Christmas and the Iron Man

Christmas was a little different this year, it kind of snuck up on us. We were so distracted with Tanner's arm. After 2 weeks of pain we went back in to see what the problem was, so they took another x-ray and noticed that his bones had moved and needed additional surgery to place plates and pins. So we schedule it for the day after Christmas. He was feeling good enough to enjoy Christmas eve and open presents. We're ready Santa bring it on.






The kids made out pretty good, Kali got a bike that she desperately needed

Tanner got a guitar and Wii games that he cannot play

And Kaden got Lego Star Wars the complete saga that he hasn't put down since.

The best part of Christmas is that we got to pick up Mom and Dad and Jason at the airport Christmas night. We got home at about 11:00 but the kids wanted to open presents that night. We got to bed at 1:00 and me, Kevin and Tanner had to go to the Surgicenter at 5:30 am for Tanner's second surgery. He was a little nervous but after he got his Versed he was very happy. He woke up an hour or so latter in so much pain. It was the saddest thing ever. He spent the whole time in bed while Mom and Dad were here, but he is finally feeling a little better.



Me and Kevin took turns taking every one out to enjoy the nice weather, and test out my new favorite toy, a Cannon camera from Mom and Dad. Thank you you are the best.















The two cripples. We told them they needed to team up then they could play foosball and video games.

Kali learned to do a back flip, she is amazing

Chrismas Crafts

Years ago I made a felt family for the boys to play with. Kali decided to get them ready for Christmas.

At school Kali made a sock snowman and wanted to have craft time at home and teach the boys.

And our annual gingerbread houses, Kevin got in on the action this year.




Just a few things, to all my blogger friends that didn't receive a Christmas card I apologize. I totally underestimated how many cards I would need. Last year I had way to many left over and I didn't want to do that again. So I meant to send you one. I didn't get any new pictures any way we planned to get them the weekend that Tanner broke his arm. About Tanner he is still in so much pain, I wish I could make it better. The doctor said he is healing fine, so I don't understand why it is hurting him so bad still. He has hardly gotten out of bed for over a week now. I called the doctor yesterday and they never called back, nice huh. They will hear about it today.

Kamikaze

Nicknamed by one of his nurses my little kamikaze, Tanner, decided to break his arm. It was the saddest thing ever. He is way embarrassed about it but, I am going to tell the story anyway to maybe save some one else the pain of a major broken arm. Tanner was over at the neighbors house jumping on their trampoline. He is a crazy child and wanted to jump over the safety net. I don't recommend it. He is not sure what happened but Kali saw the whole thing poor girl. She said he landed on his head and then his arm. They both came running home screaming bloody murder. Tanner was holding his limp arm with his other hand. A vision I wish I could get out of my head. He kept saying how stupid he was and he was apologizing for doing it. I think it was the shock talking. He ended up breaking both bones in his lower arm. One of the bones broke through his skin. He was in so much pain. The doctor did not see him until about 8:00 at night and so he recommend that we do surgery in the morning. They said he would need some plates, pins or a rod. So scary. He was so brave. Kevin ended up spending the night with him because bright and early in the morning he was going to have surgery. This is him being wheeled down the surgery.

Kevin looking a little to happy about being able to help in the OR. I always wanted to see my cute hubby in his scrubs and seeing what he does everyday, I just wish it wasn't in this sort of situation. I felt so much better having him in there with him.

Kali and Kevin looking at Tanner's x-rays.

My cute little boy finally feeling relief from the pain, after they gave him some of the good stuff.

They ended up not having to put any hard wear in him. they just adjusted the bones and hopefully they will stay in place and heal. We have to go back in a week to make sure they are healing right. So for now he has this cast that he is mad about, because he didn't get to pick the color.

He gets to come home today, after two nights in the hospital. The wanted him on IV antibiotics for 24 hours because of the bone coming through the skin. Get better soon Tanner, you are one tough cookie.

S.T.A.C.

First off I apologize for my high quality picture. This is the kids newest thing. They have started a club. Super Totally Awesome Club or STAC. I thought their club was back in the trees, makes since, but when I went to see it it is in a drainage ditch. They are such silly kids. After I took this picture they were starting to think up an anthem for their club.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth

Isn't she the cutest!

Free Boot Friday

"When I say purple you say gold, PURPLE (GOLD), PURPLE (GOLD) when I say purple you say gold, PURPLE (GOLD, PURPLE (GOLD)!!!" That is the chant of the Pirates ARRRGGG. Every Friday before a home game they have what they call "free boot Friday" It is downtown Greenville, by the college. Our favorite neighbors told us about it. They have booths set up from different restaurants and sororities, and business. They give out all this free stuff. You know how much we like free stuff.


The boys were ready to go can you tell?

Katie, Chad, and Parker our favorite people in the entire state of North Carolina.
We all went out to dinner at Cubbies, a greasy little restaurant. Thanks for the fun guys.

Their daughter Payton.

2 YEARS

Well we did it!! we have made it 2 years here in good old NC. I have learned to really like it. Not enough to stay here any longer than we have to though. The kids have done really well in school and sports. Kevin has gone above and beyond in his schooling. He has 6 months left, we are so excited to have our dad and husband back. We have made some really good friends that we will miss very much when we do finally leave. I have love the mild winters and the beautiful beaches. All the trees especially now that they have all turned color. Right now our plans are undecided. Since there is no jobs in Utah for Kevin, we want to at least move into the same time zone as family. We have 3 options, that could be possibilities. Boise, Colorado Springs, and Mesa, Arizona. We my still stay here for one more year after Kevin graduates. And it all depends on if we sell this house. That is the plan but it changes daily. I know it is not much of a plan but it's the best we can do for now. This has been such an amazing experience that I think everyone should experience. We have grown so much. Physically and emotionally. I can't believe how big they have gotten.