Five for Friday's # 3

Although we did not have Thanksgiving dinner at our house yesterday, it did not keep a huge mess from forming. I don't know what happened because I had worked on it all week and was pretty clean on Wednesday. Oh well. Life goes on. But right now I don't want to think about it so I am going to sit down and take a moment to think about what I am grateful for.

1. Although very messy and dirty at the moment, I am very grateful for my home. I love living in the area we are in. We are in an amazing ward and in a fun neighborhood. I love the conveniences that my home has to offer. I love turning on the fireplaces when the weather gets cold. I love sitting in my jetted bathtub when I need some time alone. And although our new home is bigger and much nicer, I can't say that I am any happier than when we lived in our little house up in Ogden. My home is not defined by what is in it but rather who is in it.

2. I am grateful for our jobs. We are blessed to have a good income which supports our family. I am blessed to have a job where I can have the best of both worlds. I can be a mom who spends the majority of my time with my kids. And I can also get out of the house 1 day a week to work, socialize, and do something that I love to do. I feel secure knowing that if I ever needed to, I have a job that could support our family. I am so glad that Tim can also do something that he finds purpose in and enjoys doing. He loves his new job and was actually named one of "Utah's Legal Elite" by the Utah Business Magazine in his field.

3. I am grateful for our cars. It is always an eye opener how much we depend on them when one of the cars is out of commission. This hasn't happened recently but it used to happen all of the time. Tim was always good about taking the bus when this happened so that I could still have the car with the kids. It is so nice to be able to go where I want when I want.

4. I am grateful for the education of those people around me. I am glad that there are people who can fix things from cars to hearts. I remember when Tim and I were meeting with the surgeon right before Ethan's first surgery, I felt very compelled to thank the surgeon for the education that he received which gave us a chance at life. I know how much time, money, and effort it takes to follow through to get a good education (whether it be a trade or college). I am grateful for those who rise to the challenge.

5. I am grateful for music. Whether it I need it to comfort my baby in the hospital or to get me moving so I can clean my kitchen, I love good music. I dance when nobody is looking and I sing at the top of my lungs when I am in the car by myself. I love that I can either create or temper any mood that I may be in with the right song. I also love that my kids love music and we can all sing in the car together while running errands. I can't promise that we sing on key or know all the words, but I do know that we all have a smile on our face.

---Allison

Thanksgiving

Today was a really nice day. Myself, Spencer, and Emily went up to my Grandpa's house for dinner. Tim, Gavin, and Ethan stayed back home since Ethan can't go anywhere. Although I didn't like being separated, I know that this is only temporary. Tim was a good sport and volunteered to stay back since he has no nearby family. He also volunteered to keep Gavin so that I could have a relaxing day and not have to worry about him getting into things or running away at my Grandpa's house. I did bring back Tim and Gavin some dinner and pie. So although it was re-heated, they at least were still able to have a turkey dinner. It was nice to visit with family and I really enjoyed myself. My contribution to dinner was homemade rolls and banana cream pie. I hope all of you have had a wonderful day with your family. It is this time of year that I am so grateful for all of my blessings and the people in my life.

---Allison

Tuesday, November 20th

Yesterday was a fun day. My Dad's birthday was yesterday and yet he and my Mom were kind enough to come and watch Ethan while Tim and I and the other 3 kids went to go see the "Bee Movie". Emily was also able to invite a friend which she was really excited about. It was a good movie and we all had fun. However, Tim and Gavin actually left early because Gavin wouldn't stay in his chair and started wandering the isle.

When the kids and I arrived home, it turns out Gavin felt warm and had a temperature of 102.2. This seemed to come out of nowhere. He'd been fine all day. I am hoping that the baby and I don't get sick. Gavin had been very sweet all day long and he gave me lots of kisses and snuggle time. So far I feel fine. Ethan however was up quite a bit last night having a hard time breathing. He didn't have a fever but just had a lot of nasal congestion. I had to suction his nose about every hour throughout the night. Needless to say, I got up to help get the older kids ready for school and then I went back to sleep. The 3 of us slept in until about 11:30. I think we all needed it. Poor Tim. I am sure he also did not get a good night's sleep with both kids fussing but he still had to go to work.

I was worried about getting anything done today. I've been wanting to try out a roll recipe for Thanksgiving. I also have a couple of days of laundry to do. I suctioned Ethan when he woke up and so far he seems to be doing ok. I really worry about him getting sick. He didn't want to eat his pear mush before bed (which is his favorite) and would not breastfeed during the night which was concerning me but he did have a good feeding this morning. And Gavin did not have a fever when he woke up, so hopefully this was just a quick episode. I will do my best to keep Gavin and Ethan separated and to keep myself from getting sick as well.

Ethan is cutting his first tooth. This could also be where all of the congestion is coming from. When I felt his gums this morning, I can feel the slightest bit of a tooth breaking through. What a big boy. He is also trying to sit up more on his own. When I put him in his swing, he doesn't want to recline back, but sits right up. He can also sit up next to me on the bed if I am supporting him on one side. It is fun to see him doing and trying new things.

---Allison

Five For Friday's #2

I can't believe that it has been a whole week since I wrote last. It feels like I have been so busy this past week. Our ward had our visiting teaching conference on Tuesday which was really nice. I actually had a part in the program that I had been really nervous about all week. I could never come up with something concrete to say but when the time came for me to get up, the words just came and I think it turned out pretty good.

Tim, Spencer, my Dad and my brothers all went pheasant hunting last Saturday. Both Tim and Spencer seemed to enjoy themselves. Emily has been doing really well and has been very sweet and helpful. She is enjoying school and is doing really well at reading, spelling, and math. She has always been a very good student.

Gavin has been quite the busy little guy. He has been making mess after mess and is much quicker than I am. Just yesterday, I found him painting the toilet with my lip gloss. He smeared pudding (which he got out of the pantry by himself) in my shower and then attempted to use a whole roll of soggy wet toilet paper to try and clean it up. Now remember, this was just yesterday. I couldn't recall the whole week. I sometimes try to block it out. He now knows how to open the doors with the child safety covers on them which means he has full access to the pantry, the basement, the bonus room, the garage, the bathrooms, and the game closet. In every one of these areas there is something that he wants that is just waiting to become a huge mess. This makes my life much more difficult.

So on that note, I am now going to do my 2nd posting of things that I am grateful for. I am trying to stay positive.

1. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters and their families. They all have been so supportive of us in both the past and present. It is fun to have such a large extended family where all of the cousins can run around and play and where there is never a dull moment in conversation. I really enjoy spending time with them individually and in large groups. I feel that I have a great relationship with all of them. I love you guys!

2. I am grateful for Tim's family. I am very lucky to be married to a man with such loving and supportive parents. I respect them and love them. I have never had any of the "in-law" horror stories that you hear about. I love the time we get to spend with Tim's parents and brothers and sisters and look forward to each visit. My only regret is that we live so far apart and we don't get to see them very often. However, I do feel that although we may not be able to enjoy the day to day dealings, the relationships that we have are strong and sincere. The distance makes all of the get together's that much more of a treat. I love you all!

3. I am grateful for the education that both Tim and I have received. I love being a nurse and Tim is an excellent attorney. We had many bumps and trials along the way. I am proud of both Tim and I for taking the time and making the sacrifices that it took to follow through and to never give up. I also realize that although we sacrificed and worked hard, we did not do it alone and I appreciate all of you who helped make this possible.

4. I am grateful for my freedom. I have the greatest respect and admiration for those who have fought and died for our country. I can't imagine as a mother, sending my sons or daughter off to war. I know that many have lost loved ones on my behalf and I am truly indebted for their sacrifice and willingness to serve.

5. I am grateful for my health. It is one of those things that you don't tend to think about much until there is something wrong with it. I am blessed to have a healthy family and to have Ethan's current good health. There have been many losses recently of little heart babies and I can't help but be so amazed and grateful to have Ethan at home doing normal baby things. I know that this is a priceless gift.

Well, there you have it. I will try to be better this week about keeping things updated. I hope you all have a good weekend.

---Allison

Good Week

As the week comes to a close, I have to say that it turned out rather nicely. At first, I was really bummed out when the dentist said we'd pay at least $1000 to get a crown for Tim, especially with Christmas coming up. But it seems that things just always work out. When Tim went with check in hand to the dentist, they somehow determined that this was "warranty" work and did not charge us one penny. Can anyone say "tithing blessing"? I was so amazed and relieved.

Tim was able to go to Emily's first grade class on Wednesday to read them a story and to place one of his old neck ties on the classroom turkey. Emily really enjoyed it and was proud to have her Dad come to her school.

My sister-in-law (thanks Adrian) last week started what she calls "Five for Friday's" and has invited anyone interested to join in. This is basically where every Friday you take the time to list 5 things that you are grateful for. I thought this was a great idea. Now, whether I just do this during the "thanks giving" month, or continue for a while will remain to be seen. But I will do it at least for this month. This first post will be really easy because it all has to do with the obvious. Now anyone reading this, please don't feel left out if you are not mentioned this time. I am so grateful for all of you. However, I can only do 5 at a time and will try to spread things out throughout the month.

1. I am grateful for my testimony of my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that I am watched over and blessed continually. I know that they love me and want me to be happy. I am grateful for the guidance and teachings that the church brings to my life.

2. I am grateful for my ever loving husband Tim. He is an amazing husband and friend. He knows when to pamper me and also when to push me. He is a devoted and involved father. He is intelligent, hardworking, honorable, and trustworthy. I am so blessed to have such an amazing man in my life.

3. I have 4 beautiful, intelligent, and fun children. Spencer is such a good kid. He is both very smart and has a very core sense of right and wrong. He has a very tender heart and does his best to please us as parents.

Emily is such a free spirit. She is so outgoing and loves to have fun. She can be my most determined child and yet can also be my most thoughtful child. She is very creative and bright. She has a gift for the arts. She is a fun combination of tomboy and princess.

Gavin has a very strong mind and body. He is mentally bright as well as socially smart. He knows how to push you to your limits and then turn on just enough charm to make you smile. He loves to give hugs and kisses and loves to snuggle. He is a very affectionate and fun child.

And then there's Ethan. Ethan is my "gift from God". He came when he wasn't planned and changed our lives forever. He is amazingly strong and resilient. He is patient. He has a very sweet disposition. He seems to have an awareness of things around him beyond his years. He is a very happy baby with "smiley" eyes .

4. I have been blessed with incredible parents. They are so supportive and go out of their way to help and assist. They are always thinking of others and go the extra mile at their own expense. They are such an example to me of love, sacrifice, and patience. They are both hard working, intelligent, and honorable. They raised a loving family and I have nothing but the utmost respect for them.

5. And finally, I am grateful for my friends. I may not have quantity when it comes to friends, but without a doubt, I have quality. I have true and real friends. People who I respect and enjoy being around. I know that I can always rely on them to give me sound advice and to be there in times of need. I have friends that I can confide in, laugh with, and cry with. They lift me up and make me want to be a better person.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

---Allison

Monday, November 5th

The past couple of days have treated us fairly well. Tim is almost done with the sprinkling system. He was up until midnight on Friday and then was out working on it again with my Dad all day on Saturday. Needless to say, they were both tired and sore at the end of the day. The only bummer thing about Tim is that he had a tooth that simply broke last week. I just got a call from the dentist and they said to plan on at least $1000 to fix it. We lost our dental insurance when I cut down my hours at work when Ethan was born, so that expense is all ours. That Bites!

The kids are all doing well. Ethan started his RSV shots on Friday as well as his flu shot. I gave all of the other kids their flu shot. Spencer was really brave and Gavin cried but only had to be held down a little. Emily on the other hand, you would of thought the world was ending. She said she wanted to do it for Ethan, but she was too scared. She wanted me to give it to her in the leg. I told her it would hurt worse and that I would give it to her in her arm or in her hip. She was screaming and wailing and would run away if I even came close to her. The long and the short of it was that Tim ended up having to hold her down. She fought and screamed terribly. Tim covered her eyes and as soon as he did, she immediately calmed down, didn't move, and didn't cry. She can be such drama! I gave her the shot and she just looked at me and then smiled. She even giggled when she realized what a fuss she had made for a rather anticlimactic ending. I hope she remembers this next month when she has to do it again. Because this is the first year that I have had the kids get flu shots, both Emily and Gavin have to have their dose split in two and given 30 days apart. Oh joy.

Spencer and Emily started back to school today. They will be in until Christmas break. My goal now is to get the house clean again. It gets so out of control when they are out of school.

Ethan is`doing much better with eating his mush. I combined several ideas that were given and between that along with just a little bit of practice, he is doing really well. He seems to also be sleeping a little better at night after he eats his cereal. Thanks for all of the suggestions that were given. They really did help.

---Allison

Little Ian

I know that many of you have been following the lives of our friends the Pearson's. Yesterday little Ian became an Angel. They fought a hard and valiant fight. My heart is so saddened by this news. Please keep their family in your prayers.

---Allison