to me while I was in High School. Jerri Phelps was a great influence on me. I really needed her through some of those crazy times. I sure loved spending time with her the other day and caught up on what has been happening with her and her family. Life is crazy. Things are so different and people have changed so much. I can't believe I am where I am today because things could have gone a different way. WOW! I am feeling so grateful for all those amazing influences I had while I was so young in the gospel. I needed them to guide me to be a better person and follow the right path.
Another great experience I had this month was getting together with some amazing Sorelle from my mission. I have missed them so much. We had such a great time together and we grow together. One of my favorites Misha Greer really bonded with Ryker. She just seemed like she connected with him like not many do. It was great to see her and feel her support through my struggles this past year. I absolutely love her to death. Another great example is my other companion I hung out with is Melissa Moorehead Wilde. She is moving to saint George. I am super sad about it because we didn't get to hang out like we should have. But she taught me to have fun and relax. I had some great companions in the mission. Heavenly Father knew what I needed and I am so grateful for each and everyone. They all taught me something different. Missions are amazing! Everyone needs to experience a mission. It makes you grow in ways you would never think.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Last post for 2015! Let's look back!
I am turning over a new leaf for next year. My life, wow! I am finally accepting it. It's amazing right now. Heavenly Father has showed me that he always offers peace after the storm and the last year has been our blizzard storm. Parker and I have talked about how hard this year has been, not only individually, but for the entire family. Ryker has been a trooper, we have trudged through full force and it has been hard. To be honest, this last year has been the hardest trial and storm I have personally experienced. With my parents getting divorced, my grandparents dying, teachings, and all the crazy things we have gone through being married, this has trumped all of them. But thinking back, those trails made it easier for me to push through this last year. I wouldn't want to go through it again, but if it came to it I know I could make it again. Idaho was our trial to grow as a couple and to improve our marriage. We grew together and without that experience we probably wouldn't have been strong enough to make it. We got thrown into the games with a strong front because of the experiences in Idaho. We worked together to become stronger. It was not easy and we almost gave up, but we made it. Our life is better for it. Heavenly Father sure does know what we can and can't take. He was preparing us for Ryker. Together and Individually. Our family needed to be strong and our marriage needed to be strong to take on all Ryker's challenges. The money challenges in Rexburg made us realized we needed to be prepared better for the future, which it paid off in the end. When we needed family in Idaho, we realized we had it with our ward family. That ward really showed us how a ward is suppose to be, They were amazing at helping others carry their burdens and love each other not matter what. Here we needed our actually family for this last year trails. It was always nice to have someone to talk to and cry to when times were tough. Our family relationships has become stronger and hearts have changed making our family stronger. I have also realized over that past couple of months is that Parker is the perfect dad for Ryker. He is not judgemental and he just is so patient toward him. He doesn't see all his problems, he just loves him for who he is. I love Parker for that. So fathers could take it hard and that would have made it harder on me. I took longer to accept the fact that Ryker will always be special needs, Parker on the other hand accepted it quickly and moved on fast. It was inspiring and impressing. I need to be more accepting of hard things. He is a great example of that. Ryker has made a huge difference in our family and our extended families. He has been an answer to a lot of our family dramas. Hearts have really become softer and love has been show more this last year.
The last couple of weeks of this year have been memorable. We have had many Christmas parties with families. See everyone and realizing how much change that has happened the last 12 months has been incredible. We partied at the Meyers' house right before Christmas. Unfortunately Ryker and Parker were both sick so I attended with Tanner and his kids. This last sickness for Ryker has been an eye opener. I am realizing he is just a kid now, not a medically depend special needs child. I don't worry about him being sick anymore. I know he will be okay and it doesn't stress me out like it use to. We went to the new Star Wars movie with Colby and Susan. It was nice to see friends this past couple of weeks. I really feel like our lives are starting to become normal again. Thanks goodness, it has been a long time coming. We also have many sleepovers at Clyde and Sheila's house. It's been great to have Ryker bond with his grandparents. He is recognizing faces and people so he will have a lasting relationship with them. Christmas was memorable. We partied at our house this year. We started a new tradition of playing games and winning prizes. It was fun to have everyone together. Also, Jeromy has been hanging out at our house this past week. I love it when he stays here. I have found a deep appreciation for him. He is a great big brother and I look up to him so much. He is just trying to be a great future dad. I have seen so much change in him this past year and our relationship has improved to much in the last couple of months. He is truly one of my best friends and I hope it continues. We also have some fun coming up in the next couple of day. Parting again with the Allen family for new years and we also have Great Grandma's party on the 2nd of January. But I guess you will have to wait for that update in 2016.
Thinking about all that has happened this year, we have come so far, Last year at this time, Ryker was strictly fed through a tube. He struggled hard to breath. Ryker was so fragile and small. We worried and stressed about his often, not just only 12 months later he has his gtube gone, he is breathing on his own without oxygen, and he is growing to the point that the doctors said he is too fat and needs to go on a diet. lol. Ryker's life is great which makes all our lives less stressful and more full of appreciation. We are hoping life will be not so stressful and full of life. We will be taking our first family vacation out of Utah next year so hopefully that will be successful. The PJs adventure is pushing forward and we look forward to what it will be next year. Thanks for following this year!
The last couple of weeks of this year have been memorable. We have had many Christmas parties with families. See everyone and realizing how much change that has happened the last 12 months has been incredible. We partied at the Meyers' house right before Christmas. Unfortunately Ryker and Parker were both sick so I attended with Tanner and his kids. This last sickness for Ryker has been an eye opener. I am realizing he is just a kid now, not a medically depend special needs child. I don't worry about him being sick anymore. I know he will be okay and it doesn't stress me out like it use to. We went to the new Star Wars movie with Colby and Susan. It was nice to see friends this past couple of weeks. I really feel like our lives are starting to become normal again. Thanks goodness, it has been a long time coming. We also have many sleepovers at Clyde and Sheila's house. It's been great to have Ryker bond with his grandparents. He is recognizing faces and people so he will have a lasting relationship with them. Christmas was memorable. We partied at our house this year. We started a new tradition of playing games and winning prizes. It was fun to have everyone together. Also, Jeromy has been hanging out at our house this past week. I love it when he stays here. I have found a deep appreciation for him. He is a great big brother and I look up to him so much. He is just trying to be a great future dad. I have seen so much change in him this past year and our relationship has improved to much in the last couple of months. He is truly one of my best friends and I hope it continues. We also have some fun coming up in the next couple of day. Parting again with the Allen family for new years and we also have Great Grandma's party on the 2nd of January. But I guess you will have to wait for that update in 2016.
Thinking about all that has happened this year, we have come so far, Last year at this time, Ryker was strictly fed through a tube. He struggled hard to breath. Ryker was so fragile and small. We worried and stressed about his often, not just only 12 months later he has his gtube gone, he is breathing on his own without oxygen, and he is growing to the point that the doctors said he is too fat and needs to go on a diet. lol. Ryker's life is great which makes all our lives less stressful and more full of appreciation. We are hoping life will be not so stressful and full of life. We will be taking our first family vacation out of Utah next year so hopefully that will be successful. The PJs adventure is pushing forward and we look forward to what it will be next year. Thanks for following this year!
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