HAPPY LEAP YEAR!

Brotherly Love

Dear Logan,

Baby powder only goes on your bum! Just because you think I stink, does not mean you can pour A LOT of it all over me. I realize that all this torture you place on me is part of the little brother initiation that Tanner did to you, but I will soon be able to fight back, so be ready.

Love, Chase

P.S. Can you please tell Mom to pay more attention to what goes on when she leaves me alone with you? Thank you!

New Recipe

I've been trying to try a new recipe each week to change things up a bit, much to Jake's dismay--he has his 8 meals that he likes and doesn't like me to venture away from those. Anyway, I tried an easy one this week and received 4 thumbs up from all of my boys (very rare)!


Here it is in case you are interested:

CHILI IN TORTILLA BOWLS

Prep Time: 10 min. Cook Time: 25 min.

serves 6

1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey or ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 tbl chili powder

1 can (19 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

1 jar (1 lb. 10 oz) Ragu Chunky Pasta Sauce

6 burrito-size whole wheat tortillas

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, brown turkey/beef over medium-high heat until brown. Drain. Add onion, red pepper and chili powder and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in beans, corn and pasta sauce.

Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, using one tortilla at a time, press into a microwave safe bowl to form bowl shape. Microwave at high 1 1/2 minutes. Let cool 1 minute. Gently lift out and arrange on serving plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Spoon chili into tortilla bowls and sprinkle with cheese and top with sour cream (optional)

ENJOY!

A celebrity sighting...at the YMCA?

So a couple of weeks ago during one of Tanner's Basketball games (at the YMCA), Chase started to get fussy, so I stood up with him at the end of the court. I noticed a women sitting quietly in the corner wearing a black beanie, black leather gloves, sunglasses and a long black over-coat...and it was 75 degrees outside! After the games, everyone meets on the roof for their snacks. I saw that same women helping pass out snacks and when she laughed, I recognized her right away. It was Diane Keaton! We've seen her at two other games since then and she's been real friendly to my boys. I snapped a quick picture right before she drove away in her black Nissan Armada last week!

LOGAN'S NEW BLOG!!

With so much going on with Logan all the time I sometimes feel like this blog should be called "Logan's Blog." So I started a blog about his journey into the hearing world. I will keep this one to document our family life and just add on a second. A lot of you have been such a support and always so interested in Logan's story, so for any new updates, check out this blog:

Do You Hear That?
http://www.logansnewworld.blogspot.com/

So, I needed an extra day to come to a decision. Jake has always felt good about doing a second implant, but I wanted to be sure for myself before we went ahead with the surgery. So many things have been going through my head. Right now when you look at Logan you see "Logan", I was afraid that with two implants you'd look at him and see the implants instead of him. I didn't want to take that away from him, but I would hate myself if I didn't give him the chance to be his best self. I also didn't want him to have to sit in the front of the class room just to do well in school. I wanted him to have the chance to be as "normal" as possible. I actually told a friend of mine that I felt like a bad mother because I couldn't come to a decision on something that should be so obvious.
Thursday night Jake and I knelt down and asked for a feeling of peace with going through with the second surgery. Friday morning was "Sibling Day" at Logan's school so Tanner was able to miss school and come with us. Jake also had his patient cancel, so he came along too. Tanner attended a class for siblings of deaf children. They taught them a lot about the disability and things to do to help their brothers/sisters learn to speak. After the class, Tanner asked me if Logan had two implants would it help him talk better and if so, he really wanted him to have two. . .and that's when the peace came. I knew then that the right decision was to have the surgery done. We are going to try to rush the process, so hopefully we can get a surgery date soon. I’m still a little nervous, the last surgery is still too fresh on my mind, but he’s such a brave little boy, I have no doubt he’ll do great.

Another surgery???

This question has been eating at me for the past 3 months. Do we get another implant for Logan in his left ear? The question seems obvious, since he's deaf in both ears, wouldn't you have implants in both ears? I wish the answer was that simple. There are pros and cons to both situations. The research out there on a child with one implant verses a child with two really isn't that different. It seems that the main advantage he would have would be localization, being able to distinguish where sounds are coming from. I have been losing A LOT of sleep over this (hence the 1:00 am post) and can't seem to know what is best. We have seen more progress than we ever expected in this short amount of time with just the one implant, so part of me wonders if he needs two. I asked Logan tonight if he wanted another "ear" on his other ear. His face lit up and he shook his head. If only he fully comprehended all that that would entail...or maybe he does. The ideal situation would be to see how he's progressing in 5 years and decide then, but that isn't practical. If we are going to do it, we'd like to do it before we move in June. I really want to make the right decision for him. Part of me remembers his surgery day and the horror of it all. I can't bear to see him go through that again, although I realize that is a small price to pay for the reward in the end. Jake and I have decided to make a decision by Thursday night and take that decision to the Lord.

Happy B-Day to my little sis, Taeya!

One year older and wiser too,

Happy Birthday, to you!

Logan's 3 year old pictures (finally)

Chase's 1 year old pictures

If I post Logan's pics, I better post Chase's!

Happy Love day!

Valentine's Day celebration dates back to the ancient times when the 'Feast of Lupercal' was celebrated in the honour of the Roman God of Fertility. This day falls on the 15th of February every year. According to a time worn custom, on the eve of Lupercalia (14th of Feb) a ritual of 'name drawing' was followed, during which a young man drew the name of a girl from the lot, who was to be his sweetheart for the whole year. Romance, has, of course always made the world go round but we must say that these Romans knew how to make it official. Since then, this day (14th of Feb) has been considered as the day of Cupid, the mischievous son of Venus -the Roman Goddess of Love. Lovers through the ages have taken this day as their own - a day to celebrate the finest human emotion. The reason for celebration is ageless, but it was much later that a great lover gave the day his name.

The eternal lover that gave us the famous word 'Valentine' and originated the tradition of writing love letters on this day, is believed to be Bishop Valentine.

The ever so popular Bag-Tag

So, I was tagged by Taeya to (without cleaning it out first) empty my purse/baby bag (which was a gift from Jake's Mom...I love it so much, thanks, Mom) and reveal it's contents...this could be scary!

1. Diaper

2. SpiderMan underwear (in case of an accident :) )

3. SpiderMan wallet

4. bottled water

5. orange Gatorade

6. hand sanitizer

7. baggie of pretzel sticks

8. birthday hat

9. strawberry applesauce and spoon

10. first aid kit

11. Coclear Implant trouble shooting booklet

12. SpiderMan pez dispenser (can you tell we like Spidey?)

13. My wallet

14. 6 toy cars

15. Clorox sanitizing spray

16. deodorant

17. puzzle piece

18. baby magazine

19. 3 pens

20. packing tape

21. Logan's Implant

22. crayons

23. lipgloss

24. craft tool

25. 2 packs of gum, tic tacs, breathmints (I have a fear of having bad breath)

26. my cell phone

27. my palm pilot

28. raisins

29. baby socks

30. pack of tissues

31. Cars tin box that holds my camera

Chase is finally walking!

Again, this is mainly for the grandparents, but it's kind of fun to watch. (make sure you turn the music off, down below in the grey music box, before viewing)

Click picture to watch...


My Montage 2/12/08

Yellow "Boogies"

So...throughout the potty training process (which we have completed, YEA!!!) Logan would recieve 1 mini M&M for going #1 and 2 M&Ms for going #2 (TMI, sorry). He thought it would be funny to stick a yellow one up his little nose and the more he laughed about it, the further the M&M creeped up his nose. I woke Jake up in a panic and after 10 minutes of trying to retrieve the candy. We finally decided to try to teach him to blow it out, although we were sure he wouldn't understand. Well, we were wrong, if only I had tried that in the first place. The candy popped right out, although the yellow candy coating had all melted off in his nose. Let's just say we had yellow "boogies" the entire day.

CLICK ON PICTURE TO VIEW VIDEO...


Candy in the nose...

Jyl's Tag (sorry it's so late)

10 years ago I was... A freshman at Utah State University

5 things on my 'to do' list today:
1. make dentist appts. for Tanner & Logan
2. get Logan's three year pictures done
3. mail my valentine treats to family
4. get moving quotes for our big move to Florida
5. make a Costco trip

Things I would do if I became a billionaire:
1. donate to Charity, cheesy, but true
2. start up Oral Deaf Education Centers in any state that doesn't already have one
3. Go on vacation with all my loved ones

3 of my bad habits:
1. make up in the car (only at stop lights, though!)
2. being obsessed with cleaning my kids ears (the audiologist told me that was bad)
3. going to bed too late

4 Places I've lived:
1. Las Vegas, NV
2. Logan, UT
3. Provo, UT
4. Los Angeles, CA

5 jobs I've had:
1. Photographer at Kiddie Kandids
2. Dance Instructor
3. Dental Assistant
4. Substitute teacher
5. MOM!

Things most people don't know about me:
I competed in the Miss Nevada Pageant the summer before my Senior Year of high School

I tag...Taeya, Nikki and Holly

Free short stack of pancakes!

Tuesday the 12th is National Pancake Day, so IHOP gives away free pancakes! The kids and I go every year, they love it! They do ask that you consider giving a donation to the Children's Miracle Network, so go tomorrow and help charity!

Fun new blogs to check out...

http://www.sdboyack.blogspot.com/ (my mom!!)

http://www.bloggerbuffet.blogspot.com/ (GREAT, easy recipes for busy moms)

http://www.funkyfreshmama.blogspot.com/ (fun, creative stuff)

Tanner's New Year's Resolution

Tanner: Mom, I wish I was Chinese.

Mom: Why do you wish you were Chinese?

Tanner: Well, because they have two new years. They get to have the America New Year and they have the Chinese New Year, and the years are always a different animal. This new years is about a rat. Plus, they have black hair and I like black hair.

Mom: Well, I like your brown hair. It goes good with your eyes.

Tanner: Plus, their writing is a lot of shapes, instead of letters. I think that's cool.

Mom: Well...

Tanner: Oh, and one more thing I like Chinese food. It is better than america food.

Mom: What "america" food is not as good?

Tanner: Well, like tacos, pizza and jello. I mean, I like those foods, but Chinese food is kinda better. Mom, I'm going to have another new years "rez-lution".

Mom: What is that?

Tanner: To be more Chinese

Mom: (chuckle, chuckle)

Sad, Sad Day...

loved this, check it out!

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

16th President of the Church, Thomas S. Monson

“‘Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men.’ President Hinckley was such a giant – a giant of knowledge, of faith, of testimony, of compassion, of vision.”

-President Monson during President Hinckley's funeral services

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!

Alright everyone...do a little homework, know the issues and be sure to get out and vote on Super Tuesday!

I found this on the internet tonight as I was searching through some more memories of President Hinckley. It is a statement from President Bush regarding the prophet's death.

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our friend, Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving for over seven decades in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon demonstrated the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. He was a tireless worker and a talented communicator who was respected in his community and beloved by his congregation. As President of his church, he traveled to more than 60 countries to spread a message of love and optimism to the millions of people around the world who shared his faith. A Mayflower descendent and the grandson of Mormon pioneers, Gordon was a deeply patriotic man. His leadership and service strengthened the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University, the Boy Scouts of America, and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. In 2004, I was honored to present him with the Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civil award, in recognition of his lifelong public service. Laura and I will miss Gordon's friendship and wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with his five children and the rest of the Hinckley family."

I also found this interesting...

Barack Obama was scheduled to visit Salt Lake City this coming Saturday, but the presidential hopeful has canceled his visit to Utah out of respect for President Gordon B. Hinckley whose funeral services will be held on Saturday morning. Obama spoke with President Thomas S. Monson on the telephone to express his condolences.

“Last night I spoke with President Thomas Monson and expressed my deepest sympathies to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” said Senator Obama.

Barack Obama is the only Democratic presidential candidate who has publicly expressed an interest in forming a strategy to reach out to and mobilize Latter-day Saints, especially in the Western United States. Senator Obama's new Western tour will include a quick campaign stop in Phoenix, then he will travel directly to Boise, skipping over Salt Lake City.

Happy Birthday Uncle Ty!

My younger brother, Tyler, turned 9 today! We are so proud of him and thankful that he is such a great Uncle. Tanner simply adores him! We wish we were there to celebrate with you...We love you!

"The Beauty of Holland"

I was given this today in the parent class of Logan's school. I loved it and had to share...



"I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability-- to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...


"When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous trip--to Italy! You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelango David. The gondolas in Venice. You even learn some handy phrases in italian. It's all very exciting.


"After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The flight attendant comes in and says, 'Welcome to Holland.' 'Holland?!?', you say. 'What do you mean Holland? I signed up for Italy. I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy.'


"But there has been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.


"So you must go out and buy new guide books and learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you never would have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills. Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.


"But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they're all talking about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, 'Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned.'


"But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't go to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland"


--Emily Perl Kingsley

Tanner's first game as a Bruin!

This is mainly for the grandparents, but feel free to enjoy if you wish. Turn off the music (down on the gray music player) and click on the picture to watch. --Tanner is #5 on the white team.


My Montage 1/26/08