the rudys

2009-04-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Alright, for those of you who are a little s.l.o.w....(don't think you're the only one, there are a few of you) the reason I haven't posted anything here since December of last year is because I have a new blog address.

And you guys just thought I was a big blog slacker. Nonesense, I can waste time, brag about my kids and post random stuff just as good as the next person. Well maybe not as good as some, but I am definatly not 4 months behind. So CLICK HERE to visit my other blog (don't forget to save it in your google reader this time). And if you are cliker-impaired, I know you can't help it sometimes, here's the name of the blog... em-and-ms.blogspot.com

See you all on the cool side.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

And for being so good this year, your present is this wonderful link below...

OPEN ME!!

I know, I know....I didn't have to. Well, you can thank me later.

sometimes i wonder where he comes up with it all...

2008-12-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

So, I was in my room the other morning cleaning my closet up a little when in walks Milo, carrying a toy fishing pole, very proud of himself.

Milo: Mommy look, the fishing pole was broken but I fixed it! You know how I could fix it?

Me: How Milo?

Milo: Because I'm a boy and boys can fix things.

Me: Oh really? Well what can girls do?

(after a short pause which seemed to either be a choose-your-words-wisely pause, or a i-can't-think-of-an-answer pause)

Milo: Girls can do dishes.

Yep. Milo. One of a kind that kid.

random and more random

2008-12-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

i was asked to share 6 random things in a tag recently. my only problem? i am way more random than can be shared with only 6 little thoughts. so here are a few - but don't you worry, these aren't nearly all (or as strange as they get).

1: i am allergic to my own dog. Yes, you heard that right. Every time I pet, am touched by, or bathe my dog I break out in a hive-type rash. As long as I don't itch it at all it usually goes away in about a half hour or so. Its fun.

2: i choose crunchy peanut butter over smooth any day.

3: allowing kids to stir things like oatmeal or mac and cheese make me cringe. i don't like when the stuff on the side doesn't get fully stirred in with everything else.

4: i love fonts. i never like using normal ones. my blog is always the same only because it makes me crazy to think that i can't install and use one of my own choosing so i have to completely avoid the situation all together.

5: situps are one of my favorite things to do. pushups i never do.

6: i hope one day to own an old FJ Cruiser - but fix it up with a sweet lift and totally wicked wheels.

I would like to request Katie, Deeanna & Carine do this because I think you guys would have some good random things I'd like to find out.

I am thankful for...

2008-12-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

I know I'm late - but I just don't care - because I wanted to share some things (among many things) that I feel thankful for.

I'm thankful for my helper.

And my comic relief.

Oh, and of course Thanksgiving dinner (ALL of it) because its pretty much one of my favorite things to eat.

and for my dad...

2008-11-23T00:35:00.000-08:00

-

48-24. i think that about says it all.

-

Viva la Vida!

2008-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

So, how was your Saturday evening? Mine, well it was pretty good. I spent the evening rocking out & singing at the top of my lungs along with Coldplay! Ok, so it was a little better than pretty good. It was excellent, fabulous, awesome, best night in a long time...

And of course, because we all enjoy the visual, here's a few photos from the night...

I know this photo may not really capture it, but Katie was excited as well.

Opening song

For a moment the band disapeared - only to reappear climbing up the stairs to perform a song right in the middle of the audience!

One of the last songs played and they dropped all these paper butterflys onto the crowd - very cool.

So there you have it, I updated my blog - happy now (you know who you are, complainers)? And thanks Katie for inviting me to tag along with you to the concert (and share your chocolate cake)...don't forget to wear your T-shirt next time we hang out.

It's Official!

2008-11-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

As of about 2 am MST I officially became a registered, class attending, homework procrastinating, test cramming student.

Please join me in feeling a few of the emotions present when I think about this...

this one's for you manda

2008-11-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

So I have this friend who I've been thinking about doing a post on for a while now. I've never had a real clever reason to do one, until now. But last week I went out with some friends I've know pretty much ever since I went to Utah. This dinner outing resulted in Amanda doing a fabulous post on not only the evening, but adding some wonderful pictures of our past as well. And since within this post she asked me for a few lovely pictures of my own, I figure what better time than now to not only reminisce of embarrassing pictures of the past, but also share a little about this great friend I like to call Manda.

6th grade - the begining. And although they are not present in this picture, I totally remember us having one of those best friend necklaces where its a heart split in half.

High School Graduation

Roasting marshmallows with candles in our dorm room - one of the less strange things we did as roommates.

Our second round as roommates - manda, I use this pic because I know you will appreciate the memories associated with the other two we shared the apartment with.

And here we are at dinner a few nights ago.

I love Amanda, and here are just some of the reasons why...

She has the funniest posts (see here and here for some of my favorite examples) and a very random blog that I can wholy identify with (except team britney, sorry to let you down).

She never likes being called Mandy, hence the reason I choose Manda as my choice nickname.

There has never, ever, been I time when we have run out of things to discuss and chat about - useless to society or random as they may be.

We share a love for mashed potatos & sarcasm.

Sometimes she lets me use her for her dozen or so degrees and certificates she has, and gives me advice like any wonderful therapist would normally do for money.

The fact that we chose to be roommies not once but twice - this says a lot about how well we get along I think.

so manda panda...hope you feel special that you are my first person post ever! and you better enjoy the pictures because it took some extra special time within my very busy day to look for and scan them into my computer just for you.

Trick or Treat!

2008-11-04T18:27:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been feeling a bit left out of the blogging world since I have yet to add my own Halloween pictures. So in an effort to keep up with my fellow olympic-style bloggers, here's a little glimps of what Halloween held in store for our family this year...

Here's a pic from the first Halloween party I attended. My costume wasn't quite available so I ended up pulling stuff from my (and Stacie's) closets to come up with this...only to learn that my friend Emily also picked to dress the same way. Ha!

This year we decided to go with a theme. Milo picked to be a dragon once he saw the costume and after showing Mason, he had the idea to be a knight to match. What a clever kid! So after figuring we have the trusty steed (Duke of course) I figured the only thing left was the princess. Mason and Milo were so excited about our theme they would give anyone and everyone the rundown of what our whole family was going to be.

And this would be Halloween party #2, and my favorite costumes of the night! In case you can't tell, this is Heather and Jordan - both sporting the most awesome wigs ever.

Now we turn to party #3. Here's one of the games we played, bobbing for apples.

After the kids took turns, we added some extra water and ice - and a new rule: No stems. But in case you didn't know, I don't like to lose...so princess or not, I was getting an apple.

And of course the night was filled with some trick-or-treating, which the boys have been endulging in every chance they get (and sharing a little with me too).

fabulous friday fun

2008-10-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Bored are you? You must be if you are reading my blog on Friday night. Or maybe you are just extra cool like me and love to sit at home and spend hours on end staring at the computer screen. Either way, to add a little extra time to your nightly clicking fun I present you with this wonderful link -

Number One

And I'd let you look up my birthday to give you even more fun stuff to do, but I'll just tell you now... I LOVE ROCK 'N ROLL!

Ok, now that I've shared - I expect you to do the same...

(and thanks to Deena for the link)

oh those monkeys

2008-10-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

So I woke up the other day to Mason and Milo talking in my closet. The problem with this noise is that I had spend the last three days trying to get Milo to help pick up ALL my shirts he had decided to pull off and throw on the closet floor. So my first comment was for them to not play in my closet...The response I got?

"Just a minute Mom, we're trying to make you something."

Well of course, I'm still a mom, so I will gladly agree to let them hang out in my closet if in return I will get to enjoy some child-made gift.

Here is what they made for me...

In case you aren't proficient on creative handmade boy gifts, these are flowers for me - made from their monkeys...what a bunch of sillies I have!

baby food anyone?

2008-10-13T21:20:00.001-07:00

Today I was reading the Sunday paper (yes a little late I know) and I came across a recipe. As I was glancing at exactly what it was I started reading the ingredients. Then I came across the best ingredient ever, banana baby food. I read over the ad and recipe again, and again. For some reason I thought maybe I would come across the part about it being a recipe for the little ones. No such information to be found. And although baby food initial sounds so gross, I tried to have the thought that maybe banana just wasn't that bad. But then I thought - what's so hard about buying a real banana and mushing it up?

happy thoughts

2008-10-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

You know, some have said that I can be random. I think that's just fine, obviously - since I would say the same thing about myself more often than not. So to keep up with my own self-professed randomness title here's a few things I'd like to share...

A brief clip of the dinner conversation yesterday:

Mason: Are we having green beans?
Me: yes. (with stress in my voice of a mother who expects a moan to follow her answer)
Mason: Yummy! I love green beans!
Me (in my head): wow that was easier than I thought.

Then later in the eating process...

Mason: I think I might just have green beans for dessert!
Me (in my head): don't wake up yet...

I thought that was one of the funniest things I've heard in a long time, especially considering that I didn't even think the green beans turned out that well - but you know, if the kids eat them I figure let them. What a nice mom I am.

So, not random enough for you? Wait, there's more...

While checking out all my favorite blogs I found this wonderful link to win a free purse. And I am a girl, so I love them, and I would think winning one for free is even better than buying one (plus I'm a total sucker for entering contests). Fingers crossed!

Milo, Milo, Milo...

2008-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel bad for Milo. It seems like he's always getting the short end of the stick. From the day he was born he was stuck with hand-me-down blanket, clothing & toys. And it doesn't just end with using Mason's old stuff...Mason always has had his solo time (like the date we went on) or he gets to pick things first and Milo ends up getting talked into the other option. I explain this because once again I feel like he's been left a little behind. The problem (or lack of) is that he has never cared. Because that is Milo.

See, Milo celebrated his birthday September 9th. And yes, I know - most parents have big long blogs when their children have a birthday. Well, this year Milo's birthday happened to be the day before my trip. So I never really got the chance to sit down and write my Milo tribute. But in not writing it on time I almost feel like that makes it all the more Milo. Because Milo is one of the happiest, most unconcerned silly little boys I know. Everywhere he goes, everyone he meets, it seems like I hear comments about how funny he is and how much everyone loves him. I try to pin down what he does that makes him so loveable sometimes but it's hard to figure exactly what it is. He is goofy. He is messy. He is random. Erik used to say he was a little on the ditzy side. No matter what he does he seems to always be making someone laugh. Just within the last week Milo has done the following things: asked me why animals make different noises and why do we talk different than them, while in the middle of class at preschool he took off his shoes and started dancing to the music his teacher had put on, he told me (after I said he needed to hurry and eat lunch before he left for school) that he had to feed Jack "or else he will get hungry while I'm at school" and sat down and introduced himself to a random couple at an ice cream place. The best thing about all these examples is that each and every time he is so serious. He never seems to think anything he does is out of the ordinary.

So yes, this blog may be a little slow coming - but so is Milo anytime you try to walk somewhere with him. Happy fourth year Milo!

Milo being Milo, of course!

Mason showing Milo the present he got him...

...a new monkey!

And Mason being the helpful big brother.

2008-09-27T22:30:00.001-07:00

and for the other half

2008-09-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

So obviously I should be blogging more frequently, but I just am not good at it. Random is the best word. Well, better late than never right?

And off to the good stuff...

Tuesday we went to a place called Bath, named so because at some point the Romans lived there and built this big structure for the public baths. It is also a really cool place to visit just for all the architecture. After our tour of that baths came the best part of Tuesday..."afternoon tea." Fancy little sandwiches, scones (with my favorite topping again) and desserts all served on fancy tiered silver trays. The only thing more fun and girly than that? On our walk to the Fashion Museum we noticed a hat shop and decided to stop inside. A shop full of fancy hats loaded with ribbons, feathers and fluff!

Then we come to Wednesday. There had been an original forecast of rain, so we made it a day that we could be mostly inside. We went shopping. Shopping in London is the most crazy thing ever. The most crazy of all was a store called Primark. It's pretty much the cheapest store - like $4 for shirts and stuff like that. It was like going shopping the day after Thanksgiving + the day after Christmas + Disneyland (the lines not the rides). We ended the day by attending Wicked at the West End. And as true for my whole trip - no rain after all!

We planned Thursday to be a rest day from the late night Wednesday - and to prepare us for Friday. So we slept in and took it easy, then headed for a city close by - to visit a Primark that was not in London, therefore not as busy. This time I would say it was maybe just Thanksgiving.

Friday was the big tourist day. Our first stop, the London Eye. This has the idea of a ferris wheel - but instead of seats they were more like glass rooms - I'd say about 15-20 people fitting comfortably. Then it went around really slow, taking about 30 minutes to get around, to allow a most magnificent view of all of London. After we looked at everything from above, we then went by foot - taking in all the sites up close. We walked all over the city. No matter where I went I felt like I could take a picture in any direction and have a beautiful shot.

Bored yet? Well, stay strong - only a couple more days to go!

Saturday was the planned day for Paris - which I was very, very excited about. But as all things can't be perfect - we weren't actually able to go. The day I flew into England there was a fire in the Eurostar tunnel. We had hoped that things would be better if we waited to go towards the end of my visit. Then it came down to the end and the news was still not so good. We read it was several hours between trains, they said they would try to accommodate ticket holders (which sounded like maybe you wouldn't get on a train at all) and travel times once on the train were much longer than normal. They basically said only if you really have to should you take the train. So instead of the train we chose a relaxing day out in a boat on the River Thames -followed by lunch on the river's edge. For dinner my most famous meal of the trip - fish and chips with mushy peas. The fish was excellent - served in a fancy box and eaten with a funny fork (it looked like those wooden spoons you used to get with the little ice cream cups, but with two prongs). The fries were excellent as well. Then there were the peas. Basically they were mashed potatoes made with peas. Green mashed potatoes just weren't very appetizing looking to me, but I gave them a go anyway. I will say this...good fish and chips...

And for the grand finale...Sunday being Sunday wasn't overly eventful, but very fun nonetheless. I attended church with my friend. It also turned out to be the same one as some of her family. It was a good week to come because they had their much heard about "munch 'n mingle". This was started because new church memebers were having a hard time meeting others because everyone would just attend church and go home. So instead of going straight home everyone brings a little snack to share (the munch) and then the chatting begins (the mingle). Then after church my friend Miriam invited over some of her family and made us all what she said is a traditional Sunday dinner - roast chicken with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, veggies and stuffing. Very yummy.

And then my trip was done. Monday morning I woke up early and got on a plane back to real life. And how lovely it is - crazy kids and all.

So thanks again to Taylor who helped me out with my flight (and helped me out getting the fancy treatment on the plane), thanks to all the grandparents who put up with my crazy monkeys for almost two weeks, and thanks to Miriam - because without her my trip would still be a dream in my head.

2008-09-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Alright, here I am - almost halfway through my journey. Kind-of sad to think really, although no matter what I know that someday I have to come home and face reality - so, might as well make it next week. So far I've had the best time. There is so much to see here - everywhere I turn it seems there are giant castles, magnificent gardens, beautiful architecture. I think to stop and take a picture, then I realize that there is so much if I tried taking pictures of all of it I might end up all day walking down just a few streets - no time for that!

Anyway, I would think that maybe one of two of those reading would like to know what I've done so far - something I could write on forever and ever about. So I will try to made this as brief as possible, and sorry but there will be no visual stimulation this blog as my laptop does not seem to like the British internet connection available to it. For the tourist-y things: First day I landed and was going off about 4-5 hours of sleep in two days (time zones differing 7 hours). I was actually so excited I didn't feel too tired at all...until I got to my friend Miriam's house and totally had a crash moment. So I opted for the smart choice and took a "quick" nap, which turned out to be a couple of hours. So by this time it was evening and so we just went to the town near her house and had dinner and looked for an outlet converter (brought all my chargers and such - but totally forgot about the whole UK outlet difference).

Then next day (since my phone couldn't be charged I had no way to set an alarm) I ended up sleeping in until noon! I figure my body must have really needed to rest up. So after getting up and ready we headed out and visited Hampton Court Palace - where Henry VIII lived. Exciting points of the day for me: being rushed up a stairway because they were trying to film a BBC movie and we were in the background & having a scone with jam and clotted cream (my new most favorite thing).

Saturday we visited Windsor Castle - said to be the most famous castle, and one that the royal family still lives in on occasion. We toured the castle, walked around the shops in Windsor and then off to Eaton - where they have Eaton College, famous for teaching Prince Henry and Prince William.

Sunday we took the train to London to attend church. I would compare London to New York except London has more wonderfully old buildings. After church we walked through Hyde Park and stopped to eat our lunch while listening to a concert in the background. Apparently they were having a birthday party for Andrew Lloyd Webber so there was a concert in the park where all these famous people were singing his songs. From there we mosied around London a little more before catching our train back home.

And that would bring us to today...We visited the town of Wimbledon. We did some shopping, went sightseeing at a stately house surrounded by parks and gardens and ended with a lovely meal at a place called Giraffe (which I wish they had in the states). The highlight of today, besides the shopping of course, would have to be the dessert I had. It was called Banana Waffle Split - and I love it. Back in my college days, living at the dorms, we used to have all-day access to a waffle machine in the cafeteria. It soon came to my attention that the most delicious way to eat said waffles was with the soft ice cream located just beside the machine. I normally went one step further by adding sliced bananas or strawberries to it. So you see, when I saw this dessert on the menu I just had to try it - never before had I actually seen anyone else do this combination. And it was delicious - the most gourmet tasting waffle topped with slightly cooked bananas, very yummy vanilla ice cream & topped off with a little chocolate drizzle. Oh, and I finally found myself a outlet converter...

crossing the pond

2008-09-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that recently inside my head have been thoughts of taking a trip to the UK. What most of you may not know - until now - is that Saturday I received my passport, and yesterday (thanks to Taylor, my new favorite cousin) I booked my flight. I am more excited than I can even describe.

If you will take a memory trip back with me a few (ok, seven) years...I lived at a little apartment complex near BYU called King Henry. During my summer months there I had the pleasure of having two lovely British girls as my roommates. I have not only kept in contact with them ever since, I have also dreamed of the day when I could visit them in England. And Wednesday my journey to fulfilling that dream will begin.

So did I mention how excited I am?

awww....

2008-08-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

In case no one knew, I just love my boys. Growing up I was a totally girly-girl, so boys weren't really my first pick - but I'm so glad I have them. If I had girls I'd have no one to go on dates with and no one to open all my doors (Mason even opens my car door for me when I get out of the car). And not that I need more reasons, but I recently got a few pictures to show just a glimpse of why I do...

First, here's Milo being Milo. Oftentimes I am driving, listening to the radio and whatnot - and I suddenly tune into the back seat. There's Milo quietly talking away to whatever he happens to have brought along for the ride that day. This day I turned around and saw what is pictured below. I love it for one because of his funny stuffed animal - a ferret he immediatly named Jack (why I'm not quite sure). The other reason is because Jack is buckled up in the middle seat belt. His animals always ride safely - more often than not they are actually buckled up in his seatbelt with him. And to top it all off, he has his little arm around his pal. All this I saw when I turned around - what a silly kid.

Then a couple of days later I go into Mason's room to get his PJ's out and I find what is pictured below in the middle of his floor. Well, he does love cars so I figure this is just pretty funny. Then after he gets out of the shower and comes downstairs I inquire about it. After asking if he made it he responds, with a big smile, "Yes, its a heart, I made it for you because I love you." Oh man - what would I do if I didn't have such a sweetie around to say nice things and compliment me all the time? Yes, he also gives compliments. He tells me frequently how much he loves me and how I'm the best mommy ever (i've tricked him well). He also told me the other night that he wants to marry me when he gets older - and although that will obviously not work, I've always heard about kids saying stuff like that so I figure with that phrase my life is pretty much complete.

And there you have it. Silliness and compliments - who doesn't love that?

Fieldtrip Day

2008-08-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday we were invited by our wonderful neighbors (Jeremy and Angie) to visit the fire station where Jeremy works. Milo has been awaiting this day for weeks, constantly asking when we get to go see Germy's (that's how he says it) firetruck. They got to ride around in the truck, check out all the equipment, and of course spray a fire hose.

All the kids put on headsets and talked and listened to each other through them - they thought it was pretty cool how it worked that way.

Another one of the favorite things - the fire hose. The boys circled around time after time, taking turns spraying the water.

Milo showing the size of the fire hoses.

Our trip ended with the biggest excitement of all - a call came in and off went the firetruck and ambulance, sirens blaring.

Thanks neighbors for sharing your adventure day with us!

Hello School

2008-08-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

So I survived!

I only include me the statement because I don't think it was really something Mason or Milo worried about at all. Carpool is fine (no kids forgotten yet), Mason loves having two recesses and a lunch at school. Such little things to excite children...the other thing Mason is loving about school is the fact that he has a brand new alarm clock that wakes him up each morning. Oh, if only these things could be so exciting when he gets older (I will try my hardest to remind him just how much he loved them, but I don't think it will weigh in very well in the teenage years).

And through this whole first week of school here's my favorite memory...

The first day I took the traditional "first day" picture, as seen here:

That night I FINALLY cut the boys hair - something that had needed to be done weeks prior. The next morning as Mason was leaving for school his thought was this..."Mom, can you take another picture of me? That way I can have one with my haircut." (He thought his hair looked too messy the first day.) I think he's such a funny kid, the way he thinks about things I wouldn't even think about. So here's the second "first day" picture:

Goodbye Summer!

2008-08-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

So today we said goodbye to summer as we know it. We drove about two hours out to the Bonneville Salt Flats for the first day of Speed Week. This was our first year out - visiting for a special occasion. Frank (Erik's dad) has a friend who bought and is racing a car this year, all in memory of Erik. Frank will be out there all week helping out and preparing the car for the races. Today was the technical day - they had to wait in line for hours to get everything checked out and get their "ok" to race. So after that was all over, we headed out to see what all the excitement is about. It was crazy to see up close and personal all the different race cars and stuff that are out there. Here are a few pics from today:

Notice they are both smiling. They didn't look like this in the car ride over.

The biggest fans!

Mason tried to get Wendall to let him drive the four wheeler. Wendall is a little smarter than that, Mason.

Me and Wendall, the best racer out there. Thanks Wendall for making this all happen!

calling all blog-stalkers...

2008-08-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

So I keep hearing about those blog-stalkers out there. Yes, you know who you are. The problem is I don't. I realize that sometimes it takes a little more courage to leave a comment for all to see. Or maybe it's just that the comment is meant only for me. Either way, I figure I could solve your fear issues by posting an email address to send your comments to. That way you can blah blah as much as you'd like privately so no one else knows what a talker you really are. Or, if you so prefer, you can leave a comment anonymously on the blog too.

Ok. Here's the email address: rudy.family@hotmail.com

Happy New School Year!

2008-08-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

It seems I jinxed myself by saying the summer seemed too long. Now only two days and school is officially started. Origianlly I was so excited I almost couldn't contain myself. Not that anything so exciting is going to happen - the simple fact that I will finally get to do the most boring things without children is good enough. I will now be able to go grocery shopping without hearing "Pleeeease can we have that?" every five seconds, clean the house and know that it can stay that way for least two hours (compared to the normal 10 minutes), and pull weeds without having to worry the boys are inside throwing food or fighting.

So now what's the problem? Well, you know what they say about green grass....

Last night I had a sudden stress-out moment. Oh my! Only two days and every night the boys have to be in bed early enough to make sure they can get up and ready for school (stress out #1). Mason starts at 8 AM (ouch!) and will now be in school ALL day long. I have had many people mention to me how tired he will be while trying to get used to this (stress out #2) - add to the fact that he normally goes to bed around 10 at night - which I have been trying to change (stress out #3). Then there's the carpooling - something I've never really done before (stress out #4) but am suddenly going to have to learn because I am now doing one for Mason and Milo. That means if I forget to pick up the kids, it won't just be mine (stress out #5) - not that I do this all the time, but you know, what if? And I could just go on...

The biggest problem is that I didn't even realize I was having all these stresses. Sounds weird maybe, but the super busy summer has just made me forget I guess. But now that the summer is over I feel like real life is begining. And just how am I supposed to handle that (stress out #153-376...)? Oh, crazy is as crazy does I guess.

2008-08-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

So I realize that my blog is not as exciting to read as it may once have been. Not that exciting is the right word. But before it was so easy for me to write because I didn't have to talk about myself ever. More about what was going on. The other day I was talking to a friend and we decided that we just don't like to share a whole lot about our personal lives. Of course it's easy to share little stories here and there or recent events of the family. But one of my favorite blogs is the one I read that tells all about every feeling and every thought the girl is feeling. So I know what will make my blog one of those that everyone wants to read, I just don't know if I am the person who wants that. Or maybe just not the person who can do that. Sometimes I think about posting a thought I have here or there - but then I immediatly think not to for fear that I will be that blog that people read to have their "Debbie Downer" moments. Or that people will feel like they have to leave me uplifting, happy, "you are so strong" comments. And I don't want people to feel like that - nor do I want to make people depressed while reading my blog.

But I was persuaded tonight by a friend who vowed to be a little more personal in her blogs - if she can do it why can't I? I will warn you though, don't get your expectations too high here - big things like this can't really happen overnight I suppose. So for my first big "feelings" blog I am going to get a little creative - me being my random self and all. Every day or so I hear a song and think, "Oh, this is so what I am thinking." So I decided to make a little songlist. My thoughts in a mix CD. I realize that this might not help everyone since some songs may be ones you haven't heard of - and some songs might just have a few songs I relate to - but hey, no complaining - it's better than nothing!

dreaming with a broken heart - john mayer

everybody knows - dixie chicks

i still miss you - keith anderson

so hard - dixie chicks

everybody - keith urban

doesn't remind me - audioslave

just a dream - carrie underwood

wish you were here - incubus

Ok. I think that's all i can think of for now. And although these songs all appear to be more on the thoughtful and i might say somewhat depressing side - I don't generally feel this way. I think that whatever it is I feel it cannot really be described (maybe that's why I tried using songs instead) and yet I don't wish anyone to fell sorry for me or like I'm moping. I really feel normal - whatever that means right? But that's how I feel. Obviously I seem that a comparable situation is that a tornado has come through my life and spun everything around. But what do you do with that. You can't just sit around and stare at the broken mess around you. At some point you have to get up and start cleaning.

Well, well - for one not into sharing feelings so much I sure have a lot to blab about. So until my next Mix CD - I leave you with one of my new favorite quotes...

my hot date

2008-08-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

So I was asked out on a date for tonight. The plan started out as dinner at Tepanyaki and a movie. Well, the movie my date wanted to see (Space Chimps) was not playing anywhere so we had to come up with a Plan B. My date suggested we go to the mall.

"Why the mall?" I asked.

"Because there's an arcade there," he replied.

"But there is no where to eat there," I said.

"Yes there is, there's that Wendy's place - or whatever it's called. We can just eat there."

So I came up with a Plan C. Lovely Boondocks. A little classier than the mall arcade and "Wendy's" (although I think he was referring to Chik-fil-a) - but not much. Although I do think I saw a few other daters there. So we had pizza for dinner, played a couple rounds of miniature golf, drove the bumper boats and of course - played the arcade games. And I must say, although I seemed to have a slow streak, my date was having a very lucky night - raking in exactly 1000 tickets by the end. We tried to take some cheesy (although I admit I love them) photo booth pictures but the machine wasn't working. So here is the one shot I got of our date.

I think he's pretty handsome anyway. And he opened doors for me, held my hand - and I even got a good night kiss! Now I just need to work on getting him to pay.

the shuffle

2008-08-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

So I was driving in my car today, listening to my favorite thing - ipod on shuffle. I love the randomness. With each song end a new little surprise comes my way. But today as one song ended and another started I had to wonder to which one belonged the strange mismatched melody at the beginning (or ending). So it's not like this is the first time this has ever happened. But each time it does, for some reason I have to think how different songs sound when you listen to a whole CD by itself. And then it always makes me wonder, do musicians hate shuffle? Because if I were a musician I would stress forever wondering what song sounded good before or after which other song. Then there's those fancy songs which just lead right into the next one. So after planning and worrying and thinking and changing the playlist over and over until finally recording the record - then to just have someone download their preferred songs from itunes and shuffle them all around - how rude!

But yet I love to do it. And my favorite is to hear two totally random songs one after another. My songs would be appalled if they knew what was going on after they were over.

So there it is. A very shuffled thought of the day.

2008-07-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

While driving home a few nights ago...

Milo: Mom?

Me: Yes Milo

Milo: Will I stay little forever?

Oh I wish - then I would be able to hear these funny questions forever.

its a miracle!

2008-07-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

What? Can it be? Two posts in two days? I must have gone mad. Or bored. Actually I am neither (at least I'm pretty sure I'm not mad). I just wanted to share a few pictures from our day at the Children's Discovery Gardens.

Mason and Milo's cousins, Emma and Leora, came to visit from Washington. And yes, Mason is giving bunny ears to the bear statue.

Mason keeping a cool head.

My mom and Leora (whom Milo refers to as La-Lora)

So many pretty flowers at the Gardens!

week in review

2008-07-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

My life for the most part has been pretty normal lately. Well, normal for me anyhow. Each day I try to think of something fun to do. This serves multiple purposes of course. It keeps us all busy and it keeps the boys from breaking toys over each others heads - or whatever other nonsense they end up doing when they are inside the house together for more that about 30 minutes.

So besides the "normal" stuff, here's a few exciting things that happened.

The first excitment came Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point. I had just finished eating lunch at the Trellis Cafe with my mom and the boys (had a very yummy spinach salad) - and we were walking through the entry area when I looked over and saw Elder Uchtdorf. I know this may not be so exciting to some people, but he is pretty much my favorite apostle if I'm allowed to say that. I have always been excited to hear his stories because to me his life (and accent) are so different. Anyway. At first I could not believe my eyes, I tried to ask my mom what she thought so she said I should listen while he was talking to see if I could hear his accent. So that was probably weird for a minute. Us and his family were about the only ones in the lobby and he was walking off to the side talking on a cell phone. Not exactly a situation where you can be sneaky and sly, but we tried. Well, I am not good with akward situations - or with being brave - so of course I left without saying anything. So I didn't talk to him and I have no cool picture to show, but it was still neat to me.

Next we go to Wednesday evening. I decided, no I was coerced into thinking that it would be a good idea for me to attend a softball game. Not to watch, to actually play. Let me briefly give you a history of my softball skills. The last time I remember playing was gym class in middle school, of which time I always had a fear of the ball created by ideas that I would be the one kid in class to be hit in the face with it. For this reason I made sure to stand in far outfield where I could pretend to play. I also tried my hardest to be at the end of the batting line. But of course I remember all these things but then think to myself, "Oh that was so long ago. I've practiced T-Ball with Mason many times and I'm not too shabby. How hard can it be to keep your eye on the ball and swing the bat into it? I can do this no problem." Bad idea. I should have listened to my memories instead. So we start off by throwing the ball around to warm up, then we divide into teams. Ok, so this was more like a practice I guess since we only had six players on each team. First I am outfield. No biggie since I had just warmed up catching and throwing a ball. Well, I am sorry to say that even with all my "I can do anything" attitude I still never caught a ball. Although in my defense I'm not sure if one really ever came to my area. So I'm playing thinking this is not too big of a deal. Then my team goes infield. I suddenly realize that with only six of us I will most likely get a turn to bat. So now here's what I'm thinking - "Oh no, what have I done? Why am I here? I have no idea how to hit a ball." Then my can-do-it attiude kicks in, "Hey remember how you practiced with Mason? Just keep your eye on the ball and it will be easy." Wrong again. I was the loser who just kept swinging and swinging but never making contact. Not too bad you think, three strikes and you're out anyway. Nope. Remember that this is more of a practice, so everyone's being nice and letting me try as many times as I need. Woohoo. I get to stand at the plate while everyone watches me for as long as it takes to hit the ball. Then I would hit the ball, run to first, only to realize that it was a foul therby making me run back and start the whole wonderful process again. Yes I did finally hit the ball, three times in all. And here are some things I learned that night: 1. hitting a softball with a bat is not that easy if you haven't done it in like 15 years. 2. Practicing T-ball and toss-the-ball-lightly with Mason does not work for adult games. 3. If Mason's sporting future depends at all on my ability to help teach him, he will do much better trying soccer than baseball.

Of course an exciting week cannot be so without good food. Thursday I had a wonderfully yummy breakfast with some friends at a resturaunt I've never been to - later my sister informed me it was featured on a show on Food Network. Later that day we celebrated the 24th. A holiday to remember the pioneers who settled Utah - to me it's like another 4th of July; business closed, BBQ's, family and fireworks.

So there you are. The week's wrap-up you might not have wanted, but you got anyway.

my mosaic

2008-07-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

So I saw this on my friends page, thought it was cute, and decided to copy. This may be a little silly but i like the randomness - and the pretty colors!

1. What is your first name? Emily
2. What is your favorite food? mashed potatoes & popcorn
3. What high school did you go to? alta
4. What is your favorite color? purple
5. Who is your celebrity crush? david beckham

6. Favorite drink? hot chocolate

7. Dream vacation? foreign country
8. Favorite dessert? creme brulee
9. What you want to be when you grow up? smarter
10. What do you love most in life? the boys
11. One Word to describe you? optimistic
12. Your flickr name? monkeybumm

So if you like pretty colors and random pictures here's how you can do your own...

1. Type each of your answers from the questions into Flickr Search

2. Using only the first page, pick an image

3. Copy and paste the URLs into this Mosaic Maker

Voila!

the nutty boys

2008-07-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

So a while back I gave an example of why I call my kids monkeys. These last couple of days I've been reminded once again. I thought I would share some of these little reminders so everyone could experience.

Exhibit A: Mason scratches his leg.
As with most injuries, it seems like they just don't capture the same on camera. But the idea is there. Mason likes to do very crazy things on his bike. He does wheelies, rides down front porch steps, jumps curbs, jumps ramps (sometimes putting objects on one side to jump over) & tries to balance along the curb on his bike. Needless to say he's had a few accidents. His latest happend two days ago. The funny thing about him is that I never even knew this crash happened until he was done playing for the night. He said to me, "Mom, I fell down on my bike and look what happened." I asked him when it happened and he replied, "Oh, a little while ago." Either he's really tough or he just loves to play so much he couldn't be bothered to take care of it. Probably a little of both.

Exhibit B: Milo rolls
This is probably one of the funniest things I've ever captured on video. Milo is always the comedian and I don't think he even realizes it, which makes it all the more hilarious. What made it more funny was the fact that this was the third time it had happened. The first two times I wasn't ready for it, but by the third time I thought I'd get the camera out just in case. I fully expected that after two times down the hill Milo would have rememebered what had happened and try to prevent it. Well, that's Milo for you - he's just thinking of the moment at hand, so carefree and happy all the time. (and to clarify - this video was a complete accident on Milo's part, all he meant to do was run down the hill)

camps and holidays and museums, oh my!

2008-07-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I feel like it's been so long since I've posted I have to decide what to actually post about. I guess that means we've been keeping pretty busy. My biggest adventure recently was girls camp. I, along with a handful of other adults, took all the young girls (12-18) in our church for a little week-long adventure in the mountains. When I was a young girl this was sometimes refered to as "rough camp". It cannot be called that any longer without lying. This place was built with youth and family groups in mind. Everything was organized and kept very clean. And although it was not as nice as home (public bathrooms, waiting in line to shower, bugs, dirt & wooden bunkbeds) it was a far cry from tents and outhouses. So beyond the fact that I had to sleep in a sleeping bag and learn how to balance my dirty clothes, clean clothes, towel and shower supplies on only one hook in the bathroom I had a very fun time. I don't even think I got a single bug bite thanks to my constant application of bug spray.

And for the visual interest...

I got home from camp the afternoon of the 4th and have been busy ever since. Here's a few more photos of some of the fun things we've been doing.

Milo loved to swing the sparklers in circles, while dancing around and making rocket/airplane noises.

Mason's sparklers ran out right as I was about to take the picture. Either that suprised him, or he was upset at the fact that he could no longer try to light items on fire. And by "items" I am refering to the trees, plants, sparkler boxes and whatever else seemed exciting to watch burn.

Mason, Milo and Lightning (Milo's spiderman cheetah) enjoying the view from the waterfall at Thanksgiving Point.

We invited a friend of Mason's with us for a trip to the Dinosaur Museum. This week the museum was celebrating it's birthday. They had some fun extra activites and crafts for the kids to do. Here they are showing off the face painting they got.

Milo wanted to take his picture next to this dinosaur painted on the wall.

2008-06-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

In lieu of a "normal" post, I figure I'd share something that I enjoy. I did attempt to add the video straight to my blog, but as you can see I was unsuccessful. So you will have to click on the links below, not as cool but I guess the end result is the same.

this one is cute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFgXEkzMq7A

this one is fun to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vwZ5FQEUFg

have fun.

2008-06-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well, not as exciting maybe, but just as eventful to us - today was Erik's birthday. I tried to take the kiddos to Erik's favorite restaurant. But since Erik always got bored with things, there's no real restaurant that stood out as THE ONE. So it ended up being a toss up between Wallaby's (brisket, pulled pork & mashed potatoes) or Taco Bell. Taco Bell is definatly a long-running favorite of Erik's, but Wallaby's tastes just a little better. So I let the boys decide. Milo said he didn't want food, Mason said he loves Wallaby's. Easy decision with no fighting - excellent. So we ate lunch there then I took them to pick out a balloon to take to the cemetary. The boys get kinda bored just looking at grass and giant rocks with writing on them, so I figured taking a balloon would add a little excitement to the trip. Mason picked out a Happy Birthday balloon with Lightening McQueen and Mater; Milo's had Elmo on it. And even though Erik was never the guy who liked flowers as gifts, I took him some anyway. Mason, the big kid, tied his and Milo's balloons - then they both proceeded to try to jump over the strings while the balloons blew around. Typical monkeys.

Later in evening I attended a BBQ that some of my old co-workers did as a fundraiser for our family. It was a great turnout and a lot of fun - they had food and live music. It is still amazing to me at all the people involved, that want to help out, that I don't even know. There are just so many nice people in the world, and I feel so fortunate to know so many of them. So thank you to everyone who planned and helped out tonight - and everyone who showed up to hang out!

Happy Birthday Mason!

2008-06-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today Mason officially turned the big SIX. Here are some things that happened today to remind me that he is getting older and more, I guess you could say mature.

This morning I missed a call on my cell phone from my mom. She wanted me to call her back she she could wish Mason a happy birthday. I just handed the phone to Mason and told him to call her. No problem. It's not that he hasn't been doing this for a long time, its just that it still makes me laugh at how easy he maneuvers the cell phone (and all other electronic devices).

After lunch we planned to see the movie Kung Fu Panda with some family. We got to the theater and the most excited words out of Mason's mouth were, "Hey, Indiana Jones! I want to watch that movie." The cartoon about cute animals that fight the bad guy just wasn't as exciting to him as I thought it would be. (Milo however did like the movie.)

For his birthday we went to dinner (Mason's choice of course) with just us. As the boys were waiting for me to make some phone calls before we left they started drawing some pictures. When Mason finished he handed me a folded paper and asked me to take it to the restaurant and give it to him after dinner. There was a beautiful picture with a blue sky, sun and car driving along. Inside the card said something like, "To Mason - I love you - love mom" (all spelled correctly this time). So basically Mason made me a card to give to him for his birthday. What a funny kid.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON! You are officially old enough to start first grade, strong enough to pour your own milk & mature enough to take care of your mom. -- Now if only we could get you to stop shooting your straw wrappers at everyone :)

2008-06-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

My old work set up a fundraiser BBQ Saturday. The details can be found in this youtube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZQh1FEdNds

It'd be great to see you there. Thanks MACU pals!

2008-06-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

I feel like for once within the last 10 days I can finally relax. As most of you know today we celebrated and remembered Erik (and his crazy, accident prone life). Getting to today has been so crazy and busy with all the planning, choices to make, phone calls to answer that I feel like it's kept my thoughts other places. I know it's all happening, but it just seems so weird that it almost seems hard for me to comprehend. It might be a mix of being busy and tired, but I feel a little spaced. It's probably what's helping me. I definatly don't think I'm holding together so well all on my own. First of all I have a wonderful family around me. They have all been here to help keep me company, take care of the boys, clean my house, or any other random errand I've needed done this past week. Second I have great friends. All the sincere offers for help and the thoughtful words of encouragement and love really help me out. And last, but of course not least, would be all of the prayers and blessings that have been sent my way. I am so thankful that there are so many people out there that are praying for our little family. Even though it is not a tangible thing, I feel like right now it provides us with the greatest help I can ever ask for. The only way I can think to explain how I've done everything is to say its just not all me. So keep them coming if you don't mind - especially for the boys. They still seem to be handling this all so well, but of course being their mother I worry about them every day. They are wonderful, they are entertaining, and most of all they are so loving to me. I tell them I'll take good care of them, but I know that they are going to be what keeps me going too. Nothing like a hug from little arms to make you happy!

We love you Erik!

2008-06-11T21:14:00.001-07:00

Erik Mason Rudy, after a strong battle with leukemia, passed away peacefully at his home in American Fork on June 10, 2008. Erik was born on June 21, 1979 in North Richland Hills, Texas to his parents Frank & Missie Rudy. He lived in Keller Texas until high school graduation. From there he moved to Idaho to attend Ricks College. After serving an LDS Mission to Juan Pessoa, Brazil he moved to Provo, Utah where he met the love of his life, Emily Toy. They were married on January 19, 2002 and sealed together for eternity on February 22, 2003 in the Bountiful Temple. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2004 with a degree from the Communication department - with an emphasis in business management. Soon after graduation he formed his own auto sales business. In his business he always looked more to providing people with what they wanted instead of just selling them a car. His regards to others feelings was one of his greatest traits. He was always genuinely interested in not only a person’s life, but their loves, hopes and dreams. In his own life his greatest love was his wife and children, Mason Dax & Milo Parks. He was a very thoughtful husband and father. The well being of his family was always his first priority. He is survived by his wife and two sons, his father and mother, sister Heather Erickson, his grandmother Carol “Oma” Mason, and many wonderful family and friends. He loved and often reminisced about all his nurses, PA’s and doctors at both Utah Valley and LDS Hospitals. We thank you for all you did; you gave us added time and incredible memories with him. Friends may call Friday evening at the American Fork West Stake Center, 500 North 700 West, American Fork, Utah from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. An additional viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the American Fork City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.serenicare.com/. Donations can be made at Mountain America Credit Union to the Rudy Family Donation Account to benefit his wife and children.

2008-06-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

I know that there are a lot of friends and family who live out of Utah, so I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on the funeral plans.

There will be a viewing Friday night from 6-8. And additional viewing will be held at 10 am, with the services starting at 11:00 Saturday.

And some people have asked where to send condolences. They can be sent to http://www.serenicare.com/. If you would like to know, our flowers are being done through Angela Hall. Her number is 801.404.2886.

2008-06-11T02:41:00.001-07:00

Well...
Today, or I guess technically last night, I said goodbye to my very best friend. There is not much I can think to say. Or maybe it's that I have so many thoughts I can't pick one. I loved him so much. But you all probably already knew that, because I know he was loved by more than just me. I will miss him but I will never forget him. I have already begun to read all the letters people have written about Erik. Yesterday I thought of things I never want to forget about him. Here's just a few - maybe you'll be able to nod in agreement to some.

His "to do" lists
His special homemade vanilla "milkshakes" - these involved stirring vanilla ice cream into a cup of milk
His complaints about his balding head, big nose or what he thought was an overweight physique
There wasn't a number he couldn't remember.
He was always extra organized and over prepared for things - he always wanted everything to be perfect.
He had such a knack for people - he always made sure the other person talked more than him in a conversation, always asking questions and learning more about them.
"Go big or go home"
His knowledge of cars - not only could he tell you in one look the year of a particular car, he could also tell you what options were offered for the models, about how much they were worth, what kind of quality they should be in...his mind was basically NADA. He could also spot any car he had previously sold. We'd be driving somewhere and he'd say, "Hey there's the truck I sold to that guy last year" I'd say, "Are you sure, how can you tell?" "I know he lives in Orem and I remember the wheels it had on it and that it had that after market bumper" (or any other physical feature).
He loved education - he always wanted to get his masters and doctorate someday

I could go on and on. Everyone might have other things, but those are some of the ones that first came to my mind. Bottom line is - he was wonderful. I guess that's why he didn't need all the extra time like most of us do down here. I know I already said this but, I'm really going to miss him.

2008-06-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

And for the "Erik news"; A nurse came by today to draw some blood for the doctors to see. His WBC was at 80,000 and his leukemic blast was at 50%. They called to tell me the news from the hospital today. They added that they didn't think his medicine was really working to slow it down. I pretty much already figured that. They will do another lab on Thursday if we want. Until then we will just be hanging out and spending time together.

And for the good news: I love everyone. I know that may sound weird - but I just don't know how else to encompass everyone I can think of. Everyone around us is just so great. Just for starters I would say the fact that I've seen so many other peoples blogs that have stuff about us on them. I can't believe how many people care so much. It really amazes me. Then that combined with all the nice things people do for us. I could keep going on and on about all the things I witness that really just make me love everyone. But instead I'll talk about the most recent example.

Tonight some of our neighbors (neighbors I REALLY love of course) arranged for a picnic for our ward and anyone else we wanted to come and hang out. Erik has been so tired, but for this he got out of bed and sat up in a wheelchair so that he could make a brief appearance. Everyone sang his favorite song (well I'm pretty sure I guessed right) - Armies of Helaman - then they released balloons to heaven, some tied with thoughts for Erik. It was so thoughtful and so wonderful. I know Erik was really tired and pretty out of it, but I know that's something that he really appreciated. It was so great.

Thanks so much Everyone.

2008-06-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

the most exciting news today is that i learned how to let anyone comment on our blog. Sorry about before, I didn't even realize that I was allowing only those select few who already blog to comment. It has now been opened up to the masses - comment away.

Ok, that aside. Since today was Sunday we didn't really see anyone medical related. One of the PA's from LDS Hospital called to say that they might be sending orders for the home nurse to draw Erik's blood tomorrow. Other than that, Erik is just still feeling really tired and worn out. We have had many loved ones come visit and spend time with our family today, but through it all he mostly just sleeps. He comes in and out while people visit - talking for a little bit, but drifting off every few minutes or so. I think this is partly attributed to all the medicine he is taking, but also because his body is just working so hard from everything going on inside itself. I remember last year before we knew what was going on that he often tired very easily. I can tell that this is the same, only it seems to be happening much more rapidly this time. Just from Thursday to today I have seen significant changes in his energy and strength. I wish I had some good news to add, but unfortunately I don't. We are just glad that he is home. He can rest as much as he wants and visit with the boys - that's what we really want for him now anyway.

book for Erik

2008-06-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Erik's sister Heather would like to compile a book for him. We are inviting anyone who would like to contribute to do so. If you want to share a memory, story or any thoughts you may have about Erik please send them to Heather at heather.erickson@connect2.com. We would like to get this book together for Erik within the next few days. If you would like to pass this info on to anyone else you think may be interested in participating please feel free - we would like to give everyone the opportunity to share.

Thanks.

2008-06-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

well, more to just keep me in the habit than anything else - here is an update.

Today Erik did not go to the hospital for blood work. He was feeling very tired and then we had a few visitors followed by a visit from a nurse to start his hospice care. The nurse told us from now on she could do any blood work the doctors ordered - but that it wasn't necessary if we didn't want to have it done. The one thing she did tell us was that from the basic vitals she took Erik's body is stressed and it is working hard even while he is laying down. I guess we don't know really what to make of that information, except to just make sure he really takes it easy.

It was nice to meet with the nurse today. She made us feel very comfortable and let us know repeatedly that she is available any time of the day or night for anything that Erik needs. They work directly with the hospital near us for medications, so if he ever needs anything - whether it be a refill or something in the middle of the night - we can call them and they will fill the prescription, pick it up and bring it to our house. And I know there are always doctors on call - but she made sure we knew that being on call is part of their job and that calls in the middle of the night are very normal for them. It is very comforting to us to know that they will be here for Erik anytime he needs.

i've been better

2008-06-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well here goes. I've been thinking I need to do a blog to inform everyone - but it's just so hard to figure out what exactly I should say. So I guess I'll just type and it should come out good enough.

I will go back to the middle of May. Erik went in for his 1 year post transplant biopsy. He was feeling good - we had just gotten back from our NY trip - it was a great milestone to us. The full results took a couple weeks to get back, in the meantime Erik's transplant coordinator emailed to tell us she was sorry but she wouldn't be able to attend his 1 year meeting, but not to worry because all the test results looks good. So I didn't even go with him to the meeting - kids had school and stuff so I stayed home to take care of them. Erik came home from the doctor appointment to tell me that things weren't as good as we had thought. Turns out all the tests his coordinator had seen were good, but there were ones that only just came back the day Erik went to his appointment. Those ones showed things were not so good. Erik's doctor explained that what they saw was one in every 20 cells were male - since Erik's donor was his sister all his cells should read female in lab tests. The fact that 5% were male meant that his bone marrow was once again producing cells on their own - not the donor. But the good news was that 5% is not considered relapse. The best course of action would be to take him off his immunosuppressant medication as a much faster rate than normal. They would do this in hopes that his donor cells would come on stronger and fight any of the other ones - it is referred to as a graft vs. leukemia effect. So each week he was to take less of the medication and by July when he was completely off they would do another biopsy to see if the effect was taking place or not. They told us that many people can keep a delicate balance of this effect and live with low percentage of leukemia in their bodies for years. So we thought, I guess we will just wait until July to see how things are going - but we will be prepared in case the next biopsy isn't very good.

To me now July seems so far away.

Since that doctor visit Erik has been seeing them weekly again. On Tuesday we went together and Erik went in with a few symptoms to tell them about. Since a few days before he had been having neck pain that would not go away. He was also dealing with a mild fever. They did his normal blood draws and tests - doing a few extra to check for any virus or sickness, plus a chest x-ray just too make sure he wasn't sick. Everything came back negative for that. The only thing that we noticed different was that his white blood count was high - something they said could be attributed to the fact that he wasn't feeling well. They sent us home with some pain medication for his neck and told us to call them the next day to report any changes in his fever.

We are now at Wednesday. The first thing that happened was the PA we visited with forgot to sign Erik's pain medication prescription. Milo also came down with a fever. So we called the hospital to tell them Erik's fever hadn't changed and they said they were sorry about the prescription but that it was good Milo had a fever because then Erik may just have the same thing. Maybe it was a hidden blessing that the prescription was never signed. Wednesday night Erik was having a very rough time sleeping. His neck was hurting so bad he could barely move - making uncomfortable to even lay down. He was also still dealing with a fever. So at about 4:30 in the morning he called up to the hospital. After talking with a PA he decided to go up when they opened at 8 in the morning.

Thursday when they tested his blood everything changed. Leukemia can be detected early in a bone marrow biopsy. If it has grown stronger it can be detected from a simple blood draw. Another indication is a high white blood cell (WBC) count. A normal person has a count of 3,000-5,000 or 3-5. Erik's count on Tuesday was 12.5 (12,500). Since he was having a fever though they told us to wait until our next weeks appointment and see if it would go down. Thursday his counts were at 21 and they found 25% leukemic blasts just from drawing his blood. Today we went for another test so they could see how fast things were going - his counts were at 30. (Last year when Erik was first admitted his WBC was at 85.) Tomorrow we will go for another blood test, the doctors say that three days in a row will give them a very good idea of what is happening.

So after all that here it is - Erik is now in full relapse. Our first news was that if he did nothing at all he could have days to weeks left. There is no curative action that can be taken at this point. We were given the option to have Erik re-admitted to the hospital for another round of chemo, this time infusing something called T-cells (taken from the donor) right after the chemo in hopes that it could fight the leukemia. We have gone through the chemo process three times already. This time it would be much harder just because of the fact Erik's body has already been through so much and because now that he has had a transplant he is at risk for many more complications. This round would not be curative at all - in fact at the most we were told that it had only worked to prolong life a few more months for only a couple of patients. Because of this, and after much prayer and thought we have decided to opt for the other direction.

Erik has been prescribed a few new medications in addition to the ones he has always been taking. One of them has the potential to slow the leukemic growth in hopes that it can prolong his life. He will be able to continue to live at home and we are in the process of finding hospice care to help facilitate with any medical needs he might have.

These are strange thoughts to have continually on our minds - but yet here they are.

We have had many visitors in the past two days and it's hard to answer the question "how are you doing?" I think the best response is one I heard Erik say on the phone yesterday, "I've been better." We are dealing and we are coping and I think we are even trying to still let it all sink in. We know from last year that we have an amazing group of family and friends - we love you all. Your prayers and thoughts for us always make our burdens lighter. Thank you.

I will try to continue to keep this blog up to date to keep everyone in touch.

happy & married

2008-05-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

My little sister Stacie got married on the 17th. We were worried about rain - but it turned out to be a wonderful sunny day and everything was beautiful! Erik was a groomsman and Mason was the ring bearer. He was so cute in his little tux.

He took his responsibility very seriously - we prepared him by showing him other ring bearers on youtube and telling him how he was picked because Stacie knew he was a big boy and he would do a good job. He made sure to let everyone know he was picked instead of Milo because he was older and wouldn't cause any problems like the ones he saw on youtube.

Mason, Stacie & Emma (the beautiful flower girl)

As you can probably tell from Milo, it was very hot and tiring during picture time.

And here's the whole family!

exhibit one: the monkey

2008-05-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a sampling of what makes me refer to our boys as monkeys on a regular basis.

reason #1 - Milo loves bananas.

my first blog - sort of

2008-05-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

So I don't have anything to blog about really - but I can't just leave our new page blank. So some time ago I was tagged - I figure what the heck. Here's ten weird things about me which you may not know.

1. i love to vacuum carpet - i really like to see the perfect patterns made by the vacuum, so i always vacuum from the corner out so as not to disturb them with footprints. i also like when there is something i can see go from dirty to clean - like a big spill that is vacuumed right up.

2. i really like to work. not just work, i like to have a job. somewhere i go to exchange hours of my life for a little dinero.

3. i think food tastes much better if i have ordered it off a menu and someone brings it to a table where i am patiently awaiting it. one of my most favorite things to do is go out to eat with just erik somewhere i've never been before.

4. banana peppers are very yummy. this is a discovery i made only a couple of years ago, but i don't know how i ever lived without them.

5. here is a list of the dogs i hope to own one day (not all at the same time): schnauzer (and i would make it wear a plaid sweater), miniature dachshund, & wire-haired fox terrier.

6. if i could waste money on something it would definately be shoes. i love to wear plain outfits with crazy shoes.

7. my dream is to travel the world with erik - anywhere and everywhere that i have never been (and right now that's a lot of places)

8. i like lots of tv shows but i am not hooked on any show. i just can't keep track of when they are on so i forget to watch.

9. i wish everyone could just get along. i think if everyone would think about how the other person feels the whole world could be at peace. i just don't understand why there is so much grumpiness.

10. and lastly, mostly cause i can't think of anything else and partly because i love to eat, here are some favorite things to eat: microwave popcorn, mashed potatoes & gravy, thanksgiving dinner, mambas, shredded hashbrowns, whoppers (the hamburger not the gross candy) & any fruit as long as it's ripe.

i tag you all (except amanda of course) - i want to see everyone's 10 things, or else.