Normal Kid

If it weren't for the feeding tube, no one would know that Odette has cancer.

She is your normal 18 month old child.

She is into EVERYTHING!

She has figured out how to open up all the cupboards.

And empty out anything that is in them.

She loves to push things around on the floor.

Stools, pots, pans and feeding tubes.

She likes to try to sit inside of the pans.

She thinks she so cool because she can go up and down the stairs.

We have two gates up.

We also move the kitchen bench to block the rest of the stairs.

She loves her three year old sister.

Who couldn't love that silly girl?

Probably because she helps her do "naughty" things.

Like climb onto the piano or the window seal.

She loves her even when she tries to carry her around the house.

She loves to laugh.

She finds it funny to crawl real fast after you and then fall down on her stomach.

Peek-a-Boo is one of the funniest games to her.

For some reason biting is funny.

She bites really hard!

It can bruise you!

She thinks it is funny to lick you.

She teases me every day by pulling on her feeding tube.

Three times I put it in today.

I don't think she is laughing about that one anymore.

She loves bubbles.

Even when Josselyn pops them all before she can reach them.

They make her squeal with delight.

She loves our dog.

She drinks water out of the tub.

She sleeps...most of the time in her own bed.

She does most things that any child her age would do.

Except eat food.

I have had to fish paper out of her mouth.

And beads from her sisters necklace.

Maybe that means food is next on the menu?

There you have it.

She is just a normal kid...

With cancer fighting super powers!

Port Update

The last time that I wrote about Odette's port, I was full of emotion and very frustrated.  She and I did survive the healing process after her surgery and just as promised, it was worth it.  So, I decided that it was now time for me to fill you all in on what we think of the port now.

If you look closely by Odette's left elbow you will be able to see the bump of her port.  Since she is so small and doesn't have a lot of fat it is very obvious that it is there.  It is obvious to her that it is there.  She constantly tries to pull on it and if she bumps it, I am sure that it hurts her because she will hold it and cry.  She doesn't like to have her port accessed for a long period of time.  When we were at the hospital last time, it really bothered her.  When she gets her labs done every Monday, she cries for the two minutes that they get her blood and then she is happy and laughing again.  So, the bad really isn't so bad.  (I guess that is easy for me to say...I'm not the one getting poked.)

The good stuff is that she can get as messy, dirty and and wet as she wants and we don't have to worry about getting a line wet and infected (we haven't had an infection since she got her port--AWESOME!).  This is great since her new past time, if her siblings don't shut the bathroom door, is to splash in the toilet.  The very best thing about her port is she can have a bath!  Odette absolutely loves the water.  She loves to stand by the tub while I brush my teeth and try and turn on the water.  If her leg could reach over the side I am sure she would climb right in!  She definitely knows what the word "bath" means.  She loves her bath or shower.  I would have thought she would be afraid of the shower, but she thinks it is great to get her face all wet!

Another One Bites the Dust

SCHOOL YEAR THAT IS!

Today was the very last day of school for the two bigger kids.

I don't know why, but I am always emotional the last day of school.

Maybe it is because I have great memories of school.

Being young was a wonderful experience for me.

Maybe it is because it marks another milestone that my children have reached.

I really don't want them to grow up.

They are so much fun and soon will be teenagers.

Then I am not sure what they will be.

I will for sure still love them no matter what!

Brandt has passed the 5th grade and now is "at the top" of his school.

He can hardly wait to be in the 6th grade...I wonder why?

He had a great year and was very successful.

He learned more responsibility for himself and getting his homework done and turned in.

He also started to grow.

And as he reminds me frequently that he is now almost a teenager!

He is most excited for summer because swim team begins!

No sleep in days for us!

Kathleen finished the 3rd grade.

She is really sad that she won't be seeing her teacher all summer.

She loved Mrs. Bryce and all her classmates.

Her class made a movie and she was one of the stars!

She is excited for summer to be able to play with her friends!

Little does she know...

I am so glad that kids were so successful this year with all that has gone on at our house.

Not a lot of attention was given to them or their school work from me.

Their dad did a great job taking over in that role.

They did terrific! 

I am so proud of them.

They are wonderful children!

Now, on to summer vacation....

I Want a Bad Hair Day!

I am so very excited to announce that our website is up and working.  I am so very grateful to all the wonderful people who helped to make it possible.  YOU ARE TERRIFIC!  There is no way that I would have been able to do any of this without the help I received.

The website is great!  There are still a few little things that need to be done, however, you can now purchase items with our "I Want a Bad Hair Day" logo on it.  Soon you will be able to set up fundraisers, donate to a cancer fighter and make special order purchases.  New items will be added soon as well.  Also, a portion of the proceeds each year will go to help a leukemia fighter with their expenses.  Even with insurance, the bills can add up to a mighty sum!   Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for our family.  We couldn't be here today without you lifting us up!

I hope you all will check it out and share the site with your friends, neighbors and family!

I Want a Bad Hair Day!

Life is hard...

Life is hard...

• when your child has a life threatening illness
• when you have any number of children
• when the weather is yucky
• when your child has cancer for the fourth time
• when a parent passes away
• when your child passes away
• when your spouse is called up for service for an entire year
• when a loved one has strayed
• when your spouse is terminally ill
• when you are out of work
• when you have a mound of laundry to do as tall as you
• when you live far away from your family
• when your dog chews up everything and he isn't a puppy
• when you live too close to your family
• when you are depressed
• when you have teenagers
• when you are single
• when you are married
• when your wife has to have C-Sections
• when your dreams seem so far away
• when you lose your best friend
• when you are a single parent
• when you are self-employed
• a returning "old" college student

FOR EVERYONE!


No matter how hard your life gets...

• a smile will make things seem better
• remember you are a Child of God and will receive great blessings
• learn from your hardships
• love those around you
• forgive frequently and easily
• endure happily
• pray continually
• have patience
• have hope for miracles to happen
• put your trust in the Lord

YOU WILL GET YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER!
(It may just take time.)

Snow

Yes, today was a snow day!  When Josselyn first got up and looked out the window this morning, before she even said good morning, she said, "What the heck?  Mom, why is it snowing?"  Then, she proceeded to laugh and say, "I am going out to play!"  She first got dressed in sandals, a dress and no jacket, but was back in minutes and saying how cold it was.  She then switched to snow boots, dress, coat and gloves.  She had fun running all over for almost an hour!

Family Visit

This last we were all excited to get to see some of our out of state family.  My brother Richard and his wife Becca came up for a day and brought their two little boys.  They are the perfect age for my little girls.  They had a great time together.  Odette thought that Greg was a doll and continually was trying to pull him around.  She was also obsessed with his pacifier and kept taking it away from him.  The two older kids...well they were perfect for each other...both into everything!

Josselyn helped Bryce get dressed in the morning.  Don't you just love the clothes she picked out for him?  I am sure if she could have convinced Aunt Becca, he would have had painted fingernails!

We also went down to the park, just for a few minutes to try the swings and slide out.  It was fun for the little time we were there.  Josselyn and Bryce just wanted to play in the water fountain!

I am so glad that some of my family came for a visit!  It was so much fun!  I can hardly wait until Odette can travel and we can all go and visit all of our cousins!!

Exciting

There have been a lot of exciting things going on at our house.

Here is a quick overview.

Kathleen was brave enough to try out for the swimming team.

She didn't make it, but she tried!

Last year she didn't even dare to swim without a life jacket on!

I am so proud of her!

Kathleen also went to girl scout day camp.

She made candles and learned all about things a pioneer used to do.

She loved making the yarn dolls and has made one for everyone in the family.

Brandt tried out for swimming as well.

He is a fish.

I think both of the kids are in this picture.

He will be swimming at 7 am all summer.

That means he is fast...its early!

Brandt also gave a talk in Primary on the Holy Ghost.

I didn't even help him prepare it.

He did awesome.

I am so thankful he has a testimony.

Odette decided that she can go up and down the stairs!

She also is walking around the furniture like crazy.

She was brave enough to let go and just stand up for a few minutes!

She might just walk sooner than I think!
Odette also is sleeping in a big bed now.
I figured it was better than the front room floor-for both of us!

Josselyn said the Article of Faith in Primary last Sunday.

She loves to talk in the microphone.

She loves to sing "I love to see the Temple"

She brings sunshine to our home, as long as things go her way.
Here is her "mad face".

Rainbow

Josselyn says, "When you see a rainbow, that means its going to be a great day!" 

Hope you all have a great day :)

Chin Up!

You all know that music is somewhere I often find a little hope or strength to continue on.  

I have had many songs lately that have helped me out.

Most of you will think its funny that I have found some peace in this song.

From Charlotte's Web...

Chin Up  

(Click to listen)

Chin up, Chin up

Everybody loves a happy face!

Wear it, Share it

It will brighten up the darkest place.

Twinkle, Sparkle, 

Let a little sunshine in.

You'll be on the right side.

Looking on the bright side.

Up with your chinny, chin chin!

Chin up, Chin up.

Put a little laughter in your eyes

Brave it, Save it

Even though your feeling otherwise

Rise up, Wise up

Let a little smile begin.

You'll be happy hearted once you get it started.

Up with your chinny, chin, chin.

Chin Down, you can't help frowning

Turn round, started clowning.

Think sad your troubles double

Think glad they burst like bubbles.

chin up, chin up

Every time your spirits wilt.

Chin up, Chin up

Give you attitude an upward tilt

Twinkle, Sparkle

Let a little fun begin.

You'll be on the bright side

Looking at the right side

Up with your chinny, chin

Chin up!

Sure, life might be challenging.  

It might not be what you thought it would be at this point in your life.  

However, if you keep your chin up you will see a lot more than all those pot holes in the road we call life.

You will see the flowers.

You will see the blue skies.

Best yet, the sun will be able to shine down on your face!