For FHE last week, Emmeline and I prepared a questionnaire about Reuben for each person to fill out. Some answers were silly and some were serious, but I'd like to preserve them. This blog entry isn't one I plan to promote on my facebook page or tag so that people will find it in Google searches, but, if you are here, and you are interested, go ahead and read it. For Reuben, the last few questions were about Emmeline, like, "What is your favorite memory about Emmeline?" So, remember that when you read his answers. In order to remain authentic, I am usually keeping the same spelling and punctuation that each person used.
When will Reuben get his mission call?
Dad- May 12th- of Course
Mom- April 1st
Reuben- April 1
Tim-February 39th to the square root of 2084 -4 X 19.78 + 1032
Amy- May 3rd
Clara- July 12
Audrey- June 4th
Emmeline-April 3rd
Where will Reuben go on his mission?
Dad-Dallas, Texas
Mom- Canada- Quebec
Reuben-Switzerland
Tim- somewhere outside of Utah with lots of people
Amy- Madagascar
Clara- Nevvada
Audrey- Missouri
Emmeline- Idaho
When will Reuben leave to go on his mission?
Dad- July 19th
Mom- July 12th
Reuben- When I do
Tim- when he gets over breaking up with his bed.
Amy-June 16th
Clara-August 21
Audrey- July 21
Emmeline-August 10th
Where do you think Reuben WANTS to go on his mission?
Dad- Baltimore, MD, French Speaking
Mom- France
Reuben- [answer illegible] (intentionally)
Tim- Maybe the mattress store, or someplace where everyone is nocturnal
Amy- Somewhere in the U.S, French speaking
Clara-France
Audrey- France, China, stay here
Emmeline- He wants to stay here or France
What is your favorite memory of your brother Reuben?
Dad- Watching him run around a chair, singing I am a child of god, until he passes out.
Mom- Reading stories together when he was a baby.
Reuben- In memory of my sister Emmeline. May her memory last forever in our hearts.
Tim- having him tell me to go away in the school library
Amy- Going on the cruise and stuffing ourselves with ice cream
Clara-I like when he went to the church and we played dart guns and donuts!
Audrey-when he held me as a baby
Emmeline- Severle( Several)
What do you want to do with our family before Reuben leaves?
Dad- Family night activity- everyone turns the doorknob 4 times before closing the door. Visit animals at the animal shelter- Kitty City.
Mom- campfire somehow, somewhere. baptism temple trip. eat crepes.
Reuben- Nothing in particular. . . .
Tim- have a sleeping party
Amy- . . . maybe have a legit water fight, like with balloons, or maybe a marshmallow fight. Or both. Or laser tag.
Clara- I want Reuben to fall in love!
Audrey- have a huge birthday party for all the birthdays he will miss
Emmeline- go swimming and ice skating
What will you miss about Reuben when he is gone?
Dad- His voice. :)
Mom- having him burst into song at any random moment, like when he is loading the DW and hearing him play the piano. seeing him interact with Lemon. ( Emmeline)
Reuben- Chasing Midge ( Emmeline) around like a monster.
Tim- him complaining about people trying to give us rides home.
Amy- I will miss his teasing, and teasing back.
Clara- He will not be here to babysit, so we can't do stuff and NOT be watched!
Audrey- I will miss how he was so picky and when he chased me and Emmeline and said he was an ostrich. The last thing I will miss is ROOSTER.
Emmeline- everything
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Product Review: Dolphin Swimsuit, Instant Pot, Squatty Potty, Mighty Plugs, Tiger Tail, Whirlpool Washing Machine, Eye Cream,Glitter Zone Hair Curlers
I'm not a big shopper AT ALL. But, when I find something I like, I want to let other people know about it. And when I buy something that is LOSER, I want to tell you about that as well. And, honestly, it bugs me when people leave reviews RIGHT after buying something. So, I thought you might like to know how I feel about some items I purchased in the last year. I'll start with the ones I love! Amazon is not paying me to promote these items. Nobody is paying me to promote these items. Hmm, maybe they should. .
TIGER TAIL
Everybody should want to own a Tiger Tail, cause it's such a cool name! Well, I didn't really buy it for the name, but I do like it. The Tiger Tail is a massage tool. It is essentially a padded pvc pipe with rubber coated handles, like a rolling pin for your body. Coming from someone who has actually used a rolling pin to massage, you can trust me when I make that comparison. So, why not stick with the rolling pin? Well, the Tiger Tail's size allows for getting into some tight spots more easily and the padding offers a comfort level the rolling pin lacked. I'm still all about the rolling pin, but this item has lived up to it's reputation. It's not cheap, but everyone in my family uses it and loves it!
Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Tiger-Tail-Massage-Stick/dp/B00ZPMAIO6/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488465713&sr=8-2&keywords=Tiger+Tail
DOLPHIN SWIMSUIT
I started attending water aerobics just over a year ago. It took about two months for the frequent chlorine dips to ruin my swimsuit. I asked the ladies at the pool what they wear and they all told me I needed a polyester swimsuit. I went to BIG 5 and found one for about $20! I chose the brand Dolphin, but there are others. The important thing is for it to be 100% polyester. It looks as good as the day I purchased it. Apparently the thread will wear out before the fabric. These have different sizes than I was used to. It is based on your bust measurement. So, I wear a 38 instead of a 10 or 12. Not all Dolphin swimsuits are 100% polyester, so read the label. I wear this suit for casual swimming with my family as well and I never have to worry that it is becoming see-through.
https://www.amazon.com/DOLFIN-CHLOROBAN-BLOCK-SWIMSUIT-WOMENS/dp/B00DUJA1WK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1488465962&sr=8-6&keywords=dolfin+swimsuit+polyester
INSTANT POT
These have a cult following on facebook. Instant Pot Community. It's because they are amazing! I have two of them, and I wouldn't mind having three. I first bought one so I could cook meat faster, because I NEVER remember to start a roast in the crock pot early enough on Sunday morning. With the Instant Pot, I start a FROZEN pork roast 2.5 hours before I want to eat and it is falling apart when I open the pot. I also love to use the rice cooker function. I got a second pot so I could make homemade yogurt. It's so easy, much cheaper than store-bought, and has no added sugar unless I want it. And, I've recently starting making hard-boiled eggs, or more precisely, hard steamed eggs. It takes about 15 minutes start to finish and I don't have to watch the pot. Most of that time is the pot heating up. The pot has to heat up to cook anything and it takes about 10 minutes. I only steam the eggs for 6 minutes. They are easier to peel too! Next I'm going to try pasta! Seriously, if you don't have one of these, you want one of these. The sky is the limit with what you can cook with ease, freeing up time to spend however you wish instead of slaving in the kitchen.
https://www.amazon.com/Instant-IP-LUX60-Programmable-Electric-Pressure/dp/B01MFEBQH1/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1488466394&sr=1-2&keywords=Instant+Pot
SQUATTY POTTY
I'm always leery of things that look to good to be true. Plus, the ads for this are hilarious but also a bit creepy. But, let me tell you, I like this stool. The basic idea behind the Squatty Potty is that humans are biologically designed to squat when we, well, eliminate waste. But, we didn't build our toilets that way. Modern toilets kink us up and make it harder to do our business. I don't know if it actually makes things more pleasant or not, but I like the Squatty Potty. Maybe it's the cave woman in me. And it tucks neatly under the toilet so it's not in the way for those who don't prefer to use it.
https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1488466661&sr=8-1&keywords=Squatty+Potty
MIGHTY PLUGS
These are the BEST ear plugs. I've tried those cheap orange ones from Walmart and that was a RIDICULOUS waste of my money. The only good ear plug is one that actually works. And these ones have saved my life. I started to have trouble sleeping about a year or so ago. It was partially insomnia and mostly my darling bed partner's extremely loud snoring. Once that started, I had no chance of falling asleep, and he has the gift of falling asleep VERY quickly. After trying a lot of solutions, I researched ear plugs and found these. They do not block out 100% of sound. I don't think that is really possible, or even desirable. But, they block out enough that I can fall asleep and I don't hear the snoring. I do still hear my alarm clock in the morning. These ear plugs are soft and moldable, and made from ingredients you can spell- Filtered Beeswax, Pure Lanolin, Sterile Cotton, Corn Starch, Grapefruit seed extract.
They don't last forever because little bits of them disappear over time. I'd say a pair lasts about 2-3 months. But, they are worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY. I bought the 12 pack.
https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Finest-Plug-12-pair-Personal/dp/B003GVTDQW/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488466743&sr=8-3&keywords=Mighty+Plugs
BEVERLY HILLS MD EYE CREAM
I bought this dark circle eye cream online. I bought a lot of it, cause it was cheaper that way. It was supposed to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes. I watched a really long video explaining how it was actually going to fix the problem instead of just covering it up. Part of how it is supposed to work is by reflecting light and it's also supposed to actually get rid of the dark circles over time. Major waste of money and major disappointment. I tried it for a month. I didn't notice any improvement and the product is annoying. It SITS on my skin and if I touch it, it pills up and peels off. It says to apply it at bedtime too so it can work alongside my body's night time regeneration process, but if it doesn't soak in, I'm not sure how it's going to do anything at all. I don't feel like I can add makeup on top of it for this reason. Don't waste your money on this stuff.
GLITTER ZONE HAIR CURLERS
I saw these on facebook and they looked awesome so I ordered two sets for my girls. They weren't cheap, but I wanted to have a hair curling option that doesn't damage their hair and is more comfortable than foam curlers. I ordered these on January 28th. I'd like to review them for you and tell you how amazing they are, but I never got the order. I got an email that said I could track my order, but that doesn't work. I emailed the company twice and they have not responded. I finally found some small print and it said that my order would take 2-5 weeks for it to come. So, today is 4 weeks and 5 days. NO PRODUCT. On their site, they only offer refunds up to 30 days from date of purchase- pretty clever in an evil scammer way. I'm sending them a facebook message today, but whatever the outcome, it's not worth ordering from a company that takes so long to ship( and it wasn't even free shipping) and doesn't reply to emails. If I don't get my order by next Monday, I'm going to see if the credit card company can take back the payment.
WHIRLPOOL WASHING MACHINE
Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to tell you about my new washing machine. Okay, I promised I had owned all of these things for a while, but since this is a negative review, I don't think that matters. I had to buy a new washing machine a few weeks ago. I decided to go with a less expensive, no bells and whistles model to save money. But, I purchased the 5 year warranty. With a total cost of around $600, I figured that the cost of washing clothes in my home is $120 a year for the machine and if it lasts longer than 5 years, that's a bonus. So, I purchased this machine from Lowes.
And it worked correctly ONE time. ONE TIME. After that, when we turn it on, the machine washes and rinses and then goes back to the wash light and stays there indefinitely. The clothes are soaking wet. We then have to manually cancel the load and then run a drain/spin cycle. After trying 8 different loads I called for a repair. I HATE ( 1st world problem) waiting for repairmen. Somehow, I am never ever at the beginning of their shift. I waited for almost 5 hours for him to come and tell me a part was broken and he was ordering a new one and it would take 5-6 business days to come in. So, it's still broken, but there is hope it will get fixed. I'm REALLY REALLY glad I bought that extended warranty, although, at this point, I used the one year manufacturer warranty for the repair. I'm not saying not to buy this machine. I'm really hoping it's a good one. What I am saying is, we may have a lemon, and I'm glad I bought the extended warranty.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-4-3-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Top-Load-Washer-White/50254189
So, there you have it- my honest review of some things I've bought in the last year.
TIGER TAIL
Everybody should want to own a Tiger Tail, cause it's such a cool name! Well, I didn't really buy it for the name, but I do like it. The Tiger Tail is a massage tool. It is essentially a padded pvc pipe with rubber coated handles, like a rolling pin for your body. Coming from someone who has actually used a rolling pin to massage, you can trust me when I make that comparison. So, why not stick with the rolling pin? Well, the Tiger Tail's size allows for getting into some tight spots more easily and the padding offers a comfort level the rolling pin lacked. I'm still all about the rolling pin, but this item has lived up to it's reputation. It's not cheap, but everyone in my family uses it and loves it!
Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Tiger-Tail-Massage-Stick/dp/B00ZPMAIO6/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488465713&sr=8-2&keywords=Tiger+Tail
DOLPHIN SWIMSUIT
I started attending water aerobics just over a year ago. It took about two months for the frequent chlorine dips to ruin my swimsuit. I asked the ladies at the pool what they wear and they all told me I needed a polyester swimsuit. I went to BIG 5 and found one for about $20! I chose the brand Dolphin, but there are others. The important thing is for it to be 100% polyester. It looks as good as the day I purchased it. Apparently the thread will wear out before the fabric. These have different sizes than I was used to. It is based on your bust measurement. So, I wear a 38 instead of a 10 or 12. Not all Dolphin swimsuits are 100% polyester, so read the label. I wear this suit for casual swimming with my family as well and I never have to worry that it is becoming see-through.
https://www.amazon.com/DOLFIN-CHLOROBAN-BLOCK-SWIMSUIT-WOMENS/dp/B00DUJA1WK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1488465962&sr=8-6&keywords=dolfin+swimsuit+polyester
INSTANT POT
These have a cult following on facebook. Instant Pot Community. It's because they are amazing! I have two of them, and I wouldn't mind having three. I first bought one so I could cook meat faster, because I NEVER remember to start a roast in the crock pot early enough on Sunday morning. With the Instant Pot, I start a FROZEN pork roast 2.5 hours before I want to eat and it is falling apart when I open the pot. I also love to use the rice cooker function. I got a second pot so I could make homemade yogurt. It's so easy, much cheaper than store-bought, and has no added sugar unless I want it. And, I've recently starting making hard-boiled eggs, or more precisely, hard steamed eggs. It takes about 15 minutes start to finish and I don't have to watch the pot. Most of that time is the pot heating up. The pot has to heat up to cook anything and it takes about 10 minutes. I only steam the eggs for 6 minutes. They are easier to peel too! Next I'm going to try pasta! Seriously, if you don't have one of these, you want one of these. The sky is the limit with what you can cook with ease, freeing up time to spend however you wish instead of slaving in the kitchen.
https://www.amazon.com/Instant-IP-LUX60-Programmable-Electric-Pressure/dp/B01MFEBQH1/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1488466394&sr=1-2&keywords=Instant+Pot
SQUATTY POTTY
I'm always leery of things that look to good to be true. Plus, the ads for this are hilarious but also a bit creepy. But, let me tell you, I like this stool. The basic idea behind the Squatty Potty is that humans are biologically designed to squat when we, well, eliminate waste. But, we didn't build our toilets that way. Modern toilets kink us up and make it harder to do our business. I don't know if it actually makes things more pleasant or not, but I like the Squatty Potty. Maybe it's the cave woman in me. And it tucks neatly under the toilet so it's not in the way for those who don't prefer to use it.
https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Original-Bathroom-Toilet/dp/B00ESKVN7W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1488466661&sr=8-1&keywords=Squatty+Potty
MIGHTY PLUGS
These are the BEST ear plugs. I've tried those cheap orange ones from Walmart and that was a RIDICULOUS waste of my money. The only good ear plug is one that actually works. And these ones have saved my life. I started to have trouble sleeping about a year or so ago. It was partially insomnia and mostly my darling bed partner's extremely loud snoring. Once that started, I had no chance of falling asleep, and he has the gift of falling asleep VERY quickly. After trying a lot of solutions, I researched ear plugs and found these. They do not block out 100% of sound. I don't think that is really possible, or even desirable. But, they block out enough that I can fall asleep and I don't hear the snoring. I do still hear my alarm clock in the morning. These ear plugs are soft and moldable, and made from ingredients you can spell- Filtered Beeswax, Pure Lanolin, Sterile Cotton, Corn Starch, Grapefruit seed extract.
They don't last forever because little bits of them disappear over time. I'd say a pair lasts about 2-3 months. But, they are worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY. I bought the 12 pack.
https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Finest-Plug-12-pair-Personal/dp/B003GVTDQW/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488466743&sr=8-3&keywords=Mighty+Plugs
BEVERLY HILLS MD EYE CREAM
I bought this dark circle eye cream online. I bought a lot of it, cause it was cheaper that way. It was supposed to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes. I watched a really long video explaining how it was actually going to fix the problem instead of just covering it up. Part of how it is supposed to work is by reflecting light and it's also supposed to actually get rid of the dark circles over time. Major waste of money and major disappointment. I tried it for a month. I didn't notice any improvement and the product is annoying. It SITS on my skin and if I touch it, it pills up and peels off. It says to apply it at bedtime too so it can work alongside my body's night time regeneration process, but if it doesn't soak in, I'm not sure how it's going to do anything at all. I don't feel like I can add makeup on top of it for this reason. Don't waste your money on this stuff.
GLITTER ZONE HAIR CURLERS
I saw these on facebook and they looked awesome so I ordered two sets for my girls. They weren't cheap, but I wanted to have a hair curling option that doesn't damage their hair and is more comfortable than foam curlers. I ordered these on January 28th. I'd like to review them for you and tell you how amazing they are, but I never got the order. I got an email that said I could track my order, but that doesn't work. I emailed the company twice and they have not responded. I finally found some small print and it said that my order would take 2-5 weeks for it to come. So, today is 4 weeks and 5 days. NO PRODUCT. On their site, they only offer refunds up to 30 days from date of purchase- pretty clever in an evil scammer way. I'm sending them a facebook message today, but whatever the outcome, it's not worth ordering from a company that takes so long to ship( and it wasn't even free shipping) and doesn't reply to emails. If I don't get my order by next Monday, I'm going to see if the credit card company can take back the payment.
WHIRLPOOL WASHING MACHINE
Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to tell you about my new washing machine. Okay, I promised I had owned all of these things for a while, but since this is a negative review, I don't think that matters. I had to buy a new washing machine a few weeks ago. I decided to go with a less expensive, no bells and whistles model to save money. But, I purchased the 5 year warranty. With a total cost of around $600, I figured that the cost of washing clothes in my home is $120 a year for the machine and if it lasts longer than 5 years, that's a bonus. So, I purchased this machine from Lowes.
And it worked correctly ONE time. ONE TIME. After that, when we turn it on, the machine washes and rinses and then goes back to the wash light and stays there indefinitely. The clothes are soaking wet. We then have to manually cancel the load and then run a drain/spin cycle. After trying 8 different loads I called for a repair. I HATE ( 1st world problem) waiting for repairmen. Somehow, I am never ever at the beginning of their shift. I waited for almost 5 hours for him to come and tell me a part was broken and he was ordering a new one and it would take 5-6 business days to come in. So, it's still broken, but there is hope it will get fixed. I'm REALLY REALLY glad I bought that extended warranty, although, at this point, I used the one year manufacturer warranty for the repair. I'm not saying not to buy this machine. I'm really hoping it's a good one. What I am saying is, we may have a lemon, and I'm glad I bought the extended warranty.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-4-3-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Top-Load-Washer-White/50254189
So, there you have it- my honest review of some things I've bought in the last year.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Our Occasionally Annual Groundhog Day Newsletter- 2017
2016 is LONG gone, and unlike most of you amazingly "with it" humans, we did not send out Christmas cards, yet again. I LOVE getting Christmas cards, pictures, and letters. I'm surprised every year that we still get some, since we don't send any out. But, every now and then I write one online, or a Groundhog Day Newsletter. And, today is YOUR lucky day. You're welcome in advance.
2016 in Review, plus January 2017, plus Feb 1, 2017
Judd- Judd survived 2016. He's still practicing law. I think people are so lucky who get paid to PRACTICE! Last Fall he decided that if one competition soccer team was good, then TWO teams must be better and has been coaching a boys team in the U12 division. Clara, who is a girl, and our daughter, is on that team. Judd also coaches Tim's U17 team. He really loves coaching soccer and has deeply impacted many of the boys. Judd loves his calling at church as Primary Chorister. He also ran the Reflections program at Fox Hills Elementary. The highlight of his year might have been going to the top of the Space Needle, closely followed by Emmeline vomiting all over him during the night on a cruise ship. He loves being a dad and loves his flexible work schedule that allows him to spend so much time with our kids.
Becky- Well, I started out 2016 with 5 callings, had 6 for a while, and ended up with just 2- Relief Society teacher and Stake Music Chairman. For my first Stake Conference this January, I put together a children's choir. The kids sang two numbers, one of which was written by my friend Jennette Booth and myself. It's called "The Armor of God". If your musical and Mormon, you really should check it out. I'm not just saying that because of my part in it, but because, well, it's really a great song. You can listen to it for FREE. I know, right?
And, it's only $1.99
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/the-armor-of-god-digital-sheet-music/20371336
I've really enjoyed being PTA President at Fox Hills Elementary and expanding my piano studio. I now have 10 students! Time goes faster and faster the older I get, so I'm trying to enjoy the last 8 months of being in my 30's. I'm also accepting the little lines on my face and gray hairs that have appeared this last year. I guess I can't look 25 forever!
I really did not enjoy the politics on facebook this year. You may have noticed that I don't post about politics. I don't think it belongs on facebook, but I still like you if you post stuff like that.
Reuben- Reuben, Reuben, Reuben. Reuben is a Senior. He's a Madrigal( special choir) this year and really loving that, although the 37 Christmas performances nearly killed him. He wouldn't let me take him to the doctor until the last one was over. He came home from that visit with an antibiotic and an inhaler. Reuben has been accepted to Utah State University and is waiting to hear back from BYU. He is not excited to get his wisdom teeth out in March, but he might be secretly excited for the girl's choice dance date he has next weekend. He is working on his mission papers and plans to go this Summer. I'm not old enough for this.
Tim- Tim is like Mary Poppins- practically perfect in every way. He has 4.0 and is striving to be the Valedictorian in 2 years. He LOVES LOVES LOVES soccer, and Math, and Science, and playing the violin. He started voice lessons in the fall. This last year, Tim was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, which means his esophagus is allergic to stuff. We now know that he is allergic to beef, green beans, and dairy.
Amy- Amy is obsessed with cooking and putting it to good use, cooking dinner for the family 3 nights a week. Yes, I'm in Heaven. No, you can't borrow her. She loves school, has a 4.0, and is enjoying rehearsing to be Jack's Mother in her schools performance of "Into the Woods". Amy recently won Regional Reflections and is already planning an even more elaborate entry for next year. This last year, Amy gave up candy in May and didn't eat ANY for the rest of the year. She also drastically reduced her sugar intake and is feeling so much healthier.
Clara- Clara is still short and spunky. She loves 6th grade and wowed the crowds with her performance in her Shakespeare play as the Jester. She's really a talented actress. Right now she is rehearsing for Broadway Kids and has a solo. Clara sings or talks about 95% of her waking time. She is enjoying soccer and most of the boys are afraid of her. She plays the clarinet at school and is starting to freak out about starting 7th grade in August.
Audrey- Audrey is in 4th grade and teacher's pet yet again. She spends most of her free time dancing or at gymnastics. That girl loves to flip! Audrey has quite a bit of sassitude and isn't afraid to show it. She's getting really good at choreographing dance routines. We aren't sure where she got her moves from, but some things skip generations.
Emmeline- Emmeline, also teacher's pet, is in 1st grade, and loves life. She takes gymnastics with her sister and dance class as well. Yesterday Emmeline told her dad,"I love you Daddy, but, well, just so ya know, I love Mommy more." She's still really cute and small and we are just dreading her growing up, but you can't keep the baby little forever. Emmeline is smart and funny and loves being with her family. She loves to cuddle and sing and is starting to learn the piano.
Well, there you go. Happy Groundhog Day. That dang little furball saw his shadow and we're in for six more weeks of Winter, but hopefully that little slice of life gave you a few moments of relief from the dirty air and bitter cold. There is nothing more important to us than our family. We are so grateful to have each other, for each day we get to be together and for every memory made. Thank you for being part of our lives in whatever capacity- friend, family, or anonymous facebook fan.
p.s. Since I told you I would cover February 1st, 2017, I supposed I should tell you that yesterday I drove the boys to early morning Seminary, taught 2 piano lessons, cleaned for my mom, picked up Clara, cleaned the house, and went to a Wellness Seminar at Brick Oven. There. Now, I'm not a liar.
HAPPY the rest of 2017 from my family to yours!
Love,
The Pitts
2016 in Review, plus January 2017, plus Feb 1, 2017
Judd- Judd survived 2016. He's still practicing law. I think people are so lucky who get paid to PRACTICE! Last Fall he decided that if one competition soccer team was good, then TWO teams must be better and has been coaching a boys team in the U12 division. Clara, who is a girl, and our daughter, is on that team. Judd also coaches Tim's U17 team. He really loves coaching soccer and has deeply impacted many of the boys. Judd loves his calling at church as Primary Chorister. He also ran the Reflections program at Fox Hills Elementary. The highlight of his year might have been going to the top of the Space Needle, closely followed by Emmeline vomiting all over him during the night on a cruise ship. He loves being a dad and loves his flexible work schedule that allows him to spend so much time with our kids.
Becky- Well, I started out 2016 with 5 callings, had 6 for a while, and ended up with just 2- Relief Society teacher and Stake Music Chairman. For my first Stake Conference this January, I put together a children's choir. The kids sang two numbers, one of which was written by my friend Jennette Booth and myself. It's called "The Armor of God". If your musical and Mormon, you really should check it out. I'm not just saying that because of my part in it, but because, well, it's really a great song. You can listen to it for FREE. I know, right?
And, it's only $1.99
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/the-armor-of-god-digital-sheet-music/20371336
I've really enjoyed being PTA President at Fox Hills Elementary and expanding my piano studio. I now have 10 students! Time goes faster and faster the older I get, so I'm trying to enjoy the last 8 months of being in my 30's. I'm also accepting the little lines on my face and gray hairs that have appeared this last year. I guess I can't look 25 forever!
I really did not enjoy the politics on facebook this year. You may have noticed that I don't post about politics. I don't think it belongs on facebook, but I still like you if you post stuff like that.
Reuben- Reuben, Reuben, Reuben. Reuben is a Senior. He's a Madrigal( special choir) this year and really loving that, although the 37 Christmas performances nearly killed him. He wouldn't let me take him to the doctor until the last one was over. He came home from that visit with an antibiotic and an inhaler. Reuben has been accepted to Utah State University and is waiting to hear back from BYU. He is not excited to get his wisdom teeth out in March, but he might be secretly excited for the girl's choice dance date he has next weekend. He is working on his mission papers and plans to go this Summer. I'm not old enough for this.
Tim- Tim is like Mary Poppins- practically perfect in every way. He has 4.0 and is striving to be the Valedictorian in 2 years. He LOVES LOVES LOVES soccer, and Math, and Science, and playing the violin. He started voice lessons in the fall. This last year, Tim was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, which means his esophagus is allergic to stuff. We now know that he is allergic to beef, green beans, and dairy.
Amy- Amy is obsessed with cooking and putting it to good use, cooking dinner for the family 3 nights a week. Yes, I'm in Heaven. No, you can't borrow her. She loves school, has a 4.0, and is enjoying rehearsing to be Jack's Mother in her schools performance of "Into the Woods". Amy recently won Regional Reflections and is already planning an even more elaborate entry for next year. This last year, Amy gave up candy in May and didn't eat ANY for the rest of the year. She also drastically reduced her sugar intake and is feeling so much healthier.
Clara- Clara is still short and spunky. She loves 6th grade and wowed the crowds with her performance in her Shakespeare play as the Jester. She's really a talented actress. Right now she is rehearsing for Broadway Kids and has a solo. Clara sings or talks about 95% of her waking time. She is enjoying soccer and most of the boys are afraid of her. She plays the clarinet at school and is starting to freak out about starting 7th grade in August.
Audrey- Audrey is in 4th grade and teacher's pet yet again. She spends most of her free time dancing or at gymnastics. That girl loves to flip! Audrey has quite a bit of sassitude and isn't afraid to show it. She's getting really good at choreographing dance routines. We aren't sure where she got her moves from, but some things skip generations.
Emmeline- Emmeline, also teacher's pet, is in 1st grade, and loves life. She takes gymnastics with her sister and dance class as well. Yesterday Emmeline told her dad,"I love you Daddy, but, well, just so ya know, I love Mommy more." She's still really cute and small and we are just dreading her growing up, but you can't keep the baby little forever. Emmeline is smart and funny and loves being with her family. She loves to cuddle and sing and is starting to learn the piano.
Well, there you go. Happy Groundhog Day. That dang little furball saw his shadow and we're in for six more weeks of Winter, but hopefully that little slice of life gave you a few moments of relief from the dirty air and bitter cold. There is nothing more important to us than our family. We are so grateful to have each other, for each day we get to be together and for every memory made. Thank you for being part of our lives in whatever capacity- friend, family, or anonymous facebook fan.
p.s. Since I told you I would cover February 1st, 2017, I supposed I should tell you that yesterday I drove the boys to early morning Seminary, taught 2 piano lessons, cleaned for my mom, picked up Clara, cleaned the house, and went to a Wellness Seminar at Brick Oven. There. Now, I'm not a liar.
HAPPY the rest of 2017 from my family to yours!
Love,
The Pitts
Monday, January 9, 2017
Put Down the Ducky if You Want to Play the Saxophone
My boys had a VHS tape(that is an old fashioned way to watch movies) when they were little that had a really funny Sesame Street song on it- Put Down the Ducky if You Want to Play the Saxophone. It's really silly. Ernie wants to play the sax but he also wants to hold onto his rubber ducky. As you know, Ernie is REALLY attached to his rubber ducky. He's so attached that it keeps him from being able to do other things- like learning to play the saxophone. This song really made my kids laugh. It's silly. And it doesn't make anybody feel guilty because none of us have an obsession with rubber duckies, right? But, it made me think of something else, something that most of us DO have a problem putting down.
Can you guess what it is?
Where's your phone? Is it in your hand? Is it in your pocket?
Some people sleep with their phones in their hands. Some people sleep with them under their pillows. Most people sleep with them in the same room.
Will you leave your house without your cell phone?
Okay, I'm not actually trying to say that cell phones are bad. I think they are a tool for good. But, they are also an opportunity for a lot of bad choices.
And most of those bad choices revolve around wasting time. I'm not going to spout statistics or make a big argument for this. If you don't agree with me on this you either: 1. Do not have a problem with your phone or 2. You do have a problem and you are in denial.
If you disagree with me, whether it's because #1 or #2, I invite you to try something out once a month for one day a week. If you agree with me, I still invite you to try this challenge.
Here it is.
Put down the ducky (phone, computer, tablet) for one day each week for one month.
It might change your life.
I decided a month ago that I was going to put down the ducky every Wednesday. I "invited" my kids to do it with me. We've done it 4 times now. And it has opened my eyes to two things.
1. I have been wasting a lot of time
2. I have been missing opportunities to spend meaningful time with my kids. They are growing up WAY too fast to keep being so stupid.
At first, my girls were unhappy with me. "What are we going to do? We can't watch TV? MOMMY!"
I'm calling it screen free day. Screens can only be used when necessary, such as for work, homework, at school when required, or for necessary texting or phone answering. So, I'm not going completely crazy on them, but the general idea is to PUT DOWN THE DUCKY SO YOU CAN PLAY THE SAXOPHONE.
What is the saxophone in your life that you aren't learning how to play because of the ducky?
For me, I've been doing Calligraphy again, drawing, writing more, and playing board games with my kids. We visit the library and enjoy a leisurely visit. We read stories together. There was a lot of playing in the snow.
Last Wednesday as we sat around the table playing a game, all 6 of my kids were laughing and making jokes, and my heart was both happy and sad at the same time- happy for the moment and sad at all the missed moments due to letting the TV or the tablet or facebook or a video game be the easier choice with "spare" time. We found time to do a craft, time to snuggle, time to play the piano together, just time to slow down.
It's not that I never do these things with my kids. We do.
But, not enough, not nearly enough.
My youngest asked me last Wednesday if Thursday could also be a screen free day. We were cuddling in my bed reading stories. I held her soft cheeks in my big mommy hands, looked into her eyes that believe every thing I say to her, and answered, "We can do this any time you want."
Sometimes you just need to put down the ducky. Give it a try. Once you get over the shock, it feels like taking a huge breath of mountain fresh air after leaving a boys locker room. Enjoy this little video, so you can have this song stuck in your head too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVtWXtSKJ9I
Can you guess what it is?
Where's your phone? Is it in your hand? Is it in your pocket?
Some people sleep with their phones in their hands. Some people sleep with them under their pillows. Most people sleep with them in the same room.
Will you leave your house without your cell phone?
Okay, I'm not actually trying to say that cell phones are bad. I think they are a tool for good. But, they are also an opportunity for a lot of bad choices.
And most of those bad choices revolve around wasting time. I'm not going to spout statistics or make a big argument for this. If you don't agree with me on this you either: 1. Do not have a problem with your phone or 2. You do have a problem and you are in denial.
If you disagree with me, whether it's because #1 or #2, I invite you to try something out once a month for one day a week. If you agree with me, I still invite you to try this challenge.
Here it is.
Put down the ducky (phone, computer, tablet) for one day each week for one month.
It might change your life.
I decided a month ago that I was going to put down the ducky every Wednesday. I "invited" my kids to do it with me. We've done it 4 times now. And it has opened my eyes to two things.
1. I have been wasting a lot of time
2. I have been missing opportunities to spend meaningful time with my kids. They are growing up WAY too fast to keep being so stupid.
At first, my girls were unhappy with me. "What are we going to do? We can't watch TV? MOMMY!"
I'm calling it screen free day. Screens can only be used when necessary, such as for work, homework, at school when required, or for necessary texting or phone answering. So, I'm not going completely crazy on them, but the general idea is to PUT DOWN THE DUCKY SO YOU CAN PLAY THE SAXOPHONE.
What is the saxophone in your life that you aren't learning how to play because of the ducky?
For me, I've been doing Calligraphy again, drawing, writing more, and playing board games with my kids. We visit the library and enjoy a leisurely visit. We read stories together. There was a lot of playing in the snow.
Last Wednesday as we sat around the table playing a game, all 6 of my kids were laughing and making jokes, and my heart was both happy and sad at the same time- happy for the moment and sad at all the missed moments due to letting the TV or the tablet or facebook or a video game be the easier choice with "spare" time. We found time to do a craft, time to snuggle, time to play the piano together, just time to slow down.
It's not that I never do these things with my kids. We do.
But, not enough, not nearly enough.
My youngest asked me last Wednesday if Thursday could also be a screen free day. We were cuddling in my bed reading stories. I held her soft cheeks in my big mommy hands, looked into her eyes that believe every thing I say to her, and answered, "We can do this any time you want."
Sometimes you just need to put down the ducky. Give it a try. Once you get over the shock, it feels like taking a huge breath of mountain fresh air after leaving a boys locker room. Enjoy this little video, so you can have this song stuck in your head too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVtWXtSKJ9I
Friday, December 9, 2016
I do not think that word means what you think that word means
Do you know what is annoying? I mean besides me making a quilt with over 1,000 pieces and my kids having 4 Christmas concerts on the same night? Having 6 school age kids during December is, well, Deathcember. Anyway, back to the topic. It's annoying when people use words or phrases incorrectly.
I know, I know, I am supposed to be writing sweet things in December. And I tried. I really did try. But the sweet just didn't do it for me. I want to talk about something annoying. This might be because I'm annoyed that people have forgotten that Christmas is about baby Jesus. So, here's ten words or phrases that I think many people need a little help to remember what they really mean, in no particular order.
1. Christmas.
Christmas is about baby Jesus. He was born on Christmas day. Now, it may have actually been in April, but we celebrate on December 25th. And people seem to be really confused. Elves on shelves. Reindeer. Santa. Lights. Candy, Presents. BUY, BUY, BUY, GIMMEE, GIMMEE. Where's my 300 inch TV and Mega playstation X-Box Wii-U power jet-stream video console? Okay, I'm just kidding about those first things. I love all the fun traditions, from the pickle ornament to Santa coming down the chimney, but we do need to remember to make sure that we ( all of us who are Christian) teach our little kiddos that Christmas is actually a religious holiday, not only a chance to cash in big time on toys and a sugar coma.
2. Yoga.
Some people think yoga means wimpy easy exercise that they could do, but are too cool and strong to do. Nope. Yoga is actually pretty hard. Today I watched a body builder try yoga for the first time, and he actually whimpered during a difficult pose. So, don't confuse yoga with the little green man from Star Wars. It's not just calm and philosophical. It's also majorly difficult and strengthening. And really really amazing.
3. Turn Signal
This one really confuses people in Utah. Here in this beautiful desert that has blossomed like a rose, some drivers are less rose-like and more skunk-like. Their driving,well, it stinks. Some confused drivers think that a turn signal is an obsolete lever. They never use it. These same drivers, when presented with an active turn signal on another vehicle, lose all rational sense, accelerating their vehicles just enough to prevent the other car from moving lanes. Sometimes they are so mistaken by the meaning of this flashing light that they honk and swerve, like a wild chipmunk protecting it's nuts.
4. All the strange words teenagers use when texting. Enough said.
5. "Just a sec."
My nine year old keeps saying "Just a sec!" when I tell her to do something or come somewhere. And then, about 25 million seconds later, she complies. I think, the only logical conclusion here is that, well, she has no idea how long a second lasts. We're talking about one second. Boom! It's done. There's another one. Yep, they go that fast. Nobody should ever say that. It's much better to say "Just a minute" if you don't want to be a liar literally one second after you speak.
6. " I could care less."
Guys, if you want to tell people that something is of no interest to you, don't say, "I could care less." That means that you do in fact care about the topic, at least a little, and it's possible that you could, at some point in the future, care less than you do already. You are pretty much inviting people to keep going on an on about the thing that you really "couldn't care less about." When you couldn't care less, you have reached the bottom of not caring, no further movement is required. Don't invite people to give you a reason to care less than you already do.
7. Fast Sunday.
I'm serious about this one. I'll never forget the time my little girl told me that she couldn't understand why we call it Fast Sunday when it goes slower than any other Sunday because we are starving! Okay, now Mormons know what fast Sunday means, or at least, they should. But, I think a lot of people might be just as confused as my little girl. Fast Sunday, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, happens on the first Sunday of the month. We abstain from eating and drinking for two meals and donate the money we would have spent on that food to our church to help others in our congregation and neighborhood when they are in need. And, honestly, no matter how good you get at denying your body food, it really isn't a "fast" day, but a day to "fast". Isn't English great?
8. "Stop it."
I know there are children in this world who grasp the concept of this phrase, but they do not live at my house. In case they do not live at your house either, you could try letting your short people know that the phrase "stop it" is a request/demand to immediately cease the specific and presently ongoing activity that is causing the parental figure to feel the need to demand cessation. Stop it does not mean "Ignore me and keep playing with matches" or "I'm just kidding. Go ahead and flush a toy car and your underwear down the toilet." It really does mean to stop moving, talking, eating, pushing, pulling, or whatever the heck naughty thing you are doing right now. Just stop it. Stop it now.
9. Tolerance
If you don't know what that means, we can't be friends anymore. Just kidding. But, speaking very seriously here, some people have decided that tolerance means agreeing with them. Tolerance actually means the ability or willingness to tolerate something, such as opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. I tolerate you people who love watching Sports. I don't love watching Sports, but I'm also not going to try to burn your house down to stop you or tell you on facebook that I think you are devil worshippers. That would not be tolerant. I don't agree that sports are fun to watch, but if I want to be tolerant, I can just keep my trap shut when people post stuff that is boring to me, or in person, I could smile and nod and keep my personal feelings to myself.
10. Inconceivable.
The man in Princess Bride didn't understand what this word means. And, if you don't know what I'm talking about, stop reading this blog. Stop reading this blog RIGHT NOW! And go watch Princess Bride. It's on Netflix.
not capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; unbelievable.
I know, I know, I am supposed to be writing sweet things in December. And I tried. I really did try. But the sweet just didn't do it for me. I want to talk about something annoying. This might be because I'm annoyed that people have forgotten that Christmas is about baby Jesus. So, here's ten words or phrases that I think many people need a little help to remember what they really mean, in no particular order.
1. Christmas.
Christmas is about baby Jesus. He was born on Christmas day. Now, it may have actually been in April, but we celebrate on December 25th. And people seem to be really confused. Elves on shelves. Reindeer. Santa. Lights. Candy, Presents. BUY, BUY, BUY, GIMMEE, GIMMEE. Where's my 300 inch TV and Mega playstation X-Box Wii-U power jet-stream video console? Okay, I'm just kidding about those first things. I love all the fun traditions, from the pickle ornament to Santa coming down the chimney, but we do need to remember to make sure that we ( all of us who are Christian) teach our little kiddos that Christmas is actually a religious holiday, not only a chance to cash in big time on toys and a sugar coma.
2. Yoga.
Some people think yoga means wimpy easy exercise that they could do, but are too cool and strong to do. Nope. Yoga is actually pretty hard. Today I watched a body builder try yoga for the first time, and he actually whimpered during a difficult pose. So, don't confuse yoga with the little green man from Star Wars. It's not just calm and philosophical. It's also majorly difficult and strengthening. And really really amazing.
3. Turn Signal
This one really confuses people in Utah. Here in this beautiful desert that has blossomed like a rose, some drivers are less rose-like and more skunk-like. Their driving,well, it stinks. Some confused drivers think that a turn signal is an obsolete lever. They never use it. These same drivers, when presented with an active turn signal on another vehicle, lose all rational sense, accelerating their vehicles just enough to prevent the other car from moving lanes. Sometimes they are so mistaken by the meaning of this flashing light that they honk and swerve, like a wild chipmunk protecting it's nuts.
4. All the strange words teenagers use when texting. Enough said.
5. "Just a sec."
My nine year old keeps saying "Just a sec!" when I tell her to do something or come somewhere. And then, about 25 million seconds later, she complies. I think, the only logical conclusion here is that, well, she has no idea how long a second lasts. We're talking about one second. Boom! It's done. There's another one. Yep, they go that fast. Nobody should ever say that. It's much better to say "Just a minute" if you don't want to be a liar literally one second after you speak.
6. " I could care less."
Guys, if you want to tell people that something is of no interest to you, don't say, "I could care less." That means that you do in fact care about the topic, at least a little, and it's possible that you could, at some point in the future, care less than you do already. You are pretty much inviting people to keep going on an on about the thing that you really "couldn't care less about." When you couldn't care less, you have reached the bottom of not caring, no further movement is required. Don't invite people to give you a reason to care less than you already do.
7. Fast Sunday.
I'm serious about this one. I'll never forget the time my little girl told me that she couldn't understand why we call it Fast Sunday when it goes slower than any other Sunday because we are starving! Okay, now Mormons know what fast Sunday means, or at least, they should. But, I think a lot of people might be just as confused as my little girl. Fast Sunday, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, happens on the first Sunday of the month. We abstain from eating and drinking for two meals and donate the money we would have spent on that food to our church to help others in our congregation and neighborhood when they are in need. And, honestly, no matter how good you get at denying your body food, it really isn't a "fast" day, but a day to "fast". Isn't English great?
8. "Stop it."
I know there are children in this world who grasp the concept of this phrase, but they do not live at my house. In case they do not live at your house either, you could try letting your short people know that the phrase "stop it" is a request/demand to immediately cease the specific and presently ongoing activity that is causing the parental figure to feel the need to demand cessation. Stop it does not mean "Ignore me and keep playing with matches" or "I'm just kidding. Go ahead and flush a toy car and your underwear down the toilet." It really does mean to stop moving, talking, eating, pushing, pulling, or whatever the heck naughty thing you are doing right now. Just stop it. Stop it now.
9. Tolerance
If you don't know what that means, we can't be friends anymore. Just kidding. But, speaking very seriously here, some people have decided that tolerance means agreeing with them. Tolerance actually means the ability or willingness to tolerate something, such as opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. I tolerate you people who love watching Sports. I don't love watching Sports, but I'm also not going to try to burn your house down to stop you or tell you on facebook that I think you are devil worshippers. That would not be tolerant. I don't agree that sports are fun to watch, but if I want to be tolerant, I can just keep my trap shut when people post stuff that is boring to me, or in person, I could smile and nod and keep my personal feelings to myself.
10. Inconceivable.
The man in Princess Bride didn't understand what this word means. And, if you don't know what I'm talking about, stop reading this blog. Stop reading this blog RIGHT NOW! And go watch Princess Bride. It's on Netflix.
not capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; unbelievable.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
My Thoughts on the World Series
It's the bottom of the 9th inning and the game is tied. Cubs vs. Indians. At least, I think that's what those numbers and images on the tv mean. I'm not sticking around to find out, because my computer just almost died, so I had to go plug it in. And I wasn't watching the game anyway. It just happened to be on in the room I was in. I've never watched the Cubs play- or the Indians. I've seen a few Orioles games when I lived in Baltimore and some Bees games. It was okay. I didn't hate it. That's actually pretty high praise from me. I don't like watching strangers play sports. I don't even like to watch my own college team. I mean, I did it a bit in college, just so I wouldn't appear too strange. But, mostly, I worked at the games selling concessions and then left after halftime when we closed the stand down. I didn't stay for the games. My husband made me go to 2 seasons of BYU football- or was it three? I think it was three- year one of marriage, year two( with a brand new baby), and year three ( with a wiggly toddler). By the next fall we had moved to Baltimore, so he made me go to Orioles games. Maybe I never gave any of it a real chance, but I just don't have the chemicals in my brain to be a fan.
Okay, so I strayed a bit off topic. I'm supposed to be telling you what I think about the World Series.
I think it is very exciting . .
for
other
people.
And I'm very happy for them- all of them ( and possibly you) who are excited by this. I'm especially happy for whichever team gets the victory. It could be over by now. I don't know, since I left the room at the bottom of the 9th in a tied game. It might be over. Anyway, I'm happy for you people with the brain chemistry that allows you to get excited about these things. It must be thrilling.
It must feel like . . . watching a great symphony?
No?
Okay, how about the thrill when your baby is born?
No?
Um, how about when you almost get hit by a car, but you don't, so you're glad you didn't die?
Or, when you ace a test?
Am I getting any warmer?
How about that feeling when you are watching a really great sports movie and the underdogs win?
Okay, I actually like those movies. I find myself caring about the fake people. I don't care about the sports, but I care about the people, and they care about the sports, so I care about the sports. And when the movie is based on a true story, I think that is the closest I come to understanding why people like watching sports in real life.
I just can't seem to find a team I care about in real life though. I would need to care about them as people, in a personal way, preferably with good music at key life moments. And it's way too much work in real life. Movies are so much easier.
So, I don't care about the World Series.
But, I am happy for those of you who are having a good time watching.
And, just maybe, if they make it into a movie one day, I might cry at the end. But, in the meantime, I have to admit that, well, the NOT caring, it feels REALLY good. Cause, no matter what is happening right now, I'm happy. How about you?
Okay, so I strayed a bit off topic. I'm supposed to be telling you what I think about the World Series.
I think it is very exciting . .
for
other
people.
And I'm very happy for them- all of them ( and possibly you) who are excited by this. I'm especially happy for whichever team gets the victory. It could be over by now. I don't know, since I left the room at the bottom of the 9th in a tied game. It might be over. Anyway, I'm happy for you people with the brain chemistry that allows you to get excited about these things. It must be thrilling.
It must feel like . . . watching a great symphony?
No?
Okay, how about the thrill when your baby is born?
No?
Um, how about when you almost get hit by a car, but you don't, so you're glad you didn't die?
Or, when you ace a test?
Am I getting any warmer?
How about that feeling when you are watching a really great sports movie and the underdogs win?
Okay, I actually like those movies. I find myself caring about the fake people. I don't care about the sports, but I care about the people, and they care about the sports, so I care about the sports. And when the movie is based on a true story, I think that is the closest I come to understanding why people like watching sports in real life.
I just can't seem to find a team I care about in real life though. I would need to care about them as people, in a personal way, preferably with good music at key life moments. And it's way too much work in real life. Movies are so much easier.
So, I don't care about the World Series.
But, I am happy for those of you who are having a good time watching.
And, just maybe, if they make it into a movie one day, I might cry at the end. But, in the meantime, I have to admit that, well, the NOT caring, it feels REALLY good. Cause, no matter what is happening right now, I'm happy. How about you?
Monday, August 29, 2016
I Never Thought We'd Join This Club: Food Allergies
A while ago on facebook I shared the news that my second oldest child, Tim, has been diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EOS, or EE, or Allergic Esophagitis. We found this out after his second episode of choking/ER visit in two years, a trip to the GI doctor, and an endoscopy with a biopsy. He also had a barium swallow. And the fun continues.
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/eosinophilic-disorders/conditions/eosinophil
Okay, so my kiddo has this, and his esophagus is in bad shape right now. He has to currently take acid reflux medicine and a steroid, and today we were finally lucky enough to get in to Primary Children's to the clinic with doctors that specialize in this condition.
There are different approaches to treating this disease. One is to treat the symptoms- thus using the steroids and the acid reducer, and also dilating the esophagus as needed. Another approach is to identify the cause of the inflammation and to eliminate it, so that the esophagus will heal. Sometimes, this is possible and the steroids and other treatments can be stopped. Sometimes the steroid has to be continued and the allergens have to be avoided.
So, let's talk about my kid for a while. Tim's esophagus is so inflamed that he has to keep taking the steroid for a while. In the meantime he was tested today with a prick test on his back for around 40-50 different things, mostly foods. And the results were. . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
Is this annoying? Sorry, I had to wait a lot longer than one second to find out the results.. . . . . .
The results were that he is allergic to. . .
cats
dogs
grass
trees
green beans
AND
beef
We're not heartbroken about these results, although he does love a good steak occasionally, we don't eat a ton of green beans or beef. After the prick test, Tim had his blood drawn for further testing, this time for all kinds of beans, and a bunch of other stuff that I can't remember. This was probably the worst part of the visit. The first stab wasn't quite right and he nearly passed out. The gal had to remove the needle and put ice on his head and neck for about 5 minutes before his color came back. For now, he is not to eat any beans or beef. Next week he will have a three part test called patch testing, where different foods will be applied to his skin for 3 days and monitored after two days and then again after three days to check for a reaction. After all of these tests, we will have a more complete list of the foods that his body doesn't like. He's really hoping he gets to keep dairy, but it's very likely to be one he is asked to eliminate. We'll see.
The GREAT news is that his Dr. is not asking him to do a broad elimination diet, where the patient eliminates the 6 major allergens and then slowly adds them back in if possible. Those 6 are wheat, dairy, soy, nuts, fish, and eggs. She is more a fan of targeting likely allergens, and understands that is easier for a child/teenager to follow. With studies showing that going on an elemental formula amino acids diet clears up the eosinophils in 70% of patients, it is most likely that the foods Tim is allergic to are causing his problems.
Right now I'm feeling really grateful that we don't eat a lot of beef and I've never forced him to eat green beans, although he says he does eat them at school. He doesn't eat a lot of these things. He doesn't like any beef except steak. I'm grateful to have some answers and cautiously optimistic that we will find more answers and his esophagus will be able to heal. In the meantime, with 3 people positively allergic( of the 4 who have been tested) we are definitely still not getting a cat. But, the rabbit can stay. Lucky little unfriendly bunny.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE)
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
With EE, there are a large number of white blood cells called eosinophils in the esophagus.
You probably wonder what these eosinophils are exactly? Well, here's a link for that.
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/eosinophilic-disorders/conditions/eosinophil
Okay, so my kiddo has this, and his esophagus is in bad shape right now. He has to currently take acid reflux medicine and a steroid, and today we were finally lucky enough to get in to Primary Children's to the clinic with doctors that specialize in this condition.
There are different approaches to treating this disease. One is to treat the symptoms- thus using the steroids and the acid reducer, and also dilating the esophagus as needed. Another approach is to identify the cause of the inflammation and to eliminate it, so that the esophagus will heal. Sometimes, this is possible and the steroids and other treatments can be stopped. Sometimes the steroid has to be continued and the allergens have to be avoided.
So, let's talk about my kid for a while. Tim's esophagus is so inflamed that he has to keep taking the steroid for a while. In the meantime he was tested today with a prick test on his back for around 40-50 different things, mostly foods. And the results were. . . .
. . . . .
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| We colored while we waited. It was 3 hour visit in all. |
Is this annoying? Sorry, I had to wait a lot longer than one second to find out the results.. . . . . .
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| The top left is the control- histamine. But, you can see he did react to a few things. |
The results were that he is allergic to. . .
cats
dogs
grass
trees
green beans
AND
beef
We're not heartbroken about these results, although he does love a good steak occasionally, we don't eat a ton of green beans or beef. After the prick test, Tim had his blood drawn for further testing, this time for all kinds of beans, and a bunch of other stuff that I can't remember. This was probably the worst part of the visit. The first stab wasn't quite right and he nearly passed out. The gal had to remove the needle and put ice on his head and neck for about 5 minutes before his color came back. For now, he is not to eat any beans or beef. Next week he will have a three part test called patch testing, where different foods will be applied to his skin for 3 days and monitored after two days and then again after three days to check for a reaction. After all of these tests, we will have a more complete list of the foods that his body doesn't like. He's really hoping he gets to keep dairy, but it's very likely to be one he is asked to eliminate. We'll see.
The GREAT news is that his Dr. is not asking him to do a broad elimination diet, where the patient eliminates the 6 major allergens and then slowly adds them back in if possible. Those 6 are wheat, dairy, soy, nuts, fish, and eggs. She is more a fan of targeting likely allergens, and understands that is easier for a child/teenager to follow. With studies showing that going on an elemental formula amino acids diet clears up the eosinophils in 70% of patients, it is most likely that the foods Tim is allergic to are causing his problems.
Right now I'm feeling really grateful that we don't eat a lot of beef and I've never forced him to eat green beans, although he says he does eat them at school. He doesn't eat a lot of these things. He doesn't like any beef except steak. I'm grateful to have some answers and cautiously optimistic that we will find more answers and his esophagus will be able to heal. In the meantime, with 3 people positively allergic( of the 4 who have been tested) we are definitely still not getting a cat. But, the rabbit can stay. Lucky little unfriendly bunny.
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| For now, he is still allowed to eat chicken sandwiches and french fries. Lucky kid. |
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