Rose Ranch Fun!

These past two weeks we have been pretty busy with the Rose Ranch Resort. We've had several guests and Nathan & Berkley have guided several horse trail rides. Janet and Whitney came for a few days last week. It was nice to have them...sad to see them leave. I love having company so anytime they leave I go into a little depression because my life has to go back to the same old routine. I love my life don't get me wrong but it's really nice having other adults around. We had all 3 cabins rented out two weekends ago and then this weekend we have had 2 cabins rented out. One was a reservation and the other just called from a motel here and asked if we had anything available. They were looking more for the outdoorsy type place to stay. All who have stayed so far have been very impressed with the cabins and all want to come stay next year...in fact we booked the first group that rented all 3 cabins for next year already. Everyone that has done the horse trail rides have been really positive about it too. It has been great getting things finally started. The ranch is looking really nice. I need to go take some more pictures.

It's nice and hot here. We wondered if summer or even spring was ever going to come. It was so cold for so long, but now I'm missing the cold. I'm not a desert rat that's for sure. Friday we had a little barbeque here. Berkley smoked some beef, brisket, ribs, and chicken. Oh my how delicious it was. I made some baked beans, rolls and cobblers to go with it. Everyone we invited showed up and we had a great time. We just put some tables out on the lawn and ate outside. The weather was perfect. We'll have to do it again for a family reunion or do just another barbeque. I think the smoker was a great idea and hopefully we'll be able to offer dinners on the weekends at some point this summer.

Not much else to report. The kids are all healthy for once. Melissa got 4 teeth at once. She was pretty miserable for awhile. Ava is anxious to go back to school. Every morning she says "bye, bye" like she did before she got on the bus. I know she misses it. William is William. His entire day is trying to get out the front door. He wants to be outside constantly. He has rubber boots and they are the only shoes he knows how to put on by himself so that's what he wears. He also still likes to put on his beanie even though it's almost 100 degrees outside. Strange kid. Nathan is super busy. I don't see him too much anymore but that's good. It means things are going good. I have been getting a babysitter on the days the cabins need to be cleaned. It's a nice break for me even though it's still cleaning. I have a wonderful babysitter that can come at a moments notice. My nephews Josh and Jeremy Roemer have been working here this summer too. It's been fun having them around. They both have a good sense of humor. Sometimes they come and stay with my kids at night while I clean too. I've never had so many babysitters in my life. It's so great!

This is another way too long post so I'll go. Come visit us soon!

Ava's Surgery

Ava had her third set of tubes put in her ears this morning. Hopefully it will be her last but knowing her luck it won't. Her appointment was at 9:45 but they didn't call her back until almost 11:00. One of the primary teachers in our ward was there with her son to get his tonsils out. I also saw my friend coming out of the hospital as we were going in. Her son had his wisdom teeth out and they got really infected. He will be there for a few days. So it was like a Marysvale reunion there. Anyway, the surgery went well. The doctor said both ears were infected. The right ear worse than the left. She did pretty well in recovery. She was thirsty and didn't want to be messed with by the nurse. I think she knows hospitals now. She didn't like getting dressed in the gown and hat but she sure looked cute in it. She goes back to the dr in 2 weeks to have the tubes checked to make sure they're in place still. Hopefully this will help her equilibrium and she will be able to learn to walk. That would help so much.

It's getting warm here...finally! I don't want it to be hot but it has been so cold for so long it's just nice to be able to go out without a jacket. My kids can even wear shorts now. It still cools off nice at night. The ranch is looking nice. Nathan and his crew got the rest of the sod down in front of the cabins. His crew consists of one of his scouts, Dominic, and my nephew Jeremy that is going to stay with us for the summer. They picked up the whiskey barrels with flowers we ordered last fall for the front of each cabin. He also mowed the meadow below them. It looks so good. We need to get more pictures for the website. It really is a beautiful place. We are so blessed to be able to live here. We have a few reservations for the cabins this month. Also we have the first trail ride booked for the 16th of this month. Exciting! I guess that's all for now. Until next time.....

Cruise, etc....

Wow I am bad at keeping this thing updated. We went on our cruise a couple of weeks ago. It was so much fun but way too short. We went with Jared and Jenn and had so much fun with them. I got sick on the way to the ship and then was sick most of the first night. I hung out in our room while Nathan went to the show. He didn't waste one minute on rest. He took full advantage of our time away from work and the kids. I feel I took full advantage too by resting and catching up on some much needed uninterrupted sleep:) It was so nice to eat dinner and be served. The food was so yummy. Then we would go back to our room and the bed would be all made up and we would have clean towels. That's what I love about vacations and cruises especially. We get waited on the whole time and it's all prepaid. I can't wait to go again. However, it will have to be at least a 5 night cruise. Three nights is just too short.

I'm sure Janet wouldn't agree with me. Her and Berkley stayed with our kids while we were gone. It would have been fine but all three kids got sick. Melissa had a bad cough and wanted to be held the whole time, William's eardrum ruptured, and Ava was the worst of all. She ran a high fever the entire time. Janet was going to take them to the doctor but it was the weekend and by Monday I wasn't able to make an appt. So I took them when we got back. They all had a dose of antibiotics and Ava is scheduled to get her 3rd set of tubes in her ears June 3rd. It has been a struggle to get them all healthy again. THANKS JANET AND BERK FOR WATCHING OUR KIDS AND TAKING CARE OF NATHANS CHORES. It was so nice to be able to leave and not have to worry about the kids. Janet had them all in bed and the house clean when we came home. Nathan thinks that I should be able to do the same on a daily basis. I don't know how she did it because it's nearly impossible for me. How did you do it Janet?

All in all it was fun and I look forward to another cruise someday. We had our first customers come stay in the cabins this past week. It was two guys from California that brought their motorcycles. They stayed 4 nights and were really nice. They took some brochures when they left and said they would give them out to everyone they knew. They also said they would be back this fall. So that went well. Janet worked very hard on getting the inside of the cabins done. They look really good. Berk & Nathan worked really hard on the outside. They put sod and large landscape rocks in front of them. I will put a few pictures on the Rose Ranch website soon. The Jason Marshall family came to visit this past weekend as well. We had alot of fun with them. Jason helped Nathan put blinds and t.v's up in two of the cabins. I know Nathan greatly appreciated that. William hung out with Garrett and his friend Carson. He had so much fun with them. Stacey, Ashleigh and I went to Richfield and went shopping. That was alot of fun too. We tried to get them to stay Saturday night but they had to get back for church. You guys have to come for a longer time next time.

Well this post is way too long so I'm going now.

Mommy Tag

Jenn tagged me and I don't know any other bloggers except Kerrie. This won't work on her for a couple more months. So I geuss this tag ends here.

1. Typically, what time do you wake up? 7:00am

2. On a good night, what time are your kids in bed? 10pm

3. How long have you been a mommy? 4+ years

4. How old were you when you became a mom? 30

5. What is your favorite kids T.V show? The Backyardigans

6. What is your least favorite kids T.V. show? Well it was Yo Gabba Gabba until I actually watched it. It is a strange show but the songs are catchy. My kids love it.

7. What is your favorite chore? Are you kidding? I don’t have one. I dislike them all unless you count cooking as a chore.

8. What is your favorite meal to cook? Probably homemade chicken noodle soup.

9. What meal do you cook most often? A rice dish that Nathan made the recipe up. It’s yummy.

10. What is your kids favorite meal? Hot dogs. They could eat them every day if I let them.

11. What is your favorite thing your husband does with your kids? He chases them and scares them. They love it. They love him.

12. What are 5 things that make you smile when you’re being a mom?

1. Getting all 3 kids in bed with us in the mornings. They are so happy and loving.
2. Watching William get so excited over little things like when he rides the 4-wheeler with his Dad.
3. Hearing Ava call me when she wants me to read her a book or get her something.

4. Anything new that Melissa does. Lately it’s clapping her hands and watching her smile at everything. She is such a happy baby.

5. Playing with all 3 kids at the same time. We crawl around the floor showing Melissa how to crawl. She has it down now.

13. If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be? When they are a little older I would love to take them on a Disney or Nickelodeon cruise. I love cruises and would love to go on one designed for them.
14. When was the last time you went out without your kids? We were able to go to the fair in Logandale for a couple of hours by ourselves. Thanks Tricia, Michelle, Will, Justin, and Kerrie.

15. What is your favorite pastime/activity to do with your kids? We love to read books and do puzzles.

16. Name one thing you said you would never say as a mother? I’m sure there is something but I can’t think of it right now.

17. Name one thing you do, that your own mom did? Check on each child before I go to bed.

18. What is your favorite quality your mom has? There are so many. I would have to say she is the most giving person I know. She would never get anything for herself so she could get us kids things…things I’m sure we didn’t always need

19. What is your favorite kids book? The Velveteen Rabbit.

20. What is your favorite advice for new moms? Relax. Your baby will survive your mistakes. If you’re too uptight with your kids, they will grow up to be the same way. Ask your mom or sisters for advice.

21. What is your most heartbreaking moment as a mom? Watching Ava go through her first 6 weeks of life. That was the hardest thing I have done yet.
22. What is your most joyful moment being a mom? Hearing my kids breathe when they are sleeping. I think that is the best sound and the best feeling in the world.

23. When was the last time you told one of your kids, “I Love You”? Today repeatedly.

24. When was the last time you were told, “I love you” by one of your kids? Well none of my kids talk too well yet so not yet, but I taught William the “I love you” sign on his hand and he does that to me often. I’m sure he doesn’t know what it means but it’s still cute.

Ava's Diagnosis

I took Ava and Melissa to the doctor on the 25th. It was for their 6 month and 4 year check ups. I chose a doctor at the practice they go to that they have never seen. I chose him because in his description in their brochure it said he specialized in developmental delay. So I figured maybe he could give me answers that nobody else had yet. He started with Melissa and she is healthy in the 50th percentile in weight, the 75th percentile in height, and 90th percentile in head size. She had her 6 month immunizations. When he checked Ava I asked him if I should keep getting her tested so I could know what her disability was. I didn't know if it was worthwhile to keep trying to find out what is wrong with her. He looked at her chart and checked her flexibility in her legs. He said from what he could see that she has cerebral palsy. I asked him why nobody had ever diagnosed her with that. He said it's not something you can test for. It's just something you have to assess. He said they wait until they are sure the child is delayed and then look for all of the other symptoms. He said she has all of the classic signs. Her MRI and CT scan from Primary Children's showed that her brain was underdeveloped and not growing which is the first sign. He went on to say that the stiffness in her limbs, her constipation, and her overall delay were all signs. He said it doesn't shorten her life span and she can still progress to a certain point. He said most children with CP don't walk. He said they can learn to walk with a walker as they get older. However, some CP kids can walk. So we will still work with Ava and try to get to that point. Her lack of balance is also a sign of CP and is the only reason she can't walk. He said to keep her in as much therapy as she can get; particularly physical therapy. So we will do all we can to keep her on the right track. I am going to meet with her physical therapist next week when he comes to work with her at school.

I am happy that the doctor, even though he was reluctant, gave me a diagnosis. He didn't want to give devastating news. But I didn't find it devastating. I am glad I know what she has so I can learn more about it and be able to meet her needs better. She is still Ava whether she has CP or not. Knowing what it is just helps us prepare for her future and ours. We love her no matter what and she will always be our special little girl!

Little Miss Ava

I find that I talk alot about Melissa and William but not much about Ava. Shame on me! Ava is doing so well. Since we've taken her off dairy, yeast, and sugar she has really made alot of progress. Last Thursday she went on a field trip to McDonald's with her class. The teachers told me how much fun she had. She loves the kids in her class. I had a meeting with her teachers and the school district person over the pre-school the other day. I had all three kids with me when I went. When she got in the classroom she started scooting over to the toys with William in tow. You could see on her face that she was showing William that this was her territory and she knew where everything was. It was kind of like she was showing him the ropes. It was so cute. What wasn't so cute was William getting the jagged edged scissors and cutting her ear. I told the teachers he is going to be a handful for them.

Ava is climbing on the couches and the recliner by herself. She will try to say any word you ask her to say. She counts to 3. She can say most of the colors. It's really amazing how far she has come. Yesterday she did the seatbelt up on her wheelchair. Sunday she gave the closing prayer in Sharing Time. It was so cute I almost cried. The kids in Primary are so good with her. They will sit behind her and help her do the actions to Book of Mormon Stories or whatever song they are singing. I really feel like Heavenly Father knew we needed to come here and we feel extremely blessed to be here. I just took the picture above of her. She's our little sweetheart!

Catchin' Up!

It has been awhile since I've posted anything. I've always had good intentions to post at least once a month but I'm not doing so well. We have taken a couple of trips lately so I will write about that. Our first trip was to Alamo. We went on the 4th of April to stay with my parents in their new house. Well it's new to them, however, they have done so much renovating that it could be called new. It looks great and it's so much larger than their old place. There's actually room for everyone to visit comfortably. Anyway, we went to Alamo to walk the Eric Lee Memorial 5K. It was nice because my entire family was there. All nine kids with their spouses or soon to be spouses and their kids. I know someone took a picture at the race but I haven't seen it yet. Anyone that has a picture of us all please send it to me. The race was actually fun. Nathan took Ava and William in the double stroller and walked with most of my siblings. Then my Dad, Melissa, and I walked together in last place. Melissa carried baby Melissa the whole way. I don't know how she did it but she did. I'm sure her back hurt when she was done. After the race we all met back at my Mom and Dad's. My cousin Joni, her husband Mark and their two boys Parker and Tyler came to visit. Also my Aunt Carolyn and my cousin Melissa came from Vegas as well and my Aunt Deanne came from Overton to visit. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and had a birthday party for Stefanie. It was her 40th birthday on the 5th. I hope I look as young as she does when I'm 40:) That's only 5 years away. We had so much fun visiting and eating and the kids had so much fun playing. My dad had just gotten 3 baby lambs and the kids had so much fun playing with them. All in all it was a great trip.

Our next trip was to Logandale for the fair. We went and stayed with Janet and Berkley. It was good to be in Logandale at the Marshall's since we haven't been there since before Thanksgiving. I think the last time we were there was for Matthew and Madelyn's blessings. That has been awhile. We arrived Friday afternoon and took all three kids to the rodeo with us. Thank goodness we had Janet there to hold Melissa. She was the best of the 3. I had to hold Ava because she wouldn't go to anyone else and Nathan kept William. It was pretty windy and cold. Ava didn't like the loud noises so she curled up in a blanket and hid out most of the time. William loved the horses and all the hoopla....for about 30 minutes! Nathan had to leave with him a couple of times. Melissa slept most of the time but Janet did have to get up and leave with her toward the end. I wouldn't do it again but it wasn't too bad. Saturday Nathan and I got to go to the fair by ourselves for a few hours. It was nice to have a break from the kids. Thank you Tricia, Michelle, Justin, & Kerrie for watching them for us. We owe you all. Later that evening we took the kids back and walked around for a couple of hours. Nathan had a horrible tooth ache but was a trooper. We hung out with Rose and her kids for a little while. It was nice to actually be with Rose and her not having to run here or there because she doesn't work the fair anymore. I'm sure it was nice for her too. Then we met up with the Marshall's that went to the rodeo and all got something to eat. Gotta love the fair food! Finally when the fair was closing we decided we would go home. Our truck was parked out by the carnival so we had to walk through there. We decided we would let the kids ride a few rides before we went home. So William and Ava rode two rides together and then William rode the last ride by himself. They were little motorcycles and he had a hard time reaching the handlebars. He started crying shortly after the ride started. Luckily a kid came late so the guy stopped the ride to let him on and I had him take William off. I'm sure if he felt like he wasn't going to fall he would have loved it. I think we'll get them carnival tickets for one day next year. I must say it was the most fun I've had at the fair since I was a kid. I never realized how much fun it is to watch my kids have fun. We stayed until Monday morning because Nathan was in so much pain from his tooth he had to see the dentist before we left. Thank goodness they fit him in!

We're back home now and enjoying the warmer weather. It has been really windy and sometimes cold but I can see that spring is not far away. It's my favorite time of the year and I want to enjoy it before it gets too hot! May will be a busy month. Nathan & I are going on a cruise, Lance & Natalie are getting married, and I believe Josh graduates. I still can't believe he is that old. Crazy! Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing you all sooner or later.