tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65941041890269501822024-03-12T19:09:23.033-07:00Hockey and HairbowsOur Family's Journey- Past and FutureChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.comBlogger868125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-17113825616989210762019-11-07T14:47:00.001-08:002019-11-07T14:47:22.939-08:00It's Only Been 4 Years-- HOLY COW!!!!So I had to find a few old pictures of Finley for an article her club soccer team is doing on her because she is so awesome-- mom brag- but I couldn't find any on my computer so I decided to open up my old blog which literally has been 4 years since I have even looked at it. I am shocked I remembered the password to even get on. Nevertheless, Im on and decided to post. I know most people are on facebook and instagram but why not do an update here.<br />
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So, according to the picture and the bio, all the info was from when Ethan was 14 and Owen was 12. So I will start with them.<br />
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Ethan-- Now 21 years old-- holy cow- how did that happen. He is playing D1 Hockey at Calvin University in Michigan. He played juniors in Canada, Boston, back to Canada and then here in So Cal. He was scouted by Calvin and they gave him the best deal so he is pursuing nursing at Calvin while playing hockey. He is a freshman although he is 21-- hockey players are always older. He is doing well but trying to figure out how to adjust to a crazy hockey schedule and a crazy workout schedule and a crazy school schedule all the while having to cook his own meals and grocery shop etc. Adulting is hard-- LOL!! He is doing well and I miss him being away from home :(<br />
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Owen-- Now 19 years old. He will be done with his associates in aviation at the end of spring semester and will start his bachelors in aviation through Southern Illinois University. Its a cool program that they house at his current local college and in 16 months-- every other weekend-- will have his bachelors. He has his private pilot rating and is about 75 hours from having his commercial rating. Owen also is the proud owner of a 1966 Cessna 150 which he flies all over the place. He loves to pick up his girlfriend in Long Beach and fly to Camarillo for breakfast then back home. He is loving flying which he is so awesome at!!<br />
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Mia-- 13 years old- 7th grade. She just had her 13th bday a few weeks ago. She is doing so very well. We made the hard decision to have her come to our STEM school in our district which is a small school with way less students but has amazing teaching and is a total STEM program as opposed to going to our local junior high that has 2.5+ hours of homework a night-- no thank you!! She has made soooooo many friends and is just blossoming. She has friends come over every day and is just loving life. I don't think I've seen her this happy in a long time. She is just loving her junior high time and I am so thankful she is at the STEM school-- which just happens to be where my office is located so I get to see her at school everyday! She has been in tumbling - previously gymnastics- for quite a while and loves that. We keep it to only once a week so she has time for youth group and friends.<br />
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Finley-- 12 years old-- 6th grade-- She is soccer-- all soccer. She is on a club team that is tier 2 (Sliver) and is going tier 1 next season (gold). She is one awesome defense man and I love to watch her play. She is just amazing at soccer as well as school. She is smart and does very well academically and is just a happy sports oriented kid who is good at whatever sport she tries. She also is our official dog mom and takes care of their needs and they sleep with her every nights. She loves the dogs and gets after me daily that I don't do a good enough job with the dogs-- sigh..... As an update on her SN, she has spina bifida and is still cath dependent but it by NO MEANS holds her back. People are shocked when they hear her SN. She should not be able to walk but is an amazing athlete. I am so proud of fin!!!<br />
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Emery-- 8 years old-- 3rd grade. Awww Em... our little Em. She is just the sweetest little love bug ever. She is doing well in school but rather be playing than doing any academics-- reminds me of Owen. She is happy and kind and sweet and eats everything and anything that is around and doesn't gain a pound. She is a fashonista and loves picking out her outfits with cool boots. She is not currently involved in any sports but loves being involved in Awana's at Church every Wednesday night. She is literally the sweetest love bug around and I so enjoy spending time baking and running errands with her as she always adds a bright and happy part to my day.<br />
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Langley-- 6 years old-- 1st grade. Now if you know us on facebook then you know Lang but on the blog I don't even know if I ever posted about her. Langley is our crazy little spitfire that keeps us on our toes. Kind of like Mia was at her age but less angry and tantrummy and way more sass. She is all about fashion and makeup and acting like she is 16. I have to take her back to 6 often as she is just a sassy little girl that thinks she is far older than she is. With that said, she is also the most adorable and sweet little girl who loves to play and draw and do anything artistic. She is super smart and excels in that area but also is quite the artist and loves to draw. She is in Awana's at church as well but no other activities as we are so crazy busy. Langley is so fun and makes me laugh every day. She is just a joy to be around and has never met an enemy-- loves everyone.<br />
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Kevin and Christy -- both 47-- We have been in a crazy time in our lives. I think I last posted about building our house. Well we did that and lived there for 4 years and always said that if the market ever got to a certain level that we would sell and move to our next Dave Ramsey step to be free of a mortgage. Well, Spring 2018 came and the market in Southern California was RED HOT and we decided to see what we could buy with the money we would walk with from selling our newly built house. Well, the second house we saw, we fell in love with and knew that was our house plus it was only a few miles from where we currently lived. We put our house on the market and we were able to sell for full asking price (was full asking but they wanted all our furniture so we were happy to give it as long as we got full asking price). They were cash and closed in 2 weeks-- crazy and we were able to then pay cash for our new house. We then entered into a crazy construction project where we redid the full interior of the existing home and then added 2000 square feet. We took down our first wall 2 days after we closed escrow on July 5, 2018 and we just finished the interior construction. Finally we are done with the interior and now we have an acre to landscape which will take years and years but we are not in any hurry since we plan to be there for a long time. Kevin did much of the construction on the whole project with the exception of some big time framing and plumbing and a few other things on the 2000 sqft addition. Other than that, he did almost all of it and saved us sooooooooo much money. I am so thankful to have an amazing husband who cooks and also can build houses.<br />
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Kevin is still retired from law enforcement but will be starting a new career very soon as a heavy apartment engineer. Now that Langley is in full time school, it is the perfect time plus he took the test for this union job about 18 months ago and scored really well so they have now called him to start. Probably will be in the next 2 months.<br />
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I am still an educational psych in the school district and also have a private practice that is getting too big-- yikes. I need to scale back as I am soooo busy but that private practice was what helped us not have to take out more than a small construction loan to do the remodel and addition. It covered all the extras above the loan amount. So needless to say, over the last 15 months, Ive been CRAZY busy with extra work.<br />
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We now have two adorable little patterdale terriers -- otis and piper and we love them dearly!! They are great dogs that are small but think they are massive and have little dog complex. So that is our update. I cant believe how long it has been since I looked at this blog. I couldn't remember the name at first so happy to have updated.<br />
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I tried to upload pics on my computer but it would not show me all my pics-- not sure why. So I just uploaded a few so you can see current day kids.<br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-53583857452771793722015-07-14T18:36:00.001-07:002015-07-14T18:36:19.285-07:00Wow!! It's been a long time.<div>So many things going on in our life since we last blog and mostly I just post on Facebook and I do that infrequently as well. So so so many things have happened so I will enumerate them below and fill in with pictures.</div><div><br></div>1. We finished our house and we moved in in June 2014.<div><br></div><div>2. In May 2014 we began the process to adopt our fourth daughter, Langley, and proceeded to the doctor in January 2015.</div><div><br></div><div>3, in summer 2014 Ethan was scouted onto a hockey team in Canada and proceeded to move to Canada in August 2015 to go to school and play hockey. He returned from Canada in May 2015 and is now signed with the juniors level hockey team in Ontario California and will be living at home next school year which we are thrilled about. He will be a senior in high school.</div><div><br></div><div>All the kids are doing great and I will throw some pictures and of our recent vacations. </div><div><br></div><div>Ethan will be 17 in August and a senior in high school and is obviously heavily into hockey and this will probably be his last year he lives at home. He also works at a golf course as a cart boy this summer. </div><div><br></div><div>Owen is almost 15 and will be a sophomore in high school and plays hockey and skateboards constantly. He also works at a board shop and a saving to buy a car when he gets his license in a year.</div><div><br></div><div>Mia is going into third grade! I can't believe she is almost 9. She will be nine in October and is loving gymnastics. </div><div><br></div><div>Finley is going in to second grade and will be eight in October. She is our soccer crazy kid and is pretty darn good! She refuses to do gymnastics because that is just too girly so you can obviously see the dynamic there. </div><div><br></div><div>Emery is now four years old and will be starting preschool in the fall. She is loving having a little sister and is a sweet heart all around. </div><div><br></div><div>Langley turned two in March and we brought her home from China in January 2015. She had surgery to repair cleft palate in March 2015 and is recovering and doing very well. She is heavily in speech therapy right now and will begin preschool in March.</div><div><br></div><div>Kevin and I are doing well. As you will recall Kevin was retired from police work because of his hip replacement and has been able to stay home with the girls. He will probably venture into a second career when the girls are finally in school. I have now started full-time with the school district and still have my private practice on the side. Things are busy but they are also great! Obviously the kids keep us busy but we are enjoying living in Upland and are still involved quite a bit at our church. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLTIpbDvBUDkhPpNHoSbBkfGTsans9rCtdT822qSSefbP8tp2cvXDMoRe_5Y4XmnQC_vYW9_7_QTsWYD09m4PWKW5c8PDXd26kncPkN5apbHY5z3urbeGzRrOamlyfUJqjd_BWRuIdPi/s640/blogger-image-84965289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLTIpbDvBUDkhPpNHoSbBkfGTsans9rCtdT822qSSefbP8tp2cvXDMoRe_5Y4XmnQC_vYW9_7_QTsWYD09m4PWKW5c8PDXd26kncPkN5apbHY5z3urbeGzRrOamlyfUJqjd_BWRuIdPi/s640/blogger-image-84965289.jpg"></a></div>Ethan in Canada <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mFMTiTZ5DvZc27oc7mKzPiBTGWeFjKKATlE-VDvw7BqoNIzYt_LBtSt9-30w_wzjI65QPYsLghFowu-7Un19l8TvP54Jc_HRO2DxQ2yj80y3t1CiqyGPpN-fkiTOClFSbGL62BAacPge/s640/blogger-image-1590679017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mFMTiTZ5DvZc27oc7mKzPiBTGWeFjKKATlE-VDvw7BqoNIzYt_LBtSt9-30w_wzjI65QPYsLghFowu-7Un19l8TvP54Jc_HRO2DxQ2yj80y3t1CiqyGPpN-fkiTOClFSbGL62BAacPge/s640/blogger-image-1590679017.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ18Ldpxg_SlAie1Bh6JPqIMq0H0x8d3qG6UxYL-ljs9NwcHqnPhaKwT_EGmiRX1K3GFGquQv6Sug3Wvbv2hI-WuCGuTWvwhdQ5Jg9S_BLGsz6XJu7NQFvzg-i7Jx9sXx_AQjZqZrN9tsk/s640/blogger-image-1635761153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ18Ldpxg_SlAie1Bh6JPqIMq0H0x8d3qG6UxYL-ljs9NwcHqnPhaKwT_EGmiRX1K3GFGquQv6Sug3Wvbv2hI-WuCGuTWvwhdQ5Jg9S_BLGsz6XJu7NQFvzg-i7Jx9sXx_AQjZqZrN9tsk/s640/blogger-image-1635761153.jpg"></a></div>Getting Langley <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOpanettwikWOHnLQ1unA6sw05myGz37JVJ4Cfbnbu1HfgVQrqti5X0PI1YzIZJ3LvITNrS-W_aD8NNxYka7DdfTzzrNlqRzWMGKp2UkDAb_O84KkJTR5uogK4PSQIKiU7Sx9f7-zII3t/s640/blogger-image--1283468317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOpanettwikWOHnLQ1unA6sw05myGz37JVJ4Cfbnbu1HfgVQrqti5X0PI1YzIZJ3LvITNrS-W_aD8NNxYka7DdfTzzrNlqRzWMGKp2UkDAb_O84KkJTR5uogK4PSQIKiU7Sx9f7-zII3t/s640/blogger-image--1283468317.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14GgfeKioEyj-Mbblly8ffSK3RhXovYA0pdUHSsbTzLsibrAosqhctqqCF0vhzLzi-BVtCINPkVRW1HeUAjXoCZfQWoVuWw7mc2HfeS4AIkuuv4kW0gukJzXAH2fmKTwjnfo-bgRjmU57/s640/blogger-image--1309940065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14GgfeKioEyj-Mbblly8ffSK3RhXovYA0pdUHSsbTzLsibrAosqhctqqCF0vhzLzi-BVtCINPkVRW1HeUAjXoCZfQWoVuWw7mc2HfeS4AIkuuv4kW0gukJzXAH2fmKTwjnfo-bgRjmU57/s640/blogger-image--1309940065.jpg"></a></div>In china<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSndt6xC_ZBx9S7CwFwC7Ju6Q7y-6qV_n5ob6C-RqQGlnXA-h7XcWeocj4aDxjhgJ7SXVOTelPr_u_jqhT6hJOMgCV8_HeoZUbUZA_7bTOO0MRC63AJhtgJJ-dY29O6B4q80CDWZZ1XdY/s640/blogger-image-941210036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSndt6xC_ZBx9S7CwFwC7Ju6Q7y-6qV_n5ob6C-RqQGlnXA-h7XcWeocj4aDxjhgJ7SXVOTelPr_u_jqhT6hJOMgCV8_HeoZUbUZA_7bTOO0MRC63AJhtgJJ-dY29O6B4q80CDWZZ1XdY/s640/blogger-image-941210036.jpg"></a></div>Getting home <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzrgpzSUT7qvF0OocJf8FbDwwD2Eu_NutxzOjp2SL3o6h_ikIOU4xXH5z4CgV-wy60zGpvZ5_2cL5wjRaQFEhpuy6ZHOrBk5pY6ZtVaIzubW5ZI8z7j-8uUhGl6-35ViAPpl3BLzXiwmn/s640/blogger-image-2012945586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzrgpzSUT7qvF0OocJf8FbDwwD2Eu_NutxzOjp2SL3o6h_ikIOU4xXH5z4CgV-wy60zGpvZ5_2cL5wjRaQFEhpuy6ZHOrBk5pY6ZtVaIzubW5ZI8z7j-8uUhGl6-35ViAPpl3BLzXiwmn/s640/blogger-image-2012945586.jpg"></a></div>Airport<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKjYYMrpkv4N3qaHDchoMy_Fsizsz3WSIbQMFVZGNHzl0XaA9Zl91UGfM-pbAvkWew75xJGjWj6s2iW_UjKdhmrcYq2n1dDJWmVdHPX4LahRcN-dDSFz6z2Z7Q4NH27wSk3MQYRJuB0eA/s640/blogger-image-445709306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKjYYMrpkv4N3qaHDchoMy_Fsizsz3WSIbQMFVZGNHzl0XaA9Zl91UGfM-pbAvkWew75xJGjWj6s2iW_UjKdhmrcYq2n1dDJWmVdHPX4LahRcN-dDSFz6z2Z7Q4NH27wSk3MQYRJuB0eA/s640/blogger-image-445709306.jpg"></a></div>All the girls at church <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj870y0jsvI1DSSv7_vgKx6jWMhYtNbMdDR4YYJtDfx-hVHTOL8f4MBWOYw77A9cGsDd4m6l7pQu6lmLDCOpwK8hUddgf2eEQtbnUhmXJU9r4CM3MLn_VeUvajdPG2zJj6icCCCjIkXUy_5/s640/blogger-image-1732349878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj870y0jsvI1DSSv7_vgKx6jWMhYtNbMdDR4YYJtDfx-hVHTOL8f4MBWOYw77A9cGsDd4m6l7pQu6lmLDCOpwK8hUddgf2eEQtbnUhmXJU9r4CM3MLn_VeUvajdPG2zJj6icCCCjIkXUy_5/s640/blogger-image-1732349878.jpg"></a></div>Chinese New Year <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1woUpk5sawjGFn9q2xHfIdSu9f8wg-vdoEb2CO4svHZ4Gr3cYVXmSlX5KGtK3oigL98zDXmfYnWS2if824_J7Qmzobh31bqQyg3LZQZkJwhZMeaEbP70XdZXPROd6UEhVm7Lp5dB9qxa/s640/blogger-image--12208024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1woUpk5sawjGFn9q2xHfIdSu9f8wg-vdoEb2CO4svHZ4Gr3cYVXmSlX5KGtK3oigL98zDXmfYnWS2if824_J7Qmzobh31bqQyg3LZQZkJwhZMeaEbP70XdZXPROd6UEhVm7Lp5dB9qxa/s640/blogger-image--12208024.jpg"></a></div>Langley surgery in March <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejy7EXGBdgABdngE7PZxtGkJWq-1n3qJt0zlyzbjl5H6BMsFOQI89G4Xj9cg_qIxlQ-Z-dVEqgEyMl1nQ7qOlNtiPHKWHCAd0wX8j-gKCeilkYpZvP3ombqZmwXTPFq9w4OL2DCqK6MAo/s640/blogger-image--630687376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejy7EXGBdgABdngE7PZxtGkJWq-1n3qJt0zlyzbjl5H6BMsFOQI89G4Xj9cg_qIxlQ-Z-dVEqgEyMl1nQ7qOlNtiPHKWHCAd0wX8j-gKCeilkYpZvP3ombqZmwXTPFq9w4OL2DCqK6MAo/s640/blogger-image--630687376.jpg"></a></div>I our back yard <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWtpCtLp_S7m70ta1_nBfYA1sKPKGilZux1MQv0nAtwkldD5XA_cbRCeXis4M6ikzXwP71N-IrDpLS3N3tCvl95bLxj9Xrq8-uMYq6Q8sS6kZyurQrug16Otnv-a_5V8mt1brVm6fWqmK/s640/blogger-image-1191297803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWtpCtLp_S7m70ta1_nBfYA1sKPKGilZux1MQv0nAtwkldD5XA_cbRCeXis4M6ikzXwP71N-IrDpLS3N3tCvl95bLxj9Xrq8-uMYq6Q8sS6kZyurQrug16Otnv-a_5V8mt1brVm6fWqmK/s640/blogger-image-1191297803.jpg"></a></div>Easter <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4pzE_SUDGEhVhgcjimr60w7mJffrtGsZfyZaj9j9Qh_ziK4UQpc8oyd168NHpJTNd9fGbASkEX7bbNebBON7bvWHXxEzKYLdGOrQtv7s_I0qVx3XFbybdhR6BfWgmBysz6JD0AJ8lS37/s640/blogger-image--1856980412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4pzE_SUDGEhVhgcjimr60w7mJffrtGsZfyZaj9j9Qh_ziK4UQpc8oyd168NHpJTNd9fGbASkEX7bbNebBON7bvWHXxEzKYLdGOrQtv7s_I0qVx3XFbybdhR6BfWgmBysz6JD0AJ8lS37/s640/blogger-image--1856980412.jpg"></a></div>Craniofacial clinic<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx1YEjvsrGphThaeIma8MSNkkGci_4pmvaqLSnGvInLS0FZHleCVyBpBnkHYWT4fBEEzCRNuW60xKJhKQuyUpnxhbQtqAz6YnDaovOVpJd7klPdDXS49qUizPdUQADMVhVKcNXgZORdyg/s640/blogger-image--1117150205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx1YEjvsrGphThaeIma8MSNkkGci_4pmvaqLSnGvInLS0FZHleCVyBpBnkHYWT4fBEEzCRNuW60xKJhKQuyUpnxhbQtqAz6YnDaovOVpJd7klPdDXS49qUizPdUQADMVhVKcNXgZORdyg/s640/blogger-image--1117150205.jpg"></a></div>Emery being silly<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SagMdKUgskP-nuA0jv-oMwcnCqFi28lZBoIWyX6VJ8ECH3vt3GwDctz9hvYoq8lvsVlw55efXfCAzrLI7ZGFI_GDRBlB9Wy52g31YvPtPiG9N98u5lCKLvfJGVc9Mg1OTTFRoK9kez5d/s640/blogger-image-198654547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SagMdKUgskP-nuA0jv-oMwcnCqFi28lZBoIWyX6VJ8ECH3vt3GwDctz9hvYoq8lvsVlw55efXfCAzrLI7ZGFI_GDRBlB9Wy52g31YvPtPiG9N98u5lCKLvfJGVc9Mg1OTTFRoK9kez5d/s640/blogger-image-198654547.jpg"></a></div>The whole family a month ago<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uDtQh91oiybCrEJbBUeShoDs4meoXDt3CczNGmtz-2FkF0C64eQbwwEOxke85DZl0Wr70CpBIIujiQjY1_PeqR4qTNJR5ByxPrzrbt5QJelADUHjNxS4TYiXE6PtojWVlBCITrP6B6eb/s640/blogger-image-708049240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uDtQh91oiybCrEJbBUeShoDs4meoXDt3CczNGmtz-2FkF0C64eQbwwEOxke85DZl0Wr70CpBIIujiQjY1_PeqR4qTNJR5ByxPrzrbt5QJelADUHjNxS4TYiXE6PtojWVlBCITrP6B6eb/s640/blogger-image-708049240.jpg"></a></div>Emery at Hume lake<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrZJhdatt9SPOIAtGk57BSxe2OfyPoWCfmNJetu4rRyYrafgZqYFiNq53fkkAfqGSvyjsaJOOlfEz2hiSMXoqXJknl6Yuc4Zb9mIR6EGNaOumn9EMWgIm3N5-kugn-zBuPTnn_6mj30hO/s640/blogger-image-878135411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrZJhdatt9SPOIAtGk57BSxe2OfyPoWCfmNJetu4rRyYrafgZqYFiNq53fkkAfqGSvyjsaJOOlfEz2hiSMXoqXJknl6Yuc4Zb9mIR6EGNaOumn9EMWgIm3N5-kugn-zBuPTnn_6mj30hO/s640/blogger-image-878135411.jpg"></a></div>Fin at Hume <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEcAp7qQjzdSNhl9vVGzobSnbmYeZ2K53ZJnXNLnYSbtRh3wH2H0JCsDs6qxia3cYbzPrWLFBqdqzl3S5p70XQxco3ikKzx0z9dzCMSF_yba_WktMeRmcz67dINxVs3jdl_Lds7w80qrA/s640/blogger-image-815066380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEcAp7qQjzdSNhl9vVGzobSnbmYeZ2K53ZJnXNLnYSbtRh3wH2H0JCsDs6qxia3cYbzPrWLFBqdqzl3S5p70XQxco3ikKzx0z9dzCMSF_yba_WktMeRmcz67dINxVs3jdl_Lds7w80qrA/s640/blogger-image-815066380.jpg"></a></div>Mia Langley and I at Hume <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4_K5r-0rDTznS-PNFngs5Cm7V3LWqIRpLUs0eiHKhqv3eD8_gFUpaf-THg9i14ZpQGm0yaTCkfWDDddmC61XvFERtY7WNOOn-AR0UpT7JKZ9HKJfNR3bi1HPnFSYgRa4IdK016CUDjkz/s640/blogger-image--1453589936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4_K5r-0rDTznS-PNFngs5Cm7V3LWqIRpLUs0eiHKhqv3eD8_gFUpaf-THg9i14ZpQGm0yaTCkfWDDddmC61XvFERtY7WNOOn-AR0UpT7JKZ9HKJfNR3bi1HPnFSYgRa4IdK016CUDjkz/s640/blogger-image--1453589936.jpg"></a></div>Girls at Hume <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MxhB0HXbB5vv1X4kgxdPySJIcZDFhSmYtrEvpi3IHJ5j0I41WH-PNhrXyXRj7i2qTgLJgzoqTARrxlOU2_Yjwlhvy1lwyiiVLa5j0gf7gsuCS8qVVi9vtvinJHAiCRMvkApbyzr5kqSy/s640/blogger-image-1079515568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MxhB0HXbB5vv1X4kgxdPySJIcZDFhSmYtrEvpi3IHJ5j0I41WH-PNhrXyXRj7i2qTgLJgzoqTARrxlOU2_Yjwlhvy1lwyiiVLa5j0gf7gsuCS8qVVi9vtvinJHAiCRMvkApbyzr5kqSy/s640/blogger-image-1079515568.jpg"></a></div>My boys <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3pKVYfRkp2fnOhaInVd0WqL69DrZxztiBMAw1P47gYklEZW8Bv7h4Grkh9hGEIdl2X_qM5wEajedHUW5A0UInh0HXIT1ec5AE4T3D8KRZWUnZJxkVMFPXyVCttNcrO7dZ6_jLVA0H8wU/s640/blogger-image--1732450541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3pKVYfRkp2fnOhaInVd0WqL69DrZxztiBMAw1P47gYklEZW8Bv7h4Grkh9hGEIdl2X_qM5wEajedHUW5A0UInh0HXIT1ec5AE4T3D8KRZWUnZJxkVMFPXyVCttNcrO7dZ6_jLVA0H8wU/s640/blogger-image--1732450541.jpg"></a></div>Owen<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspQLTOqjf5TucK_17cmwhimPcpmD5FD3Y1o6DGU4r6Prs4251eRAxY3MkbO1AC9QcIDl9QTH-erOvtB3lq1DKn40aXbq1hrpC5e49IUjXDPoPHXR90qH5hxL8G3Na_ZmpSF4FlfPHqWEm/s640/blogger-image--1483752869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspQLTOqjf5TucK_17cmwhimPcpmD5FD3Y1o6DGU4r6Prs4251eRAxY3MkbO1AC9QcIDl9QTH-erOvtB3lq1DKn40aXbq1hrpC5e49IUjXDPoPHXR90qH5hxL8G3Na_ZmpSF4FlfPHqWEm/s640/blogger-image--1483752869.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ethan and his girlfriend dayna. She lives in Canada </div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-76953029426905932072014-01-22T10:54:00.001-08:002014-01-22T10:54:11.312-08:00The Best Article EVER!!!!<span style="color: blue;">I just read this article and loved it so much I had to post it on my blog. It is AWESOME!! It is exactly what I have thought forever! We coddle our kids. We tell them they are good at everything. We don't let them suffer the consequences of their actions. All of these things are creating a generation of kids who cant fend for themselves, make decisions, have no work ethic and cant handle disappointments. They are lacking in so many areas because WE are doing it to them!!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">This article is awesome and I could have literally written it myself. I see this in the schools and working with kids. It is SOOOOO true! I get a bit of flack for not stepping in when my kids do stupid stuff and allowing them to suffer the natural consequences of their actions. I also get flack for telling my kids NO!! If they didn't earn it then they don't get it. Just because the boys broke a hockey stick does not mean I need to run out and buy them one-- they need to earn it and work for it and then I am happy to replace the stick. I also get flack for the "risky behaviors" I allow. These "risky behaviors" involve allowing the kids to climb OVER the play set or swing from a part of the swings that might cause my girls to get hurt. I allow them to scale walls and God forbid they might fall and get hurt-- oh well-- they will learn not to do that in the future-- right?? I catch a lot of flack for all kinds of parenting decisions but I will tell you that I am raising responsible kids that know I am not going to bale them out or give them an inflated sense of self worth. My kids will know what they are good at and what they are not good at and I will make them earn the things they want-- not need-- but want. I talk to my boys and tell them the stupid things I did and we talk through their decisions. I let my kids play outside till the street lights come on-- just like we did-- and I punish when they do stupid stuff. This is not rocket science. I raise my kids like I was raised 30+ years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">We have dumbed down our kids and our kids and their futures are suffering. Do you want to know how many classes on field trips go down to the farm where Kevin farms - www.amysfarm.com- and the parents are bathing their in sanitizer for fear they might get germs on them. Do you know how many parents see Emery and the other little farm kids roaming unattended playing all day who ask "whose kids are those and why are they not being watched?" The parents are not letting the kids be kids. They hover over the kids and insulate their world so that nothing bad happens to them. Guess what parents??? That's not the real world and a generation has now been launched who were raised that way and IT IS NOT WORKING!!!! These kids are inept and they are not ready for hard work. They have no work ethic because if they don't like the work and it is not making them "happy" then they quit. NO WORK ETHIC!!! These kids have no idea how to work hard because they never had to hold a job because their parents didn't want them to "be distracted from their studies." Guess what?? Studies show the kids who worked-- like I did and like my 15 year old son did all last summer-- got better grades then the kids who didnt work!! They learn how to prioritize and multi-task and most importantly-- HOW TO WORK HARD!!! They learn that they might not be "happy" in what they are doing or maybe not even like the work they are doing-- BUT, after the end of the day, they earned money and that pushes them to go back the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">People, please read this article. It's important for your kids. I'm not saying I am perfect-- my goodness Kevin and I are far from perfect-- but we try to parent realistically much like my parents did 30+ years ago. Its not perfect and honestly it would be easier if I were more indulgent with my kids- but I will not do that to them. To let them experience delayed gratification is sooooo important. Would it be easier to just give it to them and not hear the whining? ABSOLUTELY!! Would I be teaching my kids that they get anything they want WHENEVER they want it? YES!! And I will not do that to them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Anyway, i will post the link as well as the article is below. </span><br />
<br />
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2014/01/16/7-crippling-parenting-behaviors-that-keep-children-from-growing-into-leaders/<br />
<br />
While I spend my professional time now as a career success coach,
writer, and leadership trainer, I was a marriage and family therapist in
my past, and worked for several years with couples, families, and
children. Through that experience, I witnessed a very wide array of both
functional and dysfunctional parenting behaviors. As a parent myself,
I’ve learned that all the wisdom and love in the world doesn’t
necessarily protect you from parenting in ways that hold your children
back from thriving, gaining independence and becoming the leaders they
have the potential to be.<br />
<br />
I was intrigued, then, to catch up with leadership expert <a href="http://growingleaders.com/tim-elmore" target="_blank">Dr. Tim Elmore</a>
and learn more about how we as parents are failing our children today —
coddling and crippling them — and keeping them from becoming leaders
they are destined to be. Tim is a best-selling author of more than 25
books, including <a href="http://www.savetheirfuturenow.com/" target="_blank">Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future</a>, <a href="http://growingleaders.com/artificialmaturity" target="_blank">Artificial Maturity: Helping Kids Meet the Challenges of Becoming Authentic Adults</a>, and the <a href="http://growingleaders.com/habitudes" target="_blank">Habitudes</a>® series. He is Founder and President of <a href="http://growingleaders.com/" target="_blank">Growing Leaders</a>, an organization dedicated to mentoring today’s young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<strong>Tim had this to share about the 7 damaging parenting
behaviors that keep children from becoming leaders – of their own lives
and of the world’s enterprises:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>1. We don’t let our children experience risk</strong><br />
We live in a world that warns us of danger at every turn. The “safety
first” preoccupation enforces our fear of losing our kids, so we do
everything we can to protect them. It’s our job after all, but we have
insulated them from healthy risk-taking behavior and it’s had an adverse
effect. <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13502930701321733#.UtfgLbSYz84" target="_blank">Psychologists in Europe</a>
have discovered that if a child doesn’t play outside and is never
allowed to experience a skinned knee, they frequently have phobias as
adults. Kids need to fall a few times to learn it’s normal; teens likely
need to break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend to appreciate the
emotional maturity that lasting relationships require. If parents remove
risk from children’s lives, we will likely experience high arrogance
and low self-esteem in our growing leaders.<br />
<br />
<strong>2. We rescue too quickly</strong><br />
Today’s generation of young people has not developed some of the life
skills kids did 30 years ago because adults swoop in and take care of
problems for them. When we rescue too quickly and over-indulge our
children with “assistance,” we remove the need for them to navigate
hardships and solve problems on their own. It’s parenting for the
short-term and it sorely misses the point of leadership—to equip our
young people to do it without help. Sooner or later, kids get used to
someone rescuing them: “If I fail or fall short, an adult will smooth
things over and remove any consequences for my misconduct.” When in
reality, this isn’t even remotely close to how the world works, and
therefore it disables our kids from becoming competent adults.<br />
<aside class="vestpocket" data-position="8"><br /></aside><strong>3. We rave too easily</strong><br />
The self-esteem movement has been around since Baby Boomers were
kids, but it took root in our school systems in the 1980s. Attend a
little league baseball game and you’ll see that everyone is a winner.
This “everyone gets a trophy” mentality might make our kids feel
special, but research is now indicating this method has unintended
consequences. Kids eventually observe that Mom and Dad are the only ones
who think they’re awesome when no one else is saying it. They begin to
doubt the objectivity of their parents; it feels good in the moment, but
it’s not connected to reality. When we rave too easily and disregard
poor behavior, children eventually learn to cheat, exaggerate and lie
and to avoid difficult reality. They have not been conditioned to face
it.<br />
<br />
<strong>4. We let guilt get in the way of leading well</strong><br />
Your child does not have to love you every minute. Your kids will get
over the disappointment, but they won’t get over the effects of being
spoiled. So tell them “no” or “not now,” and let them fight for what
they really value and <em>need</em>. As parents, we tend to give them
what they want when rewarding our children, especially with multiple
kids. When one does well in something, we feel it’s unfair to praise and
reward that one and not the other. This is unrealistic and misses an
opportunity to enforce the point to our kids that success is dependent
upon our own actions and good deeds. Be careful not to teach them a good
grade is rewarded by a trip to the mall. If your relationship is based
on material rewards, kids will experience neither intrinsic motivation
nor unconditional love.<br />
<strong>5. We don’t share our past mistakes</strong><br />
Healthy teens are going to want to spread their wings and they’ll
need to try things on their own. We as adults must let them, but that
doesn’t mean we can’t help them navigate these waters. Share with them
the relevant mistakes you made when you were their age in a way that
helps them learn to make good choices. (Avoid negative “lessons learned”
having to do with smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, etc.) Also, kids
must prepare to encounter slip-ups and face the consequences of their
decisions. Share how you felt when you faced a similar experience, what
drove your actions, and the resulting lessons learned. Because we’re not
the only influence on our kids, we must be the best influence.<br />
<br />
<strong>6. We mistake intelligence, giftedness and influence for maturity</strong><br />
<em>Intelligence</em> is often used as a measurement of a child’s
maturity, and as a result parents assume an intelligent child is ready
for the world. That’s not the case. Some professional athletes and
Hollywood starlets, for example, possess unimaginable talent, but still
get caught in a public scandal. Just because giftedness is present in
one aspect of a child’s life, don’t assume it pervades all areas. There
is no magic “age of responsibility” or a proven guide as to when a child
should be given specific freedoms, but a good rule of thumb is to
observe other children the same age as yours. If you notice that they
are doing more themselves than your child does, you may be delaying your
child’s independence.<br />
<br />
<strong>7. We don’t practice what we preach</strong><br /> As parents, it is our responsibility to model the life we want our
children to live. To help them lead a life of character and become
dependable and accountable for their words and actions. As the leaders
of our homes, we can start by only speaking honest words – white lies
will surface and slowly erode character. Watch yourself in the little
ethical choices that others might notice, because your kids will notice
too. If you don’t cut corners, for example, they will know it’s not
acceptable for them to either. Show your kids what it means to give
selflessly and joyfully by volunteering for a service project or with a
community group. Leave people and places better than you found them, and
your kids will take note and do the same.<br />
<em><strong>Why do parents engage in these behaviors (what are they
afraid of if they don’t)? Do these behaviors come from fear or from poor
understanding of what strong parenting (with good boundaries) is?</strong></em><br />
<br />
<strong>Tim shares:</strong><br />
“I think both fear and lack of understanding play a role here, but it
leads with the fact that each generation of parents is usually
compensating for something the previous generation did. The primary
adults in kids’ lives today have focused on <strong>now</strong> rather than <strong>later</strong>.
It’s about their happiness today not their readiness tomorrow. I
suspect it’s a reaction. Many parents today had Moms and Dads who were
all about getting ready for tomorrow: saving money, not spending it, and
getting ready for retirement. In response, many of us bought into the
message: embrace the moment. You deserve it. Enjoy today. And we did.
For many, it resulted in credit card debt and the inability to delay
gratification. This may be the crux of our challenge. The truth is,
parents who are able to focus on tomorrow, not just today, produce
better results.”<br />
<em><strong>How can parents move away from these negative behaviors (without having to hire a family therapist to help)?</strong></em><br />
<strong>Tim says</strong>: “It’s important for parents to become
exceedingly self-aware of their words and actions when interacting with
their children, or with others when their children are nearby. Care
enough to train them, not merely treat them to a good life. Coach them,
more than coddle. “<br />
<strong>Here’s a start:</strong><br />
1. Talk over the issues you wish you would’ve known about adulthood.<br /> 2. Allow them to attempt things that stretch them and even let them fail.<br /> 3. Discuss future consequences if they fail to master certain disciplines.<br /> 4. Aid them in matching their strengths to real-world problems.<br /> 5. Furnish projects that require patience, so they learn to delay gratification.<br /> 6. Teach them that life is about choices and trade-offs; they can’t do everything.<br /> 7. Initiate (or simulate) adult tasks like paying bills or making business deals.<br /> 8. Introduce them to potential mentors from your network.<br /> 9. Help them envision a fulfilling future, and then discuss the steps to get there.<br /> 10. Celebrate progress they make toward autonomy and responsibility.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-23374939697323164442014-01-08T21:28:00.001-08:002014-01-08T21:28:29.272-08:00Updates house<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tMQkZO0n7FLupB3N35j_LfmluzT6b1eI-AugGWIWpuyA6iLpcAeQn8SDb5wTu5i8SoXSkf7RVyDzCyg8I-tJRnu-6mdFTCelF243VjhgUmGXyKrIF1sP3HFEZcFWp1Nn6S4-XWwsCeRc/s640/blogger-image--718470694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tMQkZO0n7FLupB3N35j_LfmluzT6b1eI-AugGWIWpuyA6iLpcAeQn8SDb5wTu5i8SoXSkf7RVyDzCyg8I-tJRnu-6mdFTCelF243VjhgUmGXyKrIF1sP3HFEZcFWp1Nn6S4-XWwsCeRc/s640/blogger-image--718470694.jpg"></a></div>Here are some new pictures of the house that were taken a couple days ago. They're planning on wrapping the house this week and the inside insulation and drywall start. We're still hoping for April completion date. Things of been going well and are moving quite rapidly. Kevin is doing a huge portion of the electrical and many other things to save money so he is pretty much been at the house every day. It's a lot of work but we can't wait for the pay off in less money owed as well as him having a hand in the building of our house.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FkW-YIEZBbZKpQ3_K7ZB53pb66eC9zHkA7ExH4CWhabnGKnUFfiMnAseCAzEEqU27N8f-Jo_GiPJJfiMqyjb7cX9ASA9NoSWgaZyfgMtO4NMmAd1ksR44jEKeZ0_jIS-yagz8LJi4-Ez/s640/blogger-image-107752793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FkW-YIEZBbZKpQ3_K7ZB53pb66eC9zHkA7ExH4CWhabnGKnUFfiMnAseCAzEEqU27N8f-Jo_GiPJJfiMqyjb7cX9ASA9NoSWgaZyfgMtO4NMmAd1ksR44jEKeZ0_jIS-yagz8LJi4-Ez/s640/blogger-image-107752793.jpg"></a></div>This is a view of the kind of the breakfast room from the kitchen.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtKirhgIwIX7cD90Q7XdEkeu-vZ5HiztWurCEb0f1nR4PuUWotieSOO5Qh7Gl6YjBOdDBFBlqhp1lmpue69EQ7ODGJ9EVlZ9NmwIr32Cmj5oKlrOCEOxADGhL-jCWjMSTv1sWpvMZ3lIE/s640/blogger-image--523597856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtKirhgIwIX7cD90Q7XdEkeu-vZ5HiztWurCEb0f1nR4PuUWotieSOO5Qh7Gl6YjBOdDBFBlqhp1lmpue69EQ7ODGJ9EVlZ9NmwIr32Cmj5oKlrOCEOxADGhL-jCWjMSTv1sWpvMZ3lIE/s640/blogger-image--523597856.jpg"></a></div>Backside of the house is pretty much French doors that will look out into the pool eventually</div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw77JNCQ6FDnd0_9DFgvLXkfat1RJx6rE29nSzlAvNw4Py_dzu0bukGjjHYFOMssmhTGcS5jewxFzDGzBZTSmD4HDezEYjUwjDqK2R4ton0ebOR4fVkCHuaWjCzroN1mLVaXyyWJ2svxZ/s640/blogger-image--417858033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw77JNCQ6FDnd0_9DFgvLXkfat1RJx6rE29nSzlAvNw4Py_dzu0bukGjjHYFOMssmhTGcS5jewxFzDGzBZTSmD4HDezEYjUwjDqK2R4ton0ebOR4fVkCHuaWjCzroN1mLVaXyyWJ2svxZ/s640/blogger-image--417858033.jpg"></a></div>The little wall in the middle of the room is actually the island that the cabinets will but up again. It is where the large kitchen island will be.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRlqjTbzgS6b49upyHd9rjWHpjbbaLBYhz90MgR2cFkZqOa8StWD1EMzfthLfisS3RvI5eRQM2BNhBjYQHp11vGoOFXMsxwKgDJSV8GYgiCT160g9H1R1rMkNMF1pSeFVOzP4svsUBVLn/s640/blogger-image-1458566610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRlqjTbzgS6b49upyHd9rjWHpjbbaLBYhz90MgR2cFkZqOa8StWD1EMzfthLfisS3RvI5eRQM2BNhBjYQHp11vGoOFXMsxwKgDJSV8GYgiCT160g9H1R1rMkNMF1pSeFVOzP4svsUBVLn/s640/blogger-image-1458566610.jpg"></a></div>This is the view into the dining area of the great room. There is no separation between the living area and the dining area. The dining area is the part with the three new windows that have yet to be placed. The area to the left of that is the fireplace with two windows on each side and that is the living area. It is a huge room.</div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsx4-SmKA7oukRgZ3_ClTfigB9f1NObGkrm5XOgCR0VwEcgJwP16QsgwkE28cZD6EYp4Vbgd0EJI4BxBQqAfmWKnyje4ndK1jMXEQ28uLbcWsefxKLa2IJN8v26jI7mT45xLRYtg-jkq9/s640/blogger-image--5848954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsx4-SmKA7oukRgZ3_ClTfigB9f1NObGkrm5XOgCR0VwEcgJwP16QsgwkE28cZD6EYp4Vbgd0EJI4BxBQqAfmWKnyje4ndK1jMXEQ28uLbcWsefxKLa2IJN8v26jI7mT45xLRYtg-jkq9/s640/blogger-image--5848954.jpg"></a></div>This is the view of the living area with the fireplace and the two windows on each side. You can also see the three windows that my dining room.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILAnSWuNQAPAzJBTqY1Mv3HghfFGgksAOt6Gj-3pHZ6y4Vojdkpm8_blwGOF4LUnMiCKo6YXJTpKgtvx7bUlnE4_RbkPTrOzXbmzBsoTqQhIKVveVgdcpdWQUWKLiyH-etu8EtHyOkLkI/s640/blogger-image--1986553354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILAnSWuNQAPAzJBTqY1Mv3HghfFGgksAOt6Gj-3pHZ6y4Vojdkpm8_blwGOF4LUnMiCKo6YXJTpKgtvx7bUlnE4_RbkPTrOzXbmzBsoTqQhIKVveVgdcpdWQUWKLiyH-etu8EtHyOkLkI/s640/blogger-image--1986553354.jpg"></a></div>Again, the dining area but you can also see where the three French doors out to a courtyard will be in on the other side of the courtyard is a separate structure which is a casita which will eventually be my office for my private practice. It has a bathroom closet shower and will function as an office but bedroom as well.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD55U93bXXqf8Qaj_yPJ5IczHiaAlG6h-3ClEtYA0jTY3YD_cqpBCqO4X1OHUVmeGrK5w67TNmB3RAHRouJv_Ov66BlL3em5R38amHip_OJ_qC5vgS1kkmMzy0xjQo_MbqaDJI4FEtvm-/s640/blogger-image--101737914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD55U93bXXqf8Qaj_yPJ5IczHiaAlG6h-3ClEtYA0jTY3YD_cqpBCqO4X1OHUVmeGrK5w67TNmB3RAHRouJv_Ov66BlL3em5R38amHip_OJ_qC5vgS1kkmMzy0xjQo_MbqaDJI4FEtvm-/s640/blogger-image--101737914.jpg"></a></div>Stairs to upstairs. The landing area where my dad almost then goes down into the mudroom on the other side which is a feature about the house that I absolutely love. Two sides of the staircase a really cool I love having a mid room. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdslCJwy8Jy1cwjF2_tLhcCs4BiruElhZeupnX_H1RBB0D1uaVzw2qO7OTDaPAXae1L3HdiYePy4gz6wb4t0L8FOcLf7aZHS7S1kUlZaAxmYNgPdFX_-04XYdBC6Qc0Dmcwhc8WdgdCzso/s640/blogger-image-186421497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdslCJwy8Jy1cwjF2_tLhcCs4BiruElhZeupnX_H1RBB0D1uaVzw2qO7OTDaPAXae1L3HdiYePy4gz6wb4t0L8FOcLf7aZHS7S1kUlZaAxmYNgPdFX_-04XYdBC6Qc0Dmcwhc8WdgdCzso/s640/blogger-image-186421497.jpg"></a></div>I didn't take a lot of pictures of upstairs because it's really hard to tell with just a bunch of framing and pipes in the wall that this is the bonus room and off of this room is the boys rooms As well as the bathroom.</div><div><br></div><div>The Picture below is of the window going into the entry for our bedroom bathroom and closet. It's an awesome open area and should be a really gracious entry into the master suite. We did not do a huge master suite since we spent hardly any time in our own bedroom anyway but we wanted to maximize the views as well as have a light bright window in the actual Corredor to lighten things up here</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iR8bog1v-WlIg7OnHbA6shKE3A-LY2dSo1u8wo11pwAj9y3tX5gAK9mbb91tFSx9IvvwPkVpm4ZvRQYxuHomtiT5Sej0dRbOHTgw3DpXUuULMqu3oywiJeWUgxyLzGDLdj8EMJfkSvID/s640/blogger-image-1740896616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iR8bog1v-WlIg7OnHbA6shKE3A-LY2dSo1u8wo11pwAj9y3tX5gAK9mbb91tFSx9IvvwPkVpm4ZvRQYxuHomtiT5Sej0dRbOHTgw3DpXUuULMqu3oywiJeWUgxyLzGDLdj8EMJfkSvID/s640/blogger-image-1740896616.jpg"></a></div></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-74593186112099913832013-12-13T16:40:00.001-08:002013-12-13T16:59:32.055-08:00The houseThe house is coming along amazingly well. The plumbers and the air-conditioner and electricians all started today. It's about two weeks away from the combination inspection where the house will be closed up. Windows go in Monday the fireplace went in today and it is moving along at a rate that should be able to put us in by mid March or the beginning of April. I'm praying for mid-March. This process is a lot of fun but it also is extremely taxing with the ridiculous amounts of decisions you have to make immediately. We do a pretty good job making decisions because Kevin and I are not overly picky but it is a lot of stress. Furthermore, Kevin is doing all of the electrical with his dad and a few friends so that adds another stress level. Kevin is doing quite a few of the steps along the way for us to save money. <div><br></div><div>This whole house thing came out of being so upside down on our current home. As we've moved along in the project it is been so clear that this is Gods plan for our life and every way with regards to the new house. Every door has swung open and every door on our old house has been slammed shut. We will be able to put renters in our current house and hope that in a few years we should be at value or even above value and then be able to sell. We feel extremely grateful that this whole process has been able to happen but this home is really not a dream home or at home that we are thinking of every single detail at all. This home is a functional home that does not have a ridiculous bells and whistles rather it is a home to be lived in that will nurture our family. Downstairs literally has no walls. It is one huge giant room that will be a functional living space. Not one inch of the house is <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">unusable. There is no room that is a showpiece or a masterpiece at all. It is 100% usable. People keep referring to our home as a dream home or a masterpiece and Kevin then I laugh every time that happens because it's so far from what this really is. This was a wonderful opportunity to be able to build a home that will suit our family well that we can do it for a modest budget. To build a home in California is cheaper then to buy a home therefore we took advantage of the fact that we were able to build. The issue with California is the land. It is extremely expensive to buy land in California and it is extremely difficult to find land in California. We got extremely lucky - i.e. the first door that swung open- and that allowed us to buy the land at a significantly undervalue price. The land has a water easement on the property which deters some but for us it made it more valuable and it also made it about $100,000 under value and it actually wasn't even for sale. All the factors that went into us finding the land were extremely God in every way! It wasn't for sale -it was a price we actually had the money for and it was extremely undervalue. Those factors in California just don't happen, therefore we jump on it and felt like God was telling us to do it - so we did and we are exceedingly thankful!!!!</span></div><div><br></div><div>I am going to post pictures right now that I took today of the house but it's going to be really difficult to understand the parts of it until I can get home and explain each picture. I'm posting on my phone right now so I will not be able to explain the pictures until I get home. I'll try to do that right away.</div><div><br></div><div> I'm going to continually update the blog with pictures of the progress. It's fun to watch every day that change so I will try to share it as well</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-dRXTilUhhF75mtkG7RkR9qFgh45H2aVjqTlEsqpJnfkzV-BZ4sLS6JOePBb0Xk7W5JbmX2b-SKgQVtxRES3GX0RvfTZfipmMrIL53LdGzxmKklwl-dRMsFgNicdU3wEloSE46ic5hFJ/s640/blogger-image--155687232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-dRXTilUhhF75mtkG7RkR9qFgh45H2aVjqTlEsqpJnfkzV-BZ4sLS6JOePBb0Xk7W5JbmX2b-SKgQVtxRES3GX0RvfTZfipmMrIL53LdGzxmKklwl-dRMsFgNicdU3wEloSE46ic5hFJ/s640/blogger-image--155687232.jpg"></a></div>Front of house by sign<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTyQmnHye3IqFcUFAsXPTH6HeNLZhBgwnIDTRuUOt38aXp9g4yvoP4KkSI5VFRbr5lJXSrXiM4H875raEAhroLYL8iOka5y3-Om_3mITSnlVURWhPuaqRVUHsSOXKOJqDUzGzmDiUq1da/s640/blogger-image--676323728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTyQmnHye3IqFcUFAsXPTH6HeNLZhBgwnIDTRuUOt38aXp9g4yvoP4KkSI5VFRbr5lJXSrXiM4H875raEAhroLYL8iOka5y3-Om_3mITSnlVURWhPuaqRVUHsSOXKOJqDUzGzmDiUq1da/s640/blogger-image--676323728.jpg"></a></div>Actually taken yesterday or day before</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNjOfAZsHxUvYmxWEWBk5VK108lAgSOCiGLT4mw2Ja-5jLYrgOQOSyd3O21AuU6B1dhR-iMAuOFVEmy4sNGcUlAjpEpGj5dOPjn-0ZLVC260mxQM14pIAXhhspK5QLW3IZIUrruZAR-_Y/s640/blogger-image--1199949543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNjOfAZsHxUvYmxWEWBk5VK108lAgSOCiGLT4mw2Ja-5jLYrgOQOSyd3O21AuU6B1dhR-iMAuOFVEmy4sNGcUlAjpEpGj5dOPjn-0ZLVC260mxQM14pIAXhhspK5QLW3IZIUrruZAR-_Y/s640/blogger-image--1199949543.jpg"></a></div>View from master bedroom. Every window has an Absolutly amazing view!!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez0o2gEwet6HWq1IGQLMqyJtHsd2VT7IeQXFPzZdRopI7mmnYt_8bangfCYgwwmKOnpmLIrPvHglFi7uRTieJj_fqvraH-XNvDmY7IqoWbZ0LwNcANTR0oIYR9dIOfEH4HPKdhW2ntJo9/s640/blogger-image-829500779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez0o2gEwet6HWq1IGQLMqyJtHsd2VT7IeQXFPzZdRopI7mmnYt_8bangfCYgwwmKOnpmLIrPvHglFi7uRTieJj_fqvraH-XNvDmY7IqoWbZ0LwNcANTR0oIYR9dIOfEH4HPKdhW2ntJo9/s640/blogger-image-829500779.jpg"></a></div>View from other side of master- without the haze you could see the valley</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT9zrped2gt6dqTo25T65xFy2Ml4b2h52eBjd0j2iI41qCulHixN4jUaOY-U5HqxhUyqHamVe3l6Kx-FcWufuOvmA1wvHMfuD2o7GFpwPAgxwXZk8ErGkWi-bQVKhkZ8V9ToUKY42G07u/s640/blogger-image--1930717109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT9zrped2gt6dqTo25T65xFy2Ml4b2h52eBjd0j2iI41qCulHixN4jUaOY-U5HqxhUyqHamVe3l6Kx-FcWufuOvmA1wvHMfuD2o7GFpwPAgxwXZk8ErGkWi-bQVKhkZ8V9ToUKY42G07u/s640/blogger-image--1930717109.jpg"></a></div>Stairs go into mud room or into great room. Both stairs end up on landing. Can I express how excited I am to have a mud room!!!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoyYv63918PxoShp4vuPx86rU0W5ydnxukodB6_ZdB2RHFi7yQko4qeD3uBWOdJpMUo7Fhyphenhyphen8K7lBsG_7-mDfuzV0Um8ejVrCNjAXmtfq2KG2BG3uN4ld3U4r94ghTat_tbbZI1ytAXbgd/s640/blogger-image--606208859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoyYv63918PxoShp4vuPx86rU0W5ydnxukodB6_ZdB2RHFi7yQko4qeD3uBWOdJpMUo7Fhyphenhyphen8K7lBsG_7-mDfuzV0Um8ejVrCNjAXmtfq2KG2BG3uN4ld3U4r94ghTat_tbbZI1ytAXbgd/s640/blogger-image--606208859.jpg"></a></div>Great room. Fireplace went in today. Bookshelves and windows on each side of fireplace. Big blank wall</div><div>Next to fireplace will have 3 large 6 foot windows so we don't block the view. We changed that this week so they will cut the windows next week. They already ordered them. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwvfD24JAxOOgx2jxgZ_patjyJUiwdyRHAf_rmF-SXlJ6IjLeyczQEpcxgrtx-MgZcwi9LJ_5MQM-ivNpSm1M2NVOxkw7Y4icQ0bjdfp8sj30no50fWF4JSEWN4g3_p-c1WcdCB8HRBpm/s640/blogger-image--2005348036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwvfD24JAxOOgx2jxgZ_patjyJUiwdyRHAf_rmF-SXlJ6IjLeyczQEpcxgrtx-MgZcwi9LJ_5MQM-ivNpSm1M2NVOxkw7Y4icQ0bjdfp8sj30no50fWF4JSEWN4g3_p-c1WcdCB8HRBpm/s640/blogger-image--2005348036.jpg"></a></div>View out French doors by dining room area (the section separated into 3) and the front door is the other hole. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tK-y_vSsroHzLneIdaowcKGyYHk4nU8X5vW5uyfC3ov0GvGBDOt3Gbd1P5h6hViYIv_Wj3ytfug4VRO3bwWb6BuDukLp3JUsqXrWvm1WPGnaW4xUnJ-zH5RHLQ-96dfSvk8yT0OHzWGt/s640/blogger-image--1015389254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tK-y_vSsroHzLneIdaowcKGyYHk4nU8X5vW5uyfC3ov0GvGBDOt3Gbd1P5h6hViYIv_Wj3ytfug4VRO3bwWb6BuDukLp3JUsqXrWvm1WPGnaW4xUnJ-zH5RHLQ-96dfSvk8yT0OHzWGt/s640/blogger-image--1015389254.jpg"></a></div>Front door and stairs. There will be a bathroom and closet tucked in there </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49gda-mliVHz1PKTmgIml_1p5Em2ESjRC9Pcz9qtyeIOH8Blzk3sws89t3LrEVwiHePbeLTw4Q6cudIOQWbWARDqtYE28hP0PgNadkyiwBG_rCYzDGWbwxzRZZEv0WJWtLGiTHBXvBtLu/s640/blogger-image-1869624920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49gda-mliVHz1PKTmgIml_1p5Em2ESjRC9Pcz9qtyeIOH8Blzk3sws89t3LrEVwiHePbeLTw4Q6cudIOQWbWARDqtYE28hP0PgNadkyiwBG_rCYzDGWbwxzRZZEv0WJWtLGiTHBXvBtLu/s640/blogger-image-1869624920.jpg"></a></div>View towards kitchen and sun room ( I guess a breakfast room- not sure what to call it)</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbl6_xRvypLuFKctlMlLbNHRKKhrOwAqf4c0Emh05a07pRPPx0OTy1NOBy98K1xf8JaEo8cJu98gFHxMoMa1qrBYvOkw3XslfHTkUWvYmZeDO1h5wY7Jos4p1ondG2Fdjep67s3CmrNpW/s640/blogger-image--475719244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbl6_xRvypLuFKctlMlLbNHRKKhrOwAqf4c0Emh05a07pRPPx0OTy1NOBy98K1xf8JaEo8cJu98gFHxMoMa1qrBYvOkw3XslfHTkUWvYmZeDO1h5wY7Jos4p1ondG2Fdjep67s3CmrNpW/s640/blogger-image--475719244.jpg"></a></div>Two sets of French doors looking out the back of the house towards what will</div><div>Eventually be the pool</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJOD9My2wfnYZb0pI_6lAKekQPE_j-MMG_XlLv7RwX_2Px4zIWZW1tg8qd3BGbL8kFnKIDBEW4assGGdU11M1uPWPcNYWued4w9kdPy008nnJU1sum__IVkE8Efypsxk0G83iw-yETEsM/s640/blogger-image-2137471166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJOD9My2wfnYZb0pI_6lAKekQPE_j-MMG_XlLv7RwX_2Px4zIWZW1tg8qd3BGbL8kFnKIDBEW4assGGdU11M1uPWPcNYWued4w9kdPy008nnJU1sum__IVkE8Efypsxk0G83iw-yETEsM/s640/blogger-image-2137471166.jpg"></a></div>Looking towards kitchen breakfast area</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYY7Ypv8cwluVpFhIcGJ9rfPwGupC45RCYYrSQBdUuUZx0TKPCC00bCrEDdcCs1dr4m7KLrStuAdI_3EP25NZ7G9J5p7SVCa3Bdni0N0zRzgQ4eboPXCUADeXHW5kLXGSeSuo7t0gEZlT/s640/blogger-image--1777431119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYY7Ypv8cwluVpFhIcGJ9rfPwGupC45RCYYrSQBdUuUZx0TKPCC00bCrEDdcCs1dr4m7KLrStuAdI_3EP25NZ7G9J5p7SVCa3Bdni0N0zRzgQ4eboPXCUADeXHW5kLXGSeSuo7t0gEZlT/s640/blogger-image--1777431119.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kR1imrMvSX_x8A7RNNp8AU3BwinI5u4IlsiZDKmHQc6FTOrnMVYCffYPQmeh8hZEV_A6fPTijOZT5BUwRvtfdcXwyIOPX_-41rShTW3zbOD8WpNRtK1TYOZZrX0lfCLeE524MlQqCIXR/s640/blogger-image-930775791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kR1imrMvSX_x8A7RNNp8AU3BwinI5u4IlsiZDKmHQc6FTOrnMVYCffYPQmeh8hZEV_A6fPTijOZT5BUwRvtfdcXwyIOPX_-41rShTW3zbOD8WpNRtK1TYOZZrX0lfCLeE524MlQqCIXR/s640/blogger-image-930775791.jpg"></a></div>View from dining room area French doors over across court yard to casita (detached bedroom and bathroom that will <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Function as an office for cornerstone)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbLN1kjhaQDrfa5-aOemeLjlWbEXWrkqmZYvePDYJ74GbHr5itIuX8oM5HfxksNr-y08P4o0utbpjOWU_EYFB3UaAveqXkCZxiky3sKA7a4JIATPt4lROOlAcHy2UK1kL3UKxKIcZuyez/s640/blogger-image-130912282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbLN1kjhaQDrfa5-aOemeLjlWbEXWrkqmZYvePDYJ74GbHr5itIuX8oM5HfxksNr-y08P4o0utbpjOWU_EYFB3UaAveqXkCZxiky3sKA7a4JIATPt4lROOlAcHy2UK1kL3UKxKIcZuyez/s640/blogger-image-130912282.jpg"></a></div>Back wall is part kitchen and part of sun room </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlmGBe6BWROLODr0xVP-jU7P9nysM1SWihh3ZO0elpxiw-4XDipYF0fgrppxp5pVXeq2YVzgWOhC-mDZLJg5Cht7ZY0B_CNxDRIDjM7hyphenhyphentOWmE98rPHi27hmL7y39dduWjfky8NZoiYYz/s640/blogger-image--1742133506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlmGBe6BWROLODr0xVP-jU7P9nysM1SWihh3ZO0elpxiw-4XDipYF0fgrppxp5pVXeq2YVzgWOhC-mDZLJg5Cht7ZY0B_CNxDRIDjM7hyphenhyphentOWmE98rPHi27hmL7y39dduWjfky8NZoiYYz/s640/blogger-image--1742133506.jpg"></a></div>Same view</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWeiCq421ibSC9cYzxANrC6IcLEHr4GN9NQ-m9DBCSUDx__wIG4QMQTga64tAvpsWG0lAk9Gvrnf_tCIVkVkzp5JeucjxkVb9L2YUOf5VE96gz09y2GDS-0x1cu5n9sSdDe3HCA96QcDr/s640/blogger-image--806419696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWeiCq421ibSC9cYzxANrC6IcLEHr4GN9NQ-m9DBCSUDx__wIG4QMQTga64tAvpsWG0lAk9Gvrnf_tCIVkVkzp5JeucjxkVb9L2YUOf5VE96gz09y2GDS-0x1cu5n9sSdDe3HCA96QcDr/s640/blogger-image--806419696.jpg"></a></div>View down stairs into great room </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs9jbHopBI_Z171xg9d962EEsC3Dz1NFcJR400zA3e1p3CcGs6VrveEiL-2brAJV8miV_WYkWkug9spJWYjKlU6YMoBq-24QoFSmao7ljyGIm8uIyHVPn399VJJChBngp4HfyyRchDO43/s640/blogger-image--1537400758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs9jbHopBI_Z171xg9d962EEsC3Dz1NFcJR400zA3e1p3CcGs6VrveEiL-2brAJV8miV_WYkWkug9spJWYjKlU6YMoBq-24QoFSmao7ljyGIm8uIyHVPn399VJJChBngp4HfyyRchDO43/s640/blogger-image--1537400758.jpg"></a></div>View up stairs from landing</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_3Chc38cgbgloMboHF1kz854RlGqQgKgrnGh8qLQPbX3LcU4O74fnNnzd4u0GLajYCtiiuIf70h4xvfOi8BDrxRxBki0bRnNRe_hX-BK6blTxFEE4H-93ygLZ4yyk_NdmXCQ41_bkmW4/s640/blogger-image--1929453944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_3Chc38cgbgloMboHF1kz854RlGqQgKgrnGh8qLQPbX3LcU4O74fnNnzd4u0GLajYCtiiuIf70h4xvfOi8BDrxRxBki0bRnNRe_hX-BK6blTxFEE4H-93ygLZ4yyk_NdmXCQ41_bkmW4/s640/blogger-image--1929453944.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Garage </div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-81133053780499150342013-11-23T16:21:00.001-08:002013-11-23T16:21:19.698-08:00HockeyEven though I've been away from the blog for a long time not a lot has changed in regards to the hockey season. It's still many games every weekend and while we enjoy it it does dominate quite a bit of our time. Here are some pics from the game today. Owen also had a game but we had to divide and conquer so Kevin took him to his game and I took Ethan to his game in Anaheim. Ethan's team is doing phenomenal! They are in first place in the league and are just so much fun to watch! Owens team is doing really well also. Because so much of our time is split between the two teams I don't get nearly as many opportunities to watch Owen play as I do Ethan but I still completely enjoy every second of it! The girls also enjoy going to games and always take the fun stuff to play with while were there. They also get to see their grandparents often attending the game so that's always an extra bonus with them. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBX2TzjsZk5_4gxsZXvMegb5TNdWJyIT_4LKji9RVwvLRsoy60i4zS7BQK7eyGZ4JKfyzMTez69F94PLrYaaZIt_N2BxuLKOzr0Kpj03bQwX1K8IkVP6oIQR9Uj4Ti6lrgYuU24K8kcdt/s640/blogger-image--702845214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBX2TzjsZk5_4gxsZXvMegb5TNdWJyIT_4LKji9RVwvLRsoy60i4zS7BQK7eyGZ4JKfyzMTez69F94PLrYaaZIt_N2BxuLKOzr0Kpj03bQwX1K8IkVP6oIQR9Uj4Ti6lrgYuU24K8kcdt/s640/blogger-image--702845214.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhIq_t0oQPk_lqu2bNf8MkXfrLGstn3rhKLPXwA9R3DIefbtw8eykdWP8dPiD4UZeVaI3oOFRDcDwCZ6p1Xtd-4mGTOHbf_EgtcY8OekZao_rRI6aEywfL_m7bHi-KC2L9tt1x6NDLs7h/s640/blogger-image--2026003251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhIq_t0oQPk_lqu2bNf8MkXfrLGstn3rhKLPXwA9R3DIefbtw8eykdWP8dPiD4UZeVaI3oOFRDcDwCZ6p1Xtd-4mGTOHbf_EgtcY8OekZao_rRI6aEywfL_m7bHi-KC2L9tt1x6NDLs7h/s640/blogger-image--2026003251.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeFntb-NfGz7A24Jiu3dSiNyIE4CETp-4v2lT4_ebrF2jxjbcKe54dqICGJGfgMBy_JjK7C9VI3ACPLiu9bW9mzlW4FfTvAxwOfEcxzpzqrMXWRgivz9Pc-taUuG2AxQ7jXyt93fPyTbh/s640/blogger-image-366562187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeFntb-NfGz7A24Jiu3dSiNyIE4CETp-4v2lT4_ebrF2jxjbcKe54dqICGJGfgMBy_JjK7C9VI3ACPLiu9bW9mzlW4FfTvAxwOfEcxzpzqrMXWRgivz9Pc-taUuG2AxQ7jXyt93fPyTbh/s640/blogger-image-366562187.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqJ0E9zFFNyzrZLAgmGftNZ9qJd5SqVH1xI1yR7AFVdkvjShL546PYgNnbsdE1nsGYvrbgtSAyei48jPFtsAPLPOXJJR-m0bzwym5z1owjvPouGgc_TWxwPvGGnhAYcRAeynEZF01LRI5/s640/blogger-image-1328854295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqJ0E9zFFNyzrZLAgmGftNZ9qJd5SqVH1xI1yR7AFVdkvjShL546PYgNnbsdE1nsGYvrbgtSAyei48jPFtsAPLPOXJJR-m0bzwym5z1owjvPouGgc_TWxwPvGGnhAYcRAeynEZF01LRI5/s640/blogger-image-1328854295.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI04LlIA52_9NdFteg2PWUdFM1jEOlmwHMuth3m47Nl7NbNzLlkgtfKUMS6rKW-6Mmd2d6GW5hbrdPb7T_U_VWZwOCCuDICTxDVplm5zAtAcFOlIvd2D-n5-0p_Ax4202-ZgMoYKrU0_l/s640/blogger-image--415499054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI04LlIA52_9NdFteg2PWUdFM1jEOlmwHMuth3m47Nl7NbNzLlkgtfKUMS6rKW-6Mmd2d6GW5hbrdPb7T_U_VWZwOCCuDICTxDVplm5zAtAcFOlIvd2D-n5-0p_Ax4202-ZgMoYKrU0_l/s640/blogger-image--415499054.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharj7rIKDo37mBSc2qewve-yLvB32LKRShpW4IE-JJhNHD3VD_ghhGlLFrszwDLqPYiavFK9Xy88I__1t-BUc4w-lXDpRBlnCpw6s8V9jRyv0G0I0L-TXmCY4h5MZVMIV_LwOZ-692M8e_/s640/blogger-image--954120008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharj7rIKDo37mBSc2qewve-yLvB32LKRShpW4IE-JJhNHD3VD_ghhGlLFrszwDLqPYiavFK9Xy88I__1t-BUc4w-lXDpRBlnCpw6s8V9jRyv0G0I0L-TXmCY4h5MZVMIV_LwOZ-692M8e_/s640/blogger-image--954120008.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-18427665013852293152013-11-22T10:30:00.000-08:002013-11-22T10:31:00.027-08:00Oh my sweet Em!I love my Fridays! I do not work on Fridays so I have time to just chill with Emery and she is such a delightful kid! She is fun happy and there's never a dull moment. She rarely throws fits unless prompted by her siblings and is just a happy kid! We are off to target to get some necessities and she is just as happy and cheerful as can be. Absolutely love it! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi-TUrzyUB0GayQcaihhpAa5oEnjT77zT57_fZZ0eIN1x3h2ZIaVGAskkJuFYu1TyO05Ov_ezopRPd6jHwWkVBFJ5iOUx9qMRg_PDEJbdrnyHbqx7AiPkQkKUbIaFDlSK5VV0EmksX11I/s640/blogger-image--118563132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi-TUrzyUB0GayQcaihhpAa5oEnjT77zT57_fZZ0eIN1x3h2ZIaVGAskkJuFYu1TyO05Ov_ezopRPd6jHwWkVBFJ5iOUx9qMRg_PDEJbdrnyHbqx7AiPkQkKUbIaFDlSK5VV0EmksX11I/s640/blogger-image--118563132.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-56546824238600943602013-11-15T11:01:00.001-08:002013-11-15T11:01:55.405-08:00Ummm... 6 Months???Seriously cant believe it has been 6 months since I have posted. I am a terrible blogger and honestly, 5 kids has kept me from doing a lot of relaxing which is usually when I blog. I post on facebook here and there but just forget to do more than that-- so sorry! I will do my best to catch up today.<br />
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Since my last post in May so many things have happened-- I don't even know where to start. I think I will start with Finley since I have had so many people ask me how she is doing. (BTW, all pics are IPhone pics so they are terrible-- sorry!)<br />
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My sweet Fin :) She is now in Kindergarten and loving it. She is still our super sweet child and just goes with the flow-- I love that about her. As many remember, Finley was born with Spina Bifida and was completely continent since we got her at age 3 years 2 months. She started to have symptoms of tethered cord (spinal cord being stretched causing loss of function) in January. We immediately took her to ER and they admitted her and did 9 hour emergency tethered cord surgery the next day. The surgery rendered Fin incontinent but the doctors thought her function would return since she was experiencing spinal shock. Over the last several months, her bowel function has returned to about 80%. She still has some issues and will have accidents here and there but for the most part, her bowels have returned. Her bladder function has not quite returned. She can empty about 30% of her bladder but that is about it. To empty the remaining contents of her bladder we catheterize her 4 times a day. We cath her in the morning, the nurse at school caths her at 1pm and then we do it again when she gets home from school and right before bed. We have been praying her bladder function would return but at clinic in August they said she is probably as good as it will ever be which basically means, she will be cath dependant for the rest of her life. I was very sad about this but Fin doesn't really care. She is totally chill about it and does not mind it at all. The hard part is that she use to be completely continent like any other kid before her tethered cord and after she lost function. It is a hard reality but she is fine and my mom was always cath dependant so Fin and my mom have this cute connection. Furthermore, the nurse who caths her at school is a good church friend of ours and she loves Finley to death so it is a great scenario. Next summer we are going to work on teaching Fin to cath herself so she can become independent in that area. Other than that, Fin is doing AMAZING and learning soooo much!! She is involved in Awana's at church and Daisys. She just celebrated her 6th birthday on October 12!<br />
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First Day of School</div>
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Fin jumping off the diving board this summer on our vacation at Hume Lake Christian Camps</div>
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Halloween</div>
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Next is Ethan. He is a sophomore and had his 15th birthday on August 25th. He started at a new school this year-- Upland High School. We are moving to a new city-- Upland-- in the spring and we offered the boys to attend their home public schools and they both wanted to leave the Christian school and start at Upland Schools-- so we did. The girls already were at Upland Schools (actually they attend the home school where our new house will be and we didn't even know that when we placed them there last year) so it was a natural to put all the kids in their home schools. So Ethan is at Upland High and really loves it. He has many church friends who also attend the same school so he had a great friend group to begin with. He is also playing ice hockey still and is on the Bishop Amat High School Team through the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League which is a big league around here. Currently, his team is number one in the league which is HUGE!!! They won a recent tournament and we are so proud of the team they have become. Ethan is a phenomenal defense man. He is really amazing and has great potential. If he can keep his grades up I can see the possibility of scholarships in his future. I am not one of those moms who think their kids are perfect-- heck no not me-- but Ethan is pretty darn good at hockey and has a great future in the game (like college level). He also just got his braces off this past week so he is loving the braces free smile-- he says girls like it too :) He also had a summer job as a prep cook at Union on Yale which is the restaurant my brother is the exec chef at. My dad paid his salary but Ethan did a wonderful job and will be hired back next summer as an employee. He also was able to save a big chunk towards his car when he gets his license. <br />
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Braces Free</div>
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Tournament Champs!!!</div>
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Ethan and his team mates-- this is the rink in Anaheim where they have games and where the Ducks practice-- we often see the Duck players there. </div>
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Working the pizza station-- acting like a dork</div>
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With his boss-- my brother and my dad who paid his salary all summer-- thanks dad! Ive always thought Ethan looks like my brother Brad-- don't you think?</div>
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Owen is doing well as well. He started at Pioneer Junior High as an 8th grader this year and has made lots of good friends. He is doing ok in school but could be doing better. If you recall, 8th grade is a hard year in this house. That is when we pulled Ethan from school and put him on independent study and made him do hard labor at the farm. It was the perfect thing for Ethan- although he hated it- but it taught him a great lesson. Owen is no where near there but he is not putting good effort in-- but we are working on it. He is also playing ice hockey on a club team and will be on the same team as Ethan next year as a freshman. He too is an amazing hockey player. He is a defense man just like his brother and he is extremely good. I cant wait to see him on Ethan's team next year. He is very talented. I honestly don't have many pics of Owen. He always seems to avoid the camera so I only have a couple. </div>
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Owen and Christian at Ethan's game. Owen plays for the California Wave</div>
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First day of school for the boys in front of my friend Kim's house. </div>
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Mia is great! She is ridiculously smart and is like a sponge in school. EVERY SINGLE DAY she comes home and tells us things we seriously didn't know. She is so much smarter than I am it is crazy. She has been asking for me to test her IQ (I test IQ's all day-- its my job) for months so I finally did and lets just say-- scary smart!! School is Mia's thing. She just gets it and is really good at it. She loves homework (wrong-- I know) and school just clicks for her. Its nice to have a kid like that. She is also still an extremely independent spicy girl. She is known to throw her fair share of tantrums (ok fair share= daily) but she is getting better with age. She is involved in Awana's and Brownies and wants to rejoin gymnastics. We will see-- life is full of hockey right now and not much more time to add other activities. She just celebrated her 7th birthday and lost her two front teeth which are already almost in. </div>
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First day of school- first grade</div>
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Jumping off the diving board at Hume this summer</div>
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First Day of School</div>
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Lost both her front teeth the same day</div>
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7th Birthday cake</div>
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Emery is doing GREAT!! She is such a delight. Happy, sweet, independent, spirited, strong willed but overall a super fun kid with an awesome personality!! Kev stays home with her this year and she will start preschool next school year. She is involved in nursery at church and tags along to all her siblings events. She is a smart little cookie. Her speech is coming along but I am contemplating doing a referral for a speech eval soon. She is not horribly delayed but her expressive is lower than I would expect it to be. Her receptive is awesome but expressive is my concern. I think I will refer her after the first of the year. We will see. She also is totally able to potty in the toilet but kev and I are too lazy to be consistent (5th kid-- what the heck) so we need to work on that but she regularly goes in the toilet-- both pee and poo- when I'm at home. We need to try better to be consistent with potty training. </div>
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Hume</div>
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Disneyland</div>
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Disneyland</div>
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We went to Hume Lake Christian Camps this summer and rented a house for the week and it was amazing! What a wonderful environment to be in. Uplifting in every way-- safe- fun- lots for kids to do- relaxing-- just AWESOME!!! My parents and nephews came for 4 days and Owen took his friend Joel from work and now school. Great time!!! Ethan joined up with a local church from our area and participated in the high school camp quite a bit. He even won a few competitions-- he loved every minute of it!!</div>
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We have lots going on right now. First off I expanded my private practice this summer and now have five employees at three different schools doing reading and math therapy. Its an amazing program and we are doing a lot of good for kids with disabilities and those who desire enrichment. It has been so gratifying to watch these kids grow in such a short time. All my therapists are awesome and are so well trained and are amazing at what they do. I am so thankful for each of them and their unique skills. My sister Cassie also is working for me doing reading and math therapy as well as educational therapy (with high functioning autism spectrum kids) as well as doing psychoeducational testing. She is such an asset and I honestly could not run my private practice without her. </div>
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The other huge thing going on for us is that we are building house! We have been wanting to move about 15 miles west of us and have always admired a part of Upland that is kind of a mountain-ish area. It is called San Antonio Heights and it is a county area tucked up in the foothills of Upland. What we love it the eclectic mix of multi-million dollar homes mixed with little cabins. Its pretty cool with amazing mountain and city views. We found a half-acre piece of land that backs up to a revene that was significantly under priced (like a ton under) simply because of a water easement that ran down the side of the property. For many it would be a deterrent because you cant build on top of the easement but for us, we just designed the house around it and no one will ever know the easement is there. It is at the end of a coldesac and on one side of us will be 1 acre of citrus trees and on the other side will be a massive 11,000sqft house (construction will start in Feb or March) and that is it. Super cool little street with great views! Anyway, we are doing this because our other house is not a good investment right now. We worked Dave Ramsey's program so hard to get everything on track financially and it sickens us that we are so upside down on our house. We love our house-- especially our yard- but felt it was not a smart financial decision to stay there. We decided to jump on the increase in the market in this area and since we got a great deal on the land we decided to build which is way cheaper than buying an already built house in our area. We are going to put renters into our house until it comes back up to value and then sell. So we are building and it is moving along. We are anticipating moving in by April 1st. PRAYING!!! They are pouring the foundation today and by the end of next week framing should begin. ITS SO MUCH FUN!!!! It is literally up the street from where the girls go to school so I check on the progress of the house daily. Here are some pictures:</div>
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Kev is doing a lot of steps on the house himself to keep the cost of the build low. He is doing the electrical, a lot of the rock work, the flooring and a few more things as well. Its going to save us a lot of money but it is a lot of work. He is also doing a lot of farming at Amy's Farm-- about 2-3 times a week and he takes Emery to play down there when he works. She loves hanging out with all the cousins and other kids at the farm and there is a ton for her to do-- she loves it-- and so does Kev-- it is his happy place. <br />
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I think that is about it for an update. Sorry it took me 6 months to get this update but I will try to be better!<br />
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Here are some recent family pics as well. <br />
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Christmas card pic</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-16838781068687516732013-05-31T09:49:00.002-07:002013-05-31T09:49:57.519-07:00Memorial Day beach trip<span style="font-size: x-large;">We went to Doheney beach in Dana point on Memorial Day. It was a lot of fun and it was cool watching the boys surf. In usual form, I forgot to take many pictures but here are a few.</span> <br />
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Beautiful Mia</div>
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So cute</div>
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Fin had a blast </div>
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So did Emery!</div>
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Daddy and Fin :)</div>
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My surfer boy-- or almost man :)</div>
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Owen had a ton of fun surfing too. The waves were really big so they were exhausted!</div>
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Cactus Coolers-- anyone remember those-- holy cow I use to love them. They are the only non-diet soda I have ever liked. I dont drink them now but Kev loves them and bought some recently and the kids loved them too-- uggg!! Hate them drinking the soda but have you ever tried a Cactus Cooler?? They are amazing!!!!!</div>
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Mia literally rolled around in the sand all day-- it was so funny but she loved it!!</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-62427835666764728562013-05-08T10:55:00.001-07:002013-05-08T11:24:12.834-07:00Disney fun!I seriously cant believe it has almost been a month since I posted. Honestly, we are so busy that I just never think about it. Its really hard to remember to post on the blog with all the craziness in our lives. We are doing well. We have a lot going on with the end of the school year and my private practice getting crazy busy and a few other important decisions we are working on-- things are just CRAZY!! We are also leading Financial Peace University- Dave Ramsey- at our church on Wednesday nights and we just LOVE LOVE LOVE that ministry. <br />
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The girls are doing well. They are doing very well this school year and Mia is soooooooo ready for first grade and Finley is going into Kinder next year and she too is ready. Mia has excelled academically-- we always knew she was going to do well with academics-- and she genuinely loves learning. She remembers things that are totally random-- she remembers EVERYTHING!! Finley is in Transitional Kinder-- a program the state of CA started that is a 2 year kinder program for kids who are fall birthdays. She will be a regular kinder kid next year and she is going into kinder with way more skills then they expect so she should do AWESOME next year! Emery is still her little spitfire crazy busy type A little peanut. She cracks us up and is in everything. She is so much fun now with her starting to put 2 word sentences together and really understanding what she is wanting and saying. She is just a fun little one who has an amazingly strong will that is both challenging but also fun. She reminds me of myself!<br />
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Boys are doing well and thankfully are only playing roller hockey right now. Ethan's track ended a week ago so we are in the extra time at home phase right now and I love it!! So much better than running from practice to practice. Both boys are planning on working this summer-- Owen at Amy's Farm and Ethan working with an electrician doing job clean up and any grunt level work. I am looking forward to them being busy learning how to work hard-- develop that work ethic so many kids are lacking. <br />
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We decided to head to Disney last Friday night for a night of fun! We had a great time!! The boys came along as well as Cassie and it turned out to be a lot if fun. Here are some highlights. <br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-66855069689749553792013-04-16T13:42:00.000-07:002013-04-16T13:41:51.011-07:00Happy 2nd birthday Emery!!!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='326' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dziPxwTUFxFF1u27dCzkc6LeJlpV9lNAI0xK8KFuVC8eFtQWeq7mEZB1G37O4PcP164VGKvtuC2zlIbzHB13A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-83465995811205962212013-04-10T21:47:00.001-07:002013-04-10T21:47:14.953-07:00Easter and cute picsSorry guys. It's been a while. Here are some Easter pics. Also some cute park pics. It's been super crazy around here. Business is super busy for both Kev and I and we start leading financial peace university at our church tomorrow night which we are so happy about. Lots happening. All super good. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAGShearppR6n-eRuQa9eGSyplaLhqaEsRchkzrk_lV4rPnsw6ACloDVmn55P7Y0tJezrt3WxyoOYGo76zg8xc0kEScNw09lU236VERNJ-P_DP4HVNGNvqEeyAdSHgXAjG8Ph0bbc2bKp/s640/blogger-image--1315344721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAGShearppR6n-eRuQa9eGSyplaLhqaEsRchkzrk_lV4rPnsw6ACloDVmn55P7Y0tJezrt3WxyoOYGo76zg8xc0kEScNw09lU236VERNJ-P_DP4HVNGNvqEeyAdSHgXAjG8Ph0bbc2bKp/s640/blogger-image--1315344721.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u5H_o6uumtF6Smc_jrJca8PpRkLoFbynoTn-HIjkFIhmFNQR8ZeBGPwhBDWWcU5SIIMvDy40B7PYhzPPX8_gN01tj8JFUTtMGlZdZyKQ2NJVkCoo1919XwX-dthByfyDG37tI92X43nB/s640/blogger-image-353518310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh134cE_ZCCQ4ZR9mmDDzve6zs2abLqAzwDuMtQveNuKerSQXHJZbKVU1g3YkIid6rtZgIBm4jjxKyURXtTrdIxkoLWRXGKslLDoJg54Y98c_PU6vupqbUDbrAS__84jod0d7l5ALY7Ikhyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image--1879654995.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjJlw6szdA5u4ceo4vEk5I6iQJSOpD4xSOJXzAkkWogfe9WGMRX-dz_IfpxaSBAN2S-HbQaij2iI290HcVi1Ny8NSXJ-KVyW-H9pFTPnZmdXzGhC8Qwtbc-tZRfFTyNcals6748K8OGVm/s640/blogger-image-759730257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjJlw6szdA5u4ceo4vEk5I6iQJSOpD4xSOJXzAkkWogfe9WGMRX-dz_IfpxaSBAN2S-HbQaij2iI290HcVi1Ny8NSXJ-KVyW-H9pFTPnZmdXzGhC8Qwtbc-tZRfFTyNcals6748K8OGVm/s640/blogger-image-759730257.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-79408511016866588882013-03-23T12:17:00.001-07:002013-03-23T12:17:32.421-07:00DisneyMet auntie laila, Ava, auntie laura and auntie Cassie at Disneyland yesterday. Shockingly, it was a nice relaxing trip thanks to the enormous generosity of auntie Lo -see face painting- :) Girls had a blast and us adults got lots of time to chat. Can't wait till Our next Disney visit!!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbk4Yqo_QhSrHR78qSEppZ7tvgGVjlQlqf7WHNoxHMVRMeTFABmxrzh4KWrrJYnVaqgvpMJnjp1JsXRxoWIq4fGiYSK7J5wLKBQh8a2Adgef8oUaT7pLtyNMFV7zLGIiV0d29sL4vlt2g/s640/blogger-image-1646930182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbk4Yqo_QhSrHR78qSEppZ7tvgGVjlQlqf7WHNoxHMVRMeTFABmxrzh4KWrrJYnVaqgvpMJnjp1JsXRxoWIq4fGiYSK7J5wLKBQh8a2Adgef8oUaT7pLtyNMFV7zLGIiV0d29sL4vlt2g/s640/blogger-image-1646930182.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfLz2SXQDBVVwvukncBK4fKtFowo9rD-QpWxTPY1o6ibjpYNdg-A5QVkD0claSS1qj4Ac8Bjysdy_HdJETNPH9XRbbluoPcqt7BNEHLpcbCCj4jDGjV9x0Z7YGhNgZ-AhKwdNSLNgd0rA/s640/blogger-image--1358697732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfLz2SXQDBVVwvukncBK4fKtFowo9rD-QpWxTPY1o6ibjpYNdg-A5QVkD0claSS1qj4Ac8Bjysdy_HdJETNPH9XRbbluoPcqt7BNEHLpcbCCj4jDGjV9x0Z7YGhNgZ-AhKwdNSLNgd0rA/s640/blogger-image--1358697732.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydhzIcRL6ZCcE6sduHaA-5FM5a9wPuhwC5aPU9UC0_d_5y9YEMvt6eYNDH2ZW31mJ9PnLGEq6pFiCeXo7_6lNU92XMWTp-nxzcN9w8VRrFuiA6LE9dmOfCC-dSQ-uoquKeP7unS_sxIOU/s640/blogger-image--1320857597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydhzIcRL6ZCcE6sduHaA-5FM5a9wPuhwC5aPU9UC0_d_5y9YEMvt6eYNDH2ZW31mJ9PnLGEq6pFiCeXo7_6lNU92XMWTp-nxzcN9w8VRrFuiA6LE9dmOfCC-dSQ-uoquKeP7unS_sxIOU/s640/blogger-image--1320857597.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP5UnAkCRCdAl5o4s-0ZDJDuBx0Me5xwYP8aAzP9xWlW5OQN5PwL0J7CMePCqQC1XQVKm5UvhmZcYBJg7kc97NhzoDcQ8sjWUvklTQxh_c4-XY3BOuRxYCy-3KJbANEu2-glCLlL1dQcg/s640/blogger-image-1254949149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP5UnAkCRCdAl5o4s-0ZDJDuBx0Me5xwYP8aAzP9xWlW5OQN5PwL0J7CMePCqQC1XQVKm5UvhmZcYBJg7kc97NhzoDcQ8sjWUvklTQxh_c4-XY3BOuRxYCy-3KJbANEu2-glCLlL1dQcg/s640/blogger-image-1254949149.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzffrlXQNZBCKl48nx_GmOdOwYgoM666CQiV9-IzL000-JkSjmyA1FAw2JKbdvHJ93yB4CY2Z-Ac0w5Oc0UXhiMgtwd-x2-3rU528G5DLFyeRKHZ65EXrrkxdSZMV64EESak1MEtONMbFr/s640/blogger-image--1096069190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzffrlXQNZBCKl48nx_GmOdOwYgoM666CQiV9-IzL000-JkSjmyA1FAw2JKbdvHJ93yB4CY2Z-Ac0w5Oc0UXhiMgtwd-x2-3rU528G5DLFyeRKHZ65EXrrkxdSZMV64EESak1MEtONMbFr/s640/blogger-image--1096069190.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaaOsz-ssa37XGE7vYil28SEvhStFFhkG5O3WKJZsZVL-CKKZelZPyBY1n2DldHoy6mXqIUcvC5qc8u6gOQ8be6Y1XLDUYW-WYHPNEzRIUxbMfC2hRWbeFQ-IOJqiboZEb_eFBaOdMLtM/s640/blogger-image-365802282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaaOsz-ssa37XGE7vYil28SEvhStFFhkG5O3WKJZsZVL-CKKZelZPyBY1n2DldHoy6mXqIUcvC5qc8u6gOQ8be6Y1XLDUYW-WYHPNEzRIUxbMfC2hRWbeFQ-IOJqiboZEb_eFBaOdMLtM/s640/blogger-image-365802282.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjTGTND_vHpwPcc91W3D8ORhnoHcO8dxM6OKmMXb9t7nAgR2OSAzGJKQtucZj86SKZHgaD4dBKjZQjEzgIfwJiObKgZjtoOEcxMv8uiQcCnS_rFnAw4s7YT_NznmMEzcPk1IyHn30HT2-/s640/blogger-image--1152914940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjTGTND_vHpwPcc91W3D8ORhnoHcO8dxM6OKmMXb9t7nAgR2OSAzGJKQtucZj86SKZHgaD4dBKjZQjEzgIfwJiObKgZjtoOEcxMv8uiQcCnS_rFnAw4s7YT_NznmMEzcPk1IyHn30HT2-/s640/blogger-image--1152914940.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm8GxRIwpDico7GghhrVH9nZJpdrQfLVPuXdhgxqo-GPF1VbyoRdYAKWZeh08g4aOvMd6YGNhY60cRcHEkjCmYMnUleX6ZG3sxg8X_4QhsTyHWwG5XQw7wGrBjXERefJ1Vx32kngDDzgn/s640/blogger-image--1348048371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm8GxRIwpDico7GghhrVH9nZJpdrQfLVPuXdhgxqo-GPF1VbyoRdYAKWZeh08g4aOvMd6YGNhY60cRcHEkjCmYMnUleX6ZG3sxg8X_4QhsTyHWwG5XQw7wGrBjXERefJ1Vx32kngDDzgn/s640/blogger-image--1348048371.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRhEIH0ZrgnxK2vklP_s5V6hULc0f3m1KDwiXMDVun7n9_GFU4J8Mm9F8orqbxAMPvTWoVJccxfk_ad5_wes3RcxMbcgMNEJ8hiI2ZvT78KYq4qGG-U21ErPK_g3zrCjtng4wpVU0SfLY/s640/blogger-image-859515243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRhEIH0ZrgnxK2vklP_s5V6hULc0f3m1KDwiXMDVun7n9_GFU4J8Mm9F8orqbxAMPvTWoVJccxfk_ad5_wes3RcxMbcgMNEJ8hiI2ZvT78KYq4qGG-U21ErPK_g3zrCjtng4wpVU0SfLY/s640/blogger-image-859515243.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-85002717916799686682013-03-19T14:49:00.001-07:002013-03-19T14:49:33.369-07:00Shoving all we can into our spring breakSwimming- check<br />
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Friends over- check<br />
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Physicals- check<br />
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Some light shopping- check<br />
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Cleaning out loft and girls room- check<br />
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Changing over the girls closet to spring and summer- check<br />
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Craigslisting a ton of toys- check<br />
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And it's only Tuesday- Yipppeeee!!!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d5JbsxyEC47mFaowyBvGXs603axlYli0HGa-7UMeZo0hAm__SkqHJJiWwzmp6xdGhyjl9kW42TIhClXr2NsZZ8ElQamHB4uiCOSjuexyIBdF43Lz3q66n2sRV7eJFfTbFeUysWFAclAf/s640/blogger-image-234002163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d5JbsxyEC47mFaowyBvGXs603axlYli0HGa-7UMeZo0hAm__SkqHJJiWwzmp6xdGhyjl9kW42TIhClXr2NsZZ8ElQamHB4uiCOSjuexyIBdF43Lz3q66n2sRV7eJFfTbFeUysWFAclAf/s640/blogger-image-234002163.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jWYhZIuwAaRciZfKrg6rdE2Ea1ucYMM0s133ZHVqJtz70Bw26Xi5abYLpzuUpWCQo6VvvMt1JlX9pYXdzTjgNjMIjuHMFwSH0cvbCc2JvvGm_CXXLyXbgByhu_eV7_hnTtbeblwjprt2/s640/blogger-image--1290302042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jWYhZIuwAaRciZfKrg6rdE2Ea1ucYMM0s133ZHVqJtz70Bw26Xi5abYLpzuUpWCQo6VvvMt1JlX9pYXdzTjgNjMIjuHMFwSH0cvbCc2JvvGm_CXXLyXbgByhu_eV7_hnTtbeblwjprt2/s640/blogger-image--1290302042.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMNVzMd_tVL3IopKr3SW1s71CP8z0O-RBQkyxfk_9PuEB3d4zsTYhQNecQh9vj_zZCHU7wQX3T1gs1S2JZ7L1clg4VYWPH9NSRveb-E3CosrddDBB7NW0DvxwJ5v-_gfRUPaYgIuI1fsH/s640/blogger-image--991828808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMNVzMd_tVL3IopKr3SW1s71CP8z0O-RBQkyxfk_9PuEB3d4zsTYhQNecQh9vj_zZCHU7wQX3T1gs1S2JZ7L1clg4VYWPH9NSRveb-E3CosrddDBB7NW0DvxwJ5v-_gfRUPaYgIuI1fsH/s640/blogger-image--991828808.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7tD_z4ApSdr1mMvEG-uIpRmECiOHPgSUp_aZlEdV0wmnkvKcFp7my-8wfDxbNolmETgqhNXNQHcQ-GXphMIUEVj9lKM_ER-vdEDgCxFgs3mMEXGC6geJHmgnKQSzZZ1TIzA467uKZwDt/s640/blogger-image--834534538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7tD_z4ApSdr1mMvEG-uIpRmECiOHPgSUp_aZlEdV0wmnkvKcFp7my-8wfDxbNolmETgqhNXNQHcQ-GXphMIUEVj9lKM_ER-vdEDgCxFgs3mMEXGC6geJHmgnKQSzZZ1TIzA467uKZwDt/s640/blogger-image--834534538.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-22024873584915812492013-03-11T21:10:00.001-07:002013-03-11T21:10:39.401-07:00Hockey GIRLS?Yes it's true. The girls are following in their big brothers footsteps and are playing roller hockey for our little roller hockey league by our house. It started with Finley who wanted to play and now Mia is following her lead. They love it and roller all around the house and the yard all day. When they start games I will get some good pics. <br />
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On another note, kevin and I went last week to Las Vegas to see DAVE RAMSEY!!! Dave's program has changed out lives and our family tree as we are out of debt. Investing and now working on paying off our mortgage. It is phenomenal how far we have come in 2 years so when I saw that dave was in Vegas (3 hour drive for us) during my birthday week, I jumped at the chance back in October to buy tickets. We had a blast and dave was amazing as always. We stayed at the Mandalay bay and just literally slept and ate. It was very relaxing and a great birthday. <br />
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Things are well around here. Finley goes back to school after doing break (march 25) and she is ready. Bowels are at about 90% function returned and bladder at about 20% returned. It will be a while till its 100% but she Is fine during school hours so she will return in 2 weeks. She has been on home hospital and its been awesome having a teacher come to our house every day to work with her - but all good things must come to an end :(<br />
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The rest of the kids are doing fine. Lots of sports and lots of work-- I'm tired :) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpismj20pP9bhLJutDJ-EweKo6SK6smDYp4y_ieizZ6QRCGZSOBeZjhiwL9nFqioGeO5mvhykEmmr1-SocAannxYgidlNoUXnoNIeULx6-2-3Qo-kgqQ8oIT9alNWiBuBtysQK3dUGlvu/s640/blogger-image-339449583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpismj20pP9bhLJutDJ-EweKo6SK6smDYp4y_ieizZ6QRCGZSOBeZjhiwL9nFqioGeO5mvhykEmmr1-SocAannxYgidlNoUXnoNIeULx6-2-3Qo-kgqQ8oIT9alNWiBuBtysQK3dUGlvu/s640/blogger-image-339449583.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiHYZbvT4nj1uy0JAd-yf-F1fZVGfuQgFpAERJPdpekvgqdZtRJcXZp1H65hE_gwGNnOQduBAjkD9sFrgEz27ng1ST29BD4BaHUKMlWVY-Ac2BjzNHlRugF_LosjPVxu5Q3xF_XeeW3KE/s640/blogger-image--1692570672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiHYZbvT4nj1uy0JAd-yf-F1fZVGfuQgFpAERJPdpekvgqdZtRJcXZp1H65hE_gwGNnOQduBAjkD9sFrgEz27ng1ST29BD4BaHUKMlWVY-Ac2BjzNHlRugF_LosjPVxu5Q3xF_XeeW3KE/s640/blogger-image--1692570672.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK65NTzAOruct4exD8OFGn7RZcZ3Lxygmlh3qsE1RbUOnCS8gBEYidzpvj7bitND1xD7EwTMAhsQU64dfIcpKeGx5mbhSrgtABMO0uEENgAq7YSPWawNVdcJ7-AsGZU4O1ReWuz1_xyFrl/s640/blogger-image-1614353405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK65NTzAOruct4exD8OFGn7RZcZ3Lxygmlh3qsE1RbUOnCS8gBEYidzpvj7bitND1xD7EwTMAhsQU64dfIcpKeGx5mbhSrgtABMO0uEENgAq7YSPWawNVdcJ7-AsGZU4O1ReWuz1_xyFrl/s640/blogger-image-1614353405.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4emwjR3dsAP4dOoOuIjTwJu6vgziAhs7J7JgAq16JYAxvwSLpl5B5UqwAveWMybRcmBipU1EVUzWsicTd24Oh3Q92OgkbFpbGppmUhCXw6T1n2FKI7ktpCra3S1C0WER3DE2Lp7Jthto/s640/blogger-image--1659740546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4emwjR3dsAP4dOoOuIjTwJu6vgziAhs7J7JgAq16JYAxvwSLpl5B5UqwAveWMybRcmBipU1EVUzWsicTd24Oh3Q92OgkbFpbGppmUhCXw6T1n2FKI7ktpCra3S1C0WER3DE2Lp7Jthto/s640/blogger-image--1659740546.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-12284220531670256022013-03-03T00:02:00.001-08:002013-03-03T00:02:36.231-08:00Just for the PHO of it!!The girls live pho. Pho is Vietnamese noodle soup. We choose vegy pho and get massive bowl and share it. It's the girls favorite and since its super cheap we go here and there. Here are a few pics of the girls favorite pho!!<br />
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Btw fin is doing amazing!! Bowel is 100% back and bladder is maybe 20% back. She sometime feels the need to pee and some comes out but when we cath her after there is usually quite a but of urine in there still. We were told by urology that when her bladder function was coming back that she would pee a bit and the we would still need to cath. Basically fin is following exactly what they said she would be doing. Her function is well on its way back and we are thrilled. Praise God!!!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwfURX5oMj-mP964TSTQDwLp11LZH-QAzCi-uxTRFSxgVvoR0XV2h9bUGGjWtcN7EvwL_6NI8eXLZCs0Q2y1aiMjZyVI6cpF7RaRGpEbw0X5n_C5BMHRbefkaZSJ7qUDGBwxkB6jpnNuk/s640/blogger-image--2939874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwfURX5oMj-mP964TSTQDwLp11LZH-QAzCi-uxTRFSxgVvoR0XV2h9bUGGjWtcN7EvwL_6NI8eXLZCs0Q2y1aiMjZyVI6cpF7RaRGpEbw0X5n_C5BMHRbefkaZSJ7qUDGBwxkB6jpnNuk/s640/blogger-image--2939874.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXhOS0ySTyYJn6Dnf6q4Y6Nqyr2cDsdIjq-YbD7bYl5I8tHOzObd15fieopYTGyL37ctJzeDgt95pNfumvLrNVCna5oHr2_7RMfN09rFfQgze1b0vIqRNLNvYrxU2pm6JBTZJTqajHvEL/s640/blogger-image-1052507022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXhOS0ySTyYJn6Dnf6q4Y6Nqyr2cDsdIjq-YbD7bYl5I8tHOzObd15fieopYTGyL37ctJzeDgt95pNfumvLrNVCna5oHr2_7RMfN09rFfQgze1b0vIqRNLNvYrxU2pm6JBTZJTqajHvEL/s640/blogger-image-1052507022.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYC2JKIbwd4tWpVb2xub1bxSGsx_sqBHyN0yo2b6VaFCsWWNecin6-Scj9B2C5Ug3sDqMVNXlqtFhTF060ZvN0nX5yFnkggGavwRkpiwGbK8B_Qqf_dVQQ8AuObJdJcvQbyXe6Jy8071e/s640/blogger-image--1638999860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYC2JKIbwd4tWpVb2xub1bxSGsx_sqBHyN0yo2b6VaFCsWWNecin6-Scj9B2C5Ug3sDqMVNXlqtFhTF060ZvN0nX5yFnkggGavwRkpiwGbK8B_Qqf_dVQQ8AuObJdJcvQbyXe6Jy8071e/s640/blogger-image--1638999860.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlPOpjIqa7b2H0tJC-Xs0c8H_05gTCD9ORbRdU1e12QJ3OdYzY4J0nwbdpCpHSxelCW-EwwqpIxgWAQ6kcvWNNuY_3i4E6riOH-GzwA8N3GSViCLnVl5WH0M86-GGPHZg-6MUtEulgSmZ/s640/blogger-image-139491750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlPOpjIqa7b2H0tJC-Xs0c8H_05gTCD9ORbRdU1e12QJ3OdYzY4J0nwbdpCpHSxelCW-EwwqpIxgWAQ6kcvWNNuY_3i4E6riOH-GzwA8N3GSViCLnVl5WH0M86-GGPHZg-6MUtEulgSmZ/s640/blogger-image-139491750.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-64458793665118114832013-02-08T10:22:00.002-08:002013-02-08T18:33:31.052-08:00This and That<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
**** Update- fin had another voluntary on her own poop today!!!! Amazing news- yaaaaa!!!!!****<br />
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Hi guys,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought I would update on what is going on with Finley as well as our family. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A couple days ago Finley said she needed to poop so I took her to the bathroom and sure enough, she had a BM totally on her own and she felt the need to do so on her own-- that is an amazing sign of possible return of function. We were giddy excited by this event-- Oh how funny that this makes us giddy!! So, we went to the spina bifida clinic Wednesday and it was nothing but more good news. They said the feeling she needed to poop is a wonderful sign that she is in spinal shock and that the function will probably return in time. Funny thing-- the urologist was telling us that he thinks she is in spinal shock and was saying that her bladder is way too stretched out and we need it to go back to a normal size and he thinks her function will return then. He also said that when the nerves are attempting to "reconnect" and send signals that when Finley is in a super relaxed state that she may leak urine. I had always thought of leaking as a bad signal- that the muscles wont hold the contents of the bladder and that was bad. Well in the kid in spinal shock, the leaking is a good thing. The problem with a spinal shock kid is that the sphincter (sp?) muscle that allows the urine to go out has to relax to the point of allowing the urine out. A spinal shock kid's urine sphincter (I guess there is an anal sphincter and a urine one too-- never knew that) wont relax. The muscles wont relax and allow the urine out. With a kid who is regaining function they will have little leaks of urine when very relaxed like sleeping and other times of relaxation. I'm so glad they told me that because on the drive home from the SB clinic Finley fell asleep and when we got home she had peed herself-- not full bladder emptying but just enough that it wet her undies and leggings. If I had not had that explanation from the urologist just an hour before, I would have freaked out and thought the leaking was a bad sign but it actually was a good thing. I emailed the urologist asking if that was a good or bad thing. He wrote back and said it was a good thing but that we needed to cath her more often to let the bladder shrink and when we do he is sure the function will return rapidly!!! Sooooooo excited about that. It seems like she is making little strides. It will take a while-- maybe several months-- but it seems to be coming back slowly!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is spinal shock?? Well, Finley had 8.5 hours of SUPER invasive surgery with the spinal column being opened and cut and all kinds of things. I guess the nerves in the spinal are crazy sensitive and when they are disrupted, even mildly, they seize and don't function like normal. That is why you will see people who are paralyzed for months and then will walk again. With mild invasion they seize so you can imagine 8.5 hours of MASSIVE invasion and how much they seized in that situation. I have faith Fin will get her function back eventually. Maybe not to the 100% mark but for sure better than it is now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are doing really well right now with the whole bowel regimen and cathings. It is no biggie and Fin is in undies 100% of the time. This is awesome and besides having to cath every 3- 4 hours things are pretty much normal. Fin is still having her wonderful home hospital teacher visit every day for an hour and she loves her time with Ms. Hickee. She will be on home hospital for another month or so and we actually really like it for now. Fin never had a ton of time at home with us before she started preschool. It is great for her to be at home with Kev and Emery everyday. Lots of relaxing time just to be-- Finley loves it!! Plus, Fin is in Transitional Kinder. California has always had a ridiculously late start date for kinder-- December 2. CA figured out that was too late and many of the kids were repeating grades or were just performing too low or we were testing for special ed so they decided to move the start date back to September 1 like most of the nation. They decided to incrementally move it back-- last year the cut was Nov 1, then this next year is Oct 1 and then the following year will be Sept 1. In the meantime, all kids who have a September, October and November birthdays have been offered Transitional Kindergarten which is a 2 year program. They do one year of transitional kinder which is way more developmental and the following year is regular kider. Fin and Mia are both late October bdays so we kept Mia out and she is in kinder this year but by CA cut off's she could have been in first grade but would be way too young. We had planned on keeping Fin in kinder another year but when they created this Transitional Kinder program we jumped on it. So, both girls are in kinder but Fin is in transitional and will do another year of kinder next year. Its a perfect program for her as she will be in a perfect position next year to do California's ridiculously academic kinder. Seriously it is so above the developmental level of most of these kid- ugg! Anyway, so by having Fin miss a big chunk of school and have a home hospital teacher is really no problem this year. She is getting 5 hours a week of direct one on one instruction at her level so she is growing rapidly. We love home hospital and another month will be perfect!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The other kids are doing great! Ethan just ended varsity soccer (he is the starting goalie and is very good-- had to brag) this week and he only has a week left in the regular season for hockey. Owen will begin spring Jr. High soccer next week and spring hockey for both boys will begin in a month or so. Its been nice having the boys home this week instead of having tons of sports. I love when we are all home together. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mia and Emery are doing well also. We have had sickness running through our home but we are on the mend-- hopefully. Ethan missed 3 days of school last week and the beginning of this one and Mia has been home 2 days- yesterday and today. She seems fine so I'm pretty sure we are all on the mend. Emery has her everlasting runny nose but that is typical-- yuck! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, we are all settling in and are doing well. Ive had a ton of work lately as my district has asked me to pick up 10 Fridays (I have Fridays off) to help out with all the assessments at the high school. I agreed to help out but luckily it is a lot of report writing that I can do at home. Happy to be in "normal" life right now with no craziness. Oh ya, I had a PET Scan which is used to see if Cancer has spread to anywhere else in the body. My Dr. felt like we should do it because with my history of melanoma she thought we could get insurance to approve it even though she didn't think there was a concern but thought we could at least look. It was a HUGE test-- took a couple hours-- but I got the all clear that there is no spread of any cancer in my body!!! I expected it to come back negative since I keep up on the Dr. visits but it was really nice to hear that my whole body was scanned and EVERYTHING came back normal so there are no other cancers hiding in my body-- just gave me peace of mind. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I think that is all. We are all caught up. A few cute pics from my phone. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Christy :)</span></div> <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q-wYRpYK9VbOgxcO4vE43rozYC8Tl_MVGnfe-xGJo3rte6zu2whjif_6jM2esZvZ-sZd0q1_7sAN6SDUHZMWpJBnoY9zjB5TtiuBnlXvkOurH9CEFzgVi5iYUqbmHB3tOTHW6Hctyx_p/s640/blogger-image-1199252623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q-wYRpYK9VbOgxcO4vE43rozYC8Tl_MVGnfe-xGJo3rte6zu2whjif_6jM2esZvZ-sZd0q1_7sAN6SDUHZMWpJBnoY9zjB5TtiuBnlXvkOurH9CEFzgVi5iYUqbmHB3tOTHW6Hctyx_p/s640/blogger-image-1199252623.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-23454558898118958242013-02-01T09:55:00.001-08:002013-02-01T10:08:24.015-08:00Home 11 Days!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi everyone. I wanted to touch bases with everyone as I know there are so many of you out there praying for our Finley. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have been home from the hospital 11 days now. It's been a crazy ride but we are settling in. We had a birthday party last weekend and Finley had a blast. She had been looking forward to this Disneyland party for weeks and I could not bring myself to not let her go. I knew the pee and poo were going to be our issues-- and they were-- but it was such a wonderful time with Ava and Laila that I could not keep her home. She managed well and had an amazing time. Im adding a few pics of our time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are continuing to pray that Finley's bowel and bladder function will return. We still have no function at all. We have to catheterize her every 5 hours and we are on a bowel management program that is tricky. The catheterizing is pretty easy but something you have to think ahead about and that is not my strong suit. We had to go to the Dr. for a urine specimen and we got almost all the way there and I realized I forgot her Cath bag that has all her goodies for cathing and called the Dr. to see if they had any catheters there - NOPE-- so I had to go all the way home to grab catheters--Ugg! I just am not good about remembering all that--shoot I cant even remember diapers for Emery so this has been a challenge. Im sure I will get use to it but its been a challenge. The poo thing is another thing all together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">---- This is TMI so if you dont want to read about poo-- skip this--</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At this point there is no bowel function. The key to a bowel regimen is to get the poo to a certain consistency and train the brain to signal having a bowel movement at the same time every day-- right after dinner. The trick is to have the stool travel down and be ready to void at the same predictable time each day and it to come out formed so it is not too loose and causes cross contamination with the urine-- catheterizing. The problem is in the early stages of the bowel regimen it is hard to know how to get the stool to that consistency. Incontinent kids tend towards constipation so they often need stool softeners to help keep it soft. Furthermore they often need a laxative to get the bowels to push out what is ready to come out. Finley eats a super high fiber diet with tons of fruit and vegys. We were also giving her miralax to keep the poo soft but I think we were overdoing it and this early on it is tricky and you have to kind of experiment to get it right. At first when she was discharged it was just coming out at will all day. It was horrible and since Fin has some feeling down there (which is an awesome sign that function might someday return) she was very uncomfy with anything in her diaper. We then got it to a good consistency and then started up on the miralax and it got too loose again last weekend and we had some major accidents at Disneyland. We have discontinued the miralax thinking she is getting enough fiber in her diet and now things have firmed up and she is back in panties and no diaper-- yaaa!! If we can maintain the consistency then we should have no leaks in between her nightly bowel movement and she should easily be able to wear undies. She does not leak any urine (which is another good sign of possible return of function) so panties are manageable. Out of all the things that Finley has to deal with, she hates the bowel part the most. She hates sitting on the toilet and hates pushing (which she can push which is another great sign of return function). We give her a glycerin suppository before sitting her down and that seems to get things moving pretty well. So, as you can tell, the bowel regimen is tricky and while it is super easy once things have settled, it takes time to get it perfected-- if it ever can be perfect :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have had a few hickups this week that are side effects of the catheterizing. With incontinent kids, you are having to push a catheter in many times a day--- hence pushing bacteria in as well. When a kid in a diaper has poo all over, they then pee and it clears the ureter and any contamination is pushed out. With a cathed kid, we can clean the area as much as possible, but we are then pushing in and bacteria ends up inside the bladder. Consequently, kids that cath OFTEN urinary tract infections. Many of these kids are put on a daily dose of antibiotics to keep the infection away. Unfortunately, after only 13 days of cathings, Finley has her first UTI. She had a fever and was not feeling well and we could tell her urine had all the symptoms of a UTI. She has been on antibiotics for 2 days now and she is now better but I worry about having to fight this all the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-----OK, TMI is done -------</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So that is what is up with all the bowel and bladder stuff. We are still praying for Finley to be healed and the function to return. There are tons of kids who live with incontinence their whole lives and it is no big deal and they are as normal as can be-- you would never know they are incontinent and if that is what Finley's future is we are totally fine and prepared for it. The hard part of this is that Finley has been a continent kid up until surgery. She took care of her own needs and did it well. To now be 100% dependent on us to cath and deal with her bowels is really hard. I mourn her loss-- I really do. It breaks my heart that this happened but I also know God is HUGE and has a plan and if that plan is to return function then it will happen and if it is for Finley to be incontinent her whole life then that is what we deal with. God knows and has it under control. We have faith in that!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finley is off school for 6-8 weeks. We have enrolled her in home hospital through the school district and they send a teacher to our house 5 days a week for an hour each time. It is great!!! Her teacher is a first grade teacher who is awesome. She is working one on one with Fin and really pushing her to improve her skills. Fin loves working with her and we are so very pleased this is available to us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fin had a physical therapy eval this week and they honestly said there is not much to work on besides working on strength in the one leg. Her limp is gone and she is really back to normal in her motor function. I think she is a little hesitant to jump off things but overall, she can run and jump like normal. We are not letting her do those things yet but she can do them so we are not going to do physical therapy at this point-- she just doesn't need it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We go to the spina bifida clinic next Wednesday and we will be able to get a lot of help with all this stuff. Im anxious to hear what they think about return of function as well as more help with the bowel and bladder stuff. The RN at the SB clinic has been awesome and has guided me through a lot of this. I have also had lots of wonderful woman on my Facebook Spina Bifida support group that have given me lots of tips and essentially took me through this whole bowel thing. Honestly, without these woman, I have no idea what I would have done. We were discharged with little to no guidance on the bowel thing and if I didnt have these woman Finley would probably be in diapers with no regimen at all. These woman have been invaluable!!!!! Thanks ladies-- you are the best!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The other kids are doing well. We are all managing through this and it has taken us all to gather together and support each other. The kids have been great and our family support is always invaluable. Thank you all for your prayer. We cant tell you how much it has meant to us in this tough time. This is a lot for all of us and has taken a lot of adjustments in our lives and in Finley's too. We continue to appreciate your prayers specifically for Finley's bowel and bladder function to return!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mommy and Finley</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the girls at the party on the tea cup. What a fun party Laila threw-- the girls wanted for nothing-- what a special time for all the girls and specifically for Ava-- front right- she had a wonderful bday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea Cups-- love the look on Emery's face</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Laila booked a character breakfast which the girls loved!!!! They got to see a ton of their favorite characters and get their autographs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gotta love tinkerbell</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And Silvermist</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And Auntie Laura got all the girls face painting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finley sorting the little people for her teacher</span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-59678743075077211302013-01-26T12:50:00.001-08:002013-01-26T12:50:57.297-08:005 days homeHi guys I'm so sorry I haven't posted for so long but it is we were discharge fromthe hospital things just started To get super busy and I haven't had any downtime all week. Finley is doing great. Her motor function is doing awesome and she does not have a limp anymore. We have a physical therapy evaluation on Monday to determine if she needs services but other than that her motor is doing awesome.<br />
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The one side effect that we have had from surgery is the continued loss of bowel and bladder function. We still do not have either of those back yet but we are praying that they will come back in time. The neurosurgeon seem to think that she is in spinal shock right now and with all the swelling its going to take some time for those functions to come back. They may never come back or they may come back - we honestly don't know. We are treating it as if they will never come back so we can be prepared and excited if function returns. Really, all of this is a lot easier than I thought. Catheterizing is totally easy and something that we will teach Finley how to do herself very soon. The bowel regimen is coming along and we are working on perfecting that but we've made tremendous progress this week and it seems to be just a once a day thing thats really no big deal. I would really appreciate prayer for the two areas that they will return. I just don't want Fin to have to deal with it for the rest of her life but if that is what God has planned for her then we will make it work. <br />
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The neuro wants Finley off school for six weeks minimum and possibly longer. I have gone through the process to get her placed on home hospital teaching which basically means they send a teacher to the house for one hour a day five days a week which is totally awesome in my mind. The teacher just called this morning and she is going to start on Monday so hopefully Finley will not fall behind in her academics. <br />
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So, we have a lot of things going on but all of them are in the right direction we're feeling pretty good right now. Finley is an amazing strong kid that has just gone along with all of it like it was nothing. The bowel regimine, the cathing, all of this has been nothing for her and she has just taken it in stride. She's truly an amazing miracle child and we feel so blessed to call our daughter. <br />
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We have an amazingly fun next two days with our friend ava's birthday party at Disneyland so I will update with the pictures from that. Thank you guys so much for all your continued prayer and again sorry for taking so long update but all is going well.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-39259328929021190372013-01-21T15:14:00.001-08:002013-01-21T15:14:11.523-08:00Discharged!!!!!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3Je1Itt2uhoZMAhQo7Ir2Yh5hTjWxRA_MoLUhyphenhyphen6roGV6D21ao9fWMlYB0gAo5SJrsJ8ftGiIcDxPhZVBVuuNQuCmb8kGZhxitWGZuVIRtYuY_KLVS7kZRQ3Ua9bI9ia-2MjDVL-94GS3/s640/blogger-image--1456122575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3Je1Itt2uhoZMAhQo7Ir2Yh5hTjWxRA_MoLUhyphenhyphen6roGV6D21ao9fWMlYB0gAo5SJrsJ8ftGiIcDxPhZVBVuuNQuCmb8kGZhxitWGZuVIRtYuY_KLVS7kZRQ3Ua9bI9ia-2MjDVL-94GS3/s640/blogger-image--1456122575.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-46267454581282140692013-01-21T09:02:00.001-08:002013-01-21T09:02:29.013-08:00Discharge day!!!Praying today is the day they let fin go home. She is so excited but it may not be till later today but if she is in her own bed tonight- life will be perfect!!! We are done with the hospital. Seriously??? You are supposed to heal and sleep in that noisy place? Almost impossible. Our roommate left yesterday evening so the bed next to us was empty all night and fin is not on any prescriptions so they hardly came in at all and we slept so much better!!! At least we slept well the last night-lol!!!<br />
<br />
Neuro came by and is getting a urology consult and they should come by this morning sometime. We still have no bowel and bladder function so we will be going home catheterizing her and putting her on a bowel regimine. She does not seem to have any feeling down there and while the neuro said that is normal after her type of surgery, he also said function and feeling may never come back and that it may as well. He said it could take months. We are specifically praying for her full feeling and function for her bowel and bladder to return. She has been a continent little girl her whole life so having to be cathed and have a regimine to move her bowels is a very uncomfortable place for her. She is a trooper and taking it in stride but its been hard. It's been hard for me to process the lack of feeling and function. I thjnk I went into this surgery not thinking this might be the end result. Didnt even think she would<br />
Lose her bowel/ bladder function. I thought we caught it early enough before surgery but when you have that invasive a surgery where you are dealing with nerves,<br />
Lots can happen. I'm trying to be strong for fin and not make her any more uncomfy than she already is but this has been a lot to process both intellectually as well as emotionally. Yesterday was a hit the wall day where I was literally hanging on by a thread and the second I went home to shower I just lost it. The loss I feel for fin losing these basic life functions is overwhelming. I grieve for this and while she still has a great chance of function returning, I'm just not going to cling to that and them be heartbroken when it doesn't. I think we will need to treat it as if its gone for good and then be surprised when it returns. I'm feeling better this morning and my emotional state is much better. <br />
<br />
It looks like today is our discharge day. We are not sure When but should be sometime today. I'm so thankful as my Tuesday and Wednesday at work is psychotically busy so it will be nice to be able to not have to find replacements for all my meetings. Fin is sooooooo excited to go home. Literally giddy! She is such a homebody that this has not been easy on her and she has been a trooper through the crazy ER time to the two sedated MRI 's through the 8.5 hour surgery and three days of laying flat in bed without her head even being elevated to being poked and prodded for numerous blood draws and iv lines and being cathed many times a day. She has taken it in stride and has been such a trooper. I'm so impressed by her. <br />
<br />
The neuro that did the surgery just came in and he's hooking her up for everything including physical therapy so they are supposed to come in and consult today as well. You can see the genuine distress by our dr. He said electrophysiologically she is in tact so this is why he can't understand her level of loss. He was just scratching his head and genuinely concerned. He says he really doesn't know if it will return. He says its within the realm of possibility. To see his disappointment and having him apologize just broke my heart. He is such a gentle wonderful man and I told him that either way she was losing function and we HAD to do surgery one way or the other. I told him that if it comes back that is what we pray for and that is great but if this is what God has for her then we will take it in stride and deal with it. God made finley into a strong little girl and he did that for a reason. If this is her challenge then we will take it and run with it. God is good all the time and there is a reason for all of this. <br />
<br />
They are having 2 urology tests done before discharge- one ultrasound and one invasive one- ugg! This will give the urologist info on her functioning before they see her Wednesday. They will also have physical therapy consult and they are ordering her 6 weeks of PT as well as 6 weeks of home hospital school. <br />
<br />
So that is it for now. Please continue to pray for return of function. Pray for finleys emotions and ours as well. I'll update you soon!!<br />
<br />
Sent from my iPhone <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zGlUplX1RXhHbXdOml598AvyAiu_yHoYOQh8ctzTXeGuXOaCKPiHuwDf5P7xQvVZODgyVjMszv87PTOHt2g0BsQsmhh9eZm6ovi9noc-kcJnW3fRhXtekiPh6WfAjoavepBv_7odIoZc/s640/blogger-image-957743753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zGlUplX1RXhHbXdOml598AvyAiu_yHoYOQh8ctzTXeGuXOaCKPiHuwDf5P7xQvVZODgyVjMszv87PTOHt2g0BsQsmhh9eZm6ovi9noc-kcJnW3fRhXtekiPh6WfAjoavepBv_7odIoZc/s640/blogger-image-957743753.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-37219703439403763712013-01-20T12:04:00.001-08:002013-01-20T12:04:17.245-08:00Off bed rest!!!Already have been on a big walk outside and to the cafe for some<br />
Mushroom soup!! She's happy as can be. Even ran into dr Zouros in the lobby and he said she was moving like she had never even had surgery!! He was impressed!!! Now we need to get the pee and poo going and we are good to go! Still thinking tomorrow for discharge Yaaa!!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneo5vSAbFXxAd3nP_PlDtYu46T9S6lhexiwS1Hq33VRH56UK8KTutxPvskPQ69lM7-vaR7O5lnzVk4K0q5_iagFGz6D9567dP_hdsHE6lHd4y-RgymFOac804bsTIJo2l3Eh-kYd356Da/s640/blogger-image-793351168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneo5vSAbFXxAd3nP_PlDtYu46T9S6lhexiwS1Hq33VRH56UK8KTutxPvskPQ69lM7-vaR7O5lnzVk4K0q5_iagFGz6D9567dP_hdsHE6lHd4y-RgymFOac804bsTIJo2l3Eh-kYd356Da/s640/blogger-image-793351168.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXawlP1v-47V36BWVaYnKN7CayNcxPuOb2Q8J18Fc-4we4yWadabgjVzHW8KB1b4lNZgkfZca_ZYoFd36EeHq9u7-Sr1aUARwOifoViBCU5GWNboA0fenPQKQHNo_BUFTQ0cPetDF3BQ0J/s640/blogger-image--507274846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXawlP1v-47V36BWVaYnKN7CayNcxPuOb2Q8J18Fc-4we4yWadabgjVzHW8KB1b4lNZgkfZca_ZYoFd36EeHq9u7-Sr1aUARwOifoViBCU5GWNboA0fenPQKQHNo_BUFTQ0cPetDF3BQ0J/s640/blogger-image--507274846.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-72537048157024677702013-01-19T23:17:00.001-08:002013-01-19T23:17:28.191-08:00Day 2 post opToday was a great day for Finley. She was in good spirits and had lots of visitors. She was happy all day and really seemed like back to normal. She is still on flat bed rest but will hopefully be taken off laying flat tomorrow sometime. The neuro came by this morning and since fin still can't get the pee out he wanted me to learn to cath her as he said lots of kids that have this invasive a surgery do not get bladder function back for a few moths- yikes!! He said 30% of kids will never get function back but since she feels the need to go but just can't go- that's a good thing. Please specifically pray for this. The neuro said she will probably be released Monday afternoon IF her bowels get moving. She has yet to have a BM (sorry of this is tmi) but if everything is flowing appropriately then Monday should be our day. Please also pray for that. I literally can't miss work Tuesday. I have 5 BIG meetings I can't miss - and wednesday is no better and if she is still in the hospital things are going to be difficult. We will make it work but a Monday release will make life super easy. <br />
<br />
Fin has had to be flat on her side this whole time but had gone into the bathroom to try to pee and when she does she walks normal--yaaaa!! She was kind of jetting her leg to the side this morning like she was when she was limping but I told her to walk correctly and she did!!! Yaaa!!! They seem to think that tomorrow when she is able to get out of bed and everything starts moving again that all those functions will also get better. We are praying that is the case. Even if everything does not come back (bladder) then cathing isn't too hard and we will make it work. <br />
<br />
So tomorrow is one day closer to discharge. Again, specifically pray for her bladder and bowel function to return. That is huge and we would appreciate all the prayer we can get. <br />
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Praying for a good night sleep. I'll update tomorrow!!!<br />
<br />
Christy :) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSwRC30J0EuOUnJMGwTQinzfI5RUw3BeizM-5IZ33I5K7i2HX7IxSQOLTKOodNfVa_scqPItTQaqU7nbsrCAslePCyhY0FJjRhzsVQg6v_cA0MOQpDj2ZZ-I-Y6q3NFfKO526oecFTzvU/s640/blogger-image--1315403558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSwRC30J0EuOUnJMGwTQinzfI5RUw3BeizM-5IZ33I5K7i2HX7IxSQOLTKOodNfVa_scqPItTQaqU7nbsrCAslePCyhY0FJjRhzsVQg6v_cA0MOQpDj2ZZ-I-Y6q3NFfKO526oecFTzvU/s640/blogger-image--1315403558.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtEDJz1QEMg66qaSflMZ7Cv_YMMpUpCdOQo25RZz2LQbdogXpmzvbSVOPx6jhyCh2PqJd6RoHSsQMPypE4-W1noevTa7WJpPglTBKREd-gc0WhaVjUyLQjEZP0WcL_ZYoyrv7ovxHb2Y7/s640/blogger-image--357088673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtEDJz1QEMg66qaSflMZ7Cv_YMMpUpCdOQo25RZz2LQbdogXpmzvbSVOPx6jhyCh2PqJd6RoHSsQMPypE4-W1noevTa7WJpPglTBKREd-gc0WhaVjUyLQjEZP0WcL_ZYoyrv7ovxHb2Y7/s640/blogger-image--357088673.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-90400148850382691392013-01-18T23:15:00.001-08:002013-01-18T23:15:34.314-08:00Day 1 post opSorry for the lack of updates today. Ill start from last night. Today overall Was pretty darn good. Finley slept well last night (night after surgery). Not much pain. They only have her on Motrin. Crazy. But she's fine. Ive asked her a ton of times if she is in pain and she says shes fine. She has been eating and drinking well all night after her mri this morning was done. she had to have an "after" sedated MRI this morning which I was not overly happy about but she ended up sleeping really well for a while today. <br />
<br />
The neuro came in this morning and took her catheter out and we are hoping she will have full sensation to pee. So far, she feels like she needs to pee but when she sits on the toilet she can't get the pee out. They say this is common after surgery not to be able to pee for a while but im a little freaked out because we have had to cath her twice which worries me. She was fully continent before surgery so we praying she will still be after surgery. Please pray specifically for this. <br />
<br />
I was so excited this morning to have been able to meet dr Zouros who was the dr who consulted on finleys file before we accepted her referral. It was his recommendation that gave us the final push we needed to accept her referral and now here we are - crazy!!! He rounded with dr Sadanand who is our neuro that follows fin and he did the surgery yesterday. Dr Sadanand gave me more info in the surgery yesterday and he said that because Finley was so unusually tethered that there ended up being a ton of people in the OR with a ton of medical students and residents. He said there was quite a gallery of people watching as her level of tethering is something they rarely see. He also said all the students and others were equally shocked when dr Sadanand told them that with all that tethering that she was fully continent with no limitations. They were shocked she was not horribly disabled and couldn't believe she was a super high functioning kid that only started having symptoms as of Saturday. She is a miracle!!<br />
<br />
We are struggling with her staying on her side or stomach. I almost wish she could be on her back as that is her natural way of laying. I'm constantly checking her and moving her back into her side. They don't want her to put pressure on the wound so that's why she's not in her back. Dr Sadanand and Zouros said that if she has no leaks of cerebral spinal fluid and she is able to pee and poop ok that we will be discharged at the earliest on Monday. Could be longer if there are issues but we are praying for Monday. <br />
<br />
Finleys spirits were Better today. I think it's sinking in that we are in for the long haul but she does keep asking to go home. Owen and Mia visited today and last night emery came in for a few. My parents came last night and today as well as some Wonderful people from our church. Tomorrow we are having lots of visitors so I'm sure Finley will be entertained. <br />
<br />
So that was today. I'll update tomorrow. Please specifically pray for her bladder to go back to normal. Thanks Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6594104189026950182.post-58848213431201572522013-01-17T18:23:00.001-08:002013-01-17T18:23:26.391-08:00Talking like crazy. Eating ice chips. Being sassy as can be. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRCRRkrZXk9XTgWy6XqOpv1SFNoNG6CHTIoseshdOVizakVXDNzZi5AFwiBX1h6rzI8tdz0O3SUYq2C7s4gFWIwvTRhBvixHnE_XwuwA_7nVbuvksE6_VwLiFqQKtlf-jwNXJVO5TU3CU/s640/blogger-image-939258009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRCRRkrZXk9XTgWy6XqOpv1SFNoNG6CHTIoseshdOVizakVXDNzZi5AFwiBX1h6rzI8tdz0O3SUYq2C7s4gFWIwvTRhBvixHnE_XwuwA_7nVbuvksE6_VwLiFqQKtlf-jwNXJVO5TU3CU/s640/blogger-image-939258009.jpg" /></a></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03077047658906478290noreply@blogger.com4