Giving Us The Finger

Santa had the crazy idea that Treyson and Tanner would enjoy a Swiss Army knife in their stockings. I think that he had intended for these knives to be used when needed for scouts and when the boys were at the cabin. I don't think that Santa had envisioned these knives being used to cut to the center of a baseball. Trey's ideas are bigger than Santa's and he proceeded to cut not only into a baseball, but also into the pointer finger of his right hand.

I was on my way home from running some errands when I got a call from Tanner telling me to hurry home because Treyson had cut himself pretty badly. I thought he was either joking or exaggerating, until I walked into the blood-covered bathroom. After doing a quick exam of the finger, I called our doctor who said to bring him out and they'd take a look. After a quick look, and a second opinion from another doctor, the orthopedic surgeon was called for a consult, because the tip of the finger that had been cut, was starting to turn a little black from lack of circulation. The surgeon was in surgery (doing his job, I guess), so we headed over to the E.R. to be examined there. The doctor there determined that surgery wasn't needed that day (maybe in a couple weeks if it didn't heal correctly), and put five stitches in Trey's finger. I couldn't look at the finger, but after they numbed it up good, the doctor moved the tip around to see how much damage was done. That good, sharp knife cut into some nerve endings and got some of the bone. Lovely, I know. Now, two weeks later, things are looking good. At his first follow-up appointment, the doctor was happy with the coloring and Trey had feeling in the tip. The stitches will come out next week and we'll know then if the skin "took" and is healing correctly. The doctor seemed optimistic that all will be well and that Trey will be throwing a wicked fast ball by next month. For now, knives are off limits and the pocket knife merit badge will have to wait.

Our Holidays in Photos

Warning: A gazillion pictures are about to follow. Proceed at your own risk.

We had a wonderful holiday season. Christmas Eve this year was with the Cowan family. One of my very favorite traditions is when my dad reads from a Christmas story and then gives us a little present to remind us of the chosen story. This year was "The Last Straw." The kids were super anxious to wake up in the morning to see what Santa brought. Trey even sent me a text at 4:50 a.m. wondering if they could get up yet. A little insane, I know, but it makes this mom smile (I've taught them well!). Christmas day was full of family and fun and a whole lot of being spoiled. Cam's family came to town on New Year's Eve, so all of my family came up to my house for some pizza, lots of snacking, and some silly games. Quincy loved that she got to stay up until "midnight" when the ball dropped in NYC! We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that this new year brings happiness.

Abra Cadabra!

I swear, Miss Abbey Kyhl knows how to work magic! The day that we went to have our family pictures taken was absolutely freezing! (We had actually cancelled two previous dates due to blizzard like conditions, so because there was a clear sky, we went for it!) The kids would sit in the car or outside bundled in blankets until it was their turn to shine. I really didn't know what kind of results we would get, especially of Max. But once again, Abbey came through for me! Loved the results. Thanks Abbey for making us look good! (Check her out at http://www.akstudio.typepad.com/)

Shakin' Her Booty

I always hoped that I would someday have a little girl, and that maybe, just maybe, she would love to dance. I got both wishes granted! Quincy loves to strut her stuff. She joined a brand new dance studio this year, Gravity Dance Center. Her BFF signed up with her, and boy, can these two move! They had their first dance recital last week, and then danced again at a craft fair. I think my favorite part of those two nights was watching Quincy and Ainslee grooving to the music of the other dancers while they waited their turn on the sidelines. I love these two girls to pieces. They light up my world!

Aloha!

I cannot even express how fabulous our trip to Hawaii was! We created incredible memories and got some fun pictures. I will admit that there was yelling and tears, but hopefully the kids will forget about that part and just remember the good things. We were able to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, where we had an incredible tour guide. She is a student at BYU-Hawaii majoring in elem-ed, and was so good with the kids! We loved the show after the luau, especially the Hakka and the fire dancers. Quincy became quite the Hakka dancer and might just have to join the BYU football team in doing it. We also visited Pearl Harbor. I was surprised at how good the kids were while we were there. I think they could truly feel how special of a place it was. My very favorite part was just watching the kids play at the beach. Treyson was fearless and loved diving into the water and was an excellent snorkeler. Tanner also loved the water, but was a little more cautious than Trey. Both Quincy and Max got more brave as the week went by, but Max still preferred playing in the sand. Luckily each of the kids were blessed with my skin, and not Nate's. They each came home golden brown and a tad blonder.

I'm so grateful that I got to experience this with my kids. Max is still walking around saying "aloha" and you should see him shake his hips in Quincy's hula skirt! Good times and fun memories. Now, if only I could have some of that Hawaiian sun again. It's freezing in Utah!

The Other Ghost

There was another kind of ghost for Halloween this year at our house--Tanner got baptized and confirmed on Halloween day. We had such a great day with all of our family. We are so lucky to have so many people that care about Tanner and were here to help make his day extra special. Grandpa Esplin gave a great talk about the Holy Ghost that was geared right to Tanner-it was all about baseball. After the baptism, we ate a yummy Costa Vida meal out at the Leavitt Hangar. The kids loved the extra room to run around and just have fun together.

I'm so proud of Tanner and the decision he made to get baptized. As silly as he can be, he has such a sweet, in-tune side. I love the times I catch him wiping at his eyes during a sacrament meeting or at a friends' baptism. I love even more, the chance I get to talk with him after these experiences and talk about what he's feeling. I love this boy of mine.

Ghosts and Goblins

We had such an awesome Halloween! The kids had so much fun being able to trick-or-treat with so many of their cousins (everyone was in town for Tanner's baptism. More on that to come soon!). Quincy has known for a year that she wanted to be a witch. She wasn't too scary, but she sure was cute! When Quincy and her friend Ainslee were asked what Max should be, they said a skunk, because he has stinky diapers. I think they nailed that one! He literally was "stinking cute!" Tanner went with the tough boxer, and Treyson bailed on us and went and played in a baseball tournament. I guess you could say he dressed as a baseball player. Such a fun day and night. Now, if only we could get rid of all of the kids' candy. Mom keeps finding the hiding spots!