I had my dental bite guard soaking in a foamy Efferdent solution on my bathroom countertop. Jayson saw it in the bright pink container and asked, "Mommy, what is that?"
"That's Mommy's bite guard" I replied.
"Oh." He said as if I had just offered a perfectly logical explanation. Does he even know what a bite guard is????
After a moments pause he asked, "Are they your vampire teeth or something?"
Monday, November 5, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Brandon's Mission Call
Kind of amazing that we were all able to get together!!!!! Brandon received his mission call in the mail Wednesday, October 24, 2012. He waited over 24 hours so that the family could come together and be there when he opened his big envelope. That's not an easy feat when you are the youngest of six children and have two working parents.
At our house alone we had multiple complications. James was at basketball practice until 7 p.m. and Jon was supposed to pick him up. I had choir rehearsal in Irvine. I was able to set up our Skype account just before I loaded my carpool for choir. I left practice (just as it started) and found a quiet hallway and called my home phone. Jon held the phone up to our computer monitor and I was able to hear the interactions on Skype.
I got my video camera ready and Jon was able to shoot some video footage of our Skype session. It's priceless:
At our house alone we had multiple complications. James was at basketball practice until 7 p.m. and Jon was supposed to pick him up. I had choir rehearsal in Irvine. I was able to set up our Skype account just before I loaded my carpool for choir. I left practice (just as it started) and found a quiet hallway and called my home phone. Jon held the phone up to our computer monitor and I was able to hear the interactions on Skype.
I got my video camera ready and Jon was able to shoot some video footage of our Skype session. It's priceless:
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| Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox |
Friday, September 7, 2012
We Should Remember...
I attended church in Arizona with my brother and his family while we were visiting for the weekend. It's interesting to go to different congregations. Since I'm part of a worldwide church, so much is the same and familiar - the format of the meetings, the hymns we sing, the kinds of activities that are planned and listed on the announcements, even the blueprint of the building - I knew just where to find a bathroom and drinking fountain.
The Sunday School class had a really nice discussion and some remarks by an older gentleman lingered with me and caused me to ponder and later stirred a discussion that I had with Jon. He shared his thoughts about how we should remember - not just the good times, but the bad times too. Often it's in the bad time, the rough spots, that we really learn a lot and grow. Although it may make an uncomfortable history, those lessons are very valuable and should be carried with us.
My thoughts immediately turned back FOUR years to those long months when our son had cancer. I recognize for his emotional and social healing that he can't dwell on it and talk about it all the time. His life has moved on. Jacob NEVER speaks of it. Of course he rarely speaks about his currently life either - it's a personality trait. And I'm not saying that we should remember those dreadful hours waiting in a sterile clinic waiting for labs and infusions, etc.
But since it is September and it's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I do want to carry with me the lessons I learned. During that time it was SO OBVIOUS what really mattered. When you are spending that much time counting blood cells and visiting doctors, and therapists, and technicians, and pharmacists, holding your family together is all that matters. It is STILL all that matters, but we complicate it so much more.
I learned so much about the personalities of our family members - strengths and weaknesses - and how we all fit together to make it work.
Our whole family was touched by family and friends in words and deeds in ways we couldn't imagine.
I felt like Heavenly Father helped me be a good mom - even though I was so torn between the needs of my four children. I was able to recognize the most pressing need and tend to it and then move on to the next. I haven't been as good at it since. God really helped me serve my family. Although I was heartbroken because of the situation, I was filled with love for the people I cared about and that kind of love can get you through anything.
I am grateful that I can forget what a perfect ANC count is. I am grateful that I've been seening orthopaedics and dentists instead of oncologists and urologists for my kids. I have compassion for the many families who are living on the cancer floor, counting white blood cells, stroking bald heads, and wishing they could "go back to normal."
The Sunday School class had a really nice discussion and some remarks by an older gentleman lingered with me and caused me to ponder and later stirred a discussion that I had with Jon. He shared his thoughts about how we should remember - not just the good times, but the bad times too. Often it's in the bad time, the rough spots, that we really learn a lot and grow. Although it may make an uncomfortable history, those lessons are very valuable and should be carried with us.
My thoughts immediately turned back FOUR years to those long months when our son had cancer. I recognize for his emotional and social healing that he can't dwell on it and talk about it all the time. His life has moved on. Jacob NEVER speaks of it. Of course he rarely speaks about his currently life either - it's a personality trait. And I'm not saying that we should remember those dreadful hours waiting in a sterile clinic waiting for labs and infusions, etc.
But since it is September and it's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I do want to carry with me the lessons I learned. During that time it was SO OBVIOUS what really mattered. When you are spending that much time counting blood cells and visiting doctors, and therapists, and technicians, and pharmacists, holding your family together is all that matters. It is STILL all that matters, but we complicate it so much more.
I learned so much about the personalities of our family members - strengths and weaknesses - and how we all fit together to make it work.
Our whole family was touched by family and friends in words and deeds in ways we couldn't imagine.
I felt like Heavenly Father helped me be a good mom - even though I was so torn between the needs of my four children. I was able to recognize the most pressing need and tend to it and then move on to the next. I haven't been as good at it since. God really helped me serve my family. Although I was heartbroken because of the situation, I was filled with love for the people I cared about and that kind of love can get you through anything.
I am grateful that I can forget what a perfect ANC count is. I am grateful that I've been seening orthopaedics and dentists instead of oncologists and urologists for my kids. I have compassion for the many families who are living on the cancer floor, counting white blood cells, stroking bald heads, and wishing they could "go back to normal."
Saturday, August 11, 2012
I Survived!!!
I survived the first week of school. I even went walking TWICE at 6:30 IN THE MORNING. I don't know how to put that into perspective but to say that I am not a morning person. I have been staying in bed all summer much later than that.
I am thankful that Jon helped make all the lunches. My kids often will do that for themselves, but it's been extra tricky for James with his arm in a sling. I decided to drive my own kids to school instead of participate in a carpool - which is kind of crazy, but also priceless. I actually enjoy those few morning minutes to connect with them and then to drive home by myself and just let my mind wander uninterrupted.
Jayson is eager to start school next week. So far he hasn't gone completely crazy with Jessica being gone, but part of that is because we've had some fun plans together. We went to see Chimpanzee at the theater with friends, played at Chick-fil-a, and had the guys over to play games, cruise their Matchbox cars down the slide, and jump til their cheeks were flushed on the trampoline.
I put some of my Pinterest ideas to use and made up 3 meatloaves, tried a couple new crockpot recipes, and reorganized a couple drawers.
My allergy shots were cancelled, but my time was used up taking James to the orthopaedic doctor. It's hard to tell if James elbow is actually fractured or if the growth plate hasn't matured. His raw skin was still pretty gross. Hopefully he can get his stitches out next week - chalk another doctor appointment on my list.
I attended Back to School Night at the elementary school and I love Jessica's teacher. She still wants me to walk her to her classroom, but she did kiss me goodbye at the coat rack one day. Tears have subsided.
I enjoyed sitting at the breakfast table one morning where Jessica told me that she already has all the names of her children picked out. "The girls will all have flower names like Lily, Violet, Rose.... oh and Daisy is a good one too. If I have any boys, they will be Jack & Max." I asked if she could only choose ONE girl's name which one would she pick. "Daisy." So there you have it! I already know a bit about my grandchildren :)
Wednesday proved to be our most chaotic day with overlapping activities: Jessica Swim Party, Jacob's basketball practice, followed quickly by youth activity.
Finishing off the week we had a sleepover here, youth service project at Deseret Industries, Jon's big hike, Jacob's basketball game, birthday party, and prep for Jacob & Jessica to give talks and for me to teach a lesson on Sunday.
TA DA!
I am thankful that Jon helped make all the lunches. My kids often will do that for themselves, but it's been extra tricky for James with his arm in a sling. I decided to drive my own kids to school instead of participate in a carpool - which is kind of crazy, but also priceless. I actually enjoy those few morning minutes to connect with them and then to drive home by myself and just let my mind wander uninterrupted.
Jayson is eager to start school next week. So far he hasn't gone completely crazy with Jessica being gone, but part of that is because we've had some fun plans together. We went to see Chimpanzee at the theater with friends, played at Chick-fil-a, and had the guys over to play games, cruise their Matchbox cars down the slide, and jump til their cheeks were flushed on the trampoline.
I put some of my Pinterest ideas to use and made up 3 meatloaves, tried a couple new crockpot recipes, and reorganized a couple drawers.
My allergy shots were cancelled, but my time was used up taking James to the orthopaedic doctor. It's hard to tell if James elbow is actually fractured or if the growth plate hasn't matured. His raw skin was still pretty gross. Hopefully he can get his stitches out next week - chalk another doctor appointment on my list.
I attended Back to School Night at the elementary school and I love Jessica's teacher. She still wants me to walk her to her classroom, but she did kiss me goodbye at the coat rack one day. Tears have subsided.
I enjoyed sitting at the breakfast table one morning where Jessica told me that she already has all the names of her children picked out. "The girls will all have flower names like Lily, Violet, Rose.... oh and Daisy is a good one too. If I have any boys, they will be Jack & Max." I asked if she could only choose ONE girl's name which one would she pick. "Daisy." So there you have it! I already know a bit about my grandchildren :)
Wednesday proved to be our most chaotic day with overlapping activities: Jessica Swim Party, Jacob's basketball practice, followed quickly by youth activity.
Finishing off the week we had a sleepover here, youth service project at Deseret Industries, Jon's big hike, Jacob's basketball game, birthday party, and prep for Jacob & Jessica to give talks and for me to teach a lesson on Sunday.
TA DA!
GOOD BYE Fun Summer!!!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Here We Go Again...
We were SO delighted to find this leopard outfit!!! She added the sweater since the early morning was a bit cool. She wore her hair in a pair of sock buns overnight to get the curls in her hair. She did insist on having a rolling backpack again this year. It's probably a good idea since we plan to walk to school more regularly. She could NOT sleep the evening before the first day of school. We lavender misted her pillow, played relaxing music, scratched her back, hugged her, reasoned with her, let her cry it out, and then did it all again. She is excited for this school year and she struggled to keep her anxiety at bay, but mom only stayed in class until just after the Pledge of Allegiance and she came home all smiles. Welcome to 3rd Grade my Dear!!!!!'
WHAT'S UP with the cast??? James had a biking accident Saturday morning and Dad took him to urgent care for 5 stitches. An X-ray showed a chipped elbow. He sees the orthopedic doctor this week for a prognosis. He refused to wear his sling to school so he could heft his backpack, recently rented trombone, and lunch bag himself. Enjoy being the BIG MAN on campus 8th Grader!!!
Not much drama getting Jacob off to school this year. He returns to band playing the trumpet and brings his ball to school to get a little shooting in before class starts. He did wish that he had a black "just do it" t-shirt from Nike to complete his look. Welcome to 7th Grade!!!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Hard Core Fans
If you haven't noticed, I'm SUPER excited about my boys playing in the FINALS. But there is one person who is even MORE excited about the big game and that's my DAD.
If I had a web cam, he would have me stream the championship game live to him. As it is, I'll be texting him updates and sending him a copy of the video footage of the game for him to watch and analyze. There's nobody who loves basketball more than my dad - NOBODY. And if you are talking about one of his grandkids playing on the team... you never will meet a more dedicated fan.
If it didn't take 9 hours to get to our gymnasium and if he didn't have to work on Saturday and if gas wasn't over $4 per gallon and if it wasn't just plain foolish, you better believe that he would be sitting in the bleachers cheering louder than three rows of cheerleaders.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Countdown to Championship
Celtics vs. Suns
We lost to them by one point at the buzzer in season play. Both teams defeated all other teams in the league and won all of their playoff games last Saturday. Now we wait for the big championship game to see who will bring home the big trophy. Tick. Tock. Tick....
Friday, March 2, 2012
Date Night with Our Beauty
We enjoyed a nice musical evening with our daughter at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Beauty & the Beast was fun. The costumes and sets were fantastic. I was partial to the production Jon & I had seen previously at the Orem Hale Center Theater. The candle character was hysterical - not to say that this cast didn't do a great job. We just had a high expectation. Jessica was squirmy throughout the show, but I think she ultimately enjoyed it.
After the show we traveled to Doheny Beach where our youth were camping overnight for Youth Conference. We went to pick up James since his city league basketball team had their championship game in the morning.
After the show we traveled to Doheny Beach where our youth were camping overnight for Youth Conference. We went to pick up James since his city league basketball team had their championship game in the morning.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
I Still Have Long Nails...
...because I missed the nail biter basketball game yesterday.
I'm SO SAD I wasn't there. I was in Huntington Beach with OCMCO recording our debut Christmas album. We worked on it from 5-11 p.m. Friday night. Then I slept over at my choir friend's house. We were back at work Saturday morning from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The game was supposed to be in the afternoon, but was changed to 1 p.m. So Jon was texting me on the drive home.
2:10 - Losing by 2 - halftime. Frustrating
2:11 - Good competition for them though
2:21 - Jacob just stuffed the kid w/ the funky hair
2:23 - Losing 23 - 27
2:33 - Last quarter losing 29 - 33
2:35 - Losing the game at the free throw line. They are hacking like mad and we are missing most of our shots
2:35 - Very aggressive tea- pressing all the game
2:36 - If our boys knew a press break I think we'd be winning
2:37 - 32 - 33
2:41 - It's only starters now. We have pulled ahead 39 - 38
2:41 - 50 seconds
2:42 - And I've got jessica and jayson crawling all over me
2:44 - Overtime 40 - 40
2:50 - We had it 44 - 42 and their primadonna ball hog made a 3 pt buzzer beater
Here are a few photos from earlier in the season when I WAS there:
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Smile on My Face
I can't help but have a smile on my face...
as I think about Jacob (11 1/2 years old) chanting through the house with great conviction, zest, and animation, "I do believe in fairies. I do. I DO... I do believe in fairies..."
as I chart my chronic migraines and I actually have hours AND DAYS without one. Seems that getting a root canal and receiving injections has helped.
as I listen to the music for the CLASSICAL to BROADWAY Concert in April. I love the energy of the choral music and orchestrations. I think this will be the most fun concert yet.
as I watch James & Jacob play basketball. I am beaming on the sidelines. They are playing so well and have improved so much. I love that they are playing on the same team. I am so proud of them I can hardly stand it.
as I watch Jessica & Jayson play together. They are best friends. I have underestimated that power of their connection more than once. Whether they are playing puppies, school, or super heroes, they are an unconquerable duo.
as I reflect on my gratitude for a loving relationship with my sweet Jon. My health this past year has certainly has been very painful for both of us. I am thankful that I married a man who is kind, loyal, patient, and who has amazingly strong fingers and gives deep tissue massages.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011
I will remember musical bliss with TALENTED friends and our Salt Lake City Tour to perform Brett Stewart's Oratorio, Messiah in America, in the Tabernacle and record the glorious music in Abravanel Hall. I felt like I refound a part of my soul that had been tucked away for many years.
I guess that helped give me the strength to walk into my first doctor's appointment back in June and confront my issues with chronic migraine. My quest to find the right combination to manage this constant frustration to be continued in 2012.
This was also the year to hug and reminisce with my Brighton Bengal classmates. God has blessed me with wonderful friends throughout my life and I have kept many for a long, long time. There's something so very special about someone who can remind you of who you are and what you are made of when you forget. I feel grateful for that. I have found new friends this year too which cheers me up. My life has been so generously enriched by the personalities and characters of others.
Saying farewell to Grandpa brought more sadness to my heart than I can express. My mind has raced through memories and I've remembered moments that have been locked away for years. Deep love has was brought to the surface as those little treasures have come back into my heart. My eyes have repeatedly filled with tears because I miss him and I miss being little Jenni Jo - cause now I'm almost 39 and I have four crazy kids and a messy house and headaches all the time. I liked it when I was the kid and could eat homemade ice cream in Grandpa's gazebo in Millcreek Canyon and then get a drink in the outdoor water fountain before I swung in the tire swing. I am thankful for our eternal family. We are a crazy bunch. I embrace the "Ottley-ness" in us all and cherish it.
2011 has been one of the BIG years swinging in both directions.
Ready of not... Bring on 2012
I guess that helped give me the strength to walk into my first doctor's appointment back in June and confront my issues with chronic migraine. My quest to find the right combination to manage this constant frustration to be continued in 2012.
This was also the year to hug and reminisce with my Brighton Bengal classmates. God has blessed me with wonderful friends throughout my life and I have kept many for a long, long time. There's something so very special about someone who can remind you of who you are and what you are made of when you forget. I feel grateful for that. I have found new friends this year too which cheers me up. My life has been so generously enriched by the personalities and characters of others.
Saying farewell to Grandpa brought more sadness to my heart than I can express. My mind has raced through memories and I've remembered moments that have been locked away for years. Deep love has was brought to the surface as those little treasures have come back into my heart. My eyes have repeatedly filled with tears because I miss him and I miss being little Jenni Jo - cause now I'm almost 39 and I have four crazy kids and a messy house and headaches all the time. I liked it when I was the kid and could eat homemade ice cream in Grandpa's gazebo in Millcreek Canyon and then get a drink in the outdoor water fountain before I swung in the tire swing. I am thankful for our eternal family. We are a crazy bunch. I embrace the "Ottley-ness" in us all and cherish it.
2011 has been one of the BIG years swinging in both directions.
Ready of not... Bring on 2012
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