Purple

Purple is the new color to focus on for me. It is the color that represents Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. I am now facing what many of you have faced - the possibility of losing a loved one and even more difficult is watching them suffer. I am in shock and I am not sure what to do. For those of you that have gone through something similar, please offer advice for the caregivers. What is best to say or do? What needs to be done first? I feel so frustrated that I am far away and am not of much help. I know I will get through this, but I want to be an active part in the process. What do I do?

Bunk Beds

Getting ready to see the new surprise in Celie's bedroom with our friends!

Yea, we got bunk beds for the kids! The kids love it! Jack eased into sleeping in the bottom bed. I think he only fell out twice! But, after the Utah trip he started to get out of bed a lot. So now we have a pack and play in there and if her gets out of bed once then he goes straight into the pack and play. It works nicely. Jack especially love to climb up onto the top bunk to sleep with Celie. They are best friends. Celie is so good at making her bed. It is an art to her. It has to be just right. I thought she would be too young for the top bunk, but she is isn't even scared. I think she did fall out once, but since it is a full on the bottom she just bounced and thought it was funny! Yea for bunk beds!

Jack's B-Day

Jack is two now. We went camping on his birthday and had a fun time. He has been growing up so much. He talks a lot more and is excited to go on the potty. His tantrums have even "excelled". He has a kind heart and has natural cleanly tendencies. He loves to be with his sister even though he is usually crying when he is with her. He is has gotten better at saying bye-bye to Celie when she goes to preschool and he is still trying to be soft with Jett. He loves Baba who lives down the street because he and his wife (who is also called Baba) are the best substitute uncle and aunt around. Jack loves to climb on Daddy, eat bites, help Daddy, clean up when not asked, keep Celie awake at bedtime, jump on the tramp, give Jett loves, and trap bugs. Happy Birthday Jack! We love you.

Funny Frases

Celie:

"You can call me if you need me to work, just call and I'll hear you. If you need me to take care of the baby, or throw poop out, or hold the baby, or vacuum, or hold the baby. Yell loud at me so I can come do work. I'll be in my room. I can get the binky, or hold the baby, or what ever you need - ok?"

Celie fell asleep in the van on the way to a birthday party at the park. I left the car running and got the boys out to play while I let her sleep a bit. It was getting to be party time so I opened the door and tried to wake her. It didn’t work. I tried again, with more enthusiasm and she opened her eyes. They were completely glazed over. She watched the kids on the swing obviously not realizing the actual swing set and fell asleep again. I have not seen her this tired in a very long time especially on the way to a long awaited birthday party! I stared in amazement and laughed at the situation and then seriously tried to wake her again. “Celie, we are at the party, wake up, get your present”. She jerked as she awoke and looked side to side breathing franticly. She quickly jumped out of her seat, grabbed the present and wobbled out of the van. She then cried out in terror, “Where is my present! I calmly responded, “You are holding it honey”.

C: I’m going to get Jack a car for his birthday!

M: Do you have money to buy it?

C: I have a loter money (proudly said)! . . . . . (smile turns to frown) It’s not real money, it’s just pretend money, I don’t have any moneys at all.

M: Where do we get money?

C: You can give me money.

M: I am already buying a present for Jack; don’t you want to buy him one?

C: (starts to cry) I don’t have no moneys at all.

M: How are you going to get some money?

C: I know, (light comes on in her head) you can buy me some money!

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Jack and me, I hope Grandma can pack her house and fly here. She will live with us. I don’t know why it’s going to be conference again tomorrow, I just don’t want it, bless President S. Monson, I hope I can have a party tomorrow, we can’t have a party, but I want to wear the pink dress, in the name of Jesus Christ amen”

Oh, there are so many more funny frases, but this is all I can remember right now. Celie is the best! I love her.

Jett's Blessing

We were so lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma Allsop visit us during Jett's special blessing. Marty gave a beautiful blessing that brought me to tears. Jett has been such an easy going boy. I am grateful every day to have him with us. I never knew babies could sleep that much! Thank you Jett!

So classic of Jack; cars on the head. It is a more challenging terrain. They both just adore their new brother.

Family photo time.

G&G with the kids. Jett is so sleepy.

We are so proud to be the parents of Jett. He has brought an extra dose of peace and love into our home.

Houston Hurricane Ike

Here we are at our good friends house running away from Hurricane Ike. The Larsens in Austin, Texas were kind enough to let us hang out at there house until we get power restored to our neighborhood. Our house is fine and no trees of ours have broken. We feel very blessed. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.

He finally arrived!

On July 13th, 2008 our third child was born. He was two weeks over due, yet right on time. Nurses say he was overcooked, but I knew he came when he was ready. It was a long, hard wait, but well worth it. I went into labor around 1:00 a.m. and delivered at 2:39 p.m. Marty said I was strong. I handled the contractions well up until pushing time. Then I just remember people telling me to "push harder" and "don't scream it doesn't help". I am still in awe that I delivered without any medication. Jett is/was strong and healthy and he is eating well too. I am so glad that we have him in our home. There is something about a new baby in the home that softens little touching hands and lowers loud voices; even if just for a moment. Celie is wonderful with Jett, and Jack is sweet and gentile. Oh, and yes, we know that Jack and Jett are very close names and that we will, undoubtedly, mix them up. Isn't he so cute!

Aunt and Raceway Pictures