It Got WORSE Before it Got BETTER

So we woke up Sunday and Grey's rash was getting worse. I still wanted to try to wait until Monday to have him seen by our regular doctor, but after a few people at church looked at him too, we decided that I better take him in. These pictures are actually after going to Urgent Care and having some benedryl so it has even gotten a little bit better at this point. You can't really see (it was mainly on his belly), but the rash was red, white and purple in some areas- like a bruise.

The PA that we saw at the clinic was great. I actually used to see her before Grey was born and we started seeing Dr. Hemmerling. Jodi, the PA, was concerned that it was menegitis at first and said that if he had had a fever, we would have been in the ER. We had to have some blood work done to test for a few things and he was a trooper for that. The tests came back all normal and we think it was the amoxicillin that he had a couple days prior. I didn't know, but you can have an allergic reaction 7-21 days after taking the medication! We went back in on Monday for a follow up and he looked probably 90% better. We have to keep him on prednisone for a couple more days, but he is pretty much back to normal.

Grey's Spots

Any guesses on what this is from? They are all over his back and stomach, armpits, a few on his legs and arms. Itchy, raised and red. He had his last dose of antibiotic on Thursday night and these started Friday afternoon and got considerably worse Saturday afternoon. I am thinking a food allergy, but have no idea what. We are in wait and see mode. Maybe need to take him to the doctor on Monday. Poor little guy!

Visit to the Dentist

Being in the dental field, I would hope that my children would be perfect, cooperative angels in the dental office. Not exactly so. Elliot has had a couple of little "practice appointments," but 6 months ago she was going to try to really get her teeth cleaned and checked. It was a nightmare. She wouldn't lay back in the chair so I polished her teeth with her sitting up. I tried to sit with her so Dr. Klingel could check her teeth, but ended up holding her down with her screaming at the top of her lungs. I was so embarassed! I stuck to my guns though and she left with only a toothbrush- no other treats or toys that we give to the kids. Not even a balloon.

So 6 months have passed and it was time again for her to come to the dental office. We watched Bernstein Bears going to the dentist video and have been talking about it non-stop trying to prep her for it (doing the same thing really helped for the doctor's visit a couple months ago). She was still a little nervous, but did AWESOME! I didn't even think about having my camera there, but Justin took this picture with his phone.
So if your kid has been bad a time or two at the dentist, don't fret. He or she may just need a little more time and try books and movies to prepare. They have worked really well for Elliot!

Weekend in Seattle

Justin and I were so lucky to be able to drop the kids off at my parents and then head back to Seattle for a couple nights. It was a great weekend- no kids, lots of shopping, and great weather! I was nervous to leave the kids just because we have never left Grey over night before. Elliot would do just fine, but wasn't positive about Grey. He ended up doing great though. They all survived and Grandma and Grandpa said they would be welcome back again. Thank you for being so great and letting us have a fantastic weekend away!

We got to Seattle and after a detour to U-Village, made it to the hotel through some wicked traffic. We stayed at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel downtown- a very nice hotel, kinda like the Davenport in Spokane, but we got a great deal on Expedia. We first headed to Old Navy because I had an Old Navy Weekly coupon ($20 off $100 purchase) and Justin was in serious need of some clothes. We get there and ALL the men's stuff is HALF OFF!!! EVERYTHING!!! Justin seriously made out like a bandit!

We had dinner at P.F. Changs (my choice- lettuce wraps + moo shu pork = YUMMY!) and then did some more shopping until pretty much everything was closed. After getting some cold stone creamery ice cream, we headed back to the hotel and went for a swim.

The next morning, we went to the Seattle Public Library and it was awesome. It is a very unique design and really gorgeous inside.


We headed down to the pier and wen to Pike Place Market. Justin isn't a huge fan, but I really like to look at all the interesting stuff. And I had to get my mom an oatmeal raisin cookie from the bakery down there. I also found Elliot a little fairy doll that I knew she would love.

This is how beautiful the day was:

We met up with some friends of ours from Olympia for lunch at the Crab Pot. We both really wanted to try this place out and get the clams and shrimp and crab that they dump on your table. It was fun to do, but very messy and really not all that flavorful. We felt guilty asking for some cocktail sauce or something though! The crab cakes were great though and the company couldn't have been better. Jason and Christine, we miss you!!!

We said good-bye and then did a little more shopping. We were both getting pretty worn out though so we headed back to the room to rest for a little bit. Justin decided then to go the bookstore and I went to the pool to read a magazine for a little bit. We joined up again after awhile got a salad for dinner at West Lake and just went back to the room and watched a movie on tv. The whole weekend was so relaxing to just do whatever, and not have to worry about who was going to be cranky or need a nap or a snack or anything.

We headed out first thing Sunday morning to make it to church at my parents. We hung out there for the afternoon and played the wii. This is Elliot and Justin playing Mario Kart:

We headed home later that evening and now back to sort of reality. Justin is now on summer break for a few weeks, until he starts teaching summer school at the Juvenile Detention Center in late July. We have some projects and things to be working on and of course, the pool!!!

Sorry, I am still here...

I don't have a very good reason for being so negleigent with my blog these days. Not a lot has gone on, I guess, worthy of blogging. The real reason is this:


I get stuck on Facebook and take up all my time with that. Plus, I access it on my ipod and go to the computer less often. That is really no excuse though...I need to keep up on this. It is a great way to "journal" and I really enjoy reading others so I should return the favor.


One thing that has happened recently is that my little brother, Aaron, left for his mission on Wednesday. We went over for the weekend and it was great to see all my family. The weather was pretty nice too- not quite warm enough for me to get in the water, but nice to enjoy outside. Aaron is going the Winnepeg, Canada mission and was very excited, but a little nervous I think.

All of us kids. Aaron is 2nd on the right. Love how cooperative my kids are.

Chillin' at the lake (note Lucy there on the right).

Grey enjoying his time at the lake and must have been eating something...

Our quick trip on the boat...too cold to get in the water, but fun time riding on the boat.

Graduation was this Friday here in Ephrata and Justin was voted on by the students to be the faculty speaker. He did an awesome job. He talked about the doodles that can't be un-did (taken from the movie Juno) and how each of them are like doodles. He talked about various indiviual students and had a perfect mix of humor and seriousness. I was so proud of him!

This coming weekend, the kids are staying at Grandma Jill's house while Justin and I get away for a few nights in Seattle. It will be the first time leaving Grey, but I am confident that my mom can handle it. Justin and I are looking forward to the time away and to do things that we want without worrying about the kids. Other than a few hours on a couple date nights, this is the first time since last April that we are getting away. It is much needed. And with summer here and lots to do, there will be lots more to blog about!

MARATHON!

Saturday I completed a milestone. I completed a marathon. 26.2 miles. It was no easy feat, but I did it and am proud of it. I've been training since mid-January and taken so much time and energy to do all the training and this weekend it paid off because I finished!

Here I am at the starting line in Post Falls, ID with my dad:

And with Justin, my biggest fan and support:

I couldn't have done this without him. He never once got upset with me spending so much time out running and leaving him with the kids. He kept telling me that I could do it when I had doubts. I love him so much!!! Thank you, Justin!


It was a little chilly to start with, but then ended up a perfect day for running:

It may not look it, but I was soooo nervous:

And we're off:

Coming around mile 2:

Mile 9-10:

Raisins in hand for some energy at mile 9 (found mile marker 10 around the corner though):

About mile 14:

This was the last time I saw Justin unfortunately especially since he had my snacks with him. I ran the first half of the race in such good time, they were afraid of missing me at the finish. They tried to stop at a few more points to meet me, but we never met. I slowed way down about mile 17-18 and those last few miles were pretty rough. Just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I did see my parents about 2 miles before the finish which was nice and gave me a tiny boost of energy.

Here's the finish:

My three little fans looking up at me (Elliot and my nephews, Ryan and Kolby):

I am really glad that I did it, but have no desire to do it again. I was extremely sore for the next few days- like barely walk sore. It was a good experience though and I am glad now that I can say I HAVE RUN A MARATHON!!!!

Family Pictures

We had the best experience with this photographer. A friend of mine in Ephrata has a sister in Pleasant Grove, UT that came to visit for a few days and offered a special deal on a photography session here. We decided to take her up on it and got some great pictures, I think. So anyone in her area needing a photographer (or classes- I know she teaches photography classes too) look her up at http://www.erinsummerillphotography.com/. I was so impressed! And thanks, Leslie for offering up your sister!