Good As New

If you had asked either Wally or I a couple of weeks ago which child we thought would be the first one to go to the ER we both would have responded "Chloe!!!" And this is why. Chloe likes to jump, climb, spin, hang, etc. One day she said "Mom, do you wanna see this?" She climbed on the ottoman crossed her arms over her chest and just fell from the ottomon to the couch about a foot and a half away. I told her "Chloe, I don't ever want to see you do that again." She promptly responded, "Mom, close your eyes." But back to the ER question, we would have guessed it would be Chloe, but we would have been wrong. It was Kelsie.

On the last Monday night before school started, we took our family to the pool for FHE. Our friends, the Ritchies, had the same idea and our kids were thrilled to have their friends to splash with in the pool. We were all just visiting when Kelsie and Brynley got our attention and told us to watch them. They were doing back flips in the pool off a little ledge. My mom instincts screamed "DANGER!" but I ignored them since the girls had been doing flips all night. As soon as Kelsie pushed off the ledge, I could tell that she didn't extend back far enough. She hit her head on the wall on her way up. When she came up out of the water I was trying to be calm. I looked at her and said "Kelsie?" She was holding her forehead and crying as she came over to me. As soon as she moved her hand, large amounts of blood began rushing from her head. I went into panic mode and screamed for her to get out of the pool. I ran (at the pool! Dangerous, I know!) and grabbed a towel and had her hold it on her head. At this point she was screaming, probably from a mixture of pain and the horrified expression on my face. When the screaming subsided into just crying, I had her move the towel so I could see the damage. It was not good. There was a deep cut in her forehead and still lots of blood. I started screaming to Wally something about getting the kids out of the pool and having to go to the ER. Thank goodness the Ritchies were there. They offered to take Jack and Chloe to their house while we took care of Kelsie. So we took off to the nearest Urgent Care. Now, if I had been calm under pressure and had really thought about it, I would have grabbed my towel and maybe dried off a little bit. But I wasn't calm and I didn't. And I regretted it the whole time I stood dripping wet in my swimsuit in the ER.

When we got to the ER, Kelsie started crying again. She was still in pain, but was now worried about the possibility of needing stitches. The nurse called us back and looked at her cut. He told her that she had a 50/50 chance of getting stitches. Kelsie was relieved at the thought that she might not need stitches and started to relax a bit. What he didn't tell her was that it was a 50% chance of stitches and a 50% chance of having staples! Good thing he left that out because she was pretty freaked out. The doctor came in a little while later and told her that fortunately for her, the cut was right in her hairline and he could just staple her back together. To me, staples sounded way worse than stitches, but I wasn't about to admit that to Kelsie. They cleaned her cut, numbed it, and then the doctor stapled her head back together. I have to admit that it was pretty gross, but for some reason I couldn't look away. The good thing was NO SHOTS! In the end, the cut was a little less than an inch long. It required three staples and a week to heal, but now she is good as new! She was extremely brave and we feel extremely lucky to have her.

Be Careful What You Ask For

We're getting ready to head out on our annual trek westward. Last week as we sat around the table talking about our trip and what we need to do before we leave, I made one simple request. I asked my children that if they were going to get the flu, run a fever, catch a virus, or contract a childhood disease, now is the time to do it. (Last year when we went to Utah, Jackson came down with Fifths Disease. Then Chloe spent a week with the cha-cha-cha's. The year before Jackson ran a fever for five days. Oh yeah, and every year Jackson gets car sick in Spanish Fork canyon and...well, you know.) Now, I can't get my children to flush the toilet, but they were obedient to my request and promptly broke out in Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease. Chloe started it all last week and just as she was getting better, Jackson took a turn. Fun for all!

We feel like we've been quarantined to our house. We can't go play outside (too hot!) and so we watch a LOT of t.v., play the Wii, and drive each other crazy. But, if this means we can spend all of our vacation...well, vacationing, then bring it on! Fair warning--next week I need to do some shopping. If you see us in Target, run the other way!

You Might Be a Texan If...

...you use a pistol to kill flies instead of a fly swatter. Oh, we love our little native Texan!

The Chloe Time Zone

We may live in the Central Time Zone, but all our watches are set to Chloe Standard Time. Last week (during Kelsie's wonderful FHE lesson), Chloe climbed onto my lap and whispered, "Mom, what does your watch say?" I glanced at the time and replied "10 minutes to 8:00." She grabbed my wrist, looked at my watch, and said "No. It says GET ME SOME CHOCOLATE MILK!"

The next day she ran up to Wally after he got home from work and asked him, "Daddy, what does your watch say?" He told her "It says it's time for Chloe to give me a big hug and a kiss." (Which she did.) She then added "Mom's watch always says it's time to go to bed."

Happy Birthday, Papa Miyasaki!

The Best Kind of Popular

Fourth grade has brought about some growing pains for Kelsie. While it has been fun and exciting, it has also had a few challenges. This year, Kelsie has had changes in friends and has had to decide what is really important in her young life. We've had many conversations about what it means to be popular versus what it means to be nice. Last week as we were driving home from volleyball practice, Kelsie was telling me about something that had happened at recess. An unkind statement was made to her and as I expressed my shock and sympathy she said, "It's okay, mom. I'm nice to everybody and when we have to get into groups in class, everybody wants to be my partner because I'm their friend. That's the best kind of popular." I'm so impressed with her maturity and the wisdom that far exceeds her age.

Jacksonisms

In honor of Jackson's 7th birthday, here are some of our favorite Jacksonisms:

• "If you see a white truck with a hooker (Jacksonism for "trailer hitch") say, 'white truck with a hooker'." He was really into trucks and wanted us to point them out to him! Gotta admit, that one's probably my favorite! (3 yrs. old)


• "So, mom's Japanese and Chinese and dad's just regular." (5 yrs.)


• "Braden can't play because he has refuse coming over." "What?" I asked. Jackson explained, "you know, grandmas and grandpas and cousins." "Oh, I think you mean relatives," I said. And then I added, "Jackson, do you know what refuse is? It's garbage." He laughed and laughed and laughed as he kept saying "Braden has garbage coming over!" (Last month)


• "So, when do we take the shower?" (Following a baby shower that Wally's co-workers generously threw us before Chloe was born. Poor kid, nobody explained what a baby shower really was.) 4 yrs. old


• "Mom, you just wrinkled my heart." (After a lecture I gave him about being a good friend and sharing. I try my best not to wrinkle his heart any more.) 5 yrs. old


• "When are we going halloweenering?" (Jacksonism for "trick-or-treating") 3 yrs. old


• When I was very pregnant with Chloe, I bent down to pick something up and Jackson whispered to me, "Mom, I can see your buffers." Now, in my non-pregnant or nursing state I am very flat-chested, so to be able to see any type of cleavage was a new and unusual thing. I must also explain that at 4 years old, Jackson was totally into Thomas the Train. On the front of each Thomas and Friends engine, there are two circles--yep, you guessed it, buffers--that prevent the trains from bumping into each other.


• "Call me Jack-A-Roo-Pumpkin-Pie." 2 yrs. old. Grandma Miyasaki always called him "pumpkin" and Aunt Nellie called him "Jack-A-Roo." One day I was calling for him and he promptly explained that his name was not Jackson. From that day forth he wanted to be called "Jack-A-Roo-Pumpkin-Pie" or "Jack-A-Roo-Pumpkin-Pie, kissed the girls and made them cry" for short.

Oh, Jackson, we love you! You are so very sweet and your easy-going nature really balances out your sisters! At the first PT conference with Jackson's teacher she told me that Jackson is "an old soul" in a little body. And he is. Couldn't ask for a better son than Jackson. Happy birthday, superman!

Overheard

Wally: Hey, Chloe, what are you doing?
Chloe: I don't know.
Wally: Yes, you DO know.
Chloe: I'm drinkin' your Coke, Dad. Is that just fine?
Wally: Yeah, Chloe, that's just fine.

What a softie that Daddy is becoming!

Double Digits!

Our little 5 lb. 6 oz. baby girl has grown into a beautiful 10 year-old. Where has the time gone? Poor Kelsie spent her big double-digit birthday driving back home from Florida. We took her out for a special birthday dinner at Burger King in Shreveport, LA, where we let her pick anything from the menu! Don't feel too bad, she did get to go to Florida and celebrate her birthday (a little early) with Grandma and Papa Wallace and the Burtons. It was the first birthday spent with family in 3 years, so it was extra special. The next day was all about Kelsie. She opened presents, feasted on her favorite foods--steak, raspberries, salad, rice, and chocolate cheesecake. The following day she received lots of gifts in the mail and we celebrated again.

In honor of her 10th birthday, here are 10 things we love about Kelsie:

1. She is kind-hearted. She is always thinking of others and just spent some of her birthday money to buy Jackson a birthday present.


2. She's active. She played soccer for a couple of seasons and this year is giving volleyball a try. She wants to run a 5K with me this summer. Go Kelsie!


3. Kelsie is fun. She loves to play games, make up games (and the rules), tell jokes and make everybody laugh.


4. She is entertaining. Kelsie loves to write scripts, put on plays, and record them on video. Boy, will she love those DVDs in a few years!


5. Kelsie is creative. I'm not quite sure where she gets her creativity, because it's certainly not from me! She loves to draw, sketch fashion designs, sew clothes for her American Girl doll, and do anything crafty. She just took 2nd place in her school's "Tar Wars" campaign and will now be entering the state competition.


6. Kelsie is thoughtful. She often leaves little love notes around the house for me to find.


7. She is a good big sister! She is so nurturing and good with Jackson and Chloe. Wally and I feel like our investment is beginning to pay off and we look forward to the days when she can babysit!


8. Kelsie is a wonderful example. After having a particularly hard day at school, I found Kelsie in my office reading articles from "The Friend" magazine. She came home and prayed and opened the magazine to discover an article about the same issue she was facing.


9. Kelsie is beautiful, inside and out! When she was a baby, Wally's uncle made a comment about how beautiful her eyes were because they were filled with the light of Christ. That light still radiates from her.


10. She is a blessing to our family! We feel so lucky to have such a wonderful daughter. We are so proud of her!

C.O.W. (Congratulations on Winging!)

Why the acronym you ask? Because in February we were in Milton, FL (near Pensacola) staying at NAS Whiting Field at the BOQ to watch Taylor (the Sailor) get his wings! Taylor, we are so proud of you! This is quite the accomplishment and we are so grateful we got to share it with you. Here's a recap of our adventure with as much military lingo as I could insert:

Pre-Flight Plan

Thursday, February 4 17:00 hours

We got the good news that Taylor had finished all of his requirements and would be graduating February 12. Wally and I decide that we only live 750 miles away and that we will go to Florida for the winging. Kids are excited to be MIA from school for a couple of days.

Thursday, February 11 04:45 hours

Weather reports show that winter weather is heading toward the DFW Metroplex. We "detach" from Frisco with clear skies, sleepy kids, a dozen sandwiches, lots of snacks, juice boxes, caffeinated beverages, and movies to placate the troops for the 11 hour drive.

Thursday, February 11 05:00

Light snow falling in Plano. Roads are wet but not too bad.

Thursday, February 11 05:15

Heavy snow falling. Roads are slick and Wally's knuckles are white as he tries to grip the steering wheel and keep us from sliding on (or rather off) the overpasses. He's already concerned about us "not making good time."

Thursday, February 11 06:30

Finally get out of the heavy snow. Somewhere between Texas and Louisiana I take control of the cockpit so Wally can close his eyes. We decide this is the craziest thing we have ever done but that we are way past the point of no return. After making it to Shreveport, we stop at a gas station to stretch our legs, fill up the car, and use a filthy restroom. I teach Kelsie the fine art of making a t.p. toilet seat cover.

Thursday, February 11 16:30

Arrive in Milton, FL at the BOQ (Bachelor's and Officer's Quarters). We have driven for nearly 12 hours in the snow and rain. We've seen the swamps of Louisiana, crossed the Mississippi River, saluted the Confederate Flag (ha ha! But we really did see one flying!), saw a billboard advertising the abolition of slavery, and introduced the kids to the likes of Garth Brooks and Alabama. The kids are doing great and are excited that we actually departed and arrived on the same day (as opposed to driving to Utah!)

Thursday, February 11 17:30

Wally attends the PG-13 rated Soft Patch Ceremony (it is the Navy and Marines after all!). Kelsie, Jack, Chloe and I freshen up, stretch our legs, and rejoice that we made it and are out of the car. After watching movies for 11 hours we turn on the tv. Pretty sad, huh.

The Winging

Turns out the storm we drove in for 12 hours the day before wasn't finished. Pensacola was anticipating it's first snow in over 17 years and we were there to witness it! (Lucky us!) Due to the weather the winging was scheduled for 08:00 instead of 13:00. Following the winging, the base was closed to non-essential personnel, which made us a bit nervous since we were staying on base and we were most definitely non-essential! Luckily we were allowed to stay there despite our civilian status. Attending the winging was one of the coolest experiences! It started out with a video depicting the training that the "wingers" went through. Jackson was enthralled as he watched the jets and helos and especially the missiles. He is such a boy! I have to admit that I was secretly thinking "don't you get any ideas, Jackson. Being an accountant is an honorable and not very dangerous profession." I am such a mom! One by one each "winger" was called up on stage with their family. One family member (usually a spouse or parent) put the wings of gold on the winger's uniform. I was so impressed with how the entire family was recognized because it truly is a family effort. My sis-in-law, Sherrie, is AMAZING. I'm pretty sure I couldn't do what she does! As if the constant moving weren't enough to drive me insane, I think the worrying would do me in. She just handles everything in stride. What a gal!

What a memorable adventure! We got to see new places, experience new things, and spend time with family. What can be better than that?

Survival of the Unfit

It seemed like a great idea at the time. 12 weeks to train for a half marathon, beat the winter blues, and get "in shape". The only shape I'm in today is pathetic. I must admit that I seemed to have faired better than Wally who is currently a moaning lump in a chair bundled up in a blanket. (I can say these things because I know I can outrun...outlimp him today!)

It was all Wally's idea. I told my running buddies and somehow convinced them to join in the madness. At first it was actually fun, running together on Saturdays, adding mileage each week. The week we did 10 miles I felt GREAT! I felt so confident I even considered training for a full marathon. Reality hit me the week we did 12 miles. 12.3 to be exact. I fell apart and chalked it up to just a bad run. But today was d-day. Once again, I felt great at 10 miles and at 12 miles I fell apart. The last 1.1 miles was the toughest 1.1 miles I have ever run. It was cold and windy and uphill. That is correct--we live in Texas and it was cold (16 with the wind chill) and uphill. The last 0.1 mile was up a steep hill (how rude to put the finish line uphill!) and I really wanted to walk (actually what I really wanted was to stop!) but somehow I managed a slow trot to the end. Everyone says that adrenaline will carry you through to the end but they lie. What carries you through to the end is the desire to make the pain cease. We survived. It wasn't pretty, but we survived! 2 hours 12 minutes for me, 2 hours 13 minutes for Wally.

A Father's Love

Since Wally said that Chloe can't have a little sister, I guess he'll have to do. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider, Honey?