The Steverson Stew

My Story

2010-12-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is my story. It is real, it is hard. It is the most difficult thing I have yet encountered.

(A basic documentation of events. I can't explain deep thoughts and emotions- I hold them closely and preserve them for my posterity alone.)

Micah is born. A most wonderful occasion. A day and a half later, I leave the hospital with what is normal post-pregnancy symptoms. 5 days after birth, my milk comes in. MACK truck! My doctor was right. My pregnancy was the easiest part, it was "the after" I had to brace myself for. It was for real. I was hit by a Semi- pain and more pain. Unlike any RA I have ever experienced previous. My mom was in town and helping with the transition of it all. Chad stayed close to my side and managed all of the details. Immediately I was put on prednisone, to which my body did not respond. After the dosage was raised several times, my Rheumy decided that we needed to switch meds. I had to quit nursing as I was taking meds and painkillers that were not safe for the baby & needed to allow my body to normalize.

By the 3rd week, my doc was back in town and I was on a new steroid. I was starting to feel the benefits of it after a few doses. We decided that we would move forward with our plan to bless Micah over the Labor Day wknd. so we called family. The steroids bought me some time. After two months, I got behind the wheel and experienced one of the little freedoms we don't think about much, driving. I was tapered off the steroids from a high dose to none, rather quickly. After one week, I hit the pavement again. My younger sis had come in town a second time to help. Chad took me into the ER cause there was no relief. We knew the routine... steroids and morphine until I could stand, and then discharge. This only helps for 48 hrs. I quickly spiraled downward and was locked in pain. Chad's touch was too much. We tried and tried to get me out of bed to the bathroom, and just couldn't. I was dehydrated but had to pee constantly because of the steroids and saline. In the night, Chad called the ambulance. The men were very kind. "We have never seen seen anyone this young, so bad with this condition". (Thank you for the validation of my current state of being) After some attempts with the needle, and no luck, they stuck morphine into my shoulder so they could move me. They lifted me in my sheet and transferred me to the gurney, then to the ambulance. They were very gentle on the road to keep me as comfortable as possible. The same routine in the ER, this being my 3rd visit.

Upon my discharge, I was placed on steroids once again, along with meds I had taken in previous years. I am the not-so-proud, but very thankful owner, of a pill box, a walker, a shower chair, a handicap placard and a cammode. My meds range from 10-20 pills per day, not including my shot 1x per week. Although I am in a much better place now, I am still hoping for further progress and relief.

Amazing friends, amazing family...meals, groceries, lunches for girls, rides for the girls, playdates and sleepovers, rides to the doctor. Therapy, laundry, house cleaning, nights with the baby, flowers, letters, random phone calls, random visits, random service.

Some of the physical things that I appreciate much more now:
{Showering. Dressing. Driving. Hopping in and out of the car with ease. Moving about the house. Turning from side to side in the night. Getting up, getting down. Holding the baby. Changing his diaper. Doing the girls hair. Stepping down from the front doorway. Walking to Norah's bus stop, 2 house lengths. Picking the girls up from school. Sitting for longer than 5 minutes without terrible discomfort. Raising my arms. Using the bathroom alone. Taking the girls to soccer. Breathing fresh air.}

Sweet MOMENTS with family:
{Norah curled up at the base of the couch praying out loud, over and over again to make me better. Kirsi watching me from across the couch as I struggled and seeing her tears fall down her face, when I later noticed she was there. Adjusting my feet, my pillows, my blanket, etc... always willing, never complaining. Emma rubbing my feet with oils and sharing her thoughts of faith and hope for healing. Chad: reading me letters we've written to each other, during my darkest moments. Encouraging me to never give up. Staying positive. Sobbing when he realized for 2 days he had given me the wrong dose of med & potentially "prolonged my suffering". Taking care of all my needs, & our family.}

For someone who thrives on being independent, productive and active, it's essentially life-changing. I have been very humbled through this experience. A lesson of compassion and service, which I will never, ever forget. My journey with RA is not over. It is very much a part of my life and can dibilitate my physical quality... but should never define my worth. The hardest part: accepting this appendage and making the best of it.

What I know:
{Hope is real. Sorrow is heavy and can destroy. Faith is aligning yourself with God's will, no matter the measure. We all have trials. Jesus Christ is central. We are not alone. Never, ever, ever give up.}

It is good to be part of the living again!!

Back into School

2010-12-27T17:16:00.000-08:00

The girls started school just after Micah was born...

KIRSI is now a BIG 6th grader and is her 6th grade class President. Her Parent/Teacher Conferences with 4 teachers took maybe 2 minutes. They all said she is FAB! She continues to achieve Principals List and is respected among her peers. Although she is sometimes bothered by the "Smarty pants" or "Goodie-Goodie" label, I'm glad that she remains to be self-motivated and loves school. I realize I have created a monster when I watch her perfectionism in play.

EMMA is in 4th grade now and has Kirsi's 4th grade teacher. She has decided that she really enjoys school and wants to do her very best. She earned principals list first quarter as well- the only one in her class, and is aiming for that once again. Emma has 3 sides to her at school. Very quiet, very silly or very stubborn. Thankfully she knows when it's appropriate to be any or all of these.

NORAH, my little girly caboose is in Kindergarten. Thankfully with a teacher we know and love, we chose to place her in half-day. I love being with her. It took quite the effort to walk her into her first day of class, but I was determined as I had been able to for the other children. She was very excited... anxious to be a big girl like her sisters. She is a good friend to others and has shown perfect grades.

I love my girls- they sure are amazing!!

Micah's Birth

2010-10-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

{A new baby is a new beginning of things -wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities}

INTRO:
Induction was discussed near the end of the pregnancy, to help lessen the unknowns that might visit us during labor, due to my RA. Although I've often wondered what it might be like to actually go into labor on my own, all have been induced for various reasons, it's been nice knowing when we are having a baby. July 22nd was the set date, one week before my due date. 1pm is when I should arrive. We tried for am, but they were maxed out on scheduled inductions. At noon the hospital calls and says I can't come in, they are too busy and need to clear out a room, but will call back. Having prepared for this moment, and then denied, was a test of my patience. I went for a drive to keep my head clear and keep it together. Kmart was my destination, out of all the terrible forsaken places in Prescott Valley, but hey, I had a return. A man followed me in the store, a bit creepy, and then approached me and asked if I needed help. You see, I was driving a handicap cart, as my swelling and some RA were causing some difficulty being mobile. An occurrence just in the last week of pregnancy. He said, "You look like you are about ready maam. You must be having that baby soon." I replied, "Today in fact!" He paused to process it, I probably confused the guy a bit, and he replied "God Bless You. I will pray for you"

The birthing center calls and tells me I can head in after 4pm. (relief) We arrive at 4:30.

Some very familiar staff faces from previous hospital experiences and I am thinking this will likely be the last time I walk this walk, to the scale, to my room, in a gown, with a bag and a young, dapperly, handsome husband in tow. I soak it in... the halls, the details, the newness of the birthing center, the smiles, the nurses station, my room, my bed & bathroom and simultaneously bury the fload of emotions that race through me. After getting settled, the IV process begins. I had a fabulous Nurse Alison. She was very attentive & thorough. I was softened and 2cm dilated. My water has always been broken for me, at which labor progresses rather quickly, so to keep with uniformity, my doc broke water at 7pm. Holy gobs of water! No wonder the boy was soo busy and there was a knot in his chord! It just kept oozing and they commented on my stomach deflation as I emptied...This was now shift change, of course. Our new nurse was Amor. What a perfect name for the occassion. LOVED her.

My mother and the children arrive shortly after. As well as my father-in-law and mother-in-law, and Torie, with flowers, a balloon and peanut M&M's in hand. {my favorite, and they all knew this}

LABOR:

Contractions slowly progress at this time, not as quickly as previous labors. The question of an epidural was still unanswered. I had one 11 yrs. ago with my first, and didn't want another. But my body was different now and we were unsure how I would respond under the stress with RA. You see, it never did go into remission during pregnancy like most scenarios. (What if I shut down and I was unable to get the baby out, would it result in emerg-C?) The anesthesiologist was there for another and this was my time to decide. It was a struggle to say OK, but I did. I told everyone else, I would do it for them, and I wanted to feel what was happening. It was a great decision.

The kids and parents came in for some visits and head pops, but stayed in the waiting room, anticipating his arrival. Torie and Chad played cribbage to pass some of the slower time as contractions were progressing. My doctor had delivered 9 babies already that day, and he was pooped. C'mon, it was bed time already, so he was sleeping. Amor took awesome care of me and Torie got to assist in anything and everything. She was totally in her element as this is her passion and is a nursing student at this time. I loved having her there.

10 something pm, I began to push. It was time and the feeling was there. Anticipating that urge was worrysome, but I knew it when it came. I pushed for nearly an hour. I give my mother a hard time, & need to record that she popped in to check on things, it was getting later, the kids were very anxious, and she pointed to her watch and said "Gina, it is almost 11 pm! I paused and said really mom? Do you want to go? You can leave and take the kids home?" "No, no. It's just getting late and they are antsy. They are tired, but rambunxious" {So now I'm on the clock to have a baby... what?? Are you kidding me? MOTHER! "I'm pushing mom, I'm pushing..."} I had to get the little dude down and through the pelvic area. We turned from side to side and through contractions and tried to maneuver him through the best way possible. I loved being able to move and feel everything. The epidural was enough to keep the intensity at bay. Baby was crowning and I held the position. Dr. Feingold was called in, tattered hair, sleepy eyes, and quickly prepared to catch the slimy guy, he was my messiest. Under 6 hr. labor from start to finish. Not too bad.

11:10 pm, our SON was born. 8lbs. 9oz. My biggest baby of all.

A small whimper and he was happy and alert. The doc offers Chad the scissors and he said, "No thanks. I don't need to cut it." (I guess he's been there, done that... ok...) So he hands the scissors to Torie. She cuts the chord. After a few short minutes, parents and kids were called in, the curtain was closed while I was attended to and they were able to ooh and ahh at their new little guy under the warmer.

NORAH meeting Micah

All {smiles}. Kirsi was very emotional: relieved at mom and baby's safety & overcome with joy.

Micah & his 3 other mommies

Kirsi & Micah

Emma & micah

Norah & Micah

Norah, Nana & Micah

Jim, Kathy & Micah

Nurse Amor said it was one of the most controlled and smooth deliveries she had experienced. I was relieved. I was happy with my work. Pleased that we made it. And I thought to myself, "Good thing she wasn't at my last 2 labors. I was the poltergeist." But I'm sure my charts had me flagged ;)

2 nights and it was time to go home. Our work was done. The result was PERFECT!

Surgery...

2010-08-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

This records as Chad's 5th surgery. The first three all attributed to the pacemaker. The fourth, an appendectomy, and finally, his right knee~ a torn meniscus.
He planned to do the surgery before the baby was born because we weren't sure what to expect following delivery, and he would be starting the Radiology program full-time. So, the plan was carried out 2 weeks prior. We've done surgery and baby before, w/in days, so it didn't seem to be a big deal.

The lovely CHAD after surgery, still coming out of anesthesia. ;D Which he hates by the way and I have come to find him very entertaining during these rare moments.

This was taken after he pulled the needle from his arm, tried to undress himself and all the while giving us many laughs as he pulls out of his woozy state.

Here is a recount of some of our conversation: If you can only imagine having the EXACT same conversation at least a dozen times- no exageration! Be sure to include attitude, anger, and a very confused man to the read. {Not my typical Chad as we know}

[Where am I? In recovery
Am I in the same room? No.
Where's my room? Across the hall.
Where's the door? In the other room (the slamming door that the surgery staff kept going in an out of while he was waiting for hours before surgery... it really bothered him.)
There's pressure on my arm. Thats the blood pressure cuff. I don't like it. It hurts.
How long have you been here? (time given)
I want to see it! OK (I uncover the blankets and it's wrapped in bandages. He throws his head back and moans)
I want to see it! I just showed it to you Chad. It's in a bandage. I WANT to see the bandage!
I hate this! (meaning anesthesia) I know hun.] *Repeat conversation for one hour...*

Nurse enters, same nurse as pre-op: Chad immediately drops his head and breathes fire right through her very being. His eyes follow her across the foot of his bed and he is NOT happy with her. Similar to this crusty face here...

Nurse: Chad, would you like some ice chips? Yes.
Why does my throat hurt? We were trying to put the tube in... {interupt} YOU put a tube in my throat? It burns.
Chad would you like some apple or cranberry juice? Apple. Ahh... it burns
He hears the conversation in the recovery stall next to him...
Why does he get water and I can only have ice or juice? Would you like some water? Yes.
Do you remember any other nurses Chad? Bobby Jean. Billy Jean- she corrects him. Oh, "Billy Jean" is a Michael Jackson song! Michael Jackson is DEAD.

I chuckle and the nurses stand behind him, waving at me to stop, and trying not to bust up, as to not upset the poor guy while he is still in a sensitive incoherent state of mind

One hour later: Let's try getting you dressed now. Why are they trying to get rid of me? They think I'm better? Ignoring their presence

Driving away... was I mean to the nurses again? Yes. Sigh, I feel bad.

Oh Belly!

2010-07-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

I am a slacker and have many other things occupying my thoughts and my time for months now. This is one of those "things", believe it or not. Baby boy on the way, indeed! While the pregnancy itself has been wonderful, my other health issues have created some obstacles for us during this time. We are excited and eagerly await the arrival of our little dude.

I have been wanting to do belly shots for some time now, and procrastinated until the very end. I knew that if I didn't do this now I would regret it and so we went forward, with 13 days to spare ;) swollen, tired and ready, I am very glad I was able to capture what could be the end of this season for us.

All hands on deck!

I love this man. Seriously belly or ball right here?

So, we survived the photo shoot! Kids and all... Getting used to blue and ignoring the frills and ruffles has been an adjustment. Even more so when he's here I'm certain.

The big debate has been over the boy's name. Micah has always been our boys name. Chad decided that he couldn't name his son Micah when Emma had a little girl on her soccer team last season named Micah. He wants Orion, the constellation. His claim: He is the mighty hunter, so masculine and strong! Well, my interpretation of his story is quite different, as some versions claim he fled from the Scorpion in battle but was chased and killed. How mighty is that? Poll is my maiden name, pronounced like Doll, and I was hoping to use it for a middle. BUT, Orion has grown on me a bit and he might just be our Micah Orion.

Summer Visitors

2009-11-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

So, before the weather turned cold and we were doing lovely progress in the yard, we had a few visitors.

1st visitor:

Chad calls for Norah, "Norah, lunch is ready!"

Norah: She starts climbing the stairs,"Coming Dad!"

Gina:{Grabs camera!}

This is her face...

And this is Why...

*First confused, then disgusted, then Upset!*

Norah: "I'm not eating that Dad! You can't eat Scorpions. They're poisonous."

Chad: "Yes, but you CAN! Eat up, it's good protein!"

Norah: "No, I don't want that! That's disgUsting. (Emphasis on the 'u') I thought you were

going to make me peanut butter?! I'm not eating that!

{Scorpion found, scorpion captured, scorpion dropped into boiling water- Chad's demising method, Scorpion frozen in cup of water, Scorpion stabbed with knife as it was thawing by Emma, the ice and "bug" lover, doesn't really qualify does it? (I think she even named it. I don't remember the name. I will have to ask her...) Scorpion thawed out, and Scorpion served for LUNCH! What an exciting way to leave it's life.} One of a handful of scorpions this summer.

She eventually got her favorite, PB& HOney!

2nd Visitor:

I was pulling into the driveway after a full-days busy thingys... I saw something in the driveway and it look like a rock or lump of something. I was a bit curious. I parked in the garage, went inside. We had a visitor. I remembered I saw something and wanted to check it out. I stepped around the corner of the house and spotted THIS:

Me: "Girls come see what I found!"- tough find I know...

With excitement they run outside. Emma grabs it right away.

Starts to pet it, talk to it, name it... Everyone wants a close-up and a few minutes later...

Emma: "AHHHHHHH!!! (squeel, shriek, jump and bounce.) It peed on me! The toad peed on me!"

To Emma my creature lover... yes, God's creations are fascinating and wonderfull. You mess with them, they can and may pee (or worse) on you.

*The next evening we found a family of toads around front. They just so happen to be attracted to our new lovely grass. {Did I say GRASS?}

{Three White Dresses}

2009-09-30T17:57:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there were 3 little girls, all cousins in fact, who waited the summer months to get baptized together...

On July 25th, 2009...Darby, Emma and Carly were baptized! In that order...

Darby, born in May, Emma born in June and Carly born in July, have been grouped together since birth for photos through their milestones.

Aunt Erica sewed Emma's beautiful dress. Each of the girls picked a colored sash to help them have a bit of their own personality included. Emma was agua, while Darby chose lt. blue and Carly, a lavender purple.

Miss Amy made CUTE dress cookies which we displayed on the table with a sign-in and photos of the girls together over the years. Now when all was said and done, the cookies went home with the girls, were eaten, and I realized later that I never did capture the adorable white dress cookies for Emma to remember. Soo, thanks to cute Amy (and onecutecookie.net), she made me another set for photo purposes, not to mention a sweet snack later.

*Emma and I took a trip to Fain Park in Prep for the baptism and captured her in her beautiful eyelet dress with aqua. She had all eyes on her from all the passer-bys and was enjoying every bit of her photo shoot.* The night before her baptism, Emma says to me, "I am so excited Mom! I can't wait until tomorrow!" I ask her "why" wanting to hear her response and she says, "because all my sins will be washed away and I will be clean".

Darby, the first one in the water, comes out of the water and lets the others know that "it's not cold, it's warm guys..."

Emma, baptized by her father, aka "Rad-Bad-Daddy-Chad-Wesley-Steverson"

In the changing room, the girls were giddy and very excited. Emma told me how happy she felt and was very grateful for the chance to be baptized.

Steverson family photos were part of the occassion, and thanks to Ruthanne, we were able to capture some priceless shots of the girls...

...Twirling in their white dresses...

After being baptized, the three girls sang "Follow His Light". I wish I had a video. They sang with such conviction... their spirits and their desire to do right, is a reminder and a testimony of their perfect faith in Christ. I would love to listen to them every single day- what power music can offer us, especially music from our own children.

A beautiful video "What Heaven Sees in You" we had k.b. put together for us for girl's camp, we showed at the baptism as well.

Emma came in the room tonight and grins from ear to ear when she sees that I am posting her baptism, and says, "I am glad you are my mom"- and grabs me and burries her head with a big bear hug.

{CATCHUP}

2009-09-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

SOOoo... months have passed and much has happened. Here is the first entry of many to follow on events within the Steverson household.

"I like to look for Rainbows..."~~EMMA is 8!

Emma decided that a Rainbow party was what she wanted. She even picked out her Rainbow dress and leggings, and put her hair in pigtails. Reminds me of Rainbow Brite, or Punky Brewster ;)

June 18th we hit the mark. We celebrated with a very simple birthday party. Although 8 is a BIG birthday year in our family, we knew that a family trip was approaching and would need to keep the dinero in reserve for entertainment there. Her BFF, Megan, her other BFF Cousin Carly and the dear family were there to celebrate. We have never done soo much at Freedom Station than this blessed day. (Thanks to coupons, good grades in school and working the deals.) We rode the bumper cars, played miniature golf, did the Crazy Train, the Softplay, and the arcade a hundred times through with a rootbeer float in hand. I bought a green salad and a pizza when all was said and done. What a steal of a deal!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~Quick pict. at Rainbow Bridge!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~Carly, Emma and Megan- in their usual sillies~~~~~~~~

~~~~~Norah, Emma, Kirsi and Chad- lovely group of mine~~~~~

School's out for Summer!

2009-06-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

May is the next December, hands down. End of the year parties, award ceremonies, graduations, thank you gifts, field trips, programs, sign-ups for summer, etc... We made it through.
Kirsi and one of her very best friends, Marie~ having a free dress day on the final day of school. These two are made from some of the same cloth. We are so grateful she has a wonderful girl in her class, and in the same grade through school. We love Marie and her family !
Emma and her best friend Megan. These girls are two peas in a pod. Giggly & silly, active and headstrong. They can talk on the phone endlessly... so if my phone is ever busy, it's E & M, reading, singing, and playing Webkinz ;) Good girl, from a wonderful family as well... so grateful for good friends.
Norah sportin' her graduation hat. One more year of Preschool to go for this little one. I love her enthusiasm in learning and the mounds of love she has to offer.

Immediately following school, we, the girls and I, packed into the car and drove up to UT for a family funeral. Page was washing away into the Canyon. The roads were closed as they cleaned up the mass runoff and I couldn't help but park at the dam, hop out to the overlook and take some picts of the falls into the CO. river... I was soaked for hours and laughed at the man gassin' up his boat in Kanab at the station~ heading to Powell.

What a beautiful farewell to Brigham James Renier. My cousin Julie and her husband Randy are amazing and beautiful~ we are deeply touched by their strength and their faith in embracing the difficult responsibility to care for such a special spirit of our Heavenly Father. Brigham brought a sweet, sweet spirit to this life and we are grateful to be lifted in faith and hope, through his earthly experience.

For Memorial Day, we went over to the Spanish Fork Cemetary which was VERY crowded... we paid a visit to my Grandma Faye & Grandpa Stokers burial place. Wind and rain did not detour our plan. Norah Faye was named after grandma. G. Faye is much like my mother, as I'm repeatedly told, angelic in every way. She died when I was young, and many of my memories of her are during her 7 years of strokes and suffering. My grandpa was a professional music teacher who is at fault for my addiction to peanut M&M's. As I saw my Great Uncle Don, Grandpa's brother, at Brig's funeral, I froze in my tracks~ as it has been years, and he very closely resembles my grandpa. How I miss them and look forward to being with them again someday... this will become a more frequently visited place as my parents plan to be buried here also, and yes, in our family, we happen to talk about this ALL the time... "When I die..." thanks mom. (We had an additional 3 funerals in 2 wks.)

{My Mothers}

2009-05-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

In my busy bubble that usually engulfs me, my thoughts and efforts seem at times disorganized, but not forgotten. As I reflect on the mothers in my life, I’m overcome with a deep love and respect for each of them.
{My mother} is such a light in my life. She exudes unbelievable strength. She is peaceful, comforting, selfless, angelic and has the most wonderful contagious laugh. While she willingly sacrifices much for everyone around her, and often goes without, her faith is amazingly strong and her spirit is happy. Always stylish and beautiful, creative and gifted in home decorating. Never rests, but works and serves. My mom does not have a mean bone in her body. She loves and cares for others so deeply and has taught me by example to be loyal and trusting.

{My mother-in-law} is a wonderful woman. Her desire to do the right and her quiet hours of service are evidence of her devotion to the gospel. She is genuinely kind and concerned for others. She lives her life in simplicity with simple desires, teaching me to keep grounded in simple truths and principles. She accepted me into her family with open arms…and raised a hard-working, all-around good guy, for me… what more could I ask for? Kathy or mom? I never know which. Although I have a mother of my own, she is {mom-ish} to me, in other words, a fabulous second mom.

{My Grandma} is amazing! She is a beautiful 93 years old and holds a special place in my heart. Her love is never ending. She is wise and experienced and strong as a whip, amidst her physical adversities. Having the responsibility of such a large family seems daunting to me, but she continues to reach out and is my very own private teacher. Her faith and devotion are immeasurable in my eyes. Endurance is her middle name. Not really, but could be. Although Grandma nick-named me “sunshine” in the early part of my life, she is MY Grandma SUNSHINE. I treasure every moment I share with Grandma.

{Grandma Great (in-law)} is not my “great”, but great grandma to the kids, and an all around great grandma… Cooks like no other and is a true bargain shopper. Is generous in her givings, and does it frugally minded. Always makes a presence in the room and you know where her loyalties lie in sports and politics. Stylish. Proud of her family and displays them EVERYWHERE throughout her home. She’s always cared for another in the family and quite literally never stopped. She gives and keeps on giving.

And the reason I do everything I do… my priceless treasures. I often feel inadequate of the calling I’ve been given, to do all I need to do, and be all I need to be, for them. With all my efforts, I continue to fall short. My heart is full of love I have for my beautiful girls.

It's Birthday Time!

2009-04-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for many birthdays among our families... we joke that we, siblings, are fertile only for a certain season...Our first baby has hit a decade, and our last baby is now the big 4. Norah's birthday was kept quite simple, a little Preschool celebration and a quaint family party of ice cream sundaes and pizza, being that it was the schools pizza fundraiser night. Perfect! She was glowing the minute she woke up and realized it was her turn for a birthday. Both girls had an individual birthday lunch with Grandma Steverson, which has become a favored tradition of theirs. Norah chose to eat at Wildflower- PB & J rocks her world there! I wish all things could be as simple and joyous as PB & J and mixing your ice cream to soft serve.

"Once upon a time, there was a book-loving girl named KIRSI. She wanted to celebrate her 10th birthday with her friends. They came, they played, they ate cake and then it was time to go home. THE END"

This wasn't a marked party year for these girls, but decided to have a friend party for Kirsi anyway. "BOOK IT...on over to Kirsi's 10th birthday!" She chose a book-themed party. We sat up one night making little book invitations, and that was about as creative as we had gotten at that point.

A Book Hunt, a book balancing contest, a bookmark craft, book worm gummies, a library book donation request and an open book cake became part of our To-Do list. The games became quite the competition among them. Kirsi, her friends and sisters had a fabulous time.

I love to reflect on the moments they entered my life through birth. They are amazingly wonderful and bring such joy to our family.

Makin' a Break for Spring!

2009-03-17T10:00:00.001-07:00

We came into an opportunity to head out of town for a few days. Sedona or Bust! Day One...
Norah: "I like our new home! Shadow will be so sad she is not here." Emma: "Let's go swimming"- it's 9pm
Kirsi: "We get to watch TV, woohoo." (Poor deprived children)
We woke up in the morning, threw on some clothes, not nearly fast enough for the kids, and headed out back to the creek. It was nice to roll out of bed, no hair fuss, and walk into nature.
Sticks in the water, sticks all over...........we're always on the lookout for good sticks.

We decided to pack in the car and head up slightly north to take the West Fork Creek Trail Hike they say is the most beautiful hike in AZ. We started with the remnants of a homestead. Zigin' and a zagin' across the creek, only one mishap with Emma's feet into the snow- melt water. Her thoughts were consumed with swimming and snacking all morning. Chad considered sliding down the mini Slide Rock, but that was but a brief moment. Norah did fabulous and walked most of the way.

The geologist in Chad couldn't resist the capture of beautiful rocks like these.

The kids were anxious to return to our "new home" and take a swim. A little bit of sun, splashing, the smell of sunscreen, water noodles and pruney toes hit the spot. Not to mention a book by the pool side and a diet coke- yes, I succumbed.

The Red Planet served us earthlings well for dinner.

Emma apparently didn't receive evening energy from the vortex, she will surely have a hungry tummy in the morning. Chicken and fries for breakfast.

Day Two: A day of relaxation, vegging by the pool, tuna sandwiches, while Chad took his trip to Flagstaff and lost a day in traffic court. We had some special visitors...The Yamas came through and we had dinner together at an interesting BBQ dive. A walk downtown and we called it a night. Good fun, great friends. Thanks Yamas!

Day Three: More swimming, hanging out with grandma and grandpa, golfing with mom and dad S., a great dinner at Oaxaca and a drive home through winding Jerome.

What an enjoyable vacation. Home and back to the grind!

From Snow to Wind

2009-03-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Recently we enjoyed a snow day. We had maybe 6" or so and school was cancelled for a day. That's pretty exciting for Prescott Valley. "Rocky" became the new family snowman. The kids were too anxious to wait for powder, they tried their darndest to build him in the slushy, wet snow. Powder was there by morning and he became a repair job.

Sun shines, snow melts and the wind blows once again in PV. Out come the kites, we're getting ready for SpRiNg!

Got Clay?

2009-03-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

We do...After Kirsi was awarded 1st place at the school science fair, she moved on to the District Science Fair and took 1st place as well. Cousin Carly also placed for 2nd grade. Kirsi moved on to the Northern Arizona Regional Science Fair and was awarded 1st place in Physical Science.

She was upset when she learned that the State Science Fair was 5th grade on up, and was unable to go any further this year. We love her drive... Leaves something to be desired next year. Go Kirsi!

Emma's bunny-earing our principal Mr. Derois at the Disctrict Fair. 'Tis the season for bunnies!

Freak of Nature

2009-03-02T20:50:00.001-08:00

So a few weeks ago, I am cutting wood outside, and it is still considered winter. The sun might be shining, but I was freezing. The wind blows a little and the chill factor is even more miserably bitter. I would cut and sand maybe five pieces, and then I would have to come inside to thaw out a little, cause I could feel nothing. My kids were laughing at me and decided to help me take some pictures of my hideous, freakish looking hands.
When I get cold, I GET COLD. It's called Raynauds disease, and is attached to my lovely RA. More of a nuissance than a disability.
After water skiing 2 years ago, a friend asked, "What the heck is wrong with you? You look dead." (He may have thrown in a few other pretty words) That is exactly what it looks like. Yucky dead hands and feet. It's a response to cold or stress. It goes exactly like the description: white and numb-prickly-stinging-blue-red-throbbing, tingling to swelling. FUN huh?
So if you ever see me wearing shorts and a shirt, but have gloves on my hands, just know I am making a fashion statement for the "Dead Hand Club". Read this fine print:
"Attacks don't necessarily always affect the same digits. Although Raynaud's most commonly affects your fingers and toes, the condition can also affect other areas of your body, such as your nose, lips, ears and even nipples." WHAT?- OUch!

I think I'm coming down with it!

2009-01-28T23:16:00.000-08:00

I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox, when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of diet Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside, So that I don't accidentally knock it over. The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter Catches my eye - they need water. I put the Coke on the counter and Discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to Remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day: The car isn't washed, The bills aren't paid, There is a warm can of diet Coke sitting on the counter, The flowers don't have enough water, There is still only 1 check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm really tired.

An age disorder you think? Well I have the symptoms. This really felt like my day today... only with different things. Actually, I think I've had a little too many of these lately :) I'll think I'll take a vacation and go to Paris. Good night!

The Blue Ribbon

2009-01-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

There we have it ladies and gentlemen... The Blue Ribbon! Kirsi was awarded 1st place with 2 other 4th graders in the school Science Fair tonight, two of which are good friends, Alex, and Jensen in 3rd. She was soo excited when they announced how they will get to move on to compete at other levels and the state winner, I think gets to go to DC. Her mouth dropped and she started this little bounce on stage and telling herself, "DC! Oh my Gosh.". It's like she won the trip already! So watch out Cherise, she may be comin' for a visit! We thought it was quite comical when we were driving there tonight, Kirsi tells us that some of the teacher judges pulled her out of class today and asked her questions about her project. They wanted to make sure that she actually knew what her project was... HA! She apparently passed their test.
Yes, we admit it looks a little advanced, but that is because we both have a little OCD in our departments. She had some coaching no doubt. Regardless, she owns it and knows it, so in turn has been served a little humble pie from mom and dad. She's wheeling and dealing perks, and has been shot DOWN! Not to be mistaken for how very proud we are of her & her academically-minded self. And just when we thought, "Oh good, we're done..." We will be coached on revisions and preparing her for what comes next...

KIRSI

2009-01-15T05:35:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of Kirsi. She was on the Principal's List for the second quarter again, as well as Citizenship. She loves school and loves to learn. She is our little smarty pants. Tomorrow her Science Fair project is due, and it will likely be the death of me. I look forward to a late evening putting the final touches on her project tonight. Vinyl, here we come! I didn't do SF until 6th grade! It is true that when they are this age, the parents do a bulk of the work. All I can say is... "Nooo, Not one more project! I don't wanna!"

Chad convinced her that a really cool project would be to test our backyard dirt to see if it has clay in it, and if it can be used for making pots!! He is the dirt boy and knows what he is doing, so I put him in charge of the experimental process, and I am in charge of the design. With Kirsi's direction and management, of course!! They sieved dirt, jarred it up and made a little pot. When all is said and done, I think she's really enjoyed learning what dad used to do and understands the process quite well. We are looking for the BLUE ribbon!! :)

NEW BEGINNINGS

2008-12-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've plunged... I have 3 blogs I manage, but none of which are for my family. Every day I think about keeping record, keeping in touch, etc... and I see the little things that happen in our lives and think, "Where's my Camera?", "That would be great on my blog", you know, the one I haven't yet created. So, I decided to put aside the busy-ness in my life for a few hours today and devote this moment to my family, whom I adore. I may be 50 when I will actually complete a scrapbook for the kids, but for now, I can keep a small record of my "family history" and freeze frame a bit of our lives via technology.
So this is to New Beginnings...

One highlight for us this season...Last week I had an appoint. with my doc in the valley and decided that we would make a family outing of it. First thought was to have dinner and see the temple lights, but learned it was the perfect night for a trip to Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean, playing at the Orpheum in downtown Phoenix. So I suprised the fam and told them to dress up, that our plans had changed. We hurried through downtown in the rain by foot to find the nearest dry restaurant for a bite to eat. A door ticket checker at the theatre had loaned me his umbrella, on faith that I would return it to him upon our arrival to the show. What a kind man. He must have known what happens to curly heads when they are wet on top.

We picked up what seemed to be the last available tickets, in the back row of the balcony, but had wonderful seats, nontheless. It was meant to be! Chad brought his new Christmas present, a pair of field binoculars and we enjoyed the spirit of Christmas that was shared that night. As my sister and I talked about the show, I too felt the presence of my grandparents that passed away when I was young. They had a big part of teaching music to our parents, who then taught us and encouraged us. One particular grandfather was a vocal teacher who taught many known performers. Years ago my sister Lisa was Constance for Michael McLean, which was when I first discovered the play. He was there that night, no doubt, and was here again. What a blessing to feel that, and to share this moment of love and unity, and the spirit of Christ with my family. Emma and Norah conked out toward the end of the show, but Kirsi really enjoyed it and can understand the music better, having seen it now. A memory I will hold on to. "I cry the day that I take the tree down..."