Jackie:Professional Baker?

So for Christmas I got Matt a golf pass thingy to the golf course we live on! When I was at the clubhouse buying it, I was talking to the manager about how the past year's busyness and such. I asked about the grill the clubhouse has and what was going on with that. He said that they did have a chef last year, but not much selection and that this year they were going to focus on getting it more up and running.

So... then my mind started churning.... What if I could make desserts for them? Just a few things, that tasted yummy, but weren't crazy difficult, but were made from scratch with local stuff when possible? (like fruit, etc) I liked the idea cause while I am no professional baker this could be my 'in' so to speak and be low key enough that I could maybe actually do it? I thought about this for a while and mostly discussed it my mother cause I couldn't talk about it with Matt cause he would have been like, what were you doing at the clubhouse? So after Christmas and him having his gift, I broached the subject with him. He was supportive, but then never mentioned it again. Unlike my mother, who mentioned it nearly every time I spoke with her.

After Christmas I just let it go, thinking that there was no way I could take something like that on. And wondering how women work, even if just from home, or for a few hours a week, and be a mom! honestly I thought I would just fail.... not cause all my stuff would burn up, but cause more than likely I would forget to do it one day, or over sleep(if I had to get up early to do it) or do any number of things I am capable of that I have seemed to have done before in regards to carpooling, volunteering at the school, or just being a decent parents/neighbor.

Anyways, I talked to my mother again yesterday and didn't have that great of conversation about a number of things, but mostly they were self-reflective. I didn't like how I felt about the things I had said about myself. I began to think about this baking idea I had had. Could I even do it? Should I try even if I do fail, or they don't want it cause they already have their desserts (which could be real possibility.) Well, I prayed about it last night, as I have done several times already, but as I prayed I thought of things to do and how I wanted to go about it. And then after my prayer I lay in bed thinking of all the things I could make. I think I am actually going to try and do it! I have my little plan laid out about how I want to present my idea. I have some ideas about what I could make. And how much I would charge. Who knows if I would actually make any money doing this, but I suppose we will see. I know how I would like the schedule to work. The biggest question, besides if they even want me and my baked goods, is where to make the baked goods. Utah is a stickler about kitchens and where sold food can be made. Heavens knows I don't have a kitchen that qualifies. Does the golf club? Or do they just have a grill, refrigerator, etc.. and no oven!!! I don't know. We will have to see! I suppose if nothing else, it can't hurt to try! It could be a grand adventure! I kinda thought if I blogged about it, then it could make me more accountable to the idea! I will keep posted how this all turns out, if it does!!!

One and a half years later....

Will skip all the stuff that I haven't written about in the last 1.5 years! Will never catch up otherwise. But what is funny about the pictures that are currently on my blog are that Lincoln in them is almost as old as Maggie is now!

I actually wasn't planning on picking up this nearly dead venture, but I received an email from Matt's cousin saying she finally updated hers after promising over and over again to herself that she would finally write in her journal! And since about my only resolution of the year is to write in my journal, I thought maybe a blog would be better? Can I do it? Don't like 80% of people break their New Year's resolutions? Well, the odds don't seem to be in my favor... we will see.

Last night after 6 agonizing nights, I finally finished Gone with the Wind, which I was reading for book club. So today I have wandered around the house wondering what to do with myself! Matt couldn't be happier cause I have been ignoring him for those last 6 nights! Since I have all this extra time, I thought I would write.. on here! Probably have a lot other more 'important' things to do, but ha who needs it?

So in the last 1.5 years the most important thing we have done as a family, or maybe I should say Matt and I did was add our beautiful Margaret(Maggie) Alice to the family! She is a darling little girl. So tiny and so wordless. The kids fawn over her and even Lincoln today told me, "Mom, I am a good big brother, huh?" She is so spoiled by them. She is so enjoyable and fairly easy going, which has been a nice change over the other 3! I took some pics of her today climbing into the drawer which we keep the kids plates and bowls. After trying it once, she went and retrieved her baby from the family room and carried her by her hair, which is how she carried her everywhere, and placed her in the drawer too, so she could join in the fun! If you look closely she has multiple Electrosal tablets in the drawer with her too. She loves those things and we are now finding them everywhere downstairs. She is such a funny little duck!

Happy Birthday Ella! And Yeah to Me!

I know you are not suppose to post birthdays on blogs due to random people reading them and stealing her identity, but I guess I am willing to take the risk! Unfortunately for her we are not celebrating until tomorrow because Matt won't get home until around 7 tonight and I want to attend the last sewing class I can before the baby comes! so tonight is booked up, but tomorrow will be good because Mary Beth is coming for dinner anyways and bringing her new love interest and Pat and maybe Steph will be able to come for dinner too! It should be a good evening! Not quite done birthday present shopping for her. Have 2 small things, one of which was given to me from a friend for the baby- it is premie baby clothes(from her child), but knowing my unborn child will never fit into it, and since it is so cute, I pulled it aside to save for Ella to play with with her dolls! The other is a dress-up dress, which I bought at Macys for cheap. It is suppose to be a real dress, however, I would never let her out of the house in it, so dress-up it is! I am thinking of getting her some barbie clothes and some dress-up shoes- all of hers have fallen apart! We will see.

So I have made it! Last night was the last night for Matt to travel for work for a while! He has traveled every week, at least 2, but averaging 3 nights, a week, except for this week, for the last 8- count them 8- weeks!!!!!!!!! I have survived! I honestly wondered if I could. I have tried hard not to complain too much- although, I have and mostly to him, I think. But it hasn't been as bad as it could have been. I feel like Heavenly Father has blessed me with patience and overall good children. I am glad it is over. Yesterday was a hard day for me because although I knew the traveling is over, Matt came home Friday afternoon and left yesterday morning first thing. It is hard on me when he has come home on Fridays and left again on Monday. Only happened 2 or 3 times, but I feel like it takes me about 3 days with him home for everything to just get back to normal and stuff and to have him leave again soo soon was rough- Not to mention that I am just grumpy from having a terrible cold and being 9 months pregnant also adds into the equation. I know he had to leave for work, however, but to leave a women who is 1 week away from having a baby should be against HR policy.... somewhere, probably Europe it is.

So as of today- Tues. whatever date it is today- I have only one week until my due date, which will be the date of the birth of this child, unless it comes sooner because I am going to be induced on Tues. if it chooses not to come before then. I am ready for it to come! I am honestly not super excited about the baby, but about the fact that I will no longer be pregnant! I am done! I am actually excited about dieting and exercising again and am dreaming of wearing my old clothes, which are about 10,000,0000,000,000 times cuter than anything I have worn for the last 9 months!

The end of this pregnancy has been much different than my other three. 2 reasons mainly. First this one I have had carpal tunnel syndrome brought about due to my pregnancy which has been keeping me awake at nights for the last 6 weeks, or so. It keeps me awake because of the pain in my hands- poor circulation. It mostly bothers me between the hours of 4-8 in the morning. I get terrible sleep between these hours. Hoping it goes away after the baby is born. And the 2nd reason is because with my other children I did not have these fake contractions/false labor. Twice I have thought I was in labor. Most recently on Friday when I had 6 hours of contractions, anywhere between 3-6 minutes apart. When I had that long of contractions with the others it was because I was in labor! Just baby faking me out- and I hate it! I want to know, or not, if I am in labor. Just have my water break! Bugging!!!!!!!

Carter's birthday was last week! All these Sept birthdays! Going to be an expensive month in the future! For Carter's birthday we(Matt) took him and 5 of his friends to the Dew Tour in SLC! Matt braved the mobs and took them with the help of my brother, Pat, and nephew Derek! Matt said it was crazy, but that the boys had sooo much fun it was worth it! While we won't do that every year, it was a birthday to remember! I am glad they had so much fun! I do have picture to post! Oh, and to note how hip of a kid my son is he wanted to halfpipe/vert on his birthday cake! So I made on for him and put some skateboards on it! Also we bought him his first pair of skate shoes last weekend- DC's! I wasn't wearing that stuff until I was like in 8th grade- he is soo cool he is starting in Kindergarten!!!! Cute now and hoping it will stay cute and that he won't get a little to cool for himself!

Cat in Front of Keyboard.... How Long Can I Type Like This?

Been awhile, eh? Lot's has happened worth writing about, but 2 things are the only things occupying my mind. ahhhh... Cat just moved! Poor thing starved for attention that I am not willing to give. Anyways.....

The other stuff worth mentioning before delving into my preoccupied mind. Since last writing, I went to Matt's family girl's getaway! It was really fun, as it always is! It wasn't insanely hot for St. George, which was the biggest blessing. Got some funny pictures and even better memories made. I do love the women in Matt's family. So fun and funny and just great women to be around.

The evening I got home from Girl's getaway my parents came to town. My father had actually been here the whole week before for work. We had dinner with him two nights in a row on his dime, which was super yummy. And the kids really enjoyed themselves as well. It was nice cause Matt was traveling that week and it was nice to get out of the house in the evening, even if I did have to basically man the kids by myself during dinner. Anyways, Matt and my dad hung out the whole weekend I was gone and from my understanding the kids couldn't have had a more wonderful time doing all the stuff I either won't let them do, or just going on really fun outings. Matthew, the most wonderful of husbands cleaned the whole house, mopped the wood floor downstairs and everything, so that I wouldn't have to when I came home. Matt is usually really good at keeping the house clean, or at least having it picked up when I come home from these trips, but it usually isn't clean enough for company. But he went above and beyond this time and I was SOOOOO grateful!

So my parents came to visit. Some asked why have them come soo close to having the baby born... They were here 7 weeks before the due date. It was because it seems they only come, or have recently come, for wedding, or babies being born. It isn't much fun, or much fun can't happen when they do that. So they agreed upon my insistence to visit just to visit and do fun Utah things. So we hiked Stewart Falls, even me, well past the time we should have with no flash light. Carter came too and luckily for his safety Patrick anchored him to the trail on the way down. Me on the other hand was on my own pregnant self. I used Patrick's cell phone as a flashlight, which I desperately needed. I honestly think it was one of the dumbest things I have ever done. My mother said, "No way. white water rafting the Amazon Tributary was the dumbest thing I had ever done...." Well, this was a close second. Matt didn't go because he was out of town until Wed. night. Carter got his cast completely off while my parents were here! That was very exciting! Mom got to meet our wonderful surgeon. I know we saw MB's apartment while up in SLC that visit and also got ice cream to celebrate his cast coming off. His arm looked awesome by the way and he was really good about using it right away! On that Thursday, everyone but me, including Patrick and Mary Beth, hiked Mt. Timpanogos. It wasn't the best experience for everyone. My father got altitude sickness and doesn't remember parts of the trip. My mother freaked out and froze going over some scary rocks and had to be coaxed down. Matt was on the verge of tears(maybe slight exaggeration) at the lake and ate lunch laying down, refusing to even sit up until made to when they left Emerald Lake. Matt and I did it last year for our anniversary and refused to ever do it again. Matt repeated those same words this time around too. We will see. I stayed at home that days with the kids and had a very relaxing day- although I did make an emergency run into my dr. office cause I was having some major crazy pains. But was short lived and to all was well, once they and I got back home!

Friday after a morning of recovering and teasing Matt endlessly about how they, mostly my dad, was never forgive him, nor forget, for making him go on that awful experience. Mom was more gracious. She wanted to go on the hike. Matt did feel really bad about it. anyways... after recouping a little. We spent the afternoon up in SLC with lunch at Le Gourmandese-yum- and then onto the Gateway at the Discovery Center. The kids loved it. I thought mom and dad would have had more fun too, but they trudged along. I think now just grumpy from being still sore ad tired from the day before.

Saturday we went to Matt's work open house and got to show my parents around. The kids had a good time. My mom seemed interested in what is done at the plant.... my father was more interested in candy each department was handing out. Lunch was yummy though. And then off my parents went to see MB on more time before they left and then to catch their respective flights home. It was a good visit. It was disappointing that my father worked every day here except for the day of the hike. What could I do about that though?

After mom and dad left life quickly resumed to normal. Although the next week was the first week Matt traveled for 5 days. I psyched myself up for it and made it through the week with little worse for the wear. Was busy and the kids and I all made it through with the house still standing and my sanity! It wasn't too bad. Although the hard thing about having Matt gone was that it took me like 2 days to be use to him being here and not getting agitated with all these little things he did, which normally don't even bug me, but drove me crazy upon his return home. And then he left again Monday morning. And last week was a hard and long week even though he was gone only 2 nights. He was suppose to be gone 3, but came home early to see Carter off and home to his first day of school. Nothing terrible happened the 2 nights/3 days he was gone. I just struggled. And I don't know if I struggled so much cause of the short weekend with him, or cause I am now 8+ months prego and am just done and exhausted? I had no motivation. I still did stuff- all the baseboards downstairs except for the front room and the upstairs hall baseboards- plus all the usual crap. Those took forever by the way..... you don't know how big your house is until you clean all the baseboards on your hands and knees. We obviously have too big of a house.

Those are the two things occupying my mind. Matt's traveling and my pregnancy. I can't say having Matt gone has been THAT terrible. It has it's bad and good days and we are all doing okay. But I am done with pregnant. I HATE pregnancy. Sure there is the kinda, almost enjoyable parts of feeling the baby move around, but besides that everything else is overrated. I hate the clothes, which are barely fitting these days. And I hate how I have to get up every 2 hours to pee at night. I sleep like crap and always have to sleep with a pillow in between my knees or my hip bones hurt soo bad I can't stand it. I hate how I can't have my kids sit on my lap anymore. I hate how I loath bending over and yet have to do it 100 times a day and get bugged at my kids for leaving anything on the floor I have to pick up. I just hate all of it! This has become a total gripe session, I know........ And I know it will all be over soon, but then I will have 4 kids! How in the world will I do that? although after every pregnancy I have been soooo grateful for that baby because that means I am not pregnant anymore! Yeah!!!!! I have joked that I could have 12 kids as long as the next 8 were delivered to my house in a little basket!!! I pray, pray, pray that we are done. I don't know if I can do another pregnancy. Having said all that...... last week was ugly, or at least parts of it were, but this week has been relatively a good one. While I am still done with this whole baby-making thing, I think heavenly father is blessing me with patience. Maybe I didn't ask for it enough last week. I don't know. I am done gripping for now though.

Carter started school last week. We are soo lucky to live far enough away for the bus. So we all walked with him down to the bus stop last Thurs. Matt recorded it on the camcorder. He played around with his pals while waiting, but when the bus arrived he was all business and barely looked at Matt or I as he stood in line and boarded the bus. I always thought mothers who cried were sooooo lame cause it was just 3 hours and the kid was back home again, but there I was balling like a baby seeing him get on that bus. I don't have a reason exactly, not like I was like 'my sweet little tiny baby!' Just hormones I think. I also tear up every time I have gone into school with him. He likes kindergarten and LOVES the bus!!!! That is all he talks about when you ask him about school- who he sat next to, what the rules were, who his bus driver was, what they said, etc........ He loves that he doesn't have to buckle up. Soooo funny. I like his teacher well enough and have heard good things about her. He likes her too, so that is good. He has a little neighbor girl in his class, which is nice. It has been good so far and he has enjoyed himself. Came home with homework today! Also today was wild hair day, so we spiked his hair up and colored some of the tips pink and blue- he looked soo cute! Too bad I completely forgot to take a picture. He was pretty excited about that.

The other big thing occupying our life right now is soccer. Both Ella and Carter are playing. So we have practise 2 nights a week and a game Friday night and Sat. morning!!!! A little overwhelming! Ella, however, could quite possibly be the cutest little soccer player there ever was. She has got these super cute all pink cleats, which she called clippers, and wears Carter's old purple soccer shorts and wears her headbands and bracelets while playing, not caring a bit about me telling her to take them off. The first game she didn't run after the ball once, or really even move, but just stood there in the middle of the field. Soooo funny. Last game by the end she kind was following the pack. Carter is doing a lot better than last year and it more aggressive and missed making a big goal by just inches last week! So sad, but a confidence builder!

So that is everything. whew!

Recent Stuff

Been a while since I have written. While nothing super exciting has happened, enough to write about in no particular order.





Carter, Matt and our nephew, Derek, attended a Real Salt Lake game 2 Friday night's ago. All of theirs first professional soccer game. Kinda of a long story to write, but one of such generosity, it must be shared. Matt's coworker handed Matt an envelop 2 Monday's ago and said it was for Carter. When Matt told me this, I was worried it was money, but it wasn't it was 2 INCREDIBLE seats to the Salt Lake Real game for the coming Friday night!!!!! And a little note that said, "to get that arm well soon!" I couldn't believe the kindness of his coworker! I was almost speechless when Matt told me it was just too nice. So you say, but what about Carter's cousin? Well, A few days before our sister-in-law, Derek's mom, called up and asked if Derek could spend the night Friday night because they were going to be out of town and Derek's brother and best friend were going to the Real game and would be out late. So when I called to tell her about the soccer game and how I wasn't sure if Derek would want to come and hang out with me, Ella and Linc, I said I could look and see if there were seats close to us if she wanted. She thought would be a good idea and low and behold there was a seat right next to Matt and Carter, so she got it for him and the three of them got to go. It was meant to be!!!! Carter had a lot of fun and Matt did too. It was a wonderful guy night out for them and I felt so grateful for the kindness of Matt's coworker, who truly went above and beyond.

Matt has started his new job! His official title is Joint Venture Liaison. Or at least that is what I think it is. He started last week. It is going to be difficult and a sacrifice for all, but hopefully worth it in the end.

Garden update: I watered my garden on Friday morning before I rushed out of the house. I was proud of myself for being up early enough to water it, but like an idiot, I forgot to turn the hose off! So it was on for over 2 hours before I realized it and called my kind neighbor to have her turn it off. I haven't watered it since- boy was it muddy. I know one should put it on a timer and call it good, but I actually really enjoy watering it every other morning. It also allows be the opportunity to pull some weeds and hem and haw over the growth from the day before. I did pull my first tomato for the plant this morning. There is no blossom rot! All my other red-turning tomatoes have blossom rot! I know the cause, again-watering, but am not sure what to do about it. Some toms have it and others don't? I don't know. My corn is, I don't know what to call it- seeding/pollinating/something and so I am getting little corns finally growing on my fence height stalks! very exciting!

Carter gets to ride his bike tomorrow!!!! YEAH!!!!! That should actually be the title of this post. THE most exciting thing about the summer so far. He still has his cast on, but it has been 6 weeks since the initial break and so the Dr. said tomorrow was the lucky day. What could be better? He has been very good and patient, but still.

This weekend is girls getaway with Matt's family. I am very excited, except for the heat that St. George has. But none the less, the condo has AC and so really it shouldn't be too bad. It is always super fun and I am sure this weekend will not be a let down. Maybe I will post pics from it so as to encourage other family members to come next time!

Last week I went to the Oquirrh(sp) Mountain Temple open house twice! Once with the family on Tues. night and then again on Friday morning with my non-LDS friend. The visit with the family was good. Not the craziness that the Draper Temple open house was. Much quicker and thus the kids were much better behaved. The temple was beautiful! One of the prettiest I have seen. Friday morning, we went super early because it was the second to last day it was open to the public and I was terrified of having HUGE lines and since we didn't have reservations- of them not letting us in. But we got in fine and there was NO waiting, which was wonderful. Once inside the temple it wasn't as busy as Tues night either. All that couldn't have gone better. It was interesting going through the temple with someone who wasn't LDS. It makes you think about each of the rooms and what takes place in there more. I also seriously wondered what was going on through my friends mind. She did go to the Draper Open House, so it wasn't a complete surprise what the inside of a temple looks like, but still. She is devote in her faith, so it makes you wonder if she thinks we are all insane and going straight to hell, or want to make her dump in that baptismal font. I would sure take the second, cause I have had enough friends think I am going to hell. We didn't talk to much about her thought about it afterwards because we also have 5 kids with us- 2 of hers and my 3. And I while I would love to talk more in depth with her even now about it, it can be a difficult thing to broach. Anyways, I love the temple and it was so wonderful to be able to go and have them sooo close to us.

I am now 32 weeks along. No names yet! Now considering Sophie or Sofie. Who knows? I have no major complaints. Yesterday I did have these crazy, SUPER painful contractions and even felt it in my lower back- is that back labor, stuff?!!!! Had them during dinner and even starting crying it hurt so bad. Poor Matt was giving me the most pathetic faces ever. I don't typically have too many contractions prior to labor, but have had them increase with each child. So I don't think it was anything too out of the ordinary. Other than that- I am fine. Feel like I have for forever till this baby comes.

Well, that is all the 'big' stuff. My parents come next week. While should be fun. Have some fun stuff planned with them. Until then---

My Pride and Joy!

There is a lot of things I should post about that has happened in the last few weeks- 4th of July(which was fun, but wore me out more than Christmas), Family reunion(again fun, but tiring), Matt's new job(which isn't going to be fun for me, but I suppose I will write about that another time), and updates about Carter's arm(looking good- finally), but I would rather right about my pride and joy, My Garden!!!!

I grew my very first garden when we lived in Louisville. It consisted of like 13 tomato plants, 3 pepper plants, green beans and watermelon. It all grew wonderfully, except for the green beans and the watermelon, which did grow great, but the bunnies that lived in my yard ate any of the plants fruit, which left me with just the plant. Anyways, but I rarely watered it and it all grew like crazy. It was wonderful. And I loved it! I would go out morning and evening and fawn over it. I would count all the new tomatoes. I am sure Carter, who I would drag out there with me thought I was nuts. But you get that way about it, or at least I do.

So that was like 3 or 4 summers ago. Mhe summer after my Louisville garden we moved from an apartment in Boise to a house sometime in May and I was pregnant and didn't want to worry about gardening. Then last year, again we moved into our house in May and while I wasn't pregnant I felt like I had enough going on with moving in that I all I did was plant a few tomato plants in a grassless spot in the yard. I didn't stake them and I didn't water them, or at least very little. I did at some point dump some Miracle Grow on them and while the plants did grew tons, they produced very little fruit. This year, I was going to do it and do it right.

So in April, I signed up for a beginning gardening class taught by the extension office here. I felt like if I was going to put a lot of money and time into this garden, I need to know how to grow a garden in Utah, with its lack of water, crappy soil and weird bugs, but no bunnies- at least not in my yard. Anyways..... The class, while not super cheap, lasted 3 weeks and provided me with a wealth of information about how to make my garden grow!!!!

So, I got my wonderful husband to dig up the area in which I wanted the garden to be. Then we removed all the grass by hand, shaking out the soil- that was a nightmare. Next we put fertilizer on the soil and rototillered it to death! (Matt did all that part!) Then to get the soil to the right temperature to plant, we staked plastic over the area for a couple of weeks. We(Matt, with a little bit of my help) dug out trenches, so that I could flood them with water and develop a strong root system in the plants.

Finally, I planted!!!! I researched out all the plants I wanted and what kind would grow best in my cruddy soil. I planted 9 tomato plants- 1 Brandywine, 2 Early Girl, 1 Big Boy, 2 Roma, and 3 Celebrity- 3 red pepper plants, 1 zucchini, 1 cucumber, about 40 pole green beans, which I used my back fence which is rod iron as my poles, which I thought was just ingenious, if I do say so myself. And then I also planted about 40 plants of corn in 4 rows!!!!! The corn is so exciting to watch grow! It is so big, some of it is at my chest. I planted the beans and corn in 2 groups, with plantings 2 weeks apart, so that I wouldn't get a million ears of corn, or a bushel of beans all at the same time.

And tonight I picked my first zucchini! It was soo exciting! I don't know what I am going to do with it yet, honestly, I mean I will eat it, but I don't know how.

What is funny about a garden is that you think you will save money by growing your own food... HA!!! We have spent soo much money on that thing, not including my class, that I think I could buy all the food I am getting plus a bunch more for what I have spent on it. However, it is a good skill to have and now that we are at this point, it is soo exciting to watch it grow. It is a test in patience and trial and error as I am learning how best to water, weed, etc.... Maybe one day I will turn into a real expert of a gardener.

Carter's Arm Part 2, Although I Know There Was Really No Part One!

Typically there has to be a part 1 in order for there to be a part 2. And although while in my blogosphere there isn't a part 1, in my real life there was a part 1 and yesterday was part 2, which is now what I am writing about. Although, I will write about part 1 too! Does that make any sense? I am trying to upload pics, but for some reason blogspot/my comp isn't letting me... will continue to try.

Anyways, it all began two weeks ago in a lovely home in the suburbs. A wonderful mother, me, was upstairs reading to her baby before she tucked him into bed for his afternoon nap. In the well manicured backyard(just kidding! Have you seen our backyard, not too bad, but not manicured) the pregnant, tired, lovely mother's two other children, Carter and Ella, and their little friend, Trevin, were outside blissfully playing in the kiddie pool which was at the bottom of the play set slide. Upon closing the door she heard her oldest, super cute son, Carter, screaming his head off down stairs. Now the wonderful mother was a little startled, but was beginning to get use to this type of screaming seeing how it happened the day before when the lovely son got a bee sting in his hand. However, hearing the urgency in his screaming ran downstairs to discover that Carter's right arm was completely misshapen and his elbow the size of grapefruit!!!!

So then reality set in and I was in complete panic mode! His arm was obviously broken, maybe in two spots with the looks of his wrist and elbow. What the heck does a mother do in this situation? Not something you train for. So?? Hospital? Or instacare? Shoes? Where are they? Trevin go home. Ella come inside and get dressed. Shoes? Call Matt. No answer. Comfort Carter who is still screaming his head off. Call Michelle across the street. No answer. Call Matt's cell. No answer. Call Sadi, Trevin's mom. No answer. Get Carter a shirt- only in his swim trunks. No can't get shirt on with his arm. Comfort Carter. Call babysitter- beg to come over even with little brother to watch Ella and Linc while I go to hospital. Don't know for how long. Matt texts- call in a minute. Text back-911!!! Matt calls! "Carter's arm is broken" hospital or instacare?- will call and call back. My shoes? Ella- you stay here. Audrey is coming. Carry Carter in van. Have to pick up his arm to put on seat belt. Sadi, neighbor shows up- suggests we pray. good idea. I will do it- no Sadi you do it. Have purse? Phone? Audrey, babysitter shows up with little brother. Drive away.

Matt called the instacare, which is a million times closer to us than the hospital. They said they have an X-ray machine and can see Carter. After carrying Carter into the place, the dr. looks at him and says take him to the hospital and then probably unto Primary Children's Hospital. Along the way Matt meets us and away we drive. Carter by now has calmed down significantly, but the turns and bumps in the road make him very nervous. We finally get to the hospital and with one look at his arm admit him instantly into the ER. What happened? He tells them he fell off the monkey bar. That would be the first of what could be literally a hundred times of being asked what happened. He is quickly dosed with some morphine and Matt and I begin making what seems like a million phones calls to family about what is going on. Carter, in the mean time, is having his arm x-rayed. He is doing amazingly well and is taking everything in stride. We wait around while Carter watches some tv. I am on the phone calling someone when I notice behind me about 7 nurses, ER Tech, dr, etc. all standing around some screens when at the same time they all let out this big, "ohhh.... My gosh!" One nurse shushes everyone and the ER tech catches me eye, like sorry. I thought, the break must be pretty bad for them to respond that way. More x-rays are done. Dr. shows us the x-rays. 3 broken bones in two places. Two at his wrist and one just above the elbow. He says while he would feel comfortable setting his wrist he is has a call in to the orthopedic surgeon at Primary's to see about the elbow. More waiting........

Call came in, Primary's ortho definitely wants him at Primary's. Dr. would suggest taking an ambulance. Carter then starts to freak out. He does NOT want to go in the ambulance. Wants to take the van. We tell him that mom or dad can go in the ambulance with him. does very little to comfort him. But eventually, despite the cost, we decide it is the best and actually convince him of it as well. EMT guys were super nice and funny. Carter now tells people with a little bit of boasting that he got to ride in an ambulance. It was expensive to have him ride in the ambulance, trust me, I got the gigantic bill today, however, it was rush hour and the break in his elbow was close to nerves that if jarred too much could cause some serious damage. Carter wanted Matt to ride with him and I drive the van up. Also upon hearing that we were going to have to go to Primary's we called Matt mom who was on standby and she then went to our house and relieved Audrey, the babysitter.

The ambulance was nice cause once at Primary's they whisked Carter into the ER and into a room with no waiting! That was super! We were seen by nurses who I think administered more morphine. An ER Resident came in and checked on Carter and then the real Dr. and then the ortho resident. We learned that Carter was going to have real surgery and that 2 pins would be put into his elbow and that his wrist would just be set, unless they thought it was bad enough pins were needed. It would take about 45 minutes all together and the Ortho Resident said we had the best Ortho surgeon in SLC to perform the surgery. While getting the Resident into the room took forever, he was very thorough and clear once in there.

Poor Carter in the mean time was doing super considering- luckily for us and him they had Disney Channel there in the room, which was a blessing! He was very hungry though and we felt bad, but he wasn't allowed to eat because of the 6 hour surgery rule. That probably was the hardest part at this point. His arm was wrapped in a "mini" cast and his pain was minimized just his little belly hurt.

We wanted Carter to have a blessing before he went into surgery. There was someone in the hospital who could help Matt administer it to Carter, but we were hoping not to have to use him. Instead at about 6:00, right in the middle of dinner, we called our friends the Nelson's who we were friends with the first time we lived in SLC while attending the U. They lived downtown and we were hoping were not too busy that Matt, the husband, could come to the hospital and help my Matt with the blessing. Despite having a meeting he was suppose to attend in an hour, he agreed to come. It was sooo wonderful of him to come. His wife sent along some dinner for us, which was a huge blessing because we were starving and it was sooo good. And mostly it was just good to see him, we hadn't seen him since being back in the state. So we caught up a little and then my Matt gave Carter a wonderful blessing. And then Matt had to go. Hopefully it won't be too long before we get to see him and hopefully his wife again.

By the time Matt left we had lots more waiting to do before carter was whisked away at about 9 to have the surgery done. Of course we talked again with the resident, the anaesthesiologist, the surgeon performing the surgery, Dr. Higgins. Thomas Higgins actually. And I don't know for sure, but to me his name and his face looked very Irish, but he had no accent, but if he had I wouldn't have been surprised. Matt and I were shown the waiting room and then we headed downstairs to the restaurant and bought some drinks and some ice cream to eat. We headed back upstairs and waited and ate our ice cream.

Dr. Higgins came back quicker than we expected and said everything had gone very well. They did not have to open him up like they thought they may have to and no pins in the wrist. He was rousing now and the nurses will call for us when Carter is awake enough. We felt very relieved and blessed to have had to gone so well. What is amazing about the whole thing is that there was not one speck of blood anywhere during this whole ordeal! Crazy, how modern medicine works.

Carter does well post surgery. He throws up twice, but is fine otherwise. We determine Matt is going to stay the night because I can't fathom sleeping on their pullout chair. My awesome brother, Pat, and his wife, Stephanie, come up to visit Carter as well as bring Matt some over night stuff. We had no plans of spending the night at the hospital, Carter's fall happened at 2 pm that afternoon. Little did we know, eh? Yet we were so thankful for them bringing Matt's stuff up. I finally leave with Pat and Steph at about 1. They drive me back to were we dropped Matt's car off at.

The plan for the next morning was to get up and be our of the house by 8. Matt's mom agreed to come back and watch the kids for us. But Matt called and said that Carter was being discharged soon, so there was no need to have me come up. All hyped up on narcotics Carter came home.

Part 2
So we had a scheduled Dr. appt. on Tues. He was going to have his new cast put on- one that fit better because the first one was too big due to the swelling of his arm initially after the first surgery. Does that make sense? More x-rays were going to be done and I then mentioned that last Wed. Carter fell out of back/trunk of a neighbors SUV. Why any mother would let their child ride in the trunk of a car is beyond me, even if it just was down the street. Anyways, the mother didn't see it happen, but said Carter landed on his back and was worried he hit his head. Carter said he hit his elbow. At the time he cried a little bit and then later that evening he complained a lot about his arm hurting. We didn't know if he was exaggerating and liked the attention or if it really hurt. However, I did call the ER and put a page into the Ortho Surgeons up there. No call back and Carter fell asleep fine. The next morning he woke up and did not complain at all of any pain, so I let it be. But I did want the Dr. to make sure it was okay before we put on this new, more permanent cast.

After reviewing the x-rays twice, the surgeon said that his arm had moved and that he needed to have it reset-- today. I felt terrible. Matt and I are normally so anal about stuff like this and this time we took the wait and see approach and the one time we have this approach we totally get burned. So what was suppose to be a regular 1 hour long visit to the Dr. ended up being an all day ordeal! It was difficult and crazy.

However, I was so grateful not to have my other kids. I was going to take them with me because it wasn't suppose to be that big of a thing and everyone in the office is super nice so I thought it would be no big deal. Luckily, my sister offered to watch them for me. Man was I grateful they were not there. The visit and all the stuff following to get the surgery(and that is what they called it) set up took about 2 hours. We were going to be able to do the surgery at the surgeon's office building because they had a mini-ortho hospital set up in the basement of the building. so we didn't have to go to Primary's, which I thought was nice, but later turned into a little bit, or a lot, of, nightmare. More about that in a minute.

so we had 2 hours to burn in downtown SLC before we needed to go back. Initially I told Carter we could go to the Discovery Center, but quickly realized that little time would be spent there due to travel and parking time and time spent getting lunch for me, and a lot of money would be spent getting in. When I told them this it didn't go over very well. I was hungry and wanted to get lunch but Carter, who couldn't eat again because of the 6 hour surgery rule, wasn't thrilled with me getting food. I agreed that I wouldn't eat the food in front of him, but did end up getting some yummy Cafe Rio. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal and that I could wait to eat until 2:15- no worries. We ended up going to the downtown library, which I had never been to. It was really pretty and we had a nice time there- even Carter. We pulled some books about motocross and BMX biking and looked at them and then played some computer games. It was good because it was nice and cool inside and pretty low key for Carter and his arm, whose cast was cut in half and put back together with an ace bandage. After more thinking about it going to the discovery center would probably not been the best idea for his arm that was still broken!

So back at the waiting room of the surgeon's office we met with the insurance lady who told me that it was going to be only covered at 70% up to $3000 because he was out of network. Well, I know he was out of network here at his offices, but in-network at Primary's and I then proceeded to tell her what I knew regarding this situation. She said to make sure to check with the insurance in the next day or two to work it all out. Well, having learned with Carter's arm that waiting isn't always the best, I had Matt check into it right then and was told the same thing. So having the surgery performed today at this facility was going to cost us at least 3K!!!! So then I called insurance and was told while it is the same surgeon and we were only doing as told by the same surgeon who performed the original surgery but that it wasn't going to covered as in-network. URG!!!! I was then transferred to someone who would be able to help me find a new pediatric orthopedic surgeon who could perform the surgery the same day because I was not going to go home with carter's broken arm in an insufficient cast. Meanwhile the nurse came out and told us they were ready for Carter. I had to tell her I could not have them do the surgery because it was not going to be covered as we initially thought. Anyways, super long story short after spending over an hour on the phone with the insurance people and crying to the receptionist and calling the insurance people a swear word and have the surgeon himself call the insurance people, we were authorized to have Carter have the surgery performed. I was relieved and grateful. I was also so ready and told the insurance guy that I was ready to go to Primary's ER, which would have cost them much more, I am sure then just having the surgery performed in the office. What could have been more ironic was that the same Dr., Dr. Higgins, could have been the one to perform the surgery on him if he were the on call surgeon. all worked out, though, only took 2 hours longer than thought to have him have the surgery.

Once finally back in the prep room we got Carter put into his gown, which he thought I was making fun of him for calling it that, but luckily the nurse backed me up on that! Anyways, we filled our time playing I Spy and the rhyming game. Eventually at about 4:30 I was starving and asked Carter if he minded I ate. He said it was fine and he would just try and not pay attention to the fact that I was eating. I felt guilty, but I was starving and I am 6 months pregnant and all I had for breakfast was a lousy bowl of Fruit Loops. Again luckily, the nurse at this time was like, do you want to watch some tv? And once the tv was on Carter wasn't even aware that was I was in the room.

About 20 minutes later the surgeon came and got us. I walked with Carter for as far as I could go and then I hugged and kissed him and away he walked down the hall with the surgeon and didn't even look back. I couldn't believe how little he looked walking away, yet how mature he acted walking away to a surgery were he was going to be totally knocked out, with a surgeon he barely knew.

The surgery was suppose to take only 20 minutes, but ended up taking 40. When the surgeon came to see me he told me it took a lot more pushing than originally thought it would to get it back to where it needed to be. I felt so bad, knowing that if I just would have brought him in last Thurs. the surgery would have gone a lot easier. About 15 minutes later the nurse came out and got me to tell me he was awaking.

He awakened a lot quicker this time than last, I think because the anesthesia wasn't as strong. He drank and ate quicker and didn't throw up this time either, which was nice. We were able to leave about an hour after the end of the surgery. I told him earlier in the afternoon that after we left the surgery/office building that he could get whatever he wanted to eat- ice cream, McDonald's whatever. We asked the nurse if that would be ok and she said yes, so for dinner Carter had a big 'ol Maggie Moo's ice cream Marshmallow with oreo, kit kat and sprinkles! What could be better when you are 5?

We finally for home at about 7:30. We left at 9 that morning. It was a long day. The worst part of it all is that having it reset basically means that it was like having it broken that day, which means 4 weeks longer than expected in a cast. Which I think puts him into the beginning of the school year! Urg. We are definitely going to be keeping a close eye on him and keeping him out of trunks of SUV's!