A Spectacular Day in Boise, Id

Today in Boise, Idaho we were privileged to have have the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints in our presence. He was here to rededicate the Temple which has been open to the public for the last few weeks. Here is a short video that aired on the news tonight about it. (And if you want to see my dad, you really better watch!) 

I am so thankful to have a temple close by again. I love to go there!

Our Night @ PEDS

 Sweet and Condensed Version:

Big T was taken to the ER at 4:30 AM on Saturday November 10th. He was than transported via ambulance to a different hospital and admitted in the pediatrics unit with bronchiolitis. He then got to go home on Sunday the 11th, and is doing much better!

For the whole story, read below!

Ty'Rell's parents came into town the afternoon of the 10th. We went out to dinner and Big T was doing just fine until we were almost done eating. He just became exhausted and wanted to lay down. By the time we got home he had a slight cough and was ready for bed. After going to bed he would cough in his sleep and cry out for a few seconds but all while staying asleep. I kept checking on him and he seemed fine. 

At 3:30 AM I heard him coughing again but felt the urge to run in and grab him out of his bed. As I did I noticed how hard he was working to breath. It was so hard that he couldn't stay asleep, but his eyes were so heavy and tired. After a Priesthood blessing I rocked him as he struggled to breath and became very uncomfortable. I said a short prayer and just pleaded to know what to do. After 20 minutes or so I got TyRell and told him it was time to go to the ER.

The problem with living in the country is it is a mere 25 minutes to the nearest hospital. It was a long drive. He gagged while coughing and threw up, but that was the only hiccup on our way. 

His oxygen levels were pretty good when we got there, but they did a chest x-ray, RSV and flu tests, and gave him medicine through a nebulizer twice. His O2 levels started dropping and his heart rate sped up, but he was beginning to breath a little bit easier with the respiratory treatments. His x-ray didn't show "anything conclusive"...ya. (Until the pediatrician saw it later!) The ER Dr. told us that he had called a pediatrician who wanted him admitted into the hospital. The only problem was that this particular hospital didn't have a pediatrics unit. What did that mean? An ambulance ride downtown to a different hospital. He screamed the whole way. Can I just say that EMT's are AWESOME. They are so nice and really try to make you comfortable. But it didn't really help Big T. It probably didn't help that it was 10AM by this point and we hadn't had anything to eat!

At the PEDS unit they admitted Tytan and monitored him ever so closely, confirming with the x-ray that he had bronchiolitis (bronchitis in babies). By evening time he was doing so much better that I thought we would be released. But not so much. The Dr. on call said Big T was still struggling way to much to breath and so we stayed over night. The sweetest thing that happened was when T and I said our prayers that night. I was so exhausted from running on 3 hours of sleep that I laid in bed to pray. But not T. He knelt in his crib and folded his arms. It melted my heart. It wasn't until the next morning that I realized just how bad his breathing had gotten the previous night. Sunday morning he was breathing so easily it was amazing. (Hence the smiley pictures above!)  We were released to go home Sunday afternoon and we were so happy about that. 

Big T still has a very yucky cough, but is doing well. We go on for a follow up appointment on Thursday!

It broke my heart to see Tytan struggling to breath, and then to fight getting treatment and an IV. We were quarantined in his hospital room, so it was a struggle to keep him entertained. And his little crib/cage. Oh man! Noticing that when I walked in the room caught me off guard. I was too tired to cry then, but now the emotions are catching up with me. I am so grateful for many things. First his health. But also mother's intuition, the Spirit for helping me make right choices, Priesthood blessings, and modern medicine. All of these went hand in hand in helping our Big T get better! And, thanks to those who kept us in their prayers and even paid a visit to us! An even BIGGER thanks to my in-laws who, instead of having a relaxing vacation, doted on Bristol all weekend, and took care of the house and other matters while I was in the hospital with Big T. We couldn't have done it without you!

Halloween 2012: Part 3 of 3

Halloween Day!

You know how photo shoots go with little kids. It's hard to get a good shot! So here are the best of the best!

Tytan as a biker and Bristol as Cinderella!

Halloween 2012: Part 2 of 3

Bristol has been loving her preschool. She goes twice a week, and I'm sure she would go more. And the best part is that her teacher, Miss Michelle, loves having parties! The day before Halloween they had a class party that all of the mom's and little siblings could attend. 

Barnyard Brigade Class Party!

Costume Parade

Class picture!

Relay game

Bristol then had dance class on Halloween, which also calls for a party. These little girls wore their costumes, danced, colored, and had some healthy treats! (Boy was I grateful for that!) Bristol adores her dance teacher, Miss Kim, and her assistant Vanea. 

Big T is lucky enough to have some "guy time" with Dad during Bristol's dance classes. Ty works just down the street, and class is at noon aka lunch break! So Big T and dad took off to...buy Bristol a new Cinderella for her pumpkin. Apparently our dog Ruby likes to eat little Cinderella's. But sshhhh, Bristol doesn't quite know exactly what happened. 

HALLOWEEN 2012: Part 1 of 3

Holy moly did we have quite the Halloween this year. Party after party, it just kept on coming! In order of occurrence, here it is...in a nutshell.

Grandma and Grandpa always have a big hoopla Halloween party. Costumes for EVERYONE,  treat contests, pumpkin carving contests, etc. If you can have a contest in it, we'll do it. We're kinda competitive that way!

Esa, Jessica, Bristol, Tytan
aka
Butterfly, Jessie, Cinderella, Biker Boy

The Erekson Family...plus a couple for appearances!
The Obama's on the left with the classy winners, Romneys, on the right.
Got Milk? couple, Siamese twins,
And the young tooth loosing boy, with his tooth fairy and the two littles

I might just add that I made the most amazing cheese cake cupcakes that took 3rd place, Bristol's pumpkin (pictures to come) as well as Ty's pumpkin won in the carving division, and Tytan, Bristol and I each won a prize in the costume division. 

We had a blast. Grandma and Grandpa completely spoil us and sure know how to throw a party!

It's only October and I am already missing the warmth I felt this day out in the Owyhees. We went on a family drive not too far from our house in search for some old Indian arrowheads. I know they're out there...I've seen them. But we just found some shavings. Some really neat ones too! Bristol even spotted some herself and picked them up. Her little pockets were completely packed with "arrowheads." 

And now I'm sitting here in my sweatshirt really needing some of that heat in my bones. *sigh*

Our Sunday

We believe in keeping the Sabbath Day holy. At our house that means not going shopping, out to eat, or doing recreational activities. Instead we spend some good quality time together as a family. 

TyRell needed to air out the tent from his previous Scout camping trip. What a better way to do it than inside so the kids could play in it. Lets just say that we spent some good quality family time in that tent on Sunday. It was a hit.

We watched "The Ultimate Gift" (a great family movie), and then played hard in and around that thing. So awesome!

Dream Catcher

It rained hard here in good ol' Idaho. We were watching the storm from our window talking about rain and clouds when out of nowhere appeared the most beautiful rainbow. It was stunning. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it was awesome. The kids loved looking at it! Do the wonders of this world ever take your breath away? Happens to me all of the time.

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift: Ninety and Nine

Church. I love it. But sometimes it's all I can do to survive it. Ya know those moments? Well, that's how it was for the first hour. The kids were fighting over toys, singing out loud when everyone else was being quiet, the list goes on. So as I was trying to listen to the words being spoken I thought to myself " Well, I can't hear let alone listen so I guess I'll just feel the spirit around me as I survive this hour with the kids.

Well I made it.

Second and third hour were really busy, but I made it through them too.

On my way home i realized how starving I was. No matter what time church is, I'm always starving when it's out. So, I am almost home when I see a long line of cars stopped ahead of me.
"Oh great."
But then I saw what it was holding everyone up. 
A huge flock of sheep. Hundreds of them, following one man with another man bringing up the rear. It really took me back. First I went for my camera, not there. Then I chuckled. Who gets stopped on their road home by a ton of sheep? And then the wheels really started turning.
I looked at these sheep. All struggling to quickly follow their master. Some went astray and separated themselves from the herd but were quickly brought back by the soft whistle of their shepherd. And if they didn't move quickly enough, two sheep dogs came bounding out of nowhere and helped them along their way. (Do you see where I'm going with this?) 
I thought of a song. "Ninety and Nine" by Michael McLean. I am one of those sheep. Finding my way back to my Heavenly Father with the help of His Son, my Saviour Jesus Christ. And if for some reason I can't find my way, I have people who love me to help me find my way back. 

You can listen to this song here.
Michael McLean-Ninety and Nine
I am one of the ninety and nine
I’m not perfect but basically I’m doing fine
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray
I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I am here in the heart of the fold
I’m not mindless but I try to do as I’m told
I’m not tempted to run and become the lost one
I am here in the heart of the fold

So why is my shepherd coming this way toward me
He’s holding his arms out and he’s calling my name
Yes he’s calling my name! But how, how can this be?

I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I have stumbled and fallen, but I’ve kept in line
I’m not one he must seek; I’m not all that unique
I’m just one of the ninety and nine

So why is my shepherd treating me like a lost lamb?
He’s searching to find me 
And he’s holding me now, yes, he’s holding me now
And teaching me who I am

So why am I feeling like I’m the only one here
It’s like I’m his favorite
And he takes me aside, and he sweetly confides
These remarkable words in my ear

You are one of the ninety and nine
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
You are safe in this fold, and it’s time you are told
That I know where you’ve been so I know where you’ll be
Because all of your life you’ve been following me
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
Or just one of the ninety and nine

You are mine, you are mine, you are mine
You are mine

I am one of the ninety and nine.

To make it even better, I heard this preformed live just a week ago. It was awesome!
I am one of the Ninety and Nine. And so are you!

Come one, Come All!

If you have ever driven the freeway through Boise, Idaho, you have probably seen this building. Ever wondered what it is other than beautiful? It is the Boise Temple for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Or...the Mormon Temple. Usually LDS temples aren't open to the public. However, the Boise Temple has just been newly remodeled. With this recent remodeling project comes an open house to anyone who wants to come see it before it is dedicated. That means YOU can come see what is inside. Go here for more details.

What does this temple mean to me? There are a ton of reasons. But lets start with the architectural reasons. It's beautiful! And, the original architect was my Granddad, Ron Thurber. 

But lets get on to a few other reasons why I love this building. I was married there. I married my best friend for time and all eternity. My family will be together for eternity.That means the world to me. There are many times that I have used the words "heaven on earth" on this here blog. Describing certain places that I love to go. But this really is heaven on earth, one of the most sacred places on the earth. I love going here to worship. 

I am taking my little family to see the inside tomorrow night. Bristol is so excited. She has always loved driving past the temples in different cities. Now, she will go inside. The inside is breathtakingly beautiful. I hope that you will take your family there. 

Project Pen

There is pen on the wall,

There is pen down the hall.

It's all over your arm,

and the toy farm!

Pen on your dress,

Oh what a mess.

But you love your dance tights!

No! That pen doesn't make them look nice!

There is Pen on the cushion,

 your butt is gettin' a whoopin'.

Not to mention my shirt,

that whoopin's gonna hurt.

I know, I know there aren't any traces left,

What can I say? My cleaning skills are the best.

But, say "goodbye" to your friend the pen,

Crayons will just have to work in the end.

No...there wasn't a "whoopin'". But you get the idea right? Mom has had it!

The Power of Disney

About a year ago Bristol started having nightmares. There were monsters in her closet. This went on for about a week until I talked to my mom. (Mom's know everything!) She reminded me that "Monster's Inc." is Bristol's favorite movie. Light bulb. Problem solved. Ya, she still watched the movie. Just less frequently and we had a little talk about how to make the monsters go away.

Well, today in the car I called TyRell who has been hunting all week in Utah. He answered the phone!!! Bristol has this new infatuation with talking on the phone. She loves it. (More on that later.) But the conversation went a little bit like this.

Ty Guess what I got today?

Bris What?

T A BUCK

B A buck? Whoa! Is it big or little?

T It's a big buck.

B Whoa! A big buck? Like Bambi's dad?

T Moment of silence..."No. More like Bambi's Grandpa."

Haha! I couldn't stop laughing while she was on the phone. (Of course I had to call Ty to get the full conversation.) This little girl just absorbs everything! I love it. She is too cute to boot... and talks my ears off!

Baby Fish do do, do do da do

This little lady spent an honest 2 weeks practicing in the backyard with that little Barbie fishing pole. It was the cutest thing in the world. Casting out into the lawn and reeling it in all by herself. Grandpa E. got her going on it, and all in preparation for this big day:

Fishing Day!

She ate.it.up.

Bristol fishing
McCall, Idaho
Summer 2012

Watermelon Galore

We grew some watermelon...

And we liked it!

We grew two different types of watermelon. They were great! 

Granted, we planted a few too many plants (my husband would disagree),

But we enjoyed them a ton!

First Position

Not only is this lady in Preschool this year, but she is taking dance lessons!

Aside from ruining her tights on the second day, she is doing awesome!

Loves every minute of it!

My T.

Can I just tell you how much joy this little man brings me? I just can't soak up enough of him. That blonde hair, those blue eyes, and that gut. Man alive it gets me every time. You should see him strut around! And can I add that he is the most pleasant little thing. 

He is just barely 19 months old. Time just goes by too quickly. (Yes, I do have 18 month photos, but converting them from RAW is just posing a large problem...) He loves to play, and be included in on the fun with his big sister. He is a lovey dovey baby. It's so great! He is still my baby, and it's just going to stay that way for a little while!

September 2012

Bristol + Taylor

Have I ever told you that Bristol loves Taylor? I mean seriously loves her.

Taylor "Slift" to be exact. Ya, she probably gets it from me.

But that's ok! 

 Back in June I was lucky enough to catch this video of her. It's priceless. She's dressed up like a princess, and she even did her own hair! I just love this stage of her life!

 

 Hopefully one day the Bris and I will go to one of Taylor "Slift's" concerts. But until then...YouTube will have to work for a while!

Christmas Already?

My Mr. has been teasing me a bit lately. Because you see, Christmas is just around the corner and I'm already making plans.

I know, it's only September. But I have so much to do to make it the best Christmas EVER! (I say this every year. So making this Christmas better than the last is tough!) It's all in good fun!

My brain is already blitzing about everything I want to do for Christmas.

Baking, shopping, decorating, photography, parties, music, etc. The list goes on!!!

On the forefront of my mind is how I am going to beat this Christmas card from last year? These cute faces just can't quite be beat! It's going to take a little bit of magic.

Christmas 2011

Some Time in Oakley + A First

The kids always have a blast at Grandma and Grandpa's in Utah. 

We do some extra-ordinary things while there. 

Like...

Riding the goats;

getting our hair cut (for the first time for T.)

This picture does explain it all. He hated every second of it.

But completely worth it in the end.

So handsome!

And this little girl just plays and plays to her little heart's content.

And let me just add that we loved the weather in Oakley this trip.

While it's 90 degrees in Boise during the day,

it's in the 70's in Oakley. 

Absolutely perfect for playing outside all day!

PRESCHOOL

Bristol's first day of Preschool!

She was so excited to get her picture taken...NOT!

But I'll tell you what she was really excited about...

Preschool!

This little lady had a blast.

Bristol
Preschool 2012

Beautiful Heartbreak

I love this music video. 

Grab a tissue and enjoy!

"Beautiful Heartbreak" by Hilary Weeks

I can't relate to those featured in the video. I haven't had that kind of heartbreak.

But I do have small heartbreaks. This is a great reminder that heartbreaks can become "beautiful." My small heartbreaks (although seemingly HUGE at the time) have made me who I am today. I am so grateful for the blessings of challenges.

P.S. I also love this video because I am an avid fan of the three main ladies in it. Hilary, Stephanie, and Mariama. What great examples!

Cooling Off

We love our ice cream over here. This has been a favorite past time of ours in this Idaho heat. Just chillin on the camp chairs in the back yard with an ice cold treat. Creamies were a favorite! Thanks Nana!

And this kid is always full of personality!

S.C.R.A.T.C.H.

Ya know how Sundays are a day of rest? 

Sometimes it sure doesn't feel that way.

And then to add to it...this happened.

Poor little man. He sure is tough though!

The story you ask?

Apparently while I was teaching in Primary, Big T. was throwing a fit. 

So, he ended up on the couch with dad in the foyer.

This said couch had an upholstery tack sticking out of it.

As Tytan slid off of the couch, the tack got him.

He cried for all of 30 seconds, but it's been almost a month and there is still a scar.

Hope that one goes away soon!

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

I sat down after church today and read an article. This quote literally jumped off of the page at me. I really needed this sweet reminder.

                  "Do your duty, that is best. Leave unto the Lord the rest."

I can only do my best, and the Lord will take care of the rest of it. And ya know what else? I will be blessed for it.

*SIGH*

The Lord knows exactly what I am going through. He knows my struggles and insecurities. He also knows how much I can handle. And He will help me through it.

Quote taken from August '12 Ensign "Answering the Call of Duty" President Thomas S. Monson

I thought I hated laundry...

I thought I hated doing laundry. And then it happened on this 

"...no good, very bad day."

The day was going to be great. 

We were going to leave home and head for the mall.

Meet my sister and her kids. Shop. Play.Eat.

Go to a park and play some more. 

But it didn't happen quite like that.

We were off to a good start. The kids were being so good as I got ready, and packed the diaper bag for the day out. T. even ate his eggs, which he had never had before.

So we get in the car and begin our 30 minute drive.We are almost to our exit on the freeway when...Power Barf. Explosion Barfing. Everywhere. Bristol says "Mom, Tytan is throwing up!" It finally stops and T lets out a big sigh. I can't pull over, so I take my exit and park in the parking lot. It's bad. Poor Big T. Those eggs didn't like him.I head to my Mom's house where I pull everything out of the car to clean. It took 1 hour. Why so long? It was everywhere, and to top it off the car seat cover wouldn't come off. Plan B: spray it off with the hose. And what does T do that whole time? Go inside and eat some bread and crackers while playing with my sisters. He is totally fine. I finally finish cleaning and head inside. Take off my shoes, and rest for a minute. I then decide to head to the mall again. But wait! There is dog crap on my shoes! I can't believe it. (Thank you neighbor dog for always pooping in my parent's yard.) So, to get the barf smell out of my nose, I go scrub some crap off of my shoes. I don't know which smells worse.

Well, we make it to the mall. Before heading in I check my face in the mirror. Wow, I already look tired! Wait a minute...I forgot mascara on the bottom lashes of my left eye. Great! That looks good. Oh well!

I buy T a shirt to replace his messy one, and we have a good time. We skip the park, and head home.

Laundry. It's catch up day. Lots to get done. First load washed and headed for the dryer. WHAT? The dryer didn't dry the last load. Argh. After another cycle through the dryer, the clothes still aren't dry. Heating element not heating! So, what happens? The clothes hang dry on the back porch. Thankfully my neighbor doing yard work made sure he wasn't creating  too much dust for my clothes. Haha! A smidget of humor for the day. It only lasted a second until I started hanging my underwear and began feeling humiliated. Don't worry, my mom assured me that nobody would be able to actually tell I was hanging my underwear. Thanks Mom...

So, there you have it. A long day. Grateful to laugh about it now!