As so many of you know Primary Children's Medical Center holds a very special place in our hearts. The work that they do there is that of angels. I know that our Heavenly Fathers angels walk those hallways, and sit at the bedside of so many. You can feel their presence as soon as you walk through the doors.
So many times we have been blessed by the generosity of others during our many days spent there. There are always blankets, stuffed animals, stickers. etc. being handed out. All of the things that kids love. I cannot explain the joy that I have felt so many times as I have watched these generous gifts be handed out to the children. The smiles on their faces, the giggles and their expressions of gratitude have left tears streaming down my face.
Now is the time for me to pay a very small portion of that back. Though I do this through the hands of my cousin Angi, I feel like this is a very important service project to do.
My cousin Angi and her family have also been blessed through the work of those at PCMC. Just over 5 years ago, a little boy was born in the back of a van, in the middle of the desert down by St. George. To make it all worse, he was 12 weeks premature. That little spirit knew he had an important mission here, because he fought, and made it to PCMC. He endured multiple surgeries, and months in the hospital. Not only did he do that, but he did it without the support of his birth mother or father. The staff at PCMC took care of that baby until LDS social services called my cousin to be his mother. Ang and Kyle lovingly accepted him into their home and family. Now 5 years later, he is a happy, healthy and spunky little boy.
I tell this story, because along with this, and our story over the last year, their are also thousands of others just like these. There are so many beautiful little children at that hospital who are enduring horrific trials everyday. They go through painful tests, surgeries and therapy. They miss out on holidays, birthdays, family parties and just being able to be kids.
Angi is a teacher at Hunter High. Her and her class are doing a service project of putting together Easter Baskets to deliver to the children at PCMC. Obviously our schools are very under-funded, and so she is asking for donations of things to put in the baskets. Last year they did 175 baskets. This year they are hoping to do 250! Here is a list of the things that they are looking for:
$ $ Donations
Plastic Eggs
Bubbles
Peeps
Coloring or Fun Books and crayons
Individually Wrapped Easter Candy
Card Games for Teenagers
Books or Magazines
Yo-yo’s or other fun toys
Small stuffed animals for infants and toddlers
36“ or wider Clear Cellophane Wrap
Pastel Ribbon
We all know the joy that our children have Easter morning as they search for eggs, and find their prizes. This is a way to bring that joy to other children who are not home to experience it.
Thank you to all of you who are able or willing to participate. They are able to take donations until April 1st. If you are interested in participating, please call or email me. I will be accepting the donations and will deliver them to her. Thank you for taking the time to read this extremely long post!
millehood@yahoo.com or 801-298-1131
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
I don't care
That's right, I don't care who you are, or what you say.... Sam is the best big brother there is. That child has a heart of gold. And he's dang cute on top of that!
The other day I needed to make Sam lunch before school, and Alex needed fed, you know, same story that every other mother tells. Sam had made himself a "bed" on the couch with all of his bedding and was reading books. I asked him if he could watch Alex while I made their lunches. He, as always, said "sure mom", so I set him by Sam, and Sam starts telling him....
"Alex look, these are science books, this one is about penguins" and he begins telling him everything in the book. Well, you would've thought that Alex understood every word Sam was telling him. He sat there silently and kept looking up at Sam and then back at the book. Sam adores Alex, and Alex is quite fond of Sam as well.
So, I don't care what you say, you'll never convince me that there is a better brother than my Sam! :)
Oh, and I don't consider myself to be bias either!
The other day I needed to make Sam lunch before school, and Alex needed fed, you know, same story that every other mother tells. Sam had made himself a "bed" on the couch with all of his bedding and was reading books. I asked him if he could watch Alex while I made their lunches. He, as always, said "sure mom", so I set him by Sam, and Sam starts telling him....
"Alex look, these are science books, this one is about penguins" and he begins telling him everything in the book. Well, you would've thought that Alex understood every word Sam was telling him. He sat there silently and kept looking up at Sam and then back at the book. Sam adores Alex, and Alex is quite fond of Sam as well.
So, I don't care what you say, you'll never convince me that there is a better brother than my Sam! :)
Oh, and I don't consider myself to be bias either!
Why.....
Why do I have a double jogging stroller?
1. So that when I am in need of some real exercise while my kids are awake, it can happen.
2. So that if we head out for a walk and Sam gets tired, I don't have to carry him on my back while pushing Alex in the stroller.
3. Because it provides me with the opportunity to actually get out of the house with 2 children, and walk at a normal pace.
And don't they look cute in it?
Oh, and I forgot one more reason.....
4. So that when I've walked too far, and it's still a long walk back home........ my poor puppy has someplace to ride as well!
Enjoy it now Lucy...when you hit 110 lbs, you won't fit quite as well!
1. So that when I am in need of some real exercise while my kids are awake, it can happen.
2. So that if we head out for a walk and Sam gets tired, I don't have to carry him on my back while pushing Alex in the stroller.
3. Because it provides me with the opportunity to actually get out of the house with 2 children, and walk at a normal pace.
And don't they look cute in it?
Oh, and I forgot one more reason.....
4. So that when I've walked too far, and it's still a long walk back home........ my poor puppy has someplace to ride as well!
Enjoy it now Lucy...when you hit 110 lbs, you won't fit quite as well!
Friday, February 20, 2009
SO FRUSTRATED...
This is Alex's new "trick". All you have to say is "are you so frustrated", and this is the reaction you get. Sam thinks it's hillarious, so he asks him that all day long just to see him do it. Look at all of those teeth!
Why did we buy a puppy?
Who needs a puppy around to chew everything when we've got Alex...
.........enough said.
.........enough said.
Pirate Sam
Thursday is show and tell day at Sam's school. Each week they have different themes/letters, etc. that they do. This week was Pirate week. They've been talking about pirates all week, and instead of a show and tell, they got to dress up like a pirate for the day.
Thanks to Aunt Michelle, Sam had a great costume to wear for the day. He was SO excited to get dressed up, that he had the costume on before 8 am, and didn't take it off until 7 pm when he went to bed.
All of you that know Sam, know that he is Mr. Conservative (I don't know where he gets it from). I knew that I wouldn't be able to talk him into drawing a mustache and beard on, so I thought I would surprise him. I took him into the bathroom, and started to draw before he could stop me. Well, then followed the tears. He thought he looked "goofy" with it drawn on. Being the mean mom that I am, I of course, was laughing, and had to take pictures.
He kept closing his eyes like "If I can't see it, it's not there"! And I just kept taking pictures!
The mustache did look better than this at first, but after all of the tears, and nose blowing, it looked a little worn.
Well, after much talking that pirates are hairy, stinky, dirty, yada, yada, yada... we talked him into a beard and HE LOVED IT!!
As you can see, he was a handsome little pirate, and had a great day at school. He found the treasure box for the class on their treasure hunt. I was lucky enough to be the recipient of the lovely "gold" beads that were in the box because "mom, boy pirates don't wear jewelry. Sam, you always put a smile on our faces. We love you Sammy!
Thanks to Aunt Michelle, Sam had a great costume to wear for the day. He was SO excited to get dressed up, that he had the costume on before 8 am, and didn't take it off until 7 pm when he went to bed.
All of you that know Sam, know that he is Mr. Conservative (I don't know where he gets it from). I knew that I wouldn't be able to talk him into drawing a mustache and beard on, so I thought I would surprise him. I took him into the bathroom, and started to draw before he could stop me. Well, then followed the tears. He thought he looked "goofy" with it drawn on. Being the mean mom that I am, I of course, was laughing, and had to take pictures.
He kept closing his eyes like "If I can't see it, it's not there"! And I just kept taking pictures!
The mustache did look better than this at first, but after all of the tears, and nose blowing, it looked a little worn.
Well, after much talking that pirates are hairy, stinky, dirty, yada, yada, yada... we talked him into a beard and HE LOVED IT!!
As you can see, he was a handsome little pirate, and had a great day at school. He found the treasure box for the class on their treasure hunt. I was lucky enough to be the recipient of the lovely "gold" beads that were in the box because "mom, boy pirates don't wear jewelry. Sam, you always put a smile on our faces. We love you Sammy!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Brillo Pad
Alex has this new habit of sleeping sideways in his crib. He is way too long to do that, but he thinks it's comfy I guess. Who am I to wake a sleeping baby.... especially "Mr. I'm not interested in naps"!
He has a long patch of hair right on top of his head. So since his head is squished up against the bumper pad, he tends to wake up with a Brillo Pad on his head. We think it's cute as heck, and yes, it still drives Sam crazy!
He has a long patch of hair right on top of his head. So since his head is squished up against the bumper pad, he tends to wake up with a Brillo Pad on his head. We think it's cute as heck, and yes, it still drives Sam crazy!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
9 Months Old!
Can you believe it? Where have the last 9 months gone? Here are a few pics from the other day. Alex still isn't crawling, but when you put him on his hands and knees, he lunges forward. It's not graceful AT ALL, but it's a step in the right direction I guess. Tooth #8 is just about through, and a couple of other spots look red, but nothing yet. He has had a little cold this last week, but I think he is on the mend. Last week when he went for his RSV shot, he weighed in at 19 lbs 15 oz and 30.5 in long. Look at those cute little fat hands and cheeks!
Sam loves to play with Alex. He, of course, loves to be in every picture with him too! Here are a couple of them together having fun.
You don't even have to say it....I know how stinkin' cute my boys are! Ok, you can say it!
Sam loves to play with Alex. He, of course, loves to be in every picture with him too! Here are a couple of them together having fun.
You don't even have to say it....I know how stinkin' cute my boys are! Ok, you can say it!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week....
As many of you would guess, this subject is very near and dear to us. We hope that you can take the time to watch this video. It is informative, and may teach you something that you didn't know about CHD's. Alex is not pictured in the video. He has come a LONG way in the last 9 months. We have been blessed beyond measure! Our hearts ache for those who have not been as fortunate as us.
What can you do to help? Donating blood, becoming an organ donor, and raising awareness of how common CHD's are. We hope that as more and more people become aware, that research will begin to pick up and provide an even brighter future for our sweet little children.
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Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Catching up.
I have not done much for updates lately. Obviously there has been a lot going on here, and it hasn't left me much time to do this.
Sam is still loving school. He is ready for kindergarten because he wants to go to school everyday. He is reading easy reader books and works really hard at trying to figure words out. He does get really frustrated sometimes though, so we leave it alone for a few days. He is adjusting to Miss Lucy (by the way, that's what we named the dog), and loves to play tug of war with her and wrap her up in a blanket and watch her squirm her way out. I have to include a couple more funny "Sam-isms" for you to enjoy.
We were listening to Johnny Cash, a regular occurance around here, and here are the words and responses.
Song: "Jackson"
Johnny: "All them women gonna make me, teach 'em what they don't know how...."
Sam: Mom, maybe he'll teach them how to play Mouse Trap.
Mom: Yep, that's probably right Sam.
Song: "Sunday Morning"
Johnny: "Well, I woke up Sunday mornin', with no way to hold my head, that didn't hurt."
Sam: "Guess he must have slept wrong or somethin' mom."
Mom: "Yeah, I guess he must have."
Another funny one from several months ago, but still makes us crack up (sorry Hamma!). Hamma (Rosemary) is Gary's mom and is widowed. She was going to see a play one night at Roger's Memorial Theater.
Hamma: " I am going to Roger's tonight."
Gary: "Oooo Hamma, is that your boyfriend?"
Sam: "Sheeesh, I didn't know old ladies could have boyfriends!"
He is such a crack up. He says the funniest things that always keep us laughing. We love you Sammy!
Alex is doing really well also. He is still a pill, but improving now that his 8 teeth have poked through. He still chews like crazy and has had a couple of grumpy spells the last few days, so who knows. We figure he's probably getting his 1 yr molars or something the way he's going!
He saw the cardiologist on Jan 26th and got a big thumbs up from him! He weighed in at 19 lbs 13 oz, but I can't remember how long he was. He goes in for his RSV shot on Friday, so he will be measured and weighed again and then I can post. His chest x-ray looked really good, and he is being weaned off of one of his meds. His sats are right where they should be for him. He was at 86% for his appt. I checked him the other day at home and he was at 90-93%! Way to go Alex! We don't have to go back to see his cardiologist until June!
Also a little update on his RSV shots. In December when he received his first one, we were given an incorrect $ amount for the shot, which doesn't matter, we will pay for them no matter what! We originally thought it would be about $900 per shot. Well, when we received the EOB, we saw the first figure was off just a hair....total cost for the shot...$3,452.83! WOW! The out of pocket cost monthly for us is $942.00, once again, thank heavens for a $2000 out of pocket max! So worth every penny spent! I hate to even say it, but he has been blessed with such great health so far this winter season! Sam is really good about keeping his hands clean, and be very aware of sweet little Alex. Alex could not have asked for a better, sweeter, loving brother than Sam. They adore each other, and I love to see them interact with each other.
Alex has no interest in crawling, but loves to sit, stand by the furniture and jump in his Johnny Jump-up. He thinks he's big enough to let go when standing, but quickly learns that doesn't work.
Way to go Alex! Thanks for bringing more happiness into our home! We love you!
Well, the decision has been made.........Meet Lucy.
I know the picture is a little bleached out, but I still thought it was cute. She is a really good puppy (thank goodness). As far as puppies go, she is very docile. I know she is still young and that will change, but as for now, she's great. She loves to be right at your feet. Potty training is going well. She is now heading towards the door when she needs to go. We are still working on keeping her going in the same spot in the yard, but we know she'll get there! She loves to play tug of war, especially with her blanket. She tries her hardest to stay on the carpet while playing, because otherwise she is sliding everywhere. She will sit at the carpet edge and try not to give in, but she usually does!
Pathetic that I am posting more pictures of Lucy than the boys... oh well!
We are doing really well. I am SO ready for spring so that we can venture out more. I look at Alex everyday, and how well he is doing, and that makes it worth staying home away from the sickies! Thank you to each of you for going along with the private blog, and for being willing to do that extra step to keep up on our family! Just a few more months until we will be back among the living, and actually get to see all of you who mean so much to us! Have a great day!
Sam is still loving school. He is ready for kindergarten because he wants to go to school everyday. He is reading easy reader books and works really hard at trying to figure words out. He does get really frustrated sometimes though, so we leave it alone for a few days. He is adjusting to Miss Lucy (by the way, that's what we named the dog), and loves to play tug of war with her and wrap her up in a blanket and watch her squirm her way out. I have to include a couple more funny "Sam-isms" for you to enjoy.
We were listening to Johnny Cash, a regular occurance around here, and here are the words and responses.
Song: "Jackson"
Johnny: "All them women gonna make me, teach 'em what they don't know how...."
Sam: Mom, maybe he'll teach them how to play Mouse Trap.
Mom: Yep, that's probably right Sam.
Song: "Sunday Morning"
Johnny: "Well, I woke up Sunday mornin', with no way to hold my head, that didn't hurt."
Sam: "Guess he must have slept wrong or somethin' mom."
Mom: "Yeah, I guess he must have."
Another funny one from several months ago, but still makes us crack up (sorry Hamma!). Hamma (Rosemary) is Gary's mom and is widowed. She was going to see a play one night at Roger's Memorial Theater.
Hamma: " I am going to Roger's tonight."
Gary: "Oooo Hamma, is that your boyfriend?"
Sam: "Sheeesh, I didn't know old ladies could have boyfriends!"
He is such a crack up. He says the funniest things that always keep us laughing. We love you Sammy!
Alex is doing really well also. He is still a pill, but improving now that his 8 teeth have poked through. He still chews like crazy and has had a couple of grumpy spells the last few days, so who knows. We figure he's probably getting his 1 yr molars or something the way he's going!
He saw the cardiologist on Jan 26th and got a big thumbs up from him! He weighed in at 19 lbs 13 oz, but I can't remember how long he was. He goes in for his RSV shot on Friday, so he will be measured and weighed again and then I can post. His chest x-ray looked really good, and he is being weaned off of one of his meds. His sats are right where they should be for him. He was at 86% for his appt. I checked him the other day at home and he was at 90-93%! Way to go Alex! We don't have to go back to see his cardiologist until June!
Also a little update on his RSV shots. In December when he received his first one, we were given an incorrect $ amount for the shot, which doesn't matter, we will pay for them no matter what! We originally thought it would be about $900 per shot. Well, when we received the EOB, we saw the first figure was off just a hair....total cost for the shot...$3,452.83! WOW! The out of pocket cost monthly for us is $942.00, once again, thank heavens for a $2000 out of pocket max! So worth every penny spent! I hate to even say it, but he has been blessed with such great health so far this winter season! Sam is really good about keeping his hands clean, and be very aware of sweet little Alex. Alex could not have asked for a better, sweeter, loving brother than Sam. They adore each other, and I love to see them interact with each other.
Alex has no interest in crawling, but loves to sit, stand by the furniture and jump in his Johnny Jump-up. He thinks he's big enough to let go when standing, but quickly learns that doesn't work.
Way to go Alex! Thanks for bringing more happiness into our home! We love you!
Well, the decision has been made.........Meet Lucy.
I know the picture is a little bleached out, but I still thought it was cute. She is a really good puppy (thank goodness). As far as puppies go, she is very docile. I know she is still young and that will change, but as for now, she's great. She loves to be right at your feet. Potty training is going well. She is now heading towards the door when she needs to go. We are still working on keeping her going in the same spot in the yard, but we know she'll get there! She loves to play tug of war, especially with her blanket. She tries her hardest to stay on the carpet while playing, because otherwise she is sliding everywhere. She will sit at the carpet edge and try not to give in, but she usually does!
Pathetic that I am posting more pictures of Lucy than the boys... oh well!
We are doing really well. I am SO ready for spring so that we can venture out more. I look at Alex everyday, and how well he is doing, and that makes it worth staying home away from the sickies! Thank you to each of you for going along with the private blog, and for being willing to do that extra step to keep up on our family! Just a few more months until we will be back among the living, and actually get to see all of you who mean so much to us! Have a great day!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Cute puppy!
Here are a couple more random pictures. Yes, we are surviving the second baby in the house!
She loves to curl up under your feet. She gets here with Alex and it drives him crazy!
Nothing like the warm sun on a winter's day!
She loves to curl up under your feet. She gets here with Alex and it drives him crazy!
Nothing like the warm sun on a winter's day!
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