Going Under The Knife...

Today is the day. I'm going in for surgery. I'm having my varicose veins stripped. It wasn't going to be until the end of May but the doctor had a cancellation and asked if I was interested in doing mine early. So on Tuesday I found out that I was  going in for surgery on Friday. I'm nervous, scared, but excited to put this behind me. My legs hurt ALL the time. They itch, burn, and give off heat. I'll give the update, and possibly post pictures later. The recovery is anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks. Wish me luck!!!!

SPRING BREAK!!!!!

The next few blog entries are a run down of our Spring Break out West to Utah. We decided we had many reasons to head out West for Spring Break. We found cheap tickets, Needed to bless Case, and wanted both Grandparents present to attend, a family reunion, but mainly a few job prospects out that way(I will post more information on this when more information is given). We had a wonderful trip, and can't wait to see everyone again. Hopefully sooner then later. Thanks to Candace and Jason for letting us crash at your house all week. We had a great time!

Our nightly ritual of Jason making his "Faux-Jitos"

The kids making crafts, non stop.... ( sorry Candace)!

Grandma & Grandpa Time

Since we've lived in Chicago land for the past seven years, we've really missed out on spending time with family, especially  Grandma & Grandpa. We were able to spend some time with them on this trip out west. Mom helped Aunt Candace tend the kids while Brian and I went overnight for an " interview". The kids had a ton of fun swimming, cooking, and visiting their Grandparents.

Dad has been battling cancer, and is such a fighter. Brian was able to go to a couple doctor appointments while we were in town. The doctors delivered great news. The cancer has stopped growing. Mom & Dad are able to continue their mission on Temple Square.

Mom trying to teach the Grandchildren how to play the Banjo

How PRECIOUS......

Jacksons 5TH Birthday

Jackson got to celebrate his birthday while we were out west. He thought that was great! We went to Kangaroo Zoo. A fun place with lots of inflatable blow up toys. The kids, ( Lisa, and Brian) could spend hours at this place.

The Birthday Boy

Mom, Dad, and Case

Lisa being a good sport

Brian being wild and crazzzzy.....

Candace, Katelyn, Henry, and Morgan

All the little ones taking a break, and enjoying a snack

His favorite gift...... Money..!

All the kids drooling over Jackson's gifts

Every kids favorite part of the Birthday

Jackson 5 years old

Birthday spankings from Grandpa

And of course from Grandma

Out to dinner with Grandpa,Grandma, the Hull Family.

"ANOTHER" Birthday cake

Poor little Jackson got left on his Birthday......! Yes. You read that right. We got to the restaurant and all but sat down and I got this sick pain in my stomach when I realized Jackson wasn't with us. Backing up a little.....We had gone and visited with Brian's parents at their condo by Temple Square before dinner. We had a short conversation of who was going to ride with who to the restaurant. We thought Jackson was with Mom and Dad, and they thought he was with us. Poor little kids. He was left all by himself in this huge complex.Of couse the worst goes through our minds. A nice little lady found him crying for us, and took him to Mom, and Dad's neighbor's  apartment. The neighbor asked him for a phone number. He remembered it!! Yeah!  However we forgot to teach him the area code. oops!!! A 435 number doesn't work so well on a 262 area code phone. After 25min without little Jackson we found him. Taylor got to him first, and Jackson just started to cry. Poor kid!!!! Traumatized for life.... I asked him about it today and he's already forgot..good thing!

We are so grateful for Jackson. He was our baby for almost five years. He is a great little kid, with a lot of energy. We have had a lot of challenges with him and his health. We feel so blessed to have him in our life. There have been times when we've almost lost the little guy. He's a fighter. He is smart, loving, and a fun kid to be around. He's a great little helper, and is soooo excited to be a big brother. We love our little Jackson!

 Happy Birthday Jackson!!!!

 

EASTER

We spent Easter at Jesse's house. Jesse has a great place. The kids had a blast. Late nights early mornings... It was so much fun to have a lot of the cousins discover their Easter baskets together.

Case was apparently really excited to receive his basket... TOO CUTE!

Take a close look at Jackson's pez.... Who do you think it is? He came up to me and said" look Mom a Jesus Pez"...... I about died.( It's actually someone from Star Wars.)

Jackson after the big Easter Egg hunt. He was excited to be the first person to fill his basket. 

Our little munchkins Easter 2009

Our Family picture...... HA HA notice that I am the only one with my eyes open.... that's great!

Folsom Family Reunion

My Grandparents, Jack & Carol Folsom were both diagnosed with cancer this last year. They have good days, and bad days. My Aunt Dawna felt that we should move the reunion up from July to April. Brian and I are so grateful that we were able to attend it. We have so many fun memories with the Folsom family. There is never a dull moment........

Grandpa Jack

Grandma Carol

Here are a few random pictures of the reunion. Lots of fun things always going on.

Uncle Jason teaching McKenzie, and Aubree how to play.

My brother Chad and his wife had twins about three weeks before we had Case. This is a cute little picture of the little ones. ( Case, Evelynn, and Nash)

We are the oldest Grandchildren, and it's been a while since we've seen each other.

Stacee Sparrow, Lani Nish, Kari Jensen, and Me

A bunch of us doing fun "Tricks" on the trampolines.

My sister Lani doing what she did most of the reunion.......... PHONE....... (Dave)......?????

Most the Great Grandchildren lined up, and ready to go outside for the Easter egg hunt.  

Last, but not least. Brian, and Jason doing what they do at the Folsom family reunions.... Just kidding! (Just a sign that the food was really good, and filling.)

Case's Baby Blessing

Case Lorenzo Griffeth

We were really lucky to be able to bless Case while we were out West for Spring Break. Many family members were able to make it on such a short notice. We were so pleased to have such great support from family and friends. Brian blessed Case, along with both our dads, (Grandpa Griffeth, and Grandpa Folsom). Case was also able to have many other worthy brethren help out with giving the blessing.  The name we gave him is Case Lorenzo Griffeth. He is named after his Uncle Casey, and Grandpa Lorenzo. Two wonderful men!  Case was blessed with so many wonderful, and neat things. I'm so grateful  that my mother -in- law wrote a few of those things down for me.

Grandpa Griffeth & Grandpa Folsom

Becoming a better Person...

After General Conference today, we took a few minutes and asked our children what we can do as a family, and as individuals to try to become a better person. McKenzie said,"Hey Mom and Dad, did you know that Sister Bruner ( The Primary Chorister)  makes us say a "Swear Word " in Primary"?  Brian and I start laughing our heads off. We could tell that this had been bothering her or a while. They have been learning the song " How Firm a Foundation". McKenzie decided that she can try to be better by just not saying the word " Hell" when it is to be sung in the song. She also loves Sister Bruner, and just can't believe that she would do such a thing. We then had to explain to Kenzie what a "swear word" really is, and when some words are alright to read and say.

Mothers Day Swap

My good friend is hosting a Mothers Day Swap. Check it out  http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/  I've heard of these being done and being very successful. I think it will be a ton of fun. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.