Shelley Spud Days

In September we heard about the Shelley Spud Days which have evidently been happening for 40+ years and yet being an Idaho born citizen I've never heard of it. We didn't have anything planned so decided the night before that we would go. It turned out to be a boy adventure for the whole day.



We started with the parade in Shelley. We were told that an airplane closes the parade buzzing the street and dropping ping pong balls that had prizes written on them that you could redeem at the park where all the vendors were set up. Derek and Justin just wanted to be buzzed by the plane so they were really looking forward to that. Evidently liability issues have come up from past years so the ping pong balls were shot out of four huge potato guns on the back of a dump truck (can't get much more "spud days" than that!) so it was a bit of a disappointment but they each caught a ping pong ball and received free mugs at the Church of something something booth in the park. Levi and Caytlyn were a great help and entertainment at the parade. They were good to help keep an eye on the little boys (the crowd was bigger than I have ever seen for the Rexburg 4th of July parade) and they also acted like little kids running for candy.



We decided to skip the fried potato theme and really long lines at the park and went to the kids favorite restaurant for lunch. I'm not overly fond of Chuck-a-Rama but it does have the variety to please everyone. There was just as much silliness going on as there was eating.

Levi and Caytlyn stayed in Idaho Falls to do their own thing after lunch and we headed home. On the way to Shelley that morning Derek had commented on the big military tank in Rigby that is visible from the freeway. I decided to surprise the boys and stop for them to see it. Little did I know that there is a fun playground with a rock climbing gym, a merry-go-round, and a train to go along with the tank and my intended short stop on the way home turned into 2 hours of climbing, swinging, getting dizzy and pretending. It was boy heaven!



The rock jungle gym was super cool with climbing, slides, a cave and rock stairs coming out of the cave. Even Derek looked small on it.



The tank was so much bigger than we expected. I couldn't believe it when Hyrum and Nathan started climbing up on it and the two of them stacked on top of each other were as tall as the caterpillar like wheels (can you tell that I know not a speck of military equipment jargon?). They spent a good half hour in imaginary tank battle shooting spittle with all their sound effects. I don't know how their arms don't get tired from holding them up in gun position. Must be a boy thing.



We then headed over to the train. Who knew that an old caboose could provide so much entertainment. They lived out their James Bond/hobo fantasies as they jumped up on one ladder, climbed to the top of the car and ran to the ladder at the other end. I held my breath the whole time. They were hollering "take a picture of this" so many times that I was having a hard time pleasing everyone. These few pictures do not even dent the train adventure photo file that I now have from this day.

It was fun to have Derek and Justin take the camera from me and arrange shots that they wanted, some of them with me in them. When I looked at the pictures later I was so glad to be in some of them. As much as I don't like having my picture taken it was nice to see me in the activities instead of just knowing that I was there because the pictures exist.

Surgeries

July 27th, 2010 - Nathan's new teeth

At Nathan's first dental visit we found that having many minerals in our well water instead of fluoride has been very damaging to his teeth. His tender, soft baby tooth enamel has been eaten away by the junk in our water. So, after researching for a filter for our water system and starting a fluoride regimen for Nathan and Hyrum we were scheduled for surgery to take care of the mess in his mouth. The dentist was of the opinion that we shouldn't terrify a four year old with all the needles, numbness, drilling, the possibility of holding him down during the procedures or biting his tongue after it was over so dental surgery was our only option to have Nathan remember none of it.

Nathan wasn't allowed to eat or drink after midnight the night before so morning was a little tricky since we didn't need to be there until 9 am. Luckily he is a pretty patient kid and once the nurse gave him crayons and stickers he forgot how hungry he was and laughed with the nurse while everything was set up. His only moment of panic was when they wanted to put the oxygen mask on him and I couldn't show him how to do it first because it had the drugs in it to knock him out. They just held it up to his nose and after two breaths he was gone.

My wait always seems so long as I sit there alone. Levi had surgery at two. Derek had surgery at four. Justin's broken arm was reset when he was 10. LeRoy has had 2 back surgeries. Thank goodness it isn't more often because sitting by myself in a hospital tends to make my mind wander to all possible negative outcomes, even death, and by the time I get my family member back I'm pretty much a mushy-gushy-give-me-my-boy mess.

Nathan slept for almost an hour after they brought him back to me. He woke up long enough to ask for his lambie and blankie and was out again. Then the nurse started to show a little concern and they encouraged me to get him to wake up and I personally think it was a little too soon. He started throwing up right away and even with their best efforts of cheeriness, a popsicle and a show to watch on my Ipod it wouldn't stop so they gave him something to calm his stomach.

Finally, the meds started to wear out of his system (taking him to the bathroom in his backless mini-gown was just adorable!) and pretty soon he was making silly faces at me and responding with complete nonsense and a grin when the nurse would ask him a question.

After a ride to the truck in the sturdy red wagon (the child version of a wheelchair) he was buckled in and ready to go home. He was a little woozy for a couple of hours but recovered quickly and was proud to show his shiny new teeth.

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August 27, 2010 - LeRoy's 2nd back surgery

LeRoy had been trying to ignore the back pain that was returning only 10 months after his first back surgery but after a month of it the pain progressed rather quickly and within a matter of days it was bad enough that he left work to schedule another MRI and within 2 days he was once again in the hospital. This time with much more hope than the last time.

The doctor that did the first surgery told LeRoy that after his surgery he needed to find another profession and quit all sports. Taking his work and his sports away pretty much leaves a hollow LeRoy so the last year has been a difficult one. When the pain came again it really took a toll on him and he really seemed beat up by the circumstances.

The new doctor gave us all kinds of hope. He explained that people who have the same surgery can go back to work IF they let their bodies heal properly and are careful once they return to their normal activities. He even told LeRoy that he would be able to play sports again. I thought LeRoy might cry right there in the doctor's office.

The second surgery went smooth but the recovery was much more difficult than the first one. During the first night home it got to a point that LeRoy was crying (I have never seen LeRoy cry from pain, not even when he cut his thumb and had to have 30 stitches in it) and I finally called the doctor at 3 am. He told us what to try and by about 5:30 we were able to get some sleep. The next 2 weeks were a roller coaster of great hope due to how well he felt and great frustration at how quickly it would change to pain. Within 4 weeks we was feeling much better, even better than he ever had after the first surgery, and soon he was heading back out to work. This time around was very good about wearing his brace, bossing the guys around instead of doing it himself and he followed all the instructions from the doctor. The possiblity of doing what he loves for a living and playing sports again in his future was a great motivator.

December 29, 2010 - Now we are in the middle of winter and though his back has been feeling great, he has fallen on the ice twice in the last 4 weeks and has pulled a muscle in his back. It is very encouraging that he doesn't feel the pain in his backbone or down his legs or in the surgical area but frustrating because he was doing so well and is back in his chair again instead of at work where he wants to be. It is very hard to watch someone in pain and not be able to do anything about it. I guess this is how I can experience the other side of labor . . . only we don't get another baby when LeRoy's pains go away.

We are missing the Boyd family!

After having them as part of our family for 6 weeks in February and March and having them here for the week in August we have really become attached to the Boyd family. And having my sister live in Rexburg with me made the dull drums of the Rexburg melt off from winter to spring seem like a sunny summer day with a best friend.

When they left on Friday my kids and I wandered around noticing how huge and empty our house felt. Quieter yes but more fun? Absolutely not! They really became part of our family as we paired off in buddy duos: Hyrum and his adoring affection for Hailey, Nathan and Andie barricading themselves in the toy room for hours of playtime, Justin and Jeremy bouncing and laughing the days away, Derek and Brendan letting the creative juices flow as they dreamed up and built weapons and body armor and of course Kellie and I as we shared the parenting, cooking, housekeeping and emotional responsibilities of motherhood.
WE MISS YOU!


Sledding down the hills at Smith Park

Preschool, play dough, scouts, movies and mealtime

Egg dying and hunting, playtime, hugs and hiking.

Egin lake algae holes will never be the same . . .

and hunting for snail shells just doesn't sound that exciting without you.

We'll think of you every time we make homemade pizza since it became a weekly tradition while you were here.



The boys club is only half functioning without you.

We will continue outdoor movie night and look forward to next year when you can be here for it.




Nathan and Hyrum ask to play the "Kellie game" on the trampoline so next time you're here can you please play "crack the egg" again?

Thanks for the memories! They will live on in our minds and scrapbooks until next year when we can play together again.

Until then . . . email and Skype it is. Love you all!

Dear Jillian,

I hate your stinkin' voice. You make me sweat. You are the ache in every muscle of my body.

You have left me with pain in my hips, my calves, my arms, my inner thighs, my collar bone (or maybe that was from when Hyrum hit me with a block), my buns, my ears (kinda sick of your voice), my back (probably doing abs wrong).

But . . . I am also kinda likin' ya, a little. There have been a few centimeters shred from my body and I'll take whatever I can get. I wouldn't go as far as inches yet, as you promise every time I hear your bossy voice, but that is probably my fault do to inconsistency. Still, my buns are lifting just a titch, my tummy (though still flabulous instead of fabulous) is showing minor progress and I am happy to report that my jeans fit a little better.

See you in the morning (uggghh)!

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Jared,

I thought of you while watching the Little Rascals videos. I remember when you would repeatedly quote Alfalfa's letter with all the serious dramatic love of a four year old. You totally could have been in that movie! What a fun memory!

Ben and Cami's Sealing

After a six mile morning run I met Shawn and Kellie in Pocatello to catch a ride to Twin Falls for Cami and Ben's sealing in the Twin Falls Temple. Sitting in the sealing room with them was a beautiful experience, especially when George was brought in. As I listened to the sealer I was reminded of the eternal purpose of this life and what we are striving for. I came away from it feeling rejuvenated, calm and inspired.



Thanks for sharing this beautiful moment with us, Ben and Cami!

John and Autumn's Wedding

John and Audi's wedding on the dock was very beautiful.

Even though I have four brothers in the military I have never seen them in uniform for more than a parade so seeing the Marine part of the wedding was new. It certainly added a respect and solemnity to the event, clear up until one of the sword carrying Marines swatted Audi on the seat end with his sword. Evidently, that's tradition and it did bring a giggle from the crowd. I can see that John has really made some brother-friends during his military service.




The traveling part of this trip was just as much fun as the actual event. Flying with Mike, Kate, and Kara made for side splitting laughter as we spent our wait time in the airports watching crazy You-Tube videos and swapping stories. Playing games in the hotel also had us laughing like we were little kids. The night before the wedding we crowded Mike, Kate, Kara, Kellie, Mom and I onto one bed (since there wasn't enough floor space) to battle out a game of Word on the Street. John showed up a bit later and added even more silliness. I love game time with my family! What fun we have together!

Date Night with Derek & Justin

A couple of weeks ago we went to the "Concert in the Park" to hear a good friend sing and while there we were given tickets to Ultimate Idol night on campus. Since we are fans of American Idol we thought we'd give it a go.

Derek and Justin were very excited to leave behind the dominating older teens and the attention stealing toddlers to spend an evening with mom doing something out of our ordinary routine.

Ultimate Idol is set up to run like American Idol. . . there were auditions, there was a Ryan Seacrest wannabe for the host, there were singers, there were 3 judges, there was text voting after the concert. BUT it runs a little more like a ward talent show with a cheesey announcer, high school like talent, 3 Paula judges who compliment the person and their wardrobe and go red in the face and fidgety at the slightest hint of criticism, and they don't have the stressful vote off just a happy announcement of who made it from the last week. Typical Rexburg. Not that I wanted an all out Simon-fest but it could have been a little less . . . mormony.

After a little grumbling at the set-up we agreed that it didn't matter how lame it fell in comparison with the nationwide hit reality show. What was important was to have a fun evening together! Once we set aside our misguided expectations we had fun laughing and cheering and singing along.

There were 12 singers for the night and after each set of 3 there was a competition with members of the audience. Imagine Justin's surprise when he won a t-shirt with the Ultimate Idol logo! He beamed with pride and waved it in the air after he caught the audience bound prize. Unfortunately, it is an adult XL in size so after hugging it in winner lust for the evening and trying it on "just in case it fits" he handed it over to Derek, who proudly wears it as a reminder of our fun night.

After the concert we went to Twizleberry for frozen yogurt. Darn Twizleberry has a new flavor that I just could not pass up. Dulce de Leche. Ahhhh . . . cheaters heaven! The boys enjoyed their gummy worm topped frozen yogurt compost of flavors.

By the end of the evening the boys were begging me to get tickets for the final night of Ultimate Idol. I'm not sure if they are really set on Ultimate Idol or if they just want another trip to Twizleberry or maybe they just want another night out with mom and her full attention.

Thank You Elder Holland!

It was a difficult emotional day as I helped my oldest child pack up his room and watched him move out of our home. I have listened to your words over and over again during the last 10 days to gain comfort and hope that maybe I did alright in my efforts to love and teach and lead one of God's sons. Thank you for the reminder that there are angels watching over me and my little ones. Thank you for the encouragement to enjoy and love more fully my role as mother to the five wonderful children that remain in my trust for a few years to come.

~Kimberly

Liberty 5K in Rexburg

On July 3rd I ran a race. The first race in 21 years. Actually, until February of this year I hadn't run more than an occasional pathetic jog to remind me that I'm not a runner. Well, this weekend I was a runner! My half hearted preparation paid much more than it should have and I found myself enjoying the race. It seemed to be over so quickly and I wanted it to go longer. And now I'm looking forward to the next race . . . an even longer one.

In the top picture there is just under a mile left. I ran most of it with my jacket on because it was sooooo cold! When I started, my fingers were numb and there were goosebumps on my legs. During the last mile I took my jacket off and the wind felt good as I covered that last stretch to the finish line (bottom pic).

Kara was here from Utah so she and Erika and Erika's friend Bri came to cheer me on and take pictures. The power of someone cheering for you is wonderful! Each time I heard a "go mom" from the crowd, no matter who it came from, I took it.

My friend Mary also ran this race and she was such an inspiration for me. A month ago she had surgery, did not have a very easy recovery, and there she was ready to run (and she beat her previous best time). When I started to wimp out mentally I thought of her and kept going. Great job and thanks Mary!

5K = 3.1 miles = 32.23 sec

4th of July

After running the Liberty 5K race I raced home (drove actually) to quickly shower and take the kids to the parade. Derek was carrying a flag and marching with his CedarBadge friends so I didn't want to miss it.



The kids favorite part of the parade is the chocolate milk that is handed out for everyone. It was funny to watch Max and Hyrum try to figure out how to drink out of a little triangle.



Our neighbors (the Hicks family) made cotton candy to sell during the parade and gave us some of what was left after the parade. The kids were a sticky but sugar happy mess afterward.