A different kind of anniversary

I know this isn't a normal post of mine, but I've been thinking about it the past couple of days and wanted to write it down. This month marks my 10 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. It feels like just yesterday when I was a little 19 year old college student up at Utah State finding out. I had never heard of it and I remember asking the doctor how to even spell it. I wish I could look back and say I was one of those people who faced the trial with poise and dignity, but I wasn't. I cried a lot, I was scared, and I was really mad. Something as big as my health being completely out of my control and in the hands of doctors and God even, was terrifying. That first year or so was really really hard. It was a lot of hospitals, tests, and medications.

But over time, it's gotten easier to deal with. My perspective on it has changed. I realized that not all bad things came from the disease; some really good things have in fact. I was too sick to go back to Utah State that fall of 2001, so I had to stay home and go to school. But I met and married my best friend because of that. I would have never met Jordan if I'd still been up in Logan. I learned that I am stronger than I think I am, and I have a high pain tolerance now:) I value when I am healthy much more than I ever would have known to before. And I have 2 beautiful babies. Growing up I always thought I'd have 4 kids, but I love my little family. I'm totally ok with not being able to have more. I can now give each one more focus and attention that I don't think I could have otherwise.

I still have my ups and downs, and I know this will be my lifelong trial, but I'm learning a lot along the way. Here's to 10 more years!!

Tis the season for soccer!

Tate started soccer again a few weeks ago, and they are the yellow dragons. I think no matter what color they were they would be "dragons." He can't get enough of soccer, and he's actually getting pretty good at it; he's scored at both of his games so far.

Oh his face. He's at that stage where if you tell him to smile he'll do a weird ugly one. This one we like to call the rabbit.

Every now and then he stops and waves at us just to make sure we're watching I guess.

Cinco de Mustache 2011

Yes, it was that dreadful time of year again. This is now the 4th annual mustache growing contest, and I don't know how many more years I can take. It's even turned into a big party at Jordan's work! So I present to you "the cats tail":

I know, ladies keep your hands off...he's mine
Josh, Jord and Ty at work

So while they were celebrating their mustaches, Meg and I took the kids to Temple Square to get out while the weather was nice and see all the flowers. Marley finally had her one year pictures done too, I've been waiting for her cast to come off once and for all! So that's why she's all dressed up fancy and the rest of us look like crap.

Marley and Macy in the jogging stroller....not mine of course. I don't exercise.

Trying to get a cute picture with the kids; I'm never in them because I'm always the one taking them. So I wanted proof that I really do exist.

Alexa and Tate
I have no idea what pose they are doing, they did this on their own! Funny kids.

Easter

Easter was a little more low-key this year, due to Marley being miserable with Hand-foot-mouth and an ear infection. Somebody is ALWAYS sick for the holidays!! So Jord and I took turns that day taking Tater to the grandparents homes for their Easter stuff, while the other stayed home with Marley. Poor girl was so sick! But Tate had a great time getting all new summer/swimming stuff from Grandma Kathy, and doing the annual egg hunt with the Wakefield's.

Both showing off what the Easter bunny brought

Tate got a new razor scooter! He was so excited
Mar and her cheesy grin with her new doll stroller

She was more excited though about the chocolate, she kept going "ooooh!"

And then of course, just dumping everything out to play with the grass

All the grand kids at Brooke's waiting to find eggs

Tate and Hailey going through eggs afterwards...they are the best of friends!

Stuff

I have been so lazy about blogging lately, I just haven't really wanted to do it. But I better catch up since Easter is coming, so here's what we've been up to: not a whole lot. The weather sucks, so we just basically alternate between playing at our house, Megan's house and Kathy's house. Marley got her second hard cast taken off and now just wears a little wrist brace. Did I say second? Oh ya, that's because somehow that we will never know, Tate took off her first one. I was making dinner and he yelled for me all excited to come see!! So lo, and behold, he's holding Marley's cast up to me. So I had to take her back in to get another cast put on until it was ready to be taken off for reals. So now I have 2 tiny little casts to keep. Didn't you know that a real lady always wears church shoes to play basketball in??

Jordan took Tate last weekend to the Utes red and white game, and they got to go down on the field afterward. I can't wait until Tate's a little bit older and can go to the real games in the fall. I don't know why Tate was laying on the field, but you can barely see him, he blends right in.

Lastly, we have colored many Easter eggs these past two days. We did some at my moms house, and I didn't have my camera of course. Then while I was at work today the kids did more at Kathy's house. Krystal was able to take some pictures with my camera for me....Mmm, the shell is the tastiest part

So serious

All the kids intently working on their eggs.

Vegas!

So this past weekend I went on a MUCH needed mini-vacation from the kids. Sometimes I just get so worn out and frankly sick of changing bums and time-outs that I'm on the verge of insanity! So me, Megan, my mom, and my aunt Shauna flew to Vegas for a few days. It was glorious!! We literally shopped until my feet could no longer walk. I haven't shopped like that since before having Tate, it was awesome. The weather was amazing, and Shauna hadn't been there in years, so it was fun to walk around and show her the Bellagio fountains, Caesars Palace, and all the other cool things on the strip. We ate great food, and laughed until midnight every night!! We will definitely make this an annual trip, with hopefully all my sisters next time.

Our first broken bone...

....and it wasn't even Tate! I would've bet money that our first broken bone would've been him since he's so wild, but it was Marley! Last Thursday I was in the kitchen and Marley somehow climbed up on the couch and fell off the side. I heard her scream and found her laying on her back, but when I picked her up her arm looked really weird. And then she tried to push herself up on her arms and her right arm bent in half at her forearm, it scared the crap out of me! So Jord came home to stay with Tate while Kathy came with me to the ER. After waiting....and waiting...the x-ray showed both bones in her arm were broken. So they splinted it for a few days until the swelling could go down, then today I took her to get her real cast. She really has been so brave these past few days! She just does everything left handed now. My cute little bug with her big pink cast.