Spelling it out...

Back in October, Caden came home with a letter.  Every week he gets a new list of spelling words.  Each week we practice them, and usually take a 'mock' test.  This particular week I was not able to be there to do the mock test.  Shawn did it with him, and he wrote the words in this green notebook. 

Somehow this notebook ended up going with him to school...and this was the result.

I was extremely saddened, and somewhat embarrassed, but we had a talk.  We talked about how cheating is dishonest, and not something we should do.  I thought he understood.  That was until today...when he came home with this...

Needless to say I was/am dissapointed.  Not only did he get a zero for thoday...I have no idea how long he has been doing this.  I am so sad that he has felt like it was okay to do this and for so long.  The crazy thing is that he KNOWS these words!  In fact, for the test today we had practiced them, and he recited me the spelling of them.  For whatever reason, when it came to actually taking the real test he panics, and feels like he can't get them right and this was the only answer. 

Then comes the "Mom Guilt"...this year I have had loads of it.  I feel like between getting pregnant, and Caden getting sick in December...I have been living in a blur.  Just trying to survive the day.  I hate feeling that way.  Not having the energy or motivation to really do what I 'think' I should be doing for my kids.  This note has got me baffled...

Where in the world did I go wrong?   I am trying to figure out how to really handle this.  Not only did he get caught today, but it was clear that he had been doing this for months!  Each week I would congratulate him for his spelling test...yet he was CHEATING, and then lying to us.  I just don't get it.  How do I help him understand that it is okay to miss some?  That he doesn't have to get everything right.  He was so afraid to get them wrong he felt this was the only solution!  The part that gets me is that he knows that it was wrong, but in the same breath...doesn't seem to feel really bad about it. 

I know he is only in the 1st grade, and maybe it was somewhat innocent because ultimately he just wants to be good.  That is the problem...he wants so badly to be good that he makes bad choices thinking they are okay.  He is so afraid of making mistakes, and getting things wrong.  What can I do to help him?  Part of me wants to just yell at him because I can't believe that it has been going on for so long...but I know in the end anger will do nothing.  I just want him to understand that I love him...that he doesn't have to be perfect.  I want him to have confidence in himself to know that he really is a smart kid!  He doesn't need a 'cheat sheet'!  

Have you ever had a cheater?? How did you handle it? 

Test Results

So yesterday ticked by slowly.  We did what we could to keep ourselves occupied while at the hospital.  Cardon's does a great job at doing what they can to entertain the kids, and make the best out of a bad situation.  In the late afternoon he was invited to go paint in the 'playroom.'  We were sick of sitting around, so we took a walk over the check it out. 

They had a choice to either paint a birdhouse or a car.  Caden picked the car.  The best part was that he didn't even want it for himself.  He painted away, all the while talking about how cool Thomas was going to think it was. 

It was nice to keep our mind off of things, and just enjoy the moment.  He was in much higher spirits.  They had dialed back his fluids and seemed to be coping well.  He still had a nasty cough, and not much of an appetite, but otherwise okay. 

I figured since it was almost 2, and I hadn't heard from the doctor that could mean two things.  1.Either we were staying another day or 2. Everything thing came back good, and they were just getting things in order for us to be discharged. Sometimes no news is good news, right.  So that was a little comforting.  After we were done painting we headed back to the room, and shortly the doctor came in.

The CT Scan was completely clean!  HALLELUJAH!  (Part of me wanted them to find something just to explain all this craziness, and also to stick it to them for treating me like an idiot.  The other part was relieved that according to the scan all of his stomach area looked perfect!)  When they do a CT scan of the abdomen, it also captures a little bit of the lower parts of the lungs.  It showed there that was some sort of something in the lower part of his left lung.  Which is probably a result of the other respiratory stuff he has been dealing with.

All of his bloodwork came back normal too.  His CO2  and electrolytes had come back up, and his liver and pancreas enzymes had normalized.  So they felt that it was okay to discharge him.  Although I still have no idea what made my little Caden so sick, atleast this time around I feel alot better about him being discharged.  I feel like we did all we could, checked all the bases, and are sure that things are back to normal before sending us on our way. They gave us an antibiotic to fight the respiratory stuff he is dealing with so hopefully that is all he will need to get back to complete health. 

Shawn was on his way with our other 2 kiddos to visit us when we got the news of his discharge so it was great timing.  My heart swelled while driving home.  They all missed each other so much.  Sydney was in hysterical laughter the entire way home from Caden's antics.  I hope they are as good friends when they are older as they are now. 

Thanks for all your concern and prayers.  Now lets just pray he can continue to improve because I think I will absolutely lose it if I have to see another hospital.

A Lovely Christmas...and Then the Ball Dropped...literally

After spending 6 days in the hospital I was relieved to go home.  At the same time I was uneasy with the answers that I got from the doctors at the hospital.  I felt like I never got any answers, and nothing their conventional way of treating Pancreatitis were working so they threw their hands in the air, and said... lets do the complete opposite.  Since he was able to keep everything down, we were free to go.  I hated leaving not really knowing why Caden got so sick, but desperately wanted to be home for Christmas so I didn't argue.  I just wondered when/if the ball was ever going to drop.

Christmas was wonderful!  It was great to all be together again.  To not switch time at the hospital, and figure out what to do with the kids.  Caden was in high spirits being able to eat again, and everything seemed like it was heading in the right direction.  He did seem more tired than usual, but we chalked it all up from being sick for 2 weeks

We had an appointment with our Pediatrician a few days after his discharge that showed good results.  His enzyme levels were coming down, and he was gaining back weight he had lost.  YAY!  We scheduled an additional appointment the Wednesday after Christmas (Dec. 29th) to make sure he was continuing to gain weight. 

That morning Caden woke up with a pretty crummy cough.  It was kinda a bummer because it isn't like you can do anything about a cold/cough.  We went to his appt. and he had gained back all his weight, besides his cough...he seemed okay.  Dr. M said to keep an eye on him, and if he got sicker then to bring him in. 

Thursday morning Caden woke up again complaining that his cough was still bothering him.  By the evening he began to get the chills, and we watched his temp rise.  We gave him some medicine, and a bath to try to bring down the fever.  Then he went to bed.  Late in the night he woke up vomiting.  He proceeded to vomit 4 times, and his fever persisted. 

My heart sank.

Instead of ringing in the New Year....my ball had dropped early.

We called our Pediatrician in the morning and unfortunately the office was closed due to the holiday.  She recommended us to go back to the ER.  Because of our past experience, Shawn was not too keen on going back there immediately.  He wanted to exhaust all other options.  So instead I took him to an urgent care down the street from our house.  They weren't much help.  All they did was throw a prescription for a z-pack and sent us on our way.

We started him on the antibiotics with hopes that it would kick whatever he was dealing with.  Friday involved alot of sleep, but still a persistent fever.  We pushed the liquids, and waited to see improvement.  He only vomited twice that day, and that was when I tried to give him medicine to bring down the fever.  

We didn't want the other kids to miss out of the fun of ringing in the New Year.  We had been invited to celebrate with some friends across the street.  So we took turns tending to Caden, but tried to enjoy ourselves in the meantime.  This was one of first years that Arizona allowed the purchasing of fireworks (although they were supposed to only be ones that stay on the ground) so our kids were able to enjoy things a little differently.  Our neighbor actually drove to New Mexico, and got some awesome 'real' ones that they set off.  It was quite the show...we were just glad the cops didn't show up.

Saturday, Caden still was not improving so we took him into Phoenix Childrens Urgent Care.  That is where things got a little crazy.  The nice thing about this urgent care is they are capable of doing some things that alot of other facilities can't.  They did a chest x-ray, and ruled out pneumonia.  They drew some blood, and sent it off to the lab.  They also determined that although we were trying to keep him drinking lots of fluids...he had become moderately dehydrated.  They hooked him up to an i.v., and gave him a bolus of fluid while we were waiting to get the results from the blood draw.

The doctor there was very concerned.  He felt that Caden was in a pretty severe condition, and needed immediate care.  He felt like he may have never truly recovered from his pancreatitis, and recommended a CT Scan.  He and the nurses there felt it necessary that he be sent in an ambulance instead of being driven.  I was a wreck.  I just wanted my dear sweet Caden be better!  The ambulance was called, and we were on our way.

We arrived at Cardon Children's Hospital where they went to work.  They drew blood again, and this is where I started getting upset.  After a few hours passed the blood tests came back.  The doctor made me feel dumb for taking an ambulance to the ER.  He said that yes, his tests came back, and he was moderately dehydrated ...but basically it was unnecessary to arrive in an ambulance!  Besides the blood work that came back showing he was dehydrated...the ER had much different results from the urgent care. 

I just didn't understand how one doctor could think Caden was in such a condition that he required immediate attention, and then another doctor treat me like an idiot.  Nevertheless, they admitted Caden for moderate to severe dehydration.  His levels of sodium and sugar in his blood were extremely low.  The doctor said that if they were much lower Caden could have seizures.  They kept giving him fluids, and did another blood draw in the morning. 

Sunday morning his blood tests came back and of course since he had been pumped with fluids they were improving.  The doctor I met with that day made me very frustrated.  You know how some people carry a certain arrogance with them...well she did.  Before I could even open my mouth she proceeded to tell me that this had nothing to do with his previous hospital stay.  That he unfortunately got another stomach bug.  Any question I had...she shot down with quick answers.  Then she said...yeah...he looks great!  (Duh!  he is plugged into something that is giving him lots of fluid...don't you think you would feel great too!)  She left, and I felt defeated.  She wouldn't even visit the fact that it may be connected.  Wouldn't even think about giving him a CT scan to make sure...because in her mind he looked great...his levels didn't indicate a problem, and of course she felt it was unrelated.

I contacted Caden's pediatrician, and broke down.  This has been one of the hardest months.  I have had such a hard time watching my normally healthy boy get extremely sick.  They pump him with fluids, make him happy, and then send us on our way with no real answer to what is going on other than it is a 'virus.'  Luckily I have an awesome pediatrician who really went to bat for me.  She was able to talk to the attending doctor, and we were able to have a CT scan done on his abdomen yesterday evening.  It may come back clean, but atleast we will know there isn't something there causing him these problems.

I have yet to hear from the doctor today, but will try to update as soon as possible. Until then...we wait!

While we were sick

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and acts of service towards our family this past couple weeks.  I have been overwhelmed by the outpour, and extremely grateful for the love we felt from all.  From the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Since Sunday, Caden has been doing great.  He has been able to keep everything he eats or drinks down!  His spunky personality is back.  He continues to improve, and although he thinks he is totally better...his body tells him otherwise.  He has ended up falling asleep by 5 or 5:30!  We went and saw the pediatrician on Tuesday, and she ordered another set of labs.   On Wednesday she called to let us know that his pancreatic enzyme levels had dropped down to 247!!! (They were nearing the 1200's when we were discharged from the hospital)  So we are so glad to see that things were finally going in the right direction. 

While we were sick...life still went on.  We spent alot of time trading off at the hospital, and trying to make sure our other 2 kiddos didn't feel neglected.  Sydney had her dance recital on Saturday (before we were in the hospital, but when Caden was still sick).  She has been taking lessons from Liz in our ward, and has been loving it!  It was so much fun to see her perform. 

Shawn, I and the 2 older kids were supposed to go to an evening showing of Annie at Broadway Palm, but it ended up being a Mommy & Syd date.  We had a great time.  Sydney really loves to sing, and loved watching the 'little' girls up there. 

On Monday (Dec. 13), Shawn worked from home so I could go in and help Sydney's class decorate gingerbread houses.  I love going to my kids classrooms.  I am thankful that I was still able to go.  We had such a fun time.

Shawn took the 2 younger ones to see our neighborhood Santa. 

Sydney had a stockpile of pictures and letters that she had written for Santa and was so excited to give them to him. 

Oh...and this is what happens when your husband dresses your kids. hahahaha

Thanks to Amazon, I was able to get most of my shopping done! I braved the crowds yesterday to get some last minute things, but I am thankful to say that we are ready! Wahoo!

I hope that your Christmas is filled with joy and no sickness!!!

We don't want to go fishing...

The night went well!  They finished out the TPN, and Caden was so excited when he woke up and was not 'hooked up' to anything. 

I was a little confused when I talked to the nurse to see when the results of the blood draw would be back.  She said that Dr. G hadn't ordered one.  I guess I just figured that they would want to see what eating food would do to his levels.  

When Dr. G came in he explained that he 'didn't want to go fishing for something he didn't want to find.'  Basically, Caden looked great (heck he was bouncing off the walls).  He couldn't be happier to be able to eat food, and drink.  The doctor said that it can take quite awhile for his enzyme levels to come down.  If we did a test and if the levels were higher, he would have to take a different action. Since he was able to keep everything down, and had no complaints of abdominal pain.....WE WOULD GET TO COME HOME!!

He still needed to talk to his G.I. contact, but if he agreed...then discharge orders would come.  So we took a little walk of the hospital, and tried to pass some time while waiting for the decision. We got back to our room, and then was invited to go decorate gingerbread houses.  While there Dr. G came and visited us.

He said that the other doctor agreed!  So we are home now!  We will see our regular pediatrician in a few days, and have to set up an appointment with a Gastrointestinal Dr. in a few weeks for some follow up labs.  We are so thankful to be home, yet at the same time I hope that he continues to improve.   I definitely don't want to see another hospital room for a while!

Thanks for your prayers, and thoughts of well wishes! 

"Spinning our Wheels"

So the last few days have brought alot of the same.

We continued with bowel rest. Which is supposed to make the pancreatic enzymes lower. Caden's did the opposite. Each day they would draw blood...and each day they got higher.

To kinda give you an idea. If you were to draw blood from a 'normal' person, their pancreatic enzymes would register anywhere from 10 to 140.

Caden's started at 990 then went down slightly to 914. They said if he had more bowel rest...then it should continue to decrease. Yesterday his levels were at 1143! They finally got the PICC line in, and my hopes were that this mornings results would have lower enzymes, but they didn't! It was very frustrating!

The doctor even made the comment that it felt like we were 'spinning our wheels.' I thought...You are telling me this!?? Ha! In any normal treatment for pancreatitis his levels should be coming down, but they weren't. He scheduled an ultrasound to make sure there wasn't a psuedocyst on his pancreas that was excreting fluid. The ultrasound came back clean (yay!), and since their current treatment wasn't working......

THEY LET HIM EAT FOOD!!!!!

I can't tell you how happy my boy was just to eat some jello, yogurt, and a scoop of mashed potatoes. I think the thing he loved the most was being able to drink GATORADE! I made the mistake of bringing one in on the first day we were here, and he had been asking for one since.

So far he has been able to keep everything down, and there have been no signs of abdominal pain...so that is a good sign.

They also are going to stop the TPN, and see how he does not being hooked up to anything. (Another yay!)

This day started out with nothing too promising, but ended with lots of good things. Now I am just holding my breath for the results after tomorrow mornings blood draw. I hope that all this 'good stuff' doesn't end up setting us back with even worse blood work!

Till tomorrow!

The Road to Recovery

I know some are wondering what on earth has been happening so here is the low down...

Sunday:  Took Caden to Phoenix Children's Urgent Care Facility.  They determined he had a case of gastroenuritis that hit him really hard.  They were surprised that his vitals were dbetter than he physically appeared.  He was given 1200 cc's of fluid.  He looked a little better after the fluids, but still was lethargic.  They sent us home, and said that if he didn't improve he should see his regular pediatrician.

Monday:  Things looked hopeful.  Caden got through the night without vomiting!  He was still really weak, but for once he was awake (he pretty much spent last Wed - Sunday sleeping), he would talk to me, and he seemed to be improving.  We had phone contact with his Dr., and she had me give him 15ml of water every 15 min to try to keep him hydrated.  He was able to keep that all down, and even had some tortilla chips & a roll without it coming back up.  The only problem was he was still really weak, and somewhat lethargic.  We kinda chalked it up to the fact that he hadn't eaten for over 5 days, and it was going to take some time to get his strength back.

Tuesday:  Another night of no vomiting (Yay!), but he still was super weak.  He actually wanted to have some of the toast that I had made for Sydney so I gave him a piece.  He only got through half of it again before he vomited.  I spoke with his Dr., and she wanted to see him herself because since he got sick she physically hadn't seen him (he was seen by a different doctor in the practice.)  So that afternoon I dropped Thomas off at Anna's, and arranged to have Sydney dropped off there when she was done with school.  Then we headed to the pediatrician.  When we got there she said that he was still dehydrated.  She wanted to rule out appendicitis so she sent us to the ER.  At the ER they ordered a full work up of tests.  After bloodwork came back he was admitted to the hospital.  His liver & pancreas enzymes were elevated.  They felt that it was still a bad stomach bug, but now was affecting his liver and pancreas.  He got an IV to keep him hydrated, and ordered a blood draw for the morning. 

Wednesday:  The morning brought on the needle so they could draw some blood for testing.  Test results showed that his liver enzymes had come down a little, but his pancreas enzymes were  rising.  He was ordered to be on bowel rest (no food or water) for 24 hours due to viral pancreatitis.  This day was just spent hanging out getting fluids, eating ice chips & sips of water.  There hope is that with no water or food it would help his pancreas lie dormant, and let the enzyme levels come down.

Thursday:  That brings us to today.  Blood was drawn in the early morning hours, and we waited for the results.  His pancreas has stablized, but it is still inflamed...in other words...his enzymes didn't get higher, but it didn't really get lower either.  His white blood cell count is really low, but the other concern is that there was a drop in his hemoglobin.  Right now they are going to keep an eye on it.  They are planning on inserting a PICC line to get him some nutrition since he hasn't been able to keep any solids down for about 8 days now.  They will be giving him something called TPN...which basically is a liquid that will give him all the nutrition that his body will need, but still allow bowel rest (nothing by mouth).  They are pretty much assuming that all of the different anamolies in his blood work are due to some sort of viral infection. 

I have learned there is so much truth to the phrase "PRACTICING Medicine."

Looks like we are going to be here atleast 2-3 more days.  I keep ya posted!

My Heart...

My Dear Caden,

My heart aches right now for you.  Late in the night on Tuesday you called for me.  You couldn't go back to sleep.  You didn't complain that you didn't feel well.  You just said that you woke up, and couldn't sleep again.  I being tired myself told you to keep trying, and if you needed to...read a book.  Then I went back to bed. 

When you woke up on Wednesday morning you complained that you were still sooo tired.  You said that you had woke up 2 times, and couldn't sleep....so I chalked up your sleepyness from that.  You got dressed for school, and then layed down on the couch.  I tended to Sydney helping her get ready for school, and when I turned around you were snoozing on the couch.

You didn't appear to have a fever, but we had misplaced the thermometer...so I can never be sure.  All I know is that you slept the ENTIRE day.  Late during the night you began to vomit with accompaning diarreaha.  Thursday continued with much the same.  You finally got up the gumption to try to eat some lunch on Thursday afternoon...only to have it come up within the hour.  The evening and bedtime hours brought much of the same.  It was as if I had a newborn, and was waking up every couple of hours...only I didn't get to nourish you.  Instead I had to watch my baby suffer.

Friday I was even more worried.  You hadn't eaten for 2 days.  I thought if I could just get you to eat some toast...maybe that would help.  You tried, but didn't even eat half of the bread before it came back up.  I called the doctor.  They looked at you.  She prescribed you some Zofran in hopes that you will stop vomiting.  Friday night brought even more wakings.  You are drinking alot, but still no food. 

It has now been 4 whole days, and we are working on our 5th.  Anything I give you won't stay down.  I just want my fun happy Caden back.  We are going to head to the hospital and see if they can figure out what it going on.  My heart can't take it any more. 

Love,
Mommy

And So It Begins...

My Dearest Caden,

Only two short months ago, you began a journey. This journey will consume the majority of your childhood, and at times you will love it. Other times you will be counting down the days for it to be over.

Part of me wondered how I would feel the day I dropped you off for the first time. Was I going to be one of those Mom's with tears streaming down my face because you were leaving me for the day? I have to say there was a bit of sadness, but no tears. For me, it is so great to watch you grow. Yes, I know it means that sooner than later you will be leaving me for good, but there is so much joy that can be found knowing that you are thriving. It has taken a bit of time getting used to you being gone for so long, but you are having so much fun.

I loved being there that first day before the bell rang. You had got yourself all ready early that morning. You had picked out a Spiderman backpack, and Spiderman Lunch bag...so naturally you wanted to wear your Spiderman shirt (you even tried to get Spiderman shoes, but I am a mean mom, and didn't like them...so I made you pick different ones, sorry). The shirt was a little small, but I didn't want to ruin your excitement, so I just went with it.
When we arrived at the school you ran to the playground, and played while I watched. I couldn't believe that you were actually going to be a Kindergartener! Soon, it was time to line up to go inside for class. I wondered if we were going to have a repeat of last year. I know you are one of the oldest in the class, but I didn't want you to feel like you totally stood out. It was nice to see that alot of the boys had caught up! I am sure you will always be one of the tallest in your class, but atleast you don't tower over everyone anymore. Before I knew it you guys were heading inside. I stood and watched as you walked away...never looking back. My heart had little tugs halfway throughout the day when I usually was picking you up at your old school...yet you still had a few more hours left before I would see you again.
It is strange knowing that for the next 12 years someone else will be part of your life more than I am. I just hope you know that I am thinking about you every hour of the day. There are times I wish I could just set up a camera in your classroom...just so I could peek in on you. You are a wonderful boy. So full of life. I am thankful that I am your mother, and will be by your side throughout this journey of learning.

Oh...By the way...School makes you really tired :o)

Picture this...

I know I need to finish up our trip, but just had to share what happened today.

Every Wednesday a few of my friends get together for lunch at McDonald's (yes, not my fav place to eat, but the kids get to play.) Today was no different. Around noon we met up at and were enjoying each others company.

These days, Thomas is very adventurous. He is climbing on everything, and trys to keep up with the big kids. Unfortunately it didn't work out for him today. The poor little guy fell and gave himself a big fat lip.

I ran over to pick him up, and was busy with a screaming child. Melanie had gone to the counter to get some ice, and I was trying to do what I could to help stop the bleeding. The next thing I knew Caden was at the table oblivious to the fact that Thomas was hurt.

Caden: Hey mom, I want to get some ice cream.

Me: Umm, not right now Caden! Can you please go fill this cup up with some lemonade (I thought, if anything, the cold drink would help keep the swelling down.)

He grabs the cup and walks away....only moments later he is back.

Caden: I can't do it Mom.

Me: Caden, it really isn't that hard....all you have to do is ask the guy at the counter. (I am still trying to figure out why they don't have self service fountains there)

Caden: I don't want them to see me naked!!

Me: What????????

My eyes pan down to see him grabbing his shirt, and trying to pull it down!!! My kid is standing in the middle of McDonalds with no pants on!! How in the world did this happen??? This particular McD's doesn't have a bathroom in the kids area so that means he walked through the WHOLE place showing his junk, and then proceeded to have a normal conversation with me about how he wanted ice cream!!!

I immediately take him back to the bathroom...all the while laughing my head off. Apparently he was 'waiting for me for such a long time'. We have been working on the whole wiping aspect of the lovely potty time, and he is still having a hard time. He likes me to 'check' to make sure he got it all. The only problem is that he didn't even tell me he was going to bathroom!

The poor kid got himself dressed, and came out and said "That was NOT funny!"

Sorry Caden, it was HILARIOUS!

To top it off...we had a talk about it later. We talked about how it is important to be more modest, and not to let other people see your 'private parts'. The kid still felt totally justified in walking around with no pants on!

Things we missed

Going on our trip to Spain was one of the best things ever, but going there also meant some sacrifices. Since we were kinda along for the ride (Shawn's mission president planned the whole reunion) we had no choice on the dates that we were to travel there. Our travel dates just happened to overlap with Sydney's Dance recital, and Caden's last days of school.


I thought about them alot the during the day of their special events. I imagined their faces, and the excitement they had to be feeling. I could see little Sydney in her cute little tights. Her finger in her mouth the way it always is when she gets nervous. I heard her cute little voice singing the songs that she has been practicing for months in my head.


I was sad a little that day, knowing I was not there to cheer her on. To see it in action. To do her hair, and help her get ready for the recital. I had meant to stay for her dress rehearsal the week prior, but made another commitment without thinking. I was devastated when I realized what I had done, but could not change it then. Atleast I have wonderful family that were able to fill in for me. She did a wonderful job. I love my little dancer.


On Caden's last day of school my thoughts turned to the bag that I had prepared for him before I left. Swimsuit - check, sunscreen - check, water shoes - check, towel - check....everything he would need for a SUPER FUN WATER DAY. He had been telling me about it for months. Asking week after week when it was. I have tried to go to all of his class activities through out the year. I think I helped at each one except the Christmas one because we were moving that day, and now the end of the year 'Splash'.


I was glad that my sister, Nancy, had agreed to go in my place. She took the responsibility of following him around from activity to activity. I was happy yet sad at the same time as Caden relayed the fun he had that day over the phone.


I know these aren't super big events. Heck, the kids will probably not even remember that we weren't there. It just makes me sad because each day that passes I realize that I only have these children in my care for such a short period of time. I want to soak in every moment. To etch in my mind how precious they really are. To support them in every way that I can.


I can't say I regret going to Spain...I only wish I could have been in two places at once.

LPM Recital

Years ago my cousin had started teaching this program called Let's Play Music. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. A three year program that is started when your child is around 4 or 5. The great thing about it is the kids internalize so much about music theory, rhythms, and 'playing' music without really realizing it. By the end of the third year the children can transpose and even write their own compositions. Talk about AMAZING!

This year Caden was finally old enough to start the program! I was so excited for him. Unfortunately my cousin did not have any openings at a time that would work for us so we had to find a different teacher. I was lucky enough to find, Stephanie. I have known Stephanie since I was in 1st grade. We had been stand partners in Orchestra off and on through out Junior High and High School. She is such a dear friend, and I was delighted to have Caden take from her.

He worked hard all year long. We went to Steph's house each week, and he 'played' while he was there. He really soaked everything in, and looked forward to it every week. There was a short stint that we tried to change teacher when we moved, but Caden would not have it. He loved Ms. Stephanie so we drove the extra distance.

At the end of the year they had a recital, and Caden was so proud. I can't wait for this coming year.

Green Turtles here we come!

Caden & Thomas

I got back from my trip on Saturday early evening, and am feeling great. It is amazing at what a few days can do to revitalize yourself! I am busy now spending some time with my family, but thought I would post a few of my favorite shots of Caden and Thomas. I'll be back soon!I know I may be biased, but I think I have some of the cutest boys around! I just hope that I can raise them to be as good inside as they look on the outside!

LIttle Red Riding Hood

Every year Caden's school puts on the same play. "Little Red Riding Hood". All the Kindergarten classes, and the YLK (Young Learner Kindergarten) classes work together through out the year to put this production. It really was one of the cutest things to watch.Shawn was out of town so he was not able to go. I tried to tape the thing, but it was pretty hard to do because Sydney and Thomas wanted to be all over me. My parents came, and they were able able to help a little bit. I definitely need to invest in a tripod. There were a few kindergartners that had main roles, but everyone in Caden's class was a different animal that got to perform a different song. Caden was a penguin. He was so excited for the evening, and I couldn't have been more proud of my boy.

Valentine Cards

For Caden's Valentine Cards this year we took this

and made it into this

It was fun to do, and super easy.

Treasured moments

Photo courtesy of Sunshine and Shade Photography

Every day I drive Caden to school.

Everyday he tells me he is "a big boy" and wants to walk to class by himself.

Usually when we get there, there are other kids from his class arriving.

He will get out of the car and then wait for them so they can all walk together.

Today was no different.

He got out and waited.

The next thing I knew I saw him walking towards the car.

He came to the window.

I rolled it down.

He looked at me and said..."You FORGOT!"

Me: Really, what? (even though I knew what he was going to say)

Caden: My kiss!!!

He then raced around the car and planted one on my lips.

Just as quickly, he was by his friends side walking to class.

I will treasure these moments as much as I can.

Too soon he won't want to 'say goodbye'

The growing up part of parenting just happens too fast.

Birthdays

On the 13th of September our Caden turned 5!

He had his very first 'friend only' birthday party.

I hadn't seen him so excited about a party ever.

The Superheroes all had a wonderful time

The following day the family got together for more cake and ice cream.

He ended up with a new bike, and a whole bunch of new goodies.

Then on the 29th of September our little Sydney celebrated her 3rd Birthday.

I still can't believe that this little girl is 3.

It has all passed by in such a blur.

She is a true princess in every shape and form.

Since Caden got a bike for his birthday...we had to get one for Sydney too.

Whenever we asked what she wanted all she would say is 'a bicycle!'

After gifts we blew out the candles on her Ariel cake.

She couldn't have been any happier!

Having birthdays so close together make things pretty crazy. I think we are going to have to start implementing a rotation so that I am not having to do double birthdays every year.

Do you have a big birthday party every year for your kids? Or only on certain years?

Conference Mischief

This past weekend our family was able to enjoy General Conference. I love conference for several reasons.

1. I get to hear from many inspired people, who always seem to speak on a topic that I need to hear at the time


2. I don't have to get 3 little rascals ready for church, and then try to keep them quiet during sacrament meeting.


3. It is fabulous to be able to sit in my pj's on the couch and be spiritually edifyed.

This year's conference was no different, and now that we have TIVO it was nice to be able to watch it through out the day, and when we wanted. Our kids are pretty little, and have a hard time watching it so we let them decide what they want to do. While Shawn and I were sitting there watching...I suddenly realized that the house was eerily quiet. We paused the Tivo to go hunt for the children. That is when we discoved this...We do this all again in April...so maybe by then Caden can work on the cool conference packets that a friend made up. I guess I need to be thankful that it was on their bodies this time. (Caden has been on a drawing spree lately...he has colored on half of the walls in our house, and his latest endeavor was coloring Sydney's face & arms with black marker while I had run inside the house to get something 'quick'...he also took that same black marker and colored all over the seats in our car *joy*)

I Can Breathe!

The month of September brought a whirlwind of events. Many things happened that got me so overwhelmed and preoccupied that I didn't seem to be able to find much time to blog.

The program that I put Caden in for school this year was going great...and then on Labor Day his teacher went into labor and had her baby 4 weeks earlier. That is where my nightmare began. To help explain what happened, here is the copy of the letter that I gave to Caden's teacher when I pulled him from his class yesterday. (Yes, it is harsh, but I can't begin to explain how frustrated I was with the situation.)

I have tried to figure out how to put all of my thoughts into words, but it has been pretty hard. As you know, having Ms. ***** leave so suddenly put us all in shock. We all thought it was great that Ms. ***** (the principal) was able to find a replacement so soon. The first few days were a little hectic...which was to be expected. I thought it would be a short time for things to settle into place, and a routine to be set.

I have to say that I have been disappointed at what this past month has brought us. I am not sure what Ms. ***** (the principal) has told you, but there are many of the parents that are extremely unhappy with what is going on. Many of us leave school frustrated because of the lack of communication. I feel like I have no idea what is actually being taught in the classroom. When I was there to volunteer, and along with others who have been there also, I was disappointed to see no real formal instructions to our children. From our observations it feels as if they are in daycare for 3 hours.

I understand that alot of learning is involved during free play, but I feel that our children need and deserve a more structured environment. I feel that they need more teacher involvement, and more hands on instruction (especially when it comes to writing their letters and numbers). I had to spend almost 2 hours with Caden on his homework last week because he had no idea how to write his numbers. This is something I feel should be taught in the classroom. The homework should be review...not a task that makes my son feel so frustrated because he was not shown how to do it in the first place.

I have been disappointed that there is yet to have been a curriculum packet provided when it has been a whole month since your arrival. I would have thought that one was already made for your other school. (She teaches a YLK class in the mornings at another campus)

Honestly, I have been so frustrated with this whole situation that I am pulling my child out of your class. I feel like he has learned virtually nothing this month, and has actually digressed in areas. I am not alone in this feeling. I actually was fortunate enough to be able to get Caden enrolled in another YLK program and today will be his last day. I know if the other parents had options at least 12 of your students would be going to other schools. Unfortunately, the district has its rules and despite the fact that the majority of the parents would like a replacement, we have been told it isn't possible. Personally, I feel like you should resign from your position. I have recommended to the other parents involved that they go on a rotation to be in your classroom every day in order to make sure the children are getting the education and attention that they deserve.

I am sorry to have to leave under these circumstances, but I had no
choice. I wish you the best in your career.

It appears that she is making some changes, and things may be getting better...but I couldn't sit around and wait for her to get her act together. I feel kinda silly because I did get so obsessed with the whole thing, but for whatever reason I couldn't let it go.

I can't begin to explain how refreshing it was to meet Caden's new teacher on Thursday. I got more information from her in 10 minutes than I have gotten all month from his previous teacher. I walked out of the meeting feeling like I could breathe again!!!

Our Saturdays...

For the next few months our Saturdays will consist of this.... Hopefully it will cool off soon!! I can't believe I am actually a "Soccor Mom!"