Henderson-sations

My Crafty Side

2012-02-11T12:46:00.001-05:00

I have been slowly buying supplies for this project for 6 months! I bought each letter individually with a 50% off coupon. It was worth the wait. Each letter had a different kind of paper on it. It is a process to get it on

Then little personal touches are added. For example: Savannah loves turtles so there is a turtle on her S, Zavy loves all sports and is a Monkey child. It was so much fun! If anyone wants me to make some or teach you how to make them let me know!

The kids needed a new toy chest. We were using a plastic bin that was cracked all over. We kept getting cut and finding little pieces all over the floor. I found a toy box on craigslist that had old drawings on it. I bought it for $10.00 then covered the drawings with fabric. It turned out great and only $10!

Last project was the kiddos curtains. They have blackout curtains because the sun creeps right into the room and wakes them up entirely too early. Black out curtains are ugly. I wanted to jazz them up. With the same fabric as the toy chest, I added big panels to the bottom of each curtain. Took 1.5 hours and cost $5.

I always tell myself I am too busy to craft. But I took the time to do these projects and really enjoyed it. I love having one of a kind décor in my home.

A Day at the Park

2012-02-05T15:06:00.001-05:00

Savannah is doing wonderfully. The only problem we are having is fighting boredom. The weather has been gorgeous so I figured for our first outing we would take a leisurely trip to Pullen Park. We had so much fun! Savannah lasted for about an hour and then needed to relax in the stroller and sleep while finished our walk around the lake. She (and we) were thrilled to be out of the house!

Savannah's Recovery

2012-01-18T10:58:00.002-05:00

Some may know, some not but on Monday our little Savannah's life was in turmoil. On Monday Savannah told me her head hurt. This was very odd because she NEVER complains. She barely whimpered when she broke her arm. I had her lay down where I could watch her and said a prayer. I was immediately and strongly impressed to pack our bags for the hospital. If this was any other child I would assume she just had a headache. But this is Savannah who has hydrocephalus and a shunt in her brain. I quickly took a shower with the curtain open so I could watch her, packed our bags, called Russell home from work and began the long drive to Duke peds ER. As I was driving Savannah began to violently vomit. She was grabbing her head and sobbing. I had made the right choice to drive to the ER. We pulled in and were admitted instantly. She was getting worse by the minute. We spent the next 6 hours taking x rays, cat scans, MRI's, cleaning vomit, trying dozens of drugs and praying. Her neurosurgeon saw us and said he had an eerie suspsion that her shunt was shutting down. This is the BAD.

We schedule a shunt flow study. All night long she continues to worsen and vomits for hours on ends while holding her head. In the morning the shunt flow study began. As the needle was inserted into her shunt port the Dr. said "that is not good," which made Russ and I uncomfortable. Savannah's shunt pressure was reading 25 when it should be at a max of 11. At a 13 emergency surgery is required. This is the equivalent of being under 40 pounds of water pressure. Excruciating. The study also showed that there was no fluid draining so the shunt had failed and collapsed. There was extensive scar tissue and collapsed ventircles. Surgery was our next step but we thought we had a few hours to prepare. Wrong. Within the hour she was taken to surgery. Having to say goodbye to Savannah knowing she was being wheeled away for brain surgery was an absolutely horrifying and helpless feeling. I wish it on no one. I paced for the duration of the 2 hour surgery. The moved so quickly with a huge surgery team assisting. They were hoping to revise the shunt but after seeing its state an entire new shunt system was needed. This is a major surgery and very invasive. After the shunt was placed a tube has to be routed through your chest, abdomen and down to your stomach. Savannah came through surgery beautifully.

She is continuing to recover. It is very painful and scary. She is on lots of pain meds and meds to keep her from vomiting. She lost about 40% of her hair. And has a 5 inch incision along the back of her had, an incision over her port, and an incision on her belly where the drainage tube was pulled. She has been weepy but does not complain. She is sleeping now with the help of medicine, her snuggly bear bear, and music. This girl is incredible.

I have to thank my Heavenly Father for the amazing calm he has blessed both Russ and I throughout this process. There were people all over the country praying for my sweet cakes. I literally felt their strength and support these hundreds of miles away. I am so grateful for the promptings of the spirit that told me to get my child to the ER immediately. In retrospect I see so many tender mercies previous to this hospital stay. Our family had an amazingly relaxed weekend with lots of time together. Our home was cleaned, laundry done, bathrooms disinfected. Everyone was well rested, church was awesome, refrigerator full stocked. That NEVER happens in such perfect synch. I know my Heavenly Father was holding my family in the hollow of His hand. I have so many wonderful family members and friends who have stepped up to provide child care, food, and anything we need. Even through this I am so totally filled with gratitude. I have such a sure knowledge that my Savior lives, loves me, and paid the ultimate price so that I might cast my heavy burden on Him. I knew he was with my sweet Savannah in the operating room when I could not be. I know that my Saviors and Father in Heavens love for my daughter and family is perfect. I put my trust with them and find such peace. Thank you for your prayers and love.

JOIN OUR TEAM

2012-01-16T09:45:00.002-05:00

WWW.ANGELSAMONGUS.ORG

Why children should not be left alone….

2012-01-15T19:57:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoon…..nice and calm….kids playing nicely….I innocently sit down to read for a few….It is too quite…this room was spotless….now…not

the evil book monster (zavy) came and destroyed over 10 of Savannah’s favorite books.

After I asked him what happened he says “I just reading mommy, geez!”

I am mad at this point. I take a minute to cool off and I hear the kids talking. I peek around the corner and see this….

How do kids do it? You can be seriously angry with them, and then a few minutes later they melt your hearts. It can be hard, but being a parent is the best!

Learning to Ride…

2012-01-08T19:02:00.001-05:00

I am so proud of my kids today! The weather was beautiful after church so we decided to go outside for a family walk. I asked Savannah if she wanted to ride her bike (she has been trying to learn for over 2 years) she said “yes”! Russ and I were surprised. That question usually induces a meltdown with tears. We started out pushing her a lot. It is very difficult for her to push the pedals around. After 15 minutes of pushing her our backs were hurting and we were ready to head home when when a miracle happened!!!! Savannah started to push and steer the bike by herself! I do not use the word miracle lightly!!! Russ and I were both cheering so loud for her. The best thing in the world was to see how proud she was of herself. Savannah proves every day that the impossible is possible. 2 years ago Savannah was 4, could barely walk or talk, ate through a feeding tube, and spent every day at therapy and the Doctors office. Now she runs and plays, uses her imagination, goes to kindergarten, rides the bus, uses the big girl potty, brushes her own teeth, gets herself dressed, swings, goes on the slide, is learning to write her name, sings, is learning to swim, dances, jumps, AND RIDES A BIKE!!! She even learned to ride her bike with a broken arm! Zavy made us crack up today! He now dominates his red radio flyer scooter! He is so tough! He fell head first off the curb (he had a helmet) and said “Awesome, I’m good” He is 100% boy! I love seeing my children learn new things and find joy in life! Here is a video of the fun!

Henderson Christmas

2012-01-01T13:42:00.001-05:00

We were doubly lucky this year! We got 2 days of Christmas! Both were wonderful! Here is our day with the Henderson’s!

CHRISTMAS DAY

2011-12-31T18:52:00.001-05:00

A Bodhaine Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T12:20:00.001-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve celebration with Daniel home for the first time in 2 years and special guest Grandma Judy.

We had an amazing family breakfast, decorated our family tree with all our memories, and even included Devin. We sure missed him!

Celebrating France this year was AWESOME! We had an amazing meal filled with snails, great cheeses, and good laughs!

We came home and Chef Daniel made us authentic crepes filled with tantalizing toppings! Soooo good! We enjoyed listening to the Christmas message from Luke, singing and playing chimes, opening the Bush de Noel (French traditional Christmas Cake) and wearing new Christmas pjs from Grandma!

We drove around town to look at lights! Russ felt the urge to jump out of the car and take a pic in this strangers yard!

Then the best part of all!!! Children all in bed the pranks began! We have been in a prank war with my parents neighbors for 6 years now. There is a hideous Christmas pillow that we hide in each others home each year! This year we decided to bury the pillow in their front yard, then make clues and treasure map! It was awesome!

Broken Arm

2011-12-16T15:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday afternoon Savannah was washing her hands at the sink while standing on a stepping stool. She was stepping down and missed a step causing her to fall about 24” down to the ground. She caught herself just right. Savannah NEVER cries from pain. She screamed and I knew instantly she had broken it. Upon inspection her arm looked like the letter “U”, not good. She broke both forearm bones. She is in a fiberglass cast until swelling goes down. On Monday they will put her under, set the bones, and give her a new green cast. She is loving the movie time but looks so pitiful. She never complains or whines!We are prying she heals quickly!

Holiday Happenings

2011-12-16T14:51:00.001-05:00

A Christmas Carol

2011-12-16T14:28:00.001-05:00

I had the fun this season of performing in the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”. We performed to over 30,000 audience members! I made some wonderful friends and loved adding this experience to my Christmas festivities! I played Mrs. Fezzywig and a candlestick makers wife. Here a pictures to tell the rest!

Gobble ‘til You Wobble

2011-11-29T21:42:00.001-05:00

Turkey day was great!

I had a great opportunity to serve a family in need. I volunteer through the Raleigh rescue mission and got to make a whole Thanksgiving meal for a family in need. I was feeling overwhelmed with cooking 2 meals and so stressed about driving so far to deliver the meal. I was in such a grinchy mood. Then we pulled up to this sweet families home. They live an hour out into the country in a single wide trailer home from the 50’s. They have very low education, no car, and literally nothing in their cupboards. They were going to eat deer for dinner that was shot over 6 weeks ago. The mother was seriously ill and has to be attended to constantly. The moment we walked in the door we were greeted with hugs, thank you’s, and we love you’s. I expected a thank you but I did not expect the outpouring of love that I felt from this family. I felt Christ’s love so strongly in that trailer that afternoon. Some may struggle but they are never forgotten by their Heavenly Father. If you are ever feeling sad, angry, depressed….get out and serve!

On Thanksgiving day we had a full house with Daniel home and Steph and Jeremy were with baby Alayna. We miss you Elder Devin! We had an awesome turkey bowl event, made tons of food, and played some great games. It was simple and great! I will let the pictures explain.

What is Thanksgiving without a nap and some kind of home project

Zavy is obsessed with baby Alayna. He constantly wants to hold her and kiss her. You have to be careful because if she is on the floor he tries to pick her up by himself. Alayna smiles and coos every time he talks to her. It is precious.

Brain is 13!!

2011-11-28T15:42:00.001-05:00

The baby of the Bodhaine family has turned 13! Not a baby anymore! I cannot get over how fast life changes! We love you Brian (squirrel) Here is to another great year!

Elder Daniel Bodhaine Returns!

2011-11-27T19:02:00.001-05:00

Elder Daniel Bohaine returned from his LDS mission to France and Belgium on Tuesday, November 22! We were so excited to see him! It was wonderful to finally have him home! We love you Daniel! We are so proud of your courageous service!

Men…

2011-11-18T11:05:00.001-05:00

Proof that men are just little boys in big bodies!

Russell comes from a family of 7 boys!! When they all get together to watch a sporting event testosterone starts to boil over. Of course the youngsters had to get involved.

Love you Rich and Randall! I have to admit, it was pretty entertaining!

Granny Bowes

2011-11-13T23:20:00.001-05:00

Russell’s maternal grandmother passed away last Sunday. Nannie Lou Duncan Bowes was born November 22,1927 and was near her 84th birthday. She was married to her husband Milo for 64 years. She had 4 children: Jimmy, Carolyn, Tony and Neal. Granny was ready to leave this earth and had been in pain for a long time. Her funeral was beautiful and a celebration of her life. All 18 of her grandchildren were at the funeral. All 7 Henderson men attended. It was wonderful to visit with family we do not see often. We are grateful for the lives that Nannie Bowes shaped and touched. We are even more grateful that she accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is amazing to see how one decision can shape so many lives. She will be missed, but remembered with warmth. I had the privilege to make a video collage of her life. The thought I had throughout the process was to always remember how precious each moment of life is and to cherish it always.

Henderson Brothers left to right: Ronald, Randall, Ryan, Robert, Richard, Raymond and Russell

11-11-11

2011-11-13T20:23:00.001-05:00

My mother was born November 11, 1959. Which means that we just celebrated her birthday! Pretty cool one this year! 11-11-11! We wanted to do find a big clock that showed the time and date and then take a picture of my mom on 11/11 @ 11:11am. We could not find a big, huge clock But what we ended up with was even better. We were standing in front of the ABC 11 news room when my dad buzzed into the office to ask if they knew anywhere that we could find a big clock quickly. The receptionist told us to wait a moment. All of a sudden one of the studio doors opens and the weather anchor came out. He told us to wait for something special that would be coming across the outside screen in just a minute, and…

Pretty cool, right! It was freezing outside, but we stayed and watched the message run about 10 times! It really made my mom feel great!

To fill the time we tool pics…

My Dad told a really funny joke, and we were all dying! I got this pic of him and it makes me giggle! I do not remember the joke…..

Then we headed to a really cool Lebanese restaurant for lunch! My dad wanted an authentic experience so he got stake tar tar paste… he smiled through it!

For dessert I took my mom to one of the original Krispy Kreme stores. We love watching how things are made, so we watched through the windows as the conveyer belt carried the sweet health food down the line. If I were 5 people would have looked and thought it was cute. But I am not. Doing simple things in life can sometimes bring the most joy.

Happy Birthday Mom! You are wonderful!

Family Photo Shoot

2011-11-02T08:56:00.001-04:00

Now that I have my nice camera I am under the false assumption that I am a semi pro photographer. So I thought we could totally take our own family pictures! We just used our little camera remote and went to town. The group photos did not turn out awesome but the others did. A good camera makes taking good pictures so easy!

Halloween Extravaganza

2011-11-01T17:11:00.001-04:00

Halloween was awesome this year! We had 3 different nights of goolish fun!

To start it all off was some fun pumpkin carving! Zavy was super freaked out about gutting the pumpkin. He absolutely refused to touch it. We got him a big spoon and he used it for about 30 seconds and was done.

Saturday night ward party!

Savannah was Blue the bird from the movie RIO

I was a flower power fairy. Russ was a nerd and Zavy was a mischievous monkey

Savannah loved trunk or treating with all of our good friends from Raleigh 1st ward!

Back off ladies! That nerd belongs 100% to me!

HENDERSON FAMILY HALLOWEEN PARTY

BODHAINE FAMILY TRICK OR TREATING

Halloween night was freezing and rainy but we still had a great time! Zavy ran to every single house and at the end of the night he was so happy to just sit on the steps and eat a sucker! Having such wonderful family and church friends around makes every holiday AWESOME!

Total Awe

2011-10-27T23:43:00.001-04:00

Playgroup took a fieldtrip to the fire station this week! Zavy’s dream came true! He is absolutely fascinated by fire trucks and trains. The fire station is right next to the train track…. need I say more. The truck was cool. The fireman, in all his gear, looked like a monster to the kids; not cool.

Highlight of the fieldtrip. Children spontaneously begin to play chase in the open fire station garage…..everyone is having a great time….Zavy slips and catches his body with his head—smack against the concrete….the firemen take their duty seriously and proceed to give my screaming child and full medical exam….me calmly saying “If you just let me hold him, he will stop crying. There’s no blood, were good over here!” I felt like such a nerd. Obviously I could not have prevented him from falling, but still felt like a nerd. At least we got a free fireman hat out of it!

Savannah’s 6th Birthday

2011-10-23T20:04:00.001-04:00

It is hard to believe that this is the 3rd Birthday we have celebrated with Savannah! The time goes so fast! She is already 6! I am so proud of the huge milestones she has hit over this past years! She has worked so hard and are so grateful she is our little banana! All she wanted for her birthday was a sleepover at grandma’s house….so that is what she got! Plus a trip to the book store (her favorite store) to pick out any book she wanted. Of course she ended up picking the book of her favorite movie “Despicable Me” I did not even try to change her mind. The book made her so happy! This year we gave her a big girl bike and are excited to teach her to ride! This post is in green in honor of her favorite color.

State Fair

2011-10-17T18:38:00.001-04:00

And sooooo much fried food that we were sick! It was AWESOME!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T18:24:00.001-04:00

We’re going to the zoo, zoo, zoo!

2011-10-09T20:40:00.001-04:00

Our NC zoo is awesome! The absolutely gorgeous weather we are having made going to the zoo a perfect family outing! Even better, we went with Stephanie, Jeremy and baby Alayna! Fun!

I have been to the zoo enough times now to not care about taking pictures of the animals anymore! I mean the animals are cute but all MY CRAZY ANIMALS are ADORABLE!!!

Fall Fun

2011-10-04T16:04:00.001-04:00

Fall is here! That means family fun at the pumpkin farm!

Happy

2011-09-30T14:12:00.001-04:00

Zavy’s 2nd Birthday

2011-09-27T21:50:00.001-04:00

We did not get to celebrate Zavy’s 1st Birthday with him so we blew the roof on Bday # 2!!

Because of the rain we had a party in the gym which was full of balls, balls and more balls! The kids had blast!

I am pretty firm about sugar but on your special day you get as much as you want! Zavy must have had at least 5 suckers and 2 or 4 packs of fruit snacks! On top of that juice and hot dogs for lunch! And of course for dinner all he wanted was nuggets. As you can see he is holding nuggets in one hand, fries in the other hand, and his sippy cup with his elbow and chest! For desert, I found frosting and a cake mix that had no dairy or soy! This is the first time Zavy has ever had frosting. When we asked him what he wanted for his birthday dinner he said…” More brown please!” Pointing to the brown chocolate frosting! Tomorrow will be a shock when I get cauliflower and grapes out for lunch

Joy School

2011-09-25T20:43:00.001-04:00

What fun!! Age 2-3 Joy School! These little guys are FULL of energy! How awesome!!

Quietest time of the morning!

Snack Time

Tooth Fairy

2011-09-08T11:36:00.001-04:00

Savannah’s bottom front adult teeth made an early appearance. To make room for them she had to have her 4 bottom front teeth extracted. I was so nervous about the whole thing! Savannah was a champion! She did not make a single peep or complaint through the whole procedure! She thought the new hole in her mouth was pretty funny. The tooth fairy came bearing many gifts! After all, she had 4 teeth to add to her collection

Kindergarten

2011-08-29T15:48:00.001-04:00

First day of kindergarten was AWESOME!!! Savannah loved every second of it!!! Her teacher is absolutely incredible!! Savannah has progressed so much that she is going to a CCK classroom. She will follow traditional kindergarten curriculum but with necessary modifications. She wore big girl underwear and had no accidents! Biggest of all she ate her entire lunch by HERSELF! She has never done that before and was so proud and excited that her teacher let her call me from school and tell me all about it! Savannah never ceases to amaze me! I am proud to be this amazing little girls mamma!

Dance Party

2011-08-29T12:42:00.001-04:00

Ode to Pool

2011-08-25T16:21:00.001-04:00

Good Times

2011-08-24T19:10:00.001-04:00

Fun with cousin Ava

The water surprises him every time!

Brooks Family Reunion

2011-08-20T12:32:00.001-04:00

Aimee’s Mom side of the family has a reunion in San Diego each summer. Here are the pics to show what an awesome time we had!

WE ARE ALIVE!!

2011-08-20T12:08:00.001-04:00

After our move and summer vacations we are finally getting back into the swing of things! I have been horrible about blogging and taking pictures but I am back on track. Her are a few random pics just to get the ball rolling again!

Father’s Day

2011-06-23T13:41:00.001-04:00

Thank you to all the wonderful Father’s in our lives! We love you!

Packing Stinks!

2011-06-08T10:23:00.001-04:00

Moving day is Saturday and I thought that because we had a garage sale and got rid of tons of “stuff” that packing would be easy!!!!!!!!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

How was I such a fool!! Packing is never easy! No matter how crazy organized you are about it there is always random pieces of something that do not belong in this box or that. You then end up with the junk box and that just makes me nutty! Plus it is depressing as you pack a way your things and memories race through your mind. I get all sentimental about leaving and feel sad

I am about to pack up the office and wont have internet again until Monday!

A shout out to my Mother and Father-In-Law who have so graciously let us live in their basement apartment for the last 2 years! Thank you seems such a meniul term for being such a blessing in our lives. Here are the things I will miss about being so close to Granny and Pa…

1. Walking upstairs after and exhausting day, smelling something delicious and having Carolyn invite us in for dinner!

2. Having the Zavy run upstairs so he can play basketball with Pa!

3. Savannah running upstairs so she can cuddle with Granny on the rocking chair.

4. Having an emergency baby sitter right here so I can run to the Dr. or run an errand while kids are sleeping.

5. Having my home cleaned after being away at the hospital.

6. Having my laundry miraculously folded just because Carolyn new I was super busy and stressed.

7. Having another women in the house to commiserate with, laugh with, cry with, and sew with!

8. Having someone who can pick up Savannah from school or therapy when I am too sick to speak.

9. Having a yummy treat baked or in the freezer just a flight of stairs away (we have gotten spoiled big time)

10. Having family who loves Us only a floor away!

I have not even touched the surface! Granny and Pa we love you! Thank you!

Birthday Party Memorial Day Style

2011-06-08T10:08:00.001-04:00

Russell and my sister Stephanie had their birthday celebration over Memorial Day. We enjoyed a fun day at the pool and at Steph’s house with the new baby!

Only 1 Major meltdown! That is a good day for us!

Belated Mother’s Day Highlights

2011-05-31T15:37:00.001-04:00

Breakfast in bed! Yum

Awesome mommy feeling when your daughter tries to be just like you!

A much appreciated “mommy nap”

Crowning of the “Queen Mother”

Talking with both of my brothers who are serving missions! Great Day!

Baby Alyana is Here!

2011-05-19T09:38:00.001-04:00

On May 18, 2011 my sister Stepahnie and her husband Jeremy welcomed the world their daughter

Alayna Rachelle Deaver

She is a beautiful baby! Stephanie labored with no epidural, no screaming, and no complaining! She is amazing! Jeremy is in rapture with his little girl! Congratulations Deaver family, we love you!

(P.S. She totally looks like Jeremy)

Coleman’s Baby Blessing

2011-05-12T09:02:00.000-04:00

Rob and Teresa blessed baby #6, Coleman Luke Henderson, 2 Sundays ago! It was a beautiful day so we let the camera roll!

Angels Among Us

2011-05-12T08:54:00.000-04:00

We did it!!! Savannah’s Banana raised $1000.00 for Dukes Brain Cancer and Trauma Center!! We are AWESOME!! What a privilege it is to represent our sweet Savannah on such a special day! We had so much fun! 5K’s are a great way to burn off spring break treats!

Stephanie’s Baby Shower

2011-05-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

We can’t wait to meet little kangaraff!

(Don’t try to understand the nickname, it’s a long story)

Special Olympics

2011-05-12T08:22:00.000-04:00

Savannah did an amazing job participating in the Special Olympics! She ran, played bean bag toss, jumped across stars, played with hula hoops and was so thrilled that everyone was cheering for her, including her big fan, Zavy!

I am so proud of who Savannah is becoming! She is a wonderful, brave little girl who never ceases to amaze me! 2 years ago she could hardly walk or talk and now she is running in a race! I love sweet Savannah and am so grateful that she is exactly who she is!

Easter Henderson Style

2011-05-06T19:53:00.001-04:00

HAPPY TIMES

Easter Bodhaine Style

2011-05-06T16:37:00.001-04:00

Very pregnant Aunt Steph made some delicious Strawberry Treasure Pie!

Then the egg dying commenced!

Grandma and Grandpa made an amazing Easter breakfast!

Savannah could not wait to see what the Bunny brought!

Easter morning was awesome!

Camping Part 2 In Pictures

2011-05-06T16:25:00.001-04:00

Camping- Asheville Style Part 1

2011-05-06T16:16:00.001-04:00

We LOVE to camp… that is in an efficiency cabin! I am over the tents! I actually LIKE to sleep! Our little cabin had a porch swing that little banana loved!

We got the best campsite! It faced a lake and backed up to a small river!

So sweet! Savannah was always telling Zavy to be safe, and slow down.

The following picture is hilarious if you look closely! Notice Zavy’s focus! Not at all focused on swinging but merely tolerating the action as to better observe the boy playing basketball! He was yelling “Basketball” the whole time we were pushing him!

Worth 1000 Words

2011-05-06T08:38:00.001-04:00

Time: 11:30pm

Place: My kitchen (more precisely where my stove used to be)

Event: Exploding pipes

Effect: Exploding walls with mold!!

Yeah!!!!!!!!!

Zoo Trip a la Cousins

2011-05-06T08:35:00.001-04:00

Not even in the Zoo yet and we found monkeys!

We observed a Zavy Cat climbing the mountains to find food! A very rare find.

It was super hot and humind. Savannah fell asleep for a while and she woke up her hair was completely melted to her head!

After a long hot day the Mommy’s and Daddy’s thought some Yogurt Mountain sounded yummy!

Forts & Sports

2011-04-28T12:06:00.001-04:00

Daddy came home a bit early last Friday so we could have a fort party! It was AWESOME!

We had snacks and drinks! And if your name is Zavy, that is all you need for a good time!

Savannah is my little book worm, she loved reading stories in our fort with her handy, dandy flashlight!

After we cleaned up Zavy must have awed at all the open space so he got out his soccer ball (and no joke) played soccer for at least 45 minutes. He cheered for himself the whole time too! When the ball went too far he would say “Oh Man” and if he fell he would say “Oh My Gosh” but if he did something well he would sing “Go Zavy, Yeah”

25 Years Young!

2011-03-31T17:41:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I celebrated being 25 years young! Time goes so quickly! My parents watched the kids all weekend so Russ and I could have a fun staycation! We went to movies, shopping, got massages, painted pottery, went out to eat and had a birthday dinner with family! I got the best birthday present ever! An amazing camera! A polaris that takes the most amazing pics! Thank you everyone for your wishes! Here goes another great year!

Sister Time

2011-03-31T17:26:00.001-04:00

I have the best sisters in the whole world! A couple weekends ago went out to dinner, shopping and a movie! We have so much together!

Who are these people?

I couldn’t walk so Brookie pushed me around the stores! She found it amusing to roll me into racks! Other customers were giving us funny looks-

The next day Steph took me to get a pedicure for my birthday! It was so nice to sit and be pampered! Thanks Steph!

Sisters Rock!

Spring

2011-03-04T16:47:00.001-05:00

This is the baby I nanny, Makya! Shopping is easy with 2 babies as long as you have a racing car shopping cart!

Zavy really likes to think that Makya is the only baby around. They are the same size! He tries to feed her the dolly bottle all the time!

Water Table Fun

2011-02-27T18:10:00.001-05:00

The weather has been beautiful here! We thought the water table would be a great way to enjoy the warm temperature!

Zavy’s Adoption Shower

2011-02-22T18:50:00.001-05:00

Zavy’s adoption shower was AWESOME!!

Thank you to my dear family and friends for throwing this shower! We had nearly 40 women come to the shower! This ward and family are awesome at showing their love! I am so grateful! We received so many fun toys and supplies. Best of all a double jogging stroller that I am thrilled about!! Zavy is getting spoiled with love!

Random Bits of Life

2011-02-15T20:21:00.001-05:00

We may have invented a new sport at the grocery store? Race Car Kart Driving, very dangerous! You really need to be a skilled athlete to handle the turns between bananas and onions!

You got to love the long waits in the Dr.Office. With this little ham the wait did not seem quite as bad!

Little Savannah’s world has changed and she has been acting like any other child in the same situation. Sometimes she thinks it is great to have a brother and sometimes she asks, “Mom, can you please just put Zavy in his crib!” I thought a Mommy daughter date would be a great way to help Savannah know she is special. We went to a children's spa and got manicures! Savannah loved every second of it!

Life had been VERY busy and has drastically changed! I am so grateful for those changes but being human I have felt seriously run down! I had called Russell one afternoon just needing to talk with an adult an clear my system. That evening he came through the door with a bouquet of flowers. One of my favorite things in the world is to get a bright beautiful bouquet of flowers. It instantly cheered me up! Russ is the best!!

We have a lot of basketball in our life right now! Church ball that Russ organizes and refs. Coaching my brothers basketball team. Playing basketball and of course watching basketball! Zavy and Russ are both in heaven with all this b ball! It is growing on me!!

Sanity Saver

2011-02-15T20:04:00.001-05:00

With Russ working, in school, coaching, and running stake sports I tend to get a little burned out by the end of the day! But I have found a sanity saver! After the chaos that is dinner, bath time, and teeth brushing this happens….

They are sitting still, not screaming, and happy! How can this be?

Thank you FRESH BEAT BAND and Nick Junior! You help me from loosing my mind! I know some parents think TV is awful, but 30 minutes a day to help me from needing a padded room is A OK in my book!

Like Father Like Son

2011-02-15T19:58:00.001-05:00

Valentine’s Day

2011-02-15T19:38:00.001-05:00

As an early Valentine's Gift Russ sent me a beautiful and unexpected bouquet on Friday of Roses and Tulips. I was so surprised and thrilled.That simple gesture made me feel so special. We went out to eat and because we are being frugal I gave Russ a gift that cost nothing but was great! I have been watching ESPN (even thought I hate it) every morning for the last week so I could learn about sport stuff. At dinner I talked sports with Russ the entire time! He was thrilled and I actually knew what I was talking about!! On Saturday we drove to OBX! We had fun decorating a heart cake with our cousins!

On Monday morning we made a trail of heart chocolates that the kids had to follow to find their Valentine! Then Russ and I made a delicious breakfast full of love!

Zavy had a social work visit so Savannah and Dad took the time to go to the beach! The weather was GORGEOUS!

Zavy loved going to the park to enjoy our picnic! He could not sit still to eat so he just ran around with chicken nuggets in his hands

In the evening the adults went out to a romantic dinner! Adult only time is AWESOME!! We got the kids and watched Uncle Ryan play ball! He has still got skills! That is where I thought it ended! We arrived in Raleigh at 1am and sitting on the table was another gift for me! WHAT! Russ! He got a beautiful glass block engraved for me with the following saying

How did I get so lucky?

Good Job Jordan

2011-02-06T15:59:00.001-05:00

Our niece Jordan has become quite the Musical Theatre Performer! She must get it from me…..? So what if we are not blood related She was recently Millie in Thoroughly Modern Mille and did a great job! She looked so grown up!!

Bye, Bye G Tube!

2011-02-06T14:06:00.001-05:00

Last week something very, very BIG & EXCTING happened! Savannah got her G Tube taken out for good! She is eating so well that she no longer needs the G tube! She has been thrilled with having an extra magic belly button now! Her hole has healed beautifully, no stiches, bleeding, infection, nothing!! What an awesome day!!!

A Tub for 2 Please!

2011-02-06T13:59:00.001-05:00

Clean, Clean, Clean!