Colton's Day

Colton's day didn't start out too well. Jackson met me at the doctor with him. He had to have blood drawn and a physical for some high blood pressure issues that have had him off of his meds for a few days. (It's been a treat) Everyone involved in that doctor visit was traumatized. Poor Colton walked out of the doctor's office shaking and sniffling from crying and talking to himself while he tried to get to the car. Then, he stood by the truck door and waited patiently for me to get him the gifts Uncle Ernie got for him. Then I sent my boys on their way while I drove back to work.

When I got home from work, Colton and Kaydon were on the living room floor playing with the Legos that Ernie got him. I ordered pizza (thanks coupons!) and we ate and then devoured the dessert that Braxton made over two days. (Unbelievably good!) We sang to him and he just smiled. He had mostly forgotten about his morning. Then he went back to playing with his Legos.

A little later, our bishop brought him a bag of M&Ms. He really is the best bishop a single mom of four boys could ask for.

We love you oh, so much Colton!

Lucky Me!

I went to the doctor this past Tuesday for a meds check-up and while I was there, I had the doctor look at my back. You see, over the last couple of months I noticed a "condition" appearing on my lower back. (I am saving you from pictures. You're welcome) I had my boys look at it and it scared them. They continued to ask me to go to a doctor. I just didn't have time for that!

Turns out, I have radiation burns. They are from using a heating pad. This is a true story. Because I have had three back surgeries, I use a heating pad every day while I sit at my desk. I can't use heating pads or heating blankets anymore. Ever. The doctor won't know for about two months whether or not my back is permanently scarred, or if it will light up, or go away completely. For now, I'm just grateful to have a diagnosis, and I'm super grateful it's on my back where no one can see it!

I thought you needed a picture, but wanted to spare you from the one of my back. So, here's a stupid heating pad.

Friday Favorite

When I first got my smartphone, Braxton downloaded the Church's app. I read my scriptures every single night before I go to bed. What a blessing!!! Sometimes I may not read word for word certain scriptures, but answers to my prayers come as I read them diligently. Thoughts and impressions come to my mind. I feel that by no other means would these answers to my prayers come. I am so grateful that it is right on my phone. I can read them no matter where I am or what I am doing. I also pull the Ensign magazine up and read that when I have time.

Seriously! What a blessing!

Colton is 13!

This sweet boy turns 13 today!

Colton was born, via C-section, after this mama had been in labor for two weeks! He was 32 weeks gestation. He needed a little help with temperature and feeding, and was in the NICU for three weeks. I was so grateful to have him home!

Papa and Nana used to get up with him every night because I had Kaydon duty all of the time. I think that is partly why he is so close to Nana and Papa. Colton has always loved horses, Legos, stuffed animals, and movies. About six years ago, we began to notice that Colton had some real struggles. Initially he was diagnosed with ADD, then ADHD, then Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and several learning disorders.

In our most recent appointment (this week), we were told that Colton is at about a five or six year old level, and will remain that way. His doctor said, "Isn't that wonderful?!" I love her attitude! Imagine how great it would be to be an innocent child throughout our lives. Colton still loves horses, stuffed animals, Legos, and movies. He also likes to play games on his Kindle, color, do puzzles, and be with Mama. He loves to swim and be in the water. It is super calming to him.

Colton is such a blessing. We love that we get to have him in our family. His doctor always says, "Structure for Success." That is what we are going to work harder to do!

Happy, happy birthday Sweet Boy! We love you so much!

Little Sugar with Uncle Brandon & Aunt Carrie

One of the greatest blessings about living in our new digs is that our house is only one mile away from Uncle Brandon's office. Last night, he came to pick up Braxton and Kaydon to help him move a 560 pound table. Afterwards, he texted me to bring Colton so we could go get ice cream. Colton and I were in bed, but you can bet your bootie that we got out of bed to go get ice cream!!

Aunt Carrie came too. We missed Jackson, who was on a date, but I'll eat ice cream anytime!!!!

Boys Camping Trip

I asked the boys' dad if he would like to spend time with them this past weekend while my mom and I were gone. He was really excited to do that. They planned a camping trip to Bear Lake. They headed out Saturday morning. Unfortunately, he dropped them off on Sunday morning. They had fun, though. They were so excited to see their mama and the same for me!

My Trip

Mom picked me up from work on Friday and we drove up to Idaho Falls. It was a lovely drive. We stopped at Burger King to get a burger and fries and just kept on driving. We could not wait to get to Aunt Lois' house to love on her.

We sat and visited and visited and just relaxed until it was dark outside and the cool Idaho Falls breeze was blowing through the open windows. Mom and I went downstairs and got into our beds and went to sleep. I woke up around 10 on Saturday morning. Whoops! I went upstairs and Aunt Lois made French toast with homemade bread (that she made that morning), sausage, fruit, milk (in a glass pitcher), and all of her best dishes. The French toast could either be eaten with homemade rhubarb jam, homemade raspberry syrup, or homemade maple syrup. After breakfast, my mom's cousin came to visit. We were still in our jammies!!! Mom and I needed a nap after that!!! When we woke up, we went out to the "chair room." It's a gorgeous covered patio with all sorts of collected seating. There are hanging chairs, rockers, a church pew, a homemade wooden bench, a homemade picnic table, and more. The wind blows through there and the wind chimes sing and sing. I colored and chatted with my mama and my sweet aunt.

My Aunt Lois is 90 years old. She does EVERYTHING on her own. Her impeccable yard, her impeccable home, driving, walking, shopping - everything. She amazes me. She is beautiful, sharp, active, hilarious, so kind, the best cook, a master quilter, a reader, an organ player, a friend, neighbor, hostess. She is everything I want to be when I grow up! She climbs up onto her back cinderblock wall and crawls along the top to trim vines. True story.

Saturday night, she made a chicken thigh meal that was to die for. Seriously. After dinner, she took me downstairs to her storage room where she has pounds and pounds of all kinds of chocolate. (She makes chocolates and dips chocolates and on and on) We cut up a bunch of pieces and took them upstairs to taste test. Oh. My. Gosh.

On Sunday, we got up and went to church. It was "her turn to drive," so we picked up her little widow friends. They are too cute for words! She helps them into church. So cute. After church, I went back out to my chair room and listened to the chimes. She made another seven-course meal that was so yummy that I couldn't stop eating.

I did not want to leave her and she didn't want us to leave! My boys needed me and I needed to be back with them. Jackson said that going to Aunt Lois' without them was the meanest thing I could do as a mother. I will take them up there soon so that they can love on her too.

I am SO blessed to have my Aunt Lois. Mom and I need to do more girl weekends, too. This is the first one in about 21 years. We have to do that more often! I loved every minute of my time with her and my time with my sweet aunt.