Our Busy & Crazy Lives

Trip to the Fire Station

2010-04-06T10:12:00.013-07:00

So Bill (my adoptive dad)is Captain for City of Phoenix Fire Department. Since the accident Payton talks about fire trucks non-stop. I asked Bill if we could come visit him at the station. The kids were so excited! When we first got there they were out on a call so we had to wait. The ambulance got back first so the kids got a tour of that and got to play inside. Hailee got to sit in the driver seat and look up our house on the computer. Payton was so excited when the truck got back. He ran over to Bill and sat in there with him. Bill strapped the kids into seats in the back and took us for a ride around the block. Payton was really excited to be in the truck but hated it's loudness. He was saying, "I don't fire truck!" He was glad when the ride was over.
After the ride Payton was playing with some of the other firefighters.

They even let him squirt the little fire truck. He thought that was great!

Then when we were all done and it was the 7 year anniversary of my dad's death, we stopped at the cemetery so the kids could see where their grandpa was buried. Hailee loved all the flowers and Payton loved the pinwheels.

Catching Up

2010-04-06T09:11:00.004-07:00

Well, the last few months have certainly flown by! Our lives have been pretty crazy the last few months. In December I quit BNI to focus on getting better they finally figured out I have RSD in my foot and ankle. And to focus on figuring out why Payton was still sick. My business really suffered, but my family is more important. I've really been trying to focus on being a better mother and wife. Hailee's teacher decided to quit teaching at Imagine. It was and still is SO hard on Hailee, she now had abandonment issues (she was VERY close to her teacher) and we find her asleep on our floor every night. We are currently trying to break this bad habit. She got a new teacher Ms. Brown and she's really nice, Hailee seems to like her. Payton has his good weeks and his bad ones.
Since our insurance company refuses to pay for my medical treatments in Texas to Dr. Rhodes I decided to set up a silent auction to raise the funds needed. It's been a real blessing in my life to see the Lord work through so many people to help me out. On February 2nd Payton and I had been in Glendale running errands most of the morning. I was going to stop a few more places, but decided Payton needed a nap so we left my mom's (she was watching him so I could run around) and headed home. I was in my Honda Pilot driving South on the Loop 101 in the middle lane (which I never drive in). The car in front of me was going below the speed limit so I was switching to the fast lane. I looked and there was no one there, as I was switching lanes I looked over my shoulder again and a little beige car had sped up to cut me off. I immediately swerved back into my lane and my Pilot lost complete control. It felt like someone was shaking my truck side to side. Then it all the sudden swerved left across the fast lane. I hit the cable barriers, I recall my window breaking and lots of loudness. I went through them into the oncoming North Bound traffic. I remember a car coming straight towards me. My car spun and I ended up going through the cable barriers again a little further down. Then I spun across the 3 Southbound lanes of traffic. The crazy thing is my car didn't just spin in one direction, it went one way then the other, then back the other way. It was surreal. I remember feeling like a hand pushed me back into my seat. Payton was really calm too. I ended up landing in the ditch on the side of the road. My truck was destroyed except where Payton was sitting not a scratch. Another amazing thing... I had been picking up donations for the auction - there was a pair of skis in there next to Payton's head. As soon as I landed in the ditch I was shaking so badly. I called 911 and they kept asking me questions, I was in shock so badly that I couldn't answer them. Three different ladies stopped to help me. I handed one of them the phone and she told them what happened. She was the lady that I spun right in front of her car. The lady that was the limo driver got Payton out of the car and made sure he was ok. I don't remember a lot about the 3rd lady, but I'm so grateful for those 3 ladies and for their willingness to help me. The police officer showed up. I told the lady to press 9 on my phone and it would call my mom, so she could come and get us. I called Kelvin (i had been on the phone with him 5 minutes before the accident - luckily I wasn't on the phone at all when it happened)I think he freaked out a little, but I had him stay at work, but send me a tow truck to take the Pilot back to his shop. the fire dept showed up to take us to the hospital but I didn't want to go, Payton had dun with the firefighters and loved their truck. He thought it was great that they let him run around outside in the ditch and play with him. they even gave him a little fireman's hat. My mom got to us and I called Hailee's school to let them know I was in an accident and Carolyn would be picking up Hailee. I called Steve (our agent) to let them know about the accident - I guess Michelle actually saw it, she was on the freeway when it happened. The tow truck showed up and took the pilot to the shop. Everyone at the shop was calling to make sure I was ok. Kel played a mean trick on Seth and told him he had a side job for him. Seth was like is that Ash's truck?! Kel said he could see the look on Seth's face as he was trying to figure out exactly how to fix it. It wasn't repairable - I totaled it. Kel told Seth he was kidding, it was totaled. I went and got a rental car - an Altima. It was pretty nice, it had push start which was kinda cool. Bill gave Payton and I both blessing that night. It assured us that we were saved and protected. I forgot to mention that we didn't even hit any other cars. And Heavenly Father had complete control, which I know with my whole heart is true. I just needed to learn this lesson in my life and know that He is with us and does have control in our lives. I know my Dad and Christopher were in that car with us and protecting us. AllState took great care of us, what a blessing they have been. After a few weeks we finally ended up getting a Toyota Tundra crew Max 4x4. It's an awesome car, more than we wanted to spend, but definitely better for us and our camping needs. We had been planning on getting another truck, just not this soon. Kelvin thinks and tells everyone it's his truck because I ruined my car and I don't get another one. So now he has 2 cars, it's funny when he slips and calls it my truck. Hailee gives him a hard time about it too.
The end of February Hailee turned 6! Kel always takes he out her birthday morning, this year she chose to go Coyote Hunting with him. I don't think she likes hunting as much as she doesn to just spend time with Kelvin. We just had a beach party at the park. She had a good time. I can't believe how big my little girl is getting. It seems like yesterday that I was holding her in my arms after she was born. She's so funny...every year on her birthday she always wears her Chick Bait earrings her Daddy gave her.
I got the auction all set up and it was kinda successful, I've raised about $4000, but have $3500 more to go. Everything has really fallen into place though. I'm staying with a wonderful family down in Corpus Christi while I'm getting my treatments. This week I've just been trying to get the house all cleaned and organized. The children situated with their various housing arrangements while I'm away. I'm going to try really hard to keep this updated this year.

Santas Wonderland 2009

2010-01-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

This year we took the kids to get their picture with Santa at Bass Pro Shop. It was so cute to watch the kids with Santa.
Santas Wonderland 2009

It's been rough...

2009-11-15T20:19:00.011-07:00

I was looking at all the Pugmire blogs tonight (which I haven't done in more months than I can remember) and realized that I need to catch everyone up on what has been happening in our little family.
Well, Kel is doing really well at work. The hours are long and stressful but he feels accomplished. In March, I decided that I was going to start a graphic design company. This is my passion and all I ever wanted to do was work for a magazine. Well, I got one step better - I'm the boss. It's going really well, I've gotten some really big accounts and am so grateful for that.
Hailee is loving Kindergarten! Ms. Vibber is such a great teacher and Hailee comes home every day telling something new she learned. They are even learning Ti Kwon Do (Sorry I can't spell!). I have to remind her we only beat up bad people. She's funny.
Then there's Payton, our little guy has really had a rough year. In February, he started having constant daily diarrhea. After a month of that, I took him to the Dr to find out what was wrong with my son. I was informed that it was just Toddler Diarrhea and it'll go away. Well, it's now November and the problem persists. We have had him to chiropractors thinking it was his elio cecal valve that was open, he's be better for a few days then start all over. I've had him to energy healers. I finally took him to Phoenix Children's Hospital to a GI specialist, they have run SO many tests; from stool - blood - boipsys - etc. The beginning of October they did an Endoscopy, Colonoscopy and 9 biopsy's of his upper and lower intestines. He's been to allergists (the best in AZ). Every test they have run comes back normal or clean. At this point we are so far beyond what to do, he's had blessings and they've said he'll get better one day. It's made me question how much faith do I really have. At times I feel like I need to just get down on my knees more and pour out my soul to my Father in Heaven to help my son. He's now 26 months old and weighs 24 lbs. The funny thing - he's such a happy little boy you would never know he's sick. When Kel and I look at him, our hearts are over filled with love and happiness that we were blessed with this child. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
In the beginning of May, we had to put Sassy to sleep. It was hard, but you know she had lived such a good and mischievous life. We miss her alot. At the end of July we decided we were finally going install a backyard! We poured the concrete and it looks amazing! I bought the kids a massive playset, Bill and Reese spent so many hours here sanding it so we could refinish it so the children wouldn't get splinters.
The day we poured out concrete (August 1st), we made a family trip to look at pavers for the yard. While walking I didn't notice the water on the ground and slipped and injured my ankle badly. Hailee was holding my hand and crashed straight onto her forehead. Now, 3 months later, they still can't determine what is wrong with my foot/ankle. I've been to therapy - podiatrist - orthopaedic surgeon. The OS thinks that I have a rare nerve damage injury, so I'm being sent to a neurologist and to get a bone scan to look for brakes. The pain is so horrible, hopefully they can figure out something soon. Between my foot and Payton, we've really had a rough few months around here.
On a good note Kel was called to Elder's Quorum Secretary. It's been so good for him! Then a few months after that he was called to be EQ 2nd Counselor. This calling has really allowed him to make some good friends. Chris is his hunting buddy. Hunting has become Kelvin's new obsession. He's so knowledgeable about all the different aspects to the sport. We really didn't go camping this year like we hoped to, life got crazy and busy. I'll try to be better and update more often. Hope you enjoyed the pics!

So much has happened

2009-04-10T10:56:00.004-07:00

I haven't written anything on here in so long! Sorry~ I'm going to try to be better about that this year. To recap the last few months. Payton has cut more teeth, he now has his top front 4 bottom front 2 (that's right the other's are missing!) 4 molars and i K9 on top and the other side coming in as we speak. He's getting really fun to be around. He started talking alot more and making sounds. He pretty much copies Hailee all the time. When he sees anything that's a bird he goes..."Tweet!" It's so cute, I'll try to get a video of it, then this morning he was meowing. It's cute. Another favorite word is "Oh No!" and he grabs his cheeks.
Hailee, is doing really well, she is loving playing online games. She's been doing alot where it helping her to start reading. She's doing really well writing and recognizing her alphabet. She loves to go on the patio and draw or blow bubbles. And one day when we actually put a backyard that's not all rocks in the kids will be able to play out there.
In the last month, I started my own Graphic Design Company. It really is my passion and something that I love to do. With the help of my BNI group, it's really taken off and I'm doing really well and have been given some pretty large accounts. I'm super excited. I'm still a Senior Manager with Seriesse International (the Stallone's company) and it's amazing. I still am a consultant for Heritage Makers, but have kinda put it on the back burner and offering it a service with my graphic design. I've been trying to manage time between family - home - work - kids - school - etc and it gets a little crazy around here most of the time.
As far as Kel goes, he got a new boss a few months back and it really has been a very positive change. This guys really knows the industry and know what he's doing. He actually respects Kelvin and the decisions he makes as a Production/Sales manager. He's in charge of a multiple car line and really prides himself on being the best. He really work hard for our family. He also recently became the Secretary in the Elder's Quorum. He's made some new friends, they've really bonded because they ALL love to go shooting. So they all wake up really early on Saturday's and go out to the desert and shoot. It really neat when he gets home at night now because the kids run to him, they are so excited to see him. Paytie gets really mad when Kel puts him down, he's a snuggle bug. Hailee just wants to wrestle. So that's our basic run down of what's going on, hopefully I'll be writing some more soon!

Exciting News!

2009-01-27T15:36:00.003-07:00

Last November, I started working with Seriesse International, which is a nutritional , skin care, and cosmetic company that is owned and co-founded by Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin-Stallone. The products are amazing and I can totally use them where I'm allergic to everything else that's on the market. I became a Consultant, but never really got going until I went to PST (Perpetual Success Training) in Los Angeles in November. I had actually only gone to LA originally to meet with Jennifer Flavin-Stallone and give her a Heritage Makers storybook that I had made for her that was about her journey from growing up really dirt poor to modeling to creating serious skin care then joining forces with Sly to create Seriesse International. The book turned out amazing and her brother Patrick, who I'm friends with, set up dinner with her while I was in LA. I decided to go to California to give Jennifer this book, not to ever do anything with my business because I already run a few other businesses and I'm a mom and I'm crazy busy all the time! I went to the training because Patrick told me Jen would ask how I was liking the training and my thoughts on it. By the time the weekend was over I saw the "Big" picture and realized what an idiot I was not working this business! I'm 4 levels from the top, total ground floor and I have sat back and watched this business pass by me. I went to dinner with Jen and gave her the book I made, she was blown away. She said it was the nicest thing anyone has ever given her. We talked alot. She was genuinely interested in me and my children and family. We had a real conversation, she gave me "mom advise". It was really awesome because I've been having a hard time lately and feel inadequate and she said things to me that made me realize that I am a good mom and I try my hardest. She grabbed my hand and said you know what honey, we are the same. Just because I live in Beverly Hills means nothing, we all came from the same place and I'm just like you. She is such a remarkable person and I really look up to her and all her hard work and dedication she has not only for her companies but her family as well. The night we had dinner, they were actually having a small get together at their house, but she ditched it to come hang out with me and a few others. After dinner with her and after the training I decided that I really needed to work this business and I can see the potential in this company. Sly and Jen started this company with their own money, they own the manufacturing plants so they have control over the quality of the products, so I can rest assured that they are going to be around for a LONG time! Well in December I decided I was going to get going and in 1 month I went from being a Consultant to a Senior Manager. I moved up 4 levels. It's crazy how out of all the MLM companies I have worked for and couldn't get excited because I never believed in the products, but these are proven and I KNOW they work and I use them daily. Seriesse pays 17% more than any other MLM company out there. What's even better (which Kelvin likes) is that it's all online so I have no inventory, the customers purchase on my website and the company sends them their products. It's awesome! My goal is by the end of February I will be a Director with the company and also as an added bonus which is a one time shot because it will never be offered again, if I hit Director by March then I also will become a Founder in the company which means a 5% BONUS at the end of the year on my total team sales. That will be huge for me! I'm super excited and I know that I'm going to be successful with the company!!!!

More Sinus Surgery (January 20th)

2009-01-21T09:39:00.003-07:00

After my BNI meeting this morning, I went and picked Hailee up from my mom's house and took her to preschool. Then I had to drive to Paradise Valley Area to go back to the Ear Nose Throat Doctor. I had some pretty major sinus surgery back in July 2008. I had multiple cysts in my sinuses, rhinoplasy to correct my septum which was so crooked it went into my maxillar sinus cavity, cleaned out my sinuses, and turbine reduction on the right nostril. Well a few month back I wasn't breathing very well so the Dr. did an in office surgery to my left nostril. He did a terbinite reduction with a small laser. I was freaked out to have this surgery. He stuck a cotton swab up my nose with numbing stuff then after a few minutes he took a needle and shot more numbing agents into my terbinites so I wouldn't feel it. The only horrible thing was I could smell the smoke, afterwards I was drinking my favorite Sobe and it tasted like campfire. YUCK! Well... thinking that everything would then be all fine and good, I was still having issues breathing through my nose. At my follow up appointment last week he noticed that my terbinites has started swelling again. Seriously?! So I made an appointment and this time he needed to laser blast both nostrils. That leads to today, I went to the Dr and he numbed my nose again. This time though the right nostril was hurting! I could totally feel the shots. Some of the fluid run down my throat I could taste blood and started gagging. The nurse ran and got me a bowl. Dr. Gutman kept telling me to put my head back so I wouldn't get blood on my shirt. (How thoughtful of him!) After a few minutes her started the surgery and the left side wasn't too bad, but the right side was hurting! he had to remove enough though just incase. I have a follow up in a month to see if it worked. He did notice however, that my septum started to move back and if mine moved even 2mm it can close off my airway since my nose is so small. So when he checks me in a month if it's moved then back in for more Rhinoplasty! Please pray hard that my nose will be fine! And my sinuses will miraculously clear up. I'd love to be able to breath normally again. I haven't been able to breath properly since I got my tonsils and annoids out in 1998. It's been a long time! I'll keep you updated when I know the results of this surgery. I'll post pictures soon of my sinus surgery from July when I scan them.

Griffin's Birthday Party (January 10th)

2009-01-18T14:11:00.007-07:00

My my friend Sara, who is an AMAZING natural light photographer, her little boy Griffin turned 4 today! Hailee and Griffin became good friend a few months ago. Hailee really liked him. So the kids and I went over to their house for his party. Hailee and Payton thought it was so wonderful to actually play outside! They even had a swing set. The kids were so happy! Tim, Sara's husband, made this really delicious BBQ chicken that he marinated in an herb sauce. It was so good! The kids had hot dogs, which are their favorite. It was funny while Hailee was swinging, Tim picked Payton up so he could slam dunk the basketball into the net. Then when he couldn't reach it after Tim walked away, he knocked it over then put the ball into the net that way. He's suck a smart little boy. The kids rode around in the wagon, and played with toys, Payton even was riding a little trike with help of course. It was really fun. Griffin torn through his presents, I've never seen anyone open presents that quickly before. LOL! Then we had cake, Sara's kids have lots of food allergies so she made cupcakes that were egg free, she substituted applesause for the eggs and they were so delicious! Very moist! Good job Sara! We just had such a good time, Payton started getting super crabby (nap time!) so we went home. The kids really enjoyed themselves.

Payton's "O" face... (January 8th)

2009-01-18T13:48:00.006-07:00

Today was so funny. Payton started making an "O" face when he'd do something wrong. Afterwards, he'd laugh. Just watching him make this face makes me laugh so hard, you'll see...

Marissa's In Town! (Jan 3rd)

2009-01-18T13:29:00.007-07:00

Well Marissa (Kel's little sister) finally cam home! Hailee has been so excited that she was coming to visit since she has been living in Boston for quite some time now. As I was talking to Hailee last night she was so sad that Auntie didn't live here anymore and that she couldn't play with her all the time. She started crying that she missed her Rissa. We met up with Marissa, Gayle, and Ric over near the Mesa Marketview at Famous Dave's. Hailee love's the pig place next to Bass Pro Shop! We had a nice lunch with them and Payton made quite the mess eating cornbread. Hailee had to have Marissa sit right next to her. After lunch we all went over to Bass Pro Shop and saw the fish and walked around for a while. Marissa and Hailee stopped to pose at the Christmas display and pet the fake reindeer. The boys were looking at Fly Fishing stuff (their new hobby) and then we went upstairs and looked at the camping equipment. The kids thought it was fun to go inside the tents.
Then we had to say goodbye and Marissa was going back home in a few days. It sure was good to see her though, she has to be one of my kids favorite aunts!

Just Like Daddy!

2009-01-18T13:21:00.006-07:00

So on December 26th (i'm so behind on this!) Kelvin was working and I was home with the kids just cleaning the house, taking the Christmas stuff down, etc. Then Payton found Kelvin's hat at decided he was going to wear it all around. It reminded me of Hailee when she was Payton age, even now, how they want so much to be just like their Daddy.

Thank you Father in Heaven

2009-01-14T23:43:00.002-07:00

I know I've been really bad about updating this and I will update what's happened in the last little bit soon, but I really wanted to just thank my Heavenly Father tonight. We had a little episode with Hailee which I'll get into in another post, but in doing so it awakened Payton. After I got Hailee back in bed, I went and made a bottle and got some Motrin for Payton because he hasn't been feeling very well today. He spent the night at my mom's last night because I was at a business meeting and when I got back to her house he was already asleep. Not a big deal... when I got him today we notice he had a little fever and I put him to bed and he took a 5 hour nap. When he woke up, my mom fed him some yogurt and he threw it up all over her. Good times! We got both of them cleaned up, he just was lethargic and laid on me for a little while. Finally he started playing with the kitchen play food with Hais. I fed him some dinner, which he kept down, and gave him a quick bath. Then got him ready for bed and put him to sleep. He slept a few hours before the Hailee episode, then I took the bottle and medicine to his room. He was crying, I pick him and and set him on the changing table, he was screaming. He was also burning hot. He would not let me put his pants back on but that's ok cause he had a fever and needed to cool down anyways. I tried to give him his bottle, not having that! I took him to Kel so I could find his orajel. I put some of that in his mouth. I took him back to his room and was just rocking him. He was just laying on my chest having a hard time breathing and was so hot. I decided to put my faith in the lord and started praying and I told Heavenly Father how uncomfortable Payton was and that I KNEW he could stop this and to please make Paytie comfortable and make the fever go away so he could sleep peacefully through the night. Miraculously, Payton coughed a few times then within seconds his body was cool and he relaxed. I am so grateful to have such a loving Heavenly Father who I know listened to my prayer and answered it. I tried to put Payton back in his bed but he just wanted to be held so I went and laid on the couch with him for a few minutes. Then he decided to get down and then I took him to his room and he drank his bottle, snuggled for a minute, then went to sleep.
It's weird how you hear stories like this all the time, but until it happens to you, you don't understand the feeling of gratitude a mother has when the Lord hears our prayers and through our faith we can be healed.

Crabby Baby!

2009-01-03T10:22:00.003-07:00

So for the last couple of days Payton has been super crabby! I figured he was teething, but those bottom teeth won't come in! Anyways, last night, he wouldn't go to sleep so I went and got him out of his bed so he could see Kelvin. Kelvin was eating ice cream in our bed watching football of course. Payton crawled over to him and was signing and saying "more, more". Kel gave him a bite of ice cream. Then he thought that was good so he wanted more. Kel put some on a spoon then was teasing him putting it close to his mouth then pulling it back. Payton was laughing he thought it was so funny. Then Kelvin would give him a bite. Then Kelvin was tickling him and I noticed a white thing in his mouth. I stuck my finger in there and he had cut 3 molars. No wonder he was so crabby!

Pictures of Keith

2008-12-29T20:06:00.020-07:00

Tonight when Kel got home, we went through all the pictures we have on the computer and pulled out the one's we have of Keith. Here they are... We love you!!!

Keith doing the Robot at our Wedding

Troy's Birthday / UFC Fight

2008-12-28T21:16:00.003-07:00

Geoffrey came over about 5:30 PM to babysit the kids so we could go to Troy's birthday party on the east side. We drove out there and it was so nice to meet some of Kelvin's employee's. Troy's boys are so cute! He has 4 of them and the ride motor bikes. They have won so many trophies. I texted Sara and told her she should go to the tracks and take pictures. It was pretty cool seeing the photos they have had taken of them. The friends he had there were all so nice. We met one family that goes to CCV and he used to play for the Rattlers. They were such a nice family and I really liked the wife and their children were adorable! The UFC fights were really entertaining. I can't believe that Forrest Griffin got knocked out, that was crazy! We just had a really good time out alone with no kids. I had been doing the laundry earlier that day and needed to make our bed so when we got home I went in our room and put my shoes in the closet. Then went to go get our bedding, as I was walking out of my room I noticed Hailee passed out in our bed, so Kelvin had to carry her to bed. Silly girl, can't keep her in her own room for anything.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T17:27:00.005-07:00

This year has flown by so fast I can believe it! Well, Christmas Eve I stayed up late and wrapped presents while Kelvin and Hailee watched Willy Wonka. Then Hailee went to bed and Kelvin put all the presents under the tree. Payton woke up pretty early so I fed him a bottle and put him back to sleep. Hailee came in our room about 9:15 AM so we all got up and got dressed. Hailee was so excited to open presents that she wanted to open everyone's for them. Payton didn't care though. He was so excited to open his guitar. While Kel was taking it out of the packaging he kept grabbing it trying to look at it and play it. After all the presents were open the kids played with them and I finished taking everything else out of its packaging. Then we had to hurry over to my mom's house to open presents with them. It was nice to have my whole family together for Christmas even if it was chaotic. My grandma was really excited about the books my mom and I had made for her. She had started a journaling jar and we put it into a book for her. We also made a book that was of all the pictures they had hanging on the wall in their hallway before we took them all down to paint their house. My grandpa loved the deck of cards I made for him. I put pictures of them dating and from their honeymoon and navy. He started telling me stories of the pictures. It was so neat to see his eyes light up as he started to tell me these stories. My grandparents gave the kids $10 each, it was cute Paytie was just holding it. My mom made the comment to Hailee that now she could put her money in her bank account and start saving her money. Hailee looked at her and said, "I'm not saving it I'm going to buy a toy with it." It was so funny the way she said it was just like duh! what else would I do with my money. But little does she know that it's going in the bank. Christmas was really nice with the family. Payton started to get crabby and whiny which meant he needed a nap! So we went home and put him down and Hais just played with her new toys.
We had a good Christmas this year, it was hard though, having the whole family minus my dad. He loved Christmas so much and I just really haven't been in the Christmas spirit this year. The tree was up and it had lights on the tree, but I never did get the ornaments on the tree. Life just got too crazy and busy this year. Next year though, the kids will be older and life will hopefully have calmed down and we will go all out for Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-25T21:24:00.005-07:00

For Christmas Eve this year we spent in with the Pugmires at their house. It was so nice, we had a Ham dinner (tradition). Then after dinner was over we sat in the family room and got to open presents. Hailee was really excited so got an apron and kitchen tools so she can help me cook now. Payton got lots of cars. As tradition, all the grandkids got matching pj's. This year though, grandpa got pj's to match all his grandkids. So cute! All the kids got dressed up and took their pictures with Grandpa. It was really nice and Hailee even though the other kids were running around she was such a good girl and just played nicely with the cousins. Kel's mom cross stitched us a beautiful stitchery of the Mesa Temple where we were married. Marissa called while we were there and we all got to talk to her for a few minutes. Hailee was so glad to talk to her, she misses her so much. I think they have the strongest bond out of all her aunts and uncles. We gave Gayle a book that Marissa and I thought of making. It had all the kids' Santa pictures in it from when they were born 'til they graduated High School. It also had family recipes and traditions, memories from each of the kids. I'm really glad that she enjoyed it so much. We were afraid that she'd be mad that I redid the book that she had once started, but at least this way, the memories are preserved and safe forever. She told me before we left that she was so glad to read the book because earlier that day she was wondering why she puts so much work into Christmas, but now she knows how much it really affected her children's lives and how much they appreciate her for doing that for them.

The Funeral

2008-12-24T17:49:00.008-07:00

We woke up and went down stair for breakfast at the hotel. Then went back to our room to get ready. We stayed at a hotel in Ontario so then we drove to the McDermott's church ward building. As we pulled up an officer asked if we were part of the family and Kelvin said, "I'm going to say yes. If you mean by blood no, but the fact I lived with them for 6 months, I'd say yes." So the officer told us to park in the family area. As we pulled up I'd never seen so many cops in one area. As we were walking inside I was not ready for this, so many memories from my dad's funeral flooded my mind. We went inside and went to the viewing. We gave all the boys and their wives hugs and told them how much we loved them. We talked to Florence and hugged her. Then we stood in the back of the room near Florence while they talked about Keith for a while, then they opened the casket. Poor Madison, Brian's daughter, kept crying for Grandpa and calling for him. It broke my heart that she had to go through this, at least Brayden is small enough it's not as hard for him. Seeing Keith laying there with his spirit not in his body was so surreal. Kelvin said that it didn't even look like him. After the family, we payed our respects and then went into the chapel to wait for the funeral to start. Keith was a Los Angeles County Sheriff so the force was their. I've never seen so many guns in a church before (LOL!). The funeral was so nice, the musical numbers that were sung were absolutely beautiful and the eulogies were fabulous. The very last song we sang was Silent Night, when Kelvin saw that he laughed. He told me how that was the one and only song that Keith knew how to play on the piano and how at Christmas he always volunteered to play the music so he could play that song. I've snag that song hundreds of times, but it never had meant more or been so hard to sing than at that moment. Keith was such a good man and loved to serve the Lord. He honestly knew what it mean to give Charity (the pure love of Christ). He was always helping everyone and serving the community. At one point, Officer Harr was speaking and he asked those who had worked with Keith in the courts, as an officer, etc. to stand and I was amazed at how many peoples lives had been touched by this man. To give you numbers, they had to start the funeral over 30 minutes later because there was over 1200 people in attendance and the parking lot was so full, they were parking in between the lanes, we couldn't even get out of our parking spot. After the funeral, which was in Rancho Cucamonga , there was a precession line 2 miles long that then drove to Beaumont to the cemetery. They had to close 3 or 4 LA freeways to get us all to the burial. Brian said as he was driving he had the radio on and and they commented about how some war vet or dignitary must have passed because the precession line was so long and was accompanied by all these officers. Brian was so proud he was like that's my dad! One of Keith's best friends dedicated the grave site and then they had a Christmas tree to put on his plot after the casket was buried. It was so nice to see everyone again even under these circumstances. I'm just so grateful that the kids and I were at their house the end of September and decided to stay a few extra days and had the chance to have a few extra days to spend with Keith. I'll always remember my good bye kiss on my forehead as I headed back to AZ. Keith our Family loves you like a Father and with losing my dad I loved you like my own. You have truly touch a very special place in my heart and I will always cherish the memories we shared. We love you and Rest In Peace until we meet again.

If you know Keith and have pictures and stories of your memories with him. Please email them to me. I'd like to put a book together for the family. Please send email to memoriesofkeith@cox.net

Home Run!

2008-12-24T17:42:00.002-07:00

So Kel got the flu on Sunday night and was up all night long. I've never seen anyone that sick. I was sick but not that sick! Then he had to go to work Monday morning because we were leaving for the funeral Monday night. Kel only worked half a day then we headed off to Cali. I drove the Pilot while Kel slept. It was raining for most of the trip out there, but we got their safely. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn Marriott next to Ontario Airport. The bad thing was that outside our window was the airport. I was up all night, but at least Kelvin got some sleep. So it hit the whole family all four bases! While we were gone though, it did get Payton again. He had diarrhea the entire time we were gone.

It's Making the Rounds

2008-12-21T18:53:00.003-07:00

So early, early, Saturday morning i woke up feeling really sick to my stomach. Sure enough I have the flu too. Unfortunately, Kelvin had to work, so he couldn't take care of the kids, but fortunately, Hailee had spent the night at my mom's house Friday night. Luckily, my flu only lasted about 20 hours. My mom called about 8:40 PM saying Hailee was having diarrhea all day long and that she wanted to be at home. Luckily, I was feeling a little better so I went and picked her up. While I was there my grandpa and Andy gave me a priesthood blessing that my body would heal. I was only sick once more early this morning and have been fine since. Hailee was sick this morning and slept until noon and Payton had diarrhea a few times today and puked once, but he's fine. Kel has been trying to avoid us since it's month end and we have to leave for California tomorrow to go to Keith's funeral. It will be a super quick trip. We'll be leaving Monday night and coming home Tuesday after the funeral. We were supposed to take our family pictures today with my mom, my sister's family, my brother's family, and my grandparents, but my mom and sister got the flu too. So I called Sara and told her we needed to reschedule. Hopefully everyone gets better before Christmas!

Prayers Please

2008-12-19T21:21:00.002-07:00

Kelvin's 2nd Father, Kieth McDermott (the one he lived with in California while his family was in AZ) passed away this afternoon. Please keep the McDermotts (Florence, Brian & his family, Scott, Adam & Ann, and Luke)in your thoughts and prayers as they have just lost a husband and father. I'm so numb right now, it brings back all my memories of when I lost my dad almost 6 years ago. I know how they feel and hurt so badly for them. We love you guys and we will see you soon at the funeral.
If anyone would like to donate money to the family, I'm sure a bank account will be set up in the next few days and I can get that info for you.

Round 2

2008-12-19T21:11:00.003-07:00

Here we go again! I was putting Payton to bed last night and was feeding him a bottle, then he didn't want anymore but wanted me to read to him. All the sudden he coughed then puked all over me. YUCK! So I cleaned him up first (since I'm a nice mom). Then cleaned my self up. I changed him clothes and put him to bed. I went and hopped in the shower to clean up. When Kel left for work this morning, he smelled some foul odor and thought Hailee had been sick again and was looking in the hallway for dirty panties, but found nothing. So he went to work. Payton woke up so I went into his room and changed his diaper and noticed he had a little puke on him but fed him a bottle and put him back to bed. Well, a few hours later when he woke up, the smell was worse so I turned the light on and lifted his blanket and there was puke everywhere! Ewww! He had eaten some raisin bread the night before and I fed him the beef baby food for dinner. Yeah, use your imagination. It was nasty. So I changed his sheets and put him in the bathtub. Washing the throw-up out of his hair and off his face. Poor baby I should have turned his light on the first time. I called Kelvin at work later and told him what happened and that's when he told me about the awful smell that he was looking for, it all made sense. He's fine though, hasn't been sick since. I'm actually thinking that he's allergic to raisins along with carrots and oatmeal. Good times!

Silly Payton

2008-12-17T15:21:00.007-07:00

I was working trying to get my Heritage Makers Monthly Specials sent out to all my Cusotmers. Hailee decided she wanted to play PBS Kids.org so I got off the computer and let her play. Well, I walk into the family room and Paytie is just laying on the coffee table watching cartoons. It was so cute!
Then he got bored and decided he was going to tease Sassy with his bagel. I put her outside because she's a vulture and steals his food out of his hands and makes him cry. So she was at the back door barking, so he kept going over there and teasing her. The sit and spin is right in front of the couch and he was standing on it trying to get onto the couch. Obviously, it was working like a treadmill, watch the video. I missed the really funny part, but you'll get the idea.

The Traveling Sickness

2008-12-17T12:30:00.002-07:00

Well, we've had quite the week. After my last post, I started giving Payton 1/2 tsp of Amla Rush and within his second dose he's fine!!! It's a miracle! I'm so grateful for all of your prayers. What a relief! Then yesterday, I went to my BNI meeting and had a great time. I left the meeting and pick Hailee up to take her to school. She was just fine. I was working with a new customer so my mom pick Hailee up from school. After she'd be home for a while, she told me her belly was hurting, so I told her to go in and go potty. That was the start of that! For the next 9.5 hours she had diarrhea and was vomiting. I talked to our friend who works in the ER by our house and he said the new studies all show to just keep them hydrated but don't give them anything to stop it. The body is trying to get rid of the bad stuff inside. You know she doesn't feel good when she falls asleep during the day. Luckily, Tyson (my cousin) was home so I was able to take Payton to my Seriesse Business Meeting with my and Tyson watched Hailee. Unfortunatly, for him, while I was gone, Hailee had an accident that he had to clean up. When I got home about 9:45 PM, our Home Teacher, Aaron, came over and they gave Hailee a blessing. She fell asleep on the couch and slept throughout the entire night. Today she's actually feeling better. I'll keep you updated...

Patyon Update

2008-12-11T11:33:00.003-07:00

Just a quick update on Paytie... still sick! It was so sweet, Hailee spent the night at my mom's house on Tuesday night (she usually spends the night a few times per week). Hailee was so worried about her brother that when she said her prayers that night she asked Heavenly Father to please bless her brother and make him not sick anymore so he could feel better. What a SWEET sister! She loves him so much! Well yesterday, he was actually doing better, he slept ALOT though. He slept most of yesterday. Then this morning he woke up and was just crying again. I got Hailee ready for school. The entire time, he was just crying and wanting me to hold him and snuggle. I got over here to my mom's house and put him down for a nap. At this point I'm so overwhelmed with his sickness. I know if it's a viral infection, it takes time to just heal itself, but it's been over a month now. We'll keep praying for him and hopefully he'll feel better before all the cousins come in town so he'll be able to be happy and play with Megan, Joseph and Emma. Thanks for all your prayers!

Payton is STILL sick

2008-12-09T22:54:00.003-07:00

So, for the last month or so Payton has had this really nasty cold. On Friday night, I actually took him to urgent care because he actually got a fever on top of all the couching and green stuff from the nose. He's always such a happy baby, but he just cries and cries. Of course, by the time I get there his temp was back down in the 99 degree range, clear fluid from the nose, no more crying, etc. The doctor said he just has a viral infection and that his tonsils were swollen. They strep tested him, which he did not like! Came back negative which was good. So we went home and he went to bed, sure enough next morning he's really sick again. Sunday, we didn't even go to church, Paytie just cried all day. Then today, I had my BNI meeting this morning and dropped the kids off at my mom's house. When I got back Paytie was still sleeping, he slept until 10:30AM. My poor baby just looked miserable. He has no appetite at all, just wants his mom. We put him back down for a nap around noon and he slept til 4PM. I'm to the point I don't know what to do for him. Sunday Ben and Kelvin gave him a blessing. Maybe as parents, we need to pray harder for our son to feel better, I don't know. Tomorrow I'm going to give him 1/4 tsp of Amla Rush and see if that will help him. Amla is amazing that's what I gave him small dosages of when he was throwing up all the time and it helped with his digestion. (Google the Amla berry sometime, it's an amazing plant!) Well, for all those reading this, please keep Payton in your prayers and thoughts. And us as parents that we might know what to do to help him recover.

Kel & the kids Decorated the House!

2008-12-06T20:25:00.004-07:00

Today, I was working a Multi-Vendor Open House, which was really busy today. I had the opportunity to share Seriesse International with alot of people! I love that company, the Stallone's are such amazing people and have created truly wonderful products. Patrick Flavin, jennifer's brother was there to meet all of our customers and talk to them about Seriesse too! Anyways... I was so thrilled to come home and see Christmas Lights on our house! Not only that there was green and red candy canes around the yard. AND there were blue lights around our pillar by the front door! It absolutely made made whole day. I love Christmas and love my house decorated. Kel was so sweet to know how much that having the house decorated means to me. Especially since my dad died, it's been really hard for me because that is something we did together every year. So I'm so glad that Kelvin decorated our house for us it's beautiful!!!

Family Photos

2008-12-06T20:04:00.007-07:00

My friend, Sara Carroll, who is an amazing photographer, took our pictures a few weeks ago and I put them into a custom Heritage Makers storybook. You can look at our pictures by turning the pages in the book. The kids have been growing so quickly I can't believe how much they've grown in the last year.

Look Below to See the Book!!!