10 Year Anniversary!!!

We came to Cancun on our Honeymoon and loved every minute! Tyler surprised me with a trip back to paradise to celebrate our 10 year Anniversary!!! More details and pictures to come when we get back...

Motocross

Sunday after church we sat the kids down to tell them we wanted to set some goals and values for our family. We wanted to have a family Mission statement and Motto to live by. This became somewhat of a serious discussion that the two older boys were totally involved. Ashton left the room for a few minutes when all the sudden we heard the back door shut and he came running into the family room, took this stance and said, "Motocross".
We of course all busted up laughing and our serious moment was GONE!
He then wanted us to play "Motocross" Duck, Duck, Goose. He had new rules for the game too. We had to sit in a circle and one person would walk around the circle and tap everyone on the head-not saying anything. Then when you came to the person you wanted to tap you say "Motocross" Jump up and run not only in a circle, but all the way around the kitchen Island, back to the family room and sit down, before you were tagged. He was the hit of the night and so proud of himself.

We did actually get something accomplished

The Garns Family Mission Statement

We promise to be Grateful, Smart, Clean, True, Humble, and Prayerful.
We strive to be worthy to serve a Mission, receive Priesthood and Temple blessings, and treat others with Respect. We talk of Christ, We rejoice in Christ, and We preach of Christ, that we may live together as an Eternal Family.

Our Motto: Serve with Strength, Honor, and Love

Stanger Family Reunion 2009

We gathered in St. George, Utah for a family reunion on my mom's side over Memorial Day weekend. It was so fun to see family we've not seen in a long time or had never met. We had a great weekend and wonderful Grandparents to thank for making it happen. We love you!

This is the group, or at least a good majority who were able to come.

The People responsible for creating the bunch.

Uncle Chuck(Grandma's brother and his wife El),Uncle Maynard, Grandpa Dovell
Aunt Rula(Grandma's sister), Aunt Orvilla(Grandma's sister), Grandma Pamela Joyce

Our side of the family

Jeremy, Courtney, Dawson, MacKenzie, Addelynn, and Berlynn

Us

Troy, Janelle, Max, and Adam

My Grandma Afton Meldrum (My dad's mom)
She lives just down the street so we visited her while we were in town.

On Sunday we had this wonderful plan to try and keep the Sabbath Holy, SO what better way then to go take a walk around the temple and visitors center.
I went to take a picture of the kids on the St. George Temple steps and Kaden slipped and cracked his front tooth, of course it had to be a permanent one. He also split his lip open, so he's not smiling because everytime he opened his mouth to smile his lip opened back up and blood...

Dawson and Spencer

All these kids were so cute. They were playing with toy animals, gathering them food, water, and shelter. It was very sweet and fun to watch them all play together so well.

Ashton is batting balloon style

We all went to the water park and the kids had a blast. I love this picture. I just wish Ashton would have joined in, but he was being a momma's boy

Put him on a swing and he was in seventh heaven
I love this of the 3 boys

We went rock climbing there too, and it was a huge hit!!

Kaden and Spencer all strapped up ready to climb

They both climbed all the way to the top and rang the bell!

Ashton was even a part of it too. He thought he was SO COOL, and just like the "Big Kids"

Tyler wasn't going to miss out on the fun

On Memorial Day we took the kids over to the Cemetery to teach them a little bit about the significance of that day.

Spencer and Kaden stood there nicely and let me take a picture, not touching anything around them. Then Ashton gets up and wants his own picture and does he stand there nicely...NO, if you look closely he has his hand on the trigger of the gun on the statue.

I loved this monument and memorial that was displayed for all those who did not have a head stone. It's messege rings true and makes you PROUD to be an AMERICAN!!

Having 3 boys is a little scary when I think that they could possibly have to go to war one day. I hope that day never comes, but standing there reading all these names of men who died so that we might be free is very humbling.

Ashton wanted his picture taken by all the flags. He would go from one head stone to the next saying "Mommy take my picture by this one" I just kept hoping the families of them were not around.

On our way home we went through Lake Mead and over the Hoover Dam. They are building an unbelieveable structure. This huge arch will support a road that will eventually run on top. It is just massive, and pretty cool!

Maui-2009

The end of May Tyler and I went on an awards trip with Infusionsoft. It was supposed to be held in Puerto Vallarta, but due to the swine flu we ended up in Maui...not a bad trade off!

This was the first night we arrived at the welcome dinner. Coming from Arizona to this beautiful sunset...A*MAZING!!

This is where we ate breakfast every morning, the other side looked out on to the ocean. There were huge colorful fish in this pond.

One night we went to dinner at the Pineapple Grill with some friends and family from work.
We had such a great time!

We hung out by the pool, had yummy Lava flow drinks, watched unbelievable sunsets, and enjoyed wonderful company.

This was our favorite spot at the pool. Tyler was a reading machine and caused quite a stir. He would walk around the pool holding his book up out of the water, reading away. We heard from several random people at dinner about "the pool reader guy" apparently they got a kick out of it. He does look pretty hot though-love you babe

On Friday we had to be in the lobby by 5:45am to go on a snorkeling adventure to the famous Molokini Island. I was loving the fact I would be on a boat all day, I love it!! They fed us warm cinnamon rolls and fruit in the morning and BBQ chicken for lunch. We saw all kinds of colorful, amazing fish. We saw Nemo and Dori and many more. Then they took us over to Turtle land to see huge turtles swimming.

The sunrise from the boat

Molokini Island

Friday night we met at the harbor for an awards night and dinner cruise.

Me, Kym, and Amy

Tyler won the "Marketer of the year award" he didn't want his picture taken, the modest boy.

It reads: Marketer of the year
aka "El Animal"
25k miles and 25-hour days, baby!!!

Saturday came all to quickly and it was time to say goodbye to this beautiful hotel. We stayed at the Maui-Westin Resort and Spa

This is the lobby of the hotel. We were waiting for our bus to come and take us back to Beautiful Arizona...

We had such a wonderful trip and were so glad we had the opportunity to go and hang out with family and friends from work. Thanks babe for working so hard and being absolutely incredible at what you do!

Happy 9th Birthday Spencer

I can't believe my first born little boy is 9 years old today. I still remember the moment he was born. Kissing his sweet soft newborn cheeks, in amazement that I actually brought this beautiful, perfect, tiny little spirit into this world. He is a blessing to our family, by setting a wonderful example for his brothers to follow. He is so obedient, loving, driven, smart, loves sports, and truly wants to do what is right. I thank Heavenly Father every day for sending you to our home. We love you Spencer!

From the time we moved to Arizona Spencer wanted to go to this water park called Big Surf, so for his Birthday we surprised him and went on Saturday. He was so excited and had a BLAST!

Kaden and Ashton were pretty thrilled they got to benefit from Spencer's Birthday too. It was pretty hot and Ashton ended up wearing more of his Ice cream then he ate. Kaden kept offering to help him out, but of course Ashton was having none of that!!

Today Spencer had a camp out at school, took donuts to his class, and got to pick his favorite place for dinner, and to top it all off heard from all his cousins and family as they sang Happy Birthday. He was one Happy boy when he went to bed tonight.

Happy Birthday Spencer!!

New story time...

Friday, on the way to school I told the kids when they get home we were going swimming at Dave's house. Ashton 3, pipes up in the back and says, "Mommy, is Goliath going to be there too?"

Father and Son's Camp Out

The boys have been looking forward to this weekend all year. They love to go camping and explore with their dad. They went to a camp called Oak Flat, just over an hour away.

Saturday morning after a traditional pancake breakfast, they hiked up this mountain and found real Indian Ruins. All I heard about when they returned home was these ruins and "Tonto" the Indian (Tonto was part of a story Tyler told the kids around the camp fire).
You can see the little civilization up in the mountain behind the kids.

The boys were so excited and had a great time...Ashy, you can go next year

Happy Easter

We started the Easter weekend by going to the Mesa Easter Pageant at the Temple. We had never been before and WOW was it amazing! A cast of over 400 people take place in this every night for two weeks. What an incredible way to make the story of Christ come to life on stage. You feel the power of the spirit so strong, giving us a small glimpse into what it might have been like that last week of his life. The kids had a memorable time learning about Christ, walking around the temple, being with cousins, and loving all the soldiers and their swords...true boys!

We stopped at our favorite Cafe Rio and brought our dinner to eat while we were waiting a good hour and a half for it to start. Ashton was sitting on my lap watching so intently. He got so worried when he saw Christ being hurt and said, "Mommy, I don't like those Red guys they hurt Jesus. Why they do that?" I could not help the tears that began streaming down my face when I could not give him a Good reason WHY, because I had that same question. How could anyone have been so cruel to the Savior, MY Savior. I am so grateful to him for his sacrifice and love for each one of us.

On Saturday we went to Tyler's cousins for an Easter egg hunt. Ashton is in Heaven with his chocolate mouth kickin' back enjoying life. Then his cousin Lexie came over for a friendly "Hi." Oh boy, he grabbed his basket of candy and held it so tight saying, "mom shes gonna get my cannie!!!"

Spencer and Kaden went with Tyler to the Diamond Backs vs. Dodgers game and the boys were pinging off the walls...so excited to go, and maybe they would catch a ball! So, of course the little man wanted to go too but tickets were short. Instead he spent a fun night with mom coloring Easter eggs and watching Madagascar 2 It was a "mommy and me night" according to him.

Why is it every Easter I try for just ONE good picture of the kids in their Easter clothes and without fail, it Never Works. I hear, "I'm hot, the suns in my eyes, I don't want to take my picture, I closed my eyes, I'm tired, are we done........" So here is the best we did this year :)

Sunday night we all went to dinner at Tyler's other cousin and I think we counted something like 16 adults and over 30 kids...crazy! The Masks are wonderful and we love them for always making us feel welcome and including us when our familes are in California. Thanks for a great weekend. We love you all!!

Spring Break '09

Spring Break 2009
We love Buzz!

Ashy and Uncle Tyler

Mickey Mouse signed Spencer's Baseball

These two were hilarious...they were about to burst!

Grandpa and Ashy

Ashton and Grandpa getting ready for the Toy Story ride

Grandma and Kaden on Toy Story

Ben, Alex, and Vanessa helping us defeat Zurg on Buzz Lightyear

Mom and Ashy on Dumbo. He loves to go up and down...up and down(anyone else sick)

Spencer and Kaden on Toy Story. Spencer's mouth full of skittles. We love this new ride!!

Spencer and Kaden

I love this adorable face!!
He truly still believes if he can't see you...You Can't See Him!

Boys waiting in line with their feathers

Waiting for the fireworks in Grandma's special spot

Me and my Boys

Kaden and Ashton had Buzz Lightyear sign their Disneyland Baseballs

Uncle Troy and Aunt Nellie took the boys on California Screamin'. I was still recovering from surgery. It was Kaden's first time and he loved it. Thanks guys, love ya

Ashton, Kaden, Spencer, Max, and Adam pondering...

Addie and Ashy. These two are so cute together. They are in their own world and have the funniest conversations with eachother.

Addie, Ashton, and new baby Berlynn

The boys got their Easter gifts a little early from Grandma and Grandpa

We had a wonderful time seeing our family and cousins. We love you all. You can come visit us in the HOT land anytime!

Why I love Jill Nicolle Garns

In the beginning of February, I posted about Jill's recent experience with surgery. I told the story of what happened, but I didn't tell the whole story.

There was a time, before we got married, that I thought I had lost Jill forever. It was perhaps the darkest time of my life. I knew deep inside we were supposed to be together. Yet, that was impossible at the time. I struggled with the feelings inside me and the reality of the situation and finally came to some semblance of peace-of-mind. Of course, later, the situation changed, my wishes came true and I was able to marry the most beautiful, amazing woman I had ever met.

That process changed me. It made me appreciate her so much more than I would have otherwise. It also produced my biggest fear: losing her again. You see, now I drive her nuts because I want to soak up every minute I have with her. Last month's experience with her surgery was especially difficult because I felt like I came so close to losing her again. The good thing is that my appreciation for her was again increased. Shortly after the surgery was Jill's birthday. And for the last 10 days she and the kids have been in California during a school break.

These experiences over the last few weeks, and the recent time without her, have given me time to reflect on why I love her. I want the world to know why I love Jill Nicolle Garns.

• I love her smile. There is nothing on this earth so bright and full of light.
• She is the most caring person I know.
• I love her tender heart and deep concern for others.
• I love that she is an elegant lady in a world that pushes women to be brutes.
• She is an amazing homemaker and I love that she takes such pride in keeping our home spotless, tidy, inviting, and full of warmth and love.
• I couldn't ask for a better mother for our boys. She is a great teacher. Patient, loving, and uplifting.
• It kills me to think of all of the physical and emotional pain that she has suffered in her life. But, I love that she has not let those things make her bitter, hateful, or angry. She chooses to be happy, full of life, and take care of others, no matter what pain she might feel.
• I love just watching her walk. Pure grace.
• Her kiss in the morning sustains me for the whole day.
  
• Jill has eyes that immediately captive me and draw me in. I love the feeling I get when she just gives me quick glance and a wink.
• Holding hands with Jill is an experience. She doesn't do anything halfway. And, when she holds my hand she squeezes tight! Sometimes too tight. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
• Jill seems to be aging in reverse. Every day she is more beautiful. How did I get so lucky?
• I love that Jill is so forgiving. We all know how imperfect I am. And Jill still loves me and accepts me.
• I love that Jill is a hard worker. I could never do what she does. She outworks me every day of the week.
• Jill is committed and stays true to her word no matter what. I love that anyone can always count on her.
• I love that Jill has unwavering faith. Her faith in God is unbreakable and her faith in others is inspiring.
• Jill exudes charity. You can't be around her and not feel loved. If you ever need an emotional boost, just go sit by her. She'll make you feel like a million bucks.
• Jill's beauty is timeless, elegant, inviting, warm, and bright. Her beauty extends from every ounce of her physical body to every part of her spirit. She is one of God's great masterpieces.
• I love it when I tickle her and she tries to get angry with me. She can't hold back the smile and a little giggle.
• I love waking up before she does and taking a moment to just look at her, embrace her, and give her a kiss on the forehead.
• I love that Jill loves sweets. She't not a big fan of food. I think she eats just to stay alive. But she gets exceptional enjoyment out of eating anything sweet.
• Jill is a perfectionist. In being so, she is uplifing all of us and helping us to be better. I love that she strives for perfection in all that she does and in all that she is.
• I love her laugh.
• I love her little tiny toes (even if they do overlap).
• I love that she sorts my socks in alphabetical order so I can tell the black from the blue.
• I love that she bought me a guitar so I'll learn to serenade her, even though she knows I can't sing any better than a hyena. I told you she had faith!
• I love that she doesn't understand computers very well. It makes me feel smart when she asks for help.
• I love that Jill has always supported my surfing habit.
• I love that Jill is just as beautiful without make up on as she is with it on.
• There are many thing I could say that would be completely inappropriate for a family blog, but let's just say that Jill is amazing in ALL aspects of our marriage (like holding hands).

Jill, I am grateful for many things in my life, but at the top of the list is my eternal marriage to you. I still can't believe that am lucky enough to be with you forever. I'm not sure I'll ever feel worthy, but that makes me strive to be better each day.

Jill Nicolle, I love you and I always will. Thank you for loving me back.

THANK YOU!!

I must say, I have the BEST family and friends!! Thank you all for the notes, emails, calls, notes on Facebook, the help....Seriously, Thank you! I am finally starting to feel a little better. I still have a pretty bad pain in my head that won't leave and some issues in places I won't discuss, but over all, life is good. I will take pain any day over throwing up.
I had such different feelings going into this than I have ever had before. This was not the first time I have had surgery in my life, but it was the first time I ever had feelings of dying, which was really weird.
A week before the surgery, I kept having these feelings like I needed to get everything in order. I cleaned and organized every room in the house. I was saying things to the boys like, " Here are your winter clothes for next year, I want you to know how much mommy loves you, and here are all mommies pictures, and if mommy is not here..." It was very strange. The night before my surgery my parents got here and I took my mom through the house to each room telling her where stuff was, but not like normal...in detail. I was telling her up in Ashton's closet were clothes that I have stored, 3T, 4T, and 5T and here are so and so...Then I took her in the boys room and did the same. I had her come into my closet and I was showing her where all my pictures of the kids and their scrapbooks were and I even said to her, " in case something happens to me..." She looked at me and said, "Don't even say that." I had gone back several times and read a personal blessing that was given to me, and afterwards thought, " I am supposed to have a long life with time to do certain things on this Earth." and then I would think, "Why am I being so crazy?" So when Tyler told me the things I had said after surgery I was feeling very thankful. The one thing I do remember about the dream is that I was talking to the boys, each one individually and that I was very concerned about where Ashton was and if he was okay. I remember kissing Tyler and that is all. Well then when I came home from the hospital and still was not feeling a whole lot better I was a little concerned but it wasn't until Monday night when I started violently throwing up and had this unimaginable pain and pressure behind my right eye. I kept thinking my right temple was going to explode and I really started to worry. I am not one to go to the doctor easily, especially not the ER, but I tell you that night I didn't hesitate for a second. Hair in a bun, no makeup on, in my pj's (those of you who know me, know I don't go anywhere like this and for the first time in my life... I didn't care) As Tyler was driving me to the hospital and I am continuing to throw up and have this pain, I was sitting there thinking..".Is this why I had everything prepared, is something going to happen to me." Then I just kept fearing that I was going to go blind or have a stroke or who knows? ( It is a real problem when you have a medical background, because your mind immediately goes to all the worst possible outcomes). I remember as we sat there in the ER I was uncontrollably shaking, my eye twitching, I'm throwing up constantly, the nurse could not find a vein for anything, and I looked over at Tyler and said, pleading..." Please don't let me die ugly!"
I have never experienced anything quite like this one and I hope the worst is behind me, but I have to say that I am here today because of the Priesthood. I am so grateful for blessings and the power to command things to happen...because they did! Tyler is an amazing, wonderful man. My best friend, my rock and support through this whole thing. I love him and my boys more than anything!! Family, where do I begin...Thank you Thank you with all my heart. You are all priceless!! I am truly grateful for each day.

Jill Defeats Death - Twice

The last week has been pretty rough. Here's the full story for everyone who keeps calling for an update:

Ever since our second son was born (7 years ago), Jill has had multiple health problems from the traumatic delivery (she broke her sacrum and dislocated her pelvis, and had a 4th degree tear). One of those problems that has caused her much pain has been a 3rd degree prolapsed uterus. She's been in constant pain and has developed other associated issues (fibroid tumors in her uterus and other stuff).

The last few months the pain has become much worse, and after much fasting and prayer, we decided it was probably wise to take action and have them explore to find out where the pain was coming from and if he had to, to do a hysterectomy. We told the doctor to only take this action if it was necessary. Last Thursday, Jill was admitted to Banner Gateway Hospital in Gilbert, AZ. I waited in the waiting room with Jill's mom. After about 3 hours the doc came out, showed us pictures of the damaged uterus, and told us that the surgery went well and we'd see her soon in recovery.

Well an hour passed, and another hour, and we started getting really anxious. They told us she was being sent to her room, room number 1420. So we headed to her room and she wasn't there. The nurses on the floor said that they couldn't call down to the operating floor to get a status but she'd be up soon. So, we waited and waited some more. Finally I went down stairs and demanded to see my wife. The pansy at the desk didn't do anything to help and sent me back upstairs. He said she'd be up in about 10 minutes.

She did finally show up, but she wasn't in a normal state of mind. They told us that they had a hard time getting her to come out of the anesthesia. I'm pretty sure they were severely downplaying the trouble she had been in, because she was still pretty much non-responsive and her breathing was extremely shallow. The nurse came over and put her hand on her chest to make sure she was still breathing. Her heart rate and blood pressure kept dropping. She could open her eyes only for a second, then she'd go right back to sleep. After a while, she was able to talk just a little bit. She was still pretty out of it, but we were able to start having a little conversation.

At one point she asked me, "What did they do?" I responded, "They did a hysterectomy". I think the combination of the medication and the facts hit her hard. She started sobbing. She was devastated that they had done a hysterectomy. I was a little confused because we had discussed this at length and felt ok about it. But at the time, she was NOT feeling ok about it. She was approaching uncontrollable. She started sobbing, "My baby, my baby. I want my baby." I couldn't stand it. It was one of the saddest points of my life, watching her be so devastated by what had happened to her. During all of this, she was still coming in and out of consciousness. Every time she woke up, she'd ask again, "What happened?" I didn't have the heart to tell her every time that they had done a hysterectomy. She obviously was not remembering anything and I didn't want to see her be so hurt over and over.

At one point in her delirium, she started crying and said, "I had a dream that I was dying. I was really scared." That scared me too and at that point I realized how close she may have come to dying when they were tyring to wake her up for over two hours. They had given her Narcan to reverse the effect of the anesthesia. Prior to the surgery they had given her spinal anesthesia so that she wouldn't feel the pain when she woke up and wouldn't have to take as much opioid medication. Well, the Narcan wiped out everything. So, as she was coming to, she was feeling EVERYTHING. She was in serious pain and they wouldn't give her anything because they were still worried about her not coming out of it.

At one point her oxygen levels dropped pretty low, the alarms started going off, and of course we got pretty worried about her. Shortly after, a nurse came in and started monitoring Jill's breathing very closely. She had her hand on Jill's chest making sure she was breathing. Her breathing was so shallow you couldn't even see her chest moving.

After about two and a half hours of Jill coming in and out of consciousness, she finally started to become a little more alert. I asked her if she remembered our previous conversations and she said no. She didn't remember sobbing about getting a hysterectomy and she didn't remember her dream about dying. Good thing!

Later that night, I ran out to grab something to eat. I called mom and told her what had happened. I had stayed pretty strong at the hospital. But as I recounted the experience, I sobbed. I had been so scared and so worried.

She finally came home from the hospital on Saturday afternoon. She's been slowly recovering. She gets horribly sick from anesthesia and from any opioid medication. So, she hasn't taken much of the Percocet that they gave her. She's just been dealing with the pain because she'd rather have that than the nausea. She's also had a pretty bad headache ever since she came home. I figured it was probably from the spinal she had received.

On Monday night she started vomiting violently. During the vomiting, she started having a sudden, intense pain in her right temple and behind her right eye. She started crying (almost hysterically) and holding her head and eye saying, "The pain. The pain. It hurts." For a normal person, this might not be any big deal, but Jill is Superwoman. I've seen her experience some pretty serious pain in the past. All while her back was breaking and her hips getting dislocated during delivery, she only shed a few tears. When she's in pain, her eyes close and she sheds a few tears - but she almost never says anything or cries verbally. So when I saw her having this kind of reaction, I knew something was horribly wrong.

While she was kneeling on the floor of the bathroom, holding her head and crying, I gave her a blessing and then rushed her to the ER. Of course, the ER docs didn't seem to be too concerned when we came in as she was throwing up and crying about the pain in her head. So, I pretty much demanded that they see her right away. We were able to get back to see a doc quickly. They could not start an IV and were poking her everywhere. They checked her vitals but didn't do much else. She was obviously going into shock - she was shaking uncontrollably and cold. They did nothing. I even mentioned to the doc and the nurse that she was in shock. They still did nothing. I was shocked they didn't look in her eye or anything. But she did get a head CT scan fairly soon after they first saw her. We waited FOREVER to finally see the doc and hear the results of the CT scan. Thankfully, nothing showed up in the CT scan, but I was still bothered but what she had experienced and the fact that we had no explanation.

She was still feeling pretty sick and vomiting, so they hooked up an IV to give her some meds. She again refused the morphine because it just makes her feel more sick. They gave her Zofran for the nausea. It didn't do much. I told them that Phentergan had worked well in the hospital. So, they drew up some more Zofran and Phentergan. As the nurse pushed the "Zofran" into her IV he stopped and said, "Oh, that wasn't Zofran." and started walking out of the room. I called him back and asked him what he had given her. She said, "Oh, I didn't actually give it to her. I hooked it up. But, when I realized it was Compazine, I unhooked it. She didn't actually get any." I was livid! I had sat there and watched him push it into her IV. I called him on it too. He still denied it and left. I was extremely bothered because I know Compazine from my Pfizer days. Compazine is an antipsychotic. Yes its used sometimes to control nausea, but it also can have some seriously gnarly side effects that can last for life.

When the doc came back, he was about to discharge Jill with no explanation, only negative results from a CT scan and was now anemic and had an infection they could treat with antibiotics. He was young and seemed somewhat inexperienced. I pushed him hard to exhaust ALL options. I told him that I know my wife's tolerance for paid and this experience was not normal. After I pushed him, he said, "Well, I did have a thought earlier to do a spinal tap. The CT scan is about 97% accurate. A spinal tap will tell us for sure if she's had any bleeding in her brain or an infection." So, we told him to do it. Again his inexperience shone through. I watched as he fished around in her spine trying trying to find CSF. I've seen other docs do this with no hesitation, hitting it the first time, no doubts. He fished and fished and finally found it. Luckily it dripped out clear.

After another long wait, he came back and told us that the spinal fluid looked good and there was no sign of a bleed or infection.

Shortly thereafter she was discharged. It was 6:00 am.

Needless to say, we went home and went straight to bed. Jill was still in pain and still nauseated. But, both had subsided just enough for her to get some rest. She's feeling better now, although she's still got a headache and is still somewhat noxious.

I just want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It was so comforting to be able to shoot out a quick text message asking family and friends to pray for her and get immediate replies that so many people were on their knees praying for her safety. I know Jill and I know the power of the Lord. And the only thing that explains all this to me is that miracles were performed.

Thank you all. We love you.

Birthday Time!!

Today is Ashton's 3rd Birthday!!

Ashton shares this Wonderful day with my Amazing Dad!
Grandpa and Ashton have a special little bond that I love to watch when they are together. Daddy, you are the greatest and I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me. You have a way of knowing just what I need. You're patience, loving support, desire to do good, your playtime with the grandkids, hard work ethic, service in the church, and your love for mom are priceless gifts to me. I love you dad. Happy Birthday!!

Ashton has been waiting for this day all week. We went to the store on Friday to buy the ingredients to make him a birthday cake. He wanted his special cake and frosting in his own bag to carry out of the store. He carried it to the car and into the house.
I ran up stairs for a minute when all the sudden I hear him down stairs saying," Mom, I'm making my Birthday cake." As I come running down stairs, I found him with the scissors and he had opened his candle, cut the bag with the cake mix, and was beginning to pour it out.
" I help you Mommacita"

This morning we were walking down the stairs and he said to me,
"Mom, let's go sing to me" as he proceeded to sing..."Happy Birthday to ME, Happy Birthday to ME!"

My little Darth Vader

This little guy keeps our family laughing. Last night he said the prayer for dinner which went a little something like:
"Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day.
Thank you for, these cheerios I'm eating (there was a little snack bag of cheerios left on the table and as he said those words began to eat them)
Thank you that Ashton not like sauce on his quesadilla, and we get to go in a tent tomorrow (not really)
Amen!

Then he told me the other day as I was putting him in his car seat, "Mommy, little Ashton's are really cute huh."
" I love you Mommy, you my best friend" Does it get any better!
I can't believe my little baby is not such a little baby anymore. He is 3 years old, and I was just recalling the day he was born, like it was yesterday.
He is becoming a pretty independent little man. All potty trained, and out of all the baby gear. On one hand these are wonderful mile stones, on the other it reminds me he is growing up.
I love you Ashy. You are my special little boy

Christmas 2008

The kids on Sunday before Christmas!

Christmas Eve with Grandpa and Grandma Garns and Great Grandpa and Grandma Shumway

We decided to have Christmas in our own home this year because first, we have one this year! Yippee! Second, for the last 10 years we have been at our parents. It was getting to hard for Santa to deliver gifts as the kids have gotten older. Of course we could not completely stay away from family, so Garns happen to be in town for Christmas Eve, and then we left Christmas Morning after we opened our gifts and went to my parents to be with the rest of my family.

Christmas Eve Santa delivers P.J's on the front porch
the kids go running to the door and try to catch him...they are always a second too late!

Christmas Morning!!
The kids line up at the top of the stairs and one by one come running down to see what Santa has left them...
Ashton loved his Diego Scooter

And Buzz Lightyear

All Kaden asked for this year was Bakugan's and Rock collection stuff.

Spencer asked for a Rock Polisher and a pocket knife

Tyler bought be a gift card to this Amazing store called Hobby Lobby and some mats for exercising.
( maybe that was a hint...)
I bought him an Awesome guitar, that he is loving learning to play it!
After the kids opened all their gifts we headed off to California to spend Christmas Day with all the family

Ashton loves his Reindeer. He rides it all over the house as it's bells jingle and it sings songs.
The four little cousins eating
Addie, Max, Adam, and Ashton

Our Family

Great Grandma and the new man in her life Great Grandpa White

For New Years Eve, Mom and Dad's ward was having a big party at the church, so we took the kids over and they had a blast!

Making crowns, singing to High School Musical, playing Rock Band, dress up, food, games, and of course blow horns and balloons!

The kids did the count down to 2009 and rang in the New Year by stomping on balloons and bubble wrap, while blowing horns and cheering...Happy New Year.

We are so grateful for our family and blessed for the birth of the Savior
We love you all!

Basketball Party

The boys had their Basketball Party and got their trophy!
This was the last season they could play together due to the age limit. They have really had fun together!

Spencer was the MVP for the season, so the coach bought him a candy cane as big as him. He really is a great little ball player. He is small but mighty!

This is their team at Barro's Pizza