Life in Sunny St.George

Hey family! I think it's been like a year since I posted anything. Maybe even longer. So I decided it was time to give an update. I'm pretty sure everybody knows I moved down to St.George, I moved here at the beginning of January. It took me about two weeks after moving here to find a job but I was lucky to find one at a little Italian restaurant called Bella Marie's Pizzeria. I've been working there for about two and a half months and so far I really like it. My bosses can be kind of crazy sometimes but it's a really good job. I also work for cousin Myndee at Boulevard Home Furnishings but I usually only work a few shifts every few weeks. A couple weeks ago we did what's called a private sale and the theme was Willy Wonka.. Myndee dressed up as an Oompa Loompa, it was really cute. This is a picture of some cherry blossoms on a tree in front of the temple. I love the weather down here, it's so beautiful. I'm scared for summer cuz I know it's gonna be extremely hot but it's perfect right now. I'm obsessed with all the trees covered in lilacs and cherry blossoms so I finally got around to taking some pictures. This picture is actually from my phone... Not too bad right? Anyway, not much else goes on in my life. I'm always working or playing or sleeping. I've been dating a guy named Chris (yes Grandma, I know we already have a Chris in the family ;) officially for over a month now. He's a really awesome guy, he's from Caliente, Nevada. He's going to Dixie State and is a fire fighter during the summer. We spend a lot of time together, he pretty much takes care of me since I don't have my parents to do that anymore. Hehe. Well that's about it from me, I'm glad to hear Jared is doing good and can't wait to see everyone in July! I love you all!

Summer Plans

It is never too early to plan for summer fun. Kristin and I looked at our calendar for the summer and have picked out two weeks we would like to spend in Utah. Our preliminary plans are: Leave Texas on Thurs, July 15 and arrive in Northern Utah the evening of July 16. Attend a Jon Schmidt concert in Sandy on July 17. We have no other firm plans until we leave Utah on Friday July 30th to head back to Texas. Any ideas for a family get together? There are the usual standby's - 24th in Beaver, fish'n with Uncle Ron, a picnic in the mountains. Any ideas?

Exceeding expectations

Jared went to the doctor yesterday and she was very impressed with the progress Jared has made. His mobility in his right leg exceeded her expectations. The blood work was better than she thought it would be. Plus, the pain in his leg is now gone! Overall, a really good visit. Jared went to a full week of school. He is exhausted, though. He made it to seminary twice this week. He probably would have made it everyday if he didn't stay up until after midnight every night trying to catch up on homework. Jared is completely caught up in two of his classes. He is excited about that. He is getting there. Everyone's prayers have made a huge difference to Jared. Thanks for keeping Jared in your thoughts and prayers.

Spring in North Carolina

This forsythia bush is glowing in my backyard right now. Each morning as I come down this bright yellow bush is almost fluorescent with the morning sun lighting it. It makes me happy. It's been a long, cold winter for North Carolina and I thought spring would never get here. One weekend I was so desperate to get going on my garden I went to Home Depot and bought a starter kit and planted a bunch of seeds. They are happily growing in my square-foot garden now.

It seems each spring brings an "awakening". We find ourselves very busy with social events and other commitments. Kennedy and Tristan are both in soccer for the first time. This is new to us and the once a week practice and Saturday games keep us busy.

I was recently accused by someone (I'm not naming names) that I don't take pictures of my kids. To prove her wrong, here are some recent photos of the kids.

This is what happens when you are born with dimples and a sweet personality to boot and you have a bossy sister. . . .Don't they look like they are about to crash a party at the White House?

Jack is turning out to be a crazy kid. He is determined to keep up with the other two. He is in his element when he is outside. Mark my words, he will be my first ER child! He sure is cute though.

Latest with the Lowes

I was just looking at the blog and realized I haven't posted anything in a long time. Since today is my day off, I figured it would be a good opportunity to let everyone know how we are doing. Spring fever is very contagious and alas, we have caught it. A few weeks ago we did take a little camping trip, however the weather was not very cooperative. A good time was still had by all. We went to Baker Dam, its southwest of Cedar, and we got some shooting in and also a little fishing. After shooting, I came to the conclusion that I really want my own hand gun to practice with. I'm actually not a too bad of a shot. Here are a few pictures from that weekend.

In other news..... My Mom is still fighting her cancer. She has already completed 12 chemo treatments and after the 12th they ran scans and decided that another 6 treatments was their next move. She is still working about 15 to 20 hours a week. I guess it is good for her to have something to get her out of bed and keep her going. She has lost most of her hair and has been wearing different types of hats to cover it. She got one that looks like a skunk and it has little ears on it from Hot Topic. Yeah, that's my mom. But with everything that she is dealing with, she is the strongest woman that I know. I will keep everyone posted on her status during these next treatments which she starts next week.

Michael is getting so big and his personality is hilarious. Whenever he is doing something he knows he shouldn't be doing and we say, "Michael" (with the warning eyes) he just gives us the biggest grin as if to say, "what? I wasn't doing anything wrong, I'm a perfect angel!" He is getting better with talking and he knows a little sing language. I can't believe he will be two in a few months.

We hope that everything is going well with everyone! Love you all!

Sunset

I thought I would be daring and try to shoot a RAW image with my camera. I have had a problem not knowing how to open it up in Photoshop but this one I opened in Lightroom, developed it, and edited it in Photoshop. I don't know if I did it right, but here is a RAW sunset.

Grandpas bd

Same picture just enhanced in Photoshop

Grandpa

Grandpa

G Pa's birthday at Red Cliffs.

It has been awhile since I made a contribution to the blog so I jumped at the chance to share this special day with everyone. Some one had to capture the event on camera as the family photographer left her camera at home. I told her " I can see you forgetting to bring your husband before I can see you forgetting your camera". Any way, we made the drive to Red Cliffs after everyone got off of work this afternoon and met up with Alyssa and Pam for a picnic. It was very nice down there but being a little later in the day we were in the shade and it started to cool off quicker than we had hoped. We had good food and great company. I really liked the green velvet cake. It was very busy down there for this time of year. I will add a couple of pics of the great scenery. I think I can speak for G Pa and say it was a happy birthday. Huh? wrong way Alyssa!

Taisha

This is Ray and Merlene Harris's Granddaughter. Michele and Charles and their four kids, plus a baby belonging to their oldest daughter, have moved in with them while they search for a buyer for their house in Montana and relocate in St. George. I took some pictures for them yesterday and just thought I would post this one. This is Taisha, the mother of the baby.

Randall family

This photo was taken at Zion's Canyon several years ago. I just converted it to black and white.

Kennedy & Tristan

There's no place like home

Jared's recovery has shifted from the confines of a hospital room to the confines of home sweet home. Jared isn't going to bust out of here anytime soon. Jared and Kristin returned home yesterday. Jared has a pick line in his arm so that antibiotics can be administered to Jared at home. Last night, a nurse came to our house and trained Kristin how to inject saline and antibiotics into Jared via the pick line. Kristin has to administer the medicine three times a day. The doctor told Jared he could return to school after spring break. Fortunately, spring break starts on Monday. Jared is still dealing with a fair amount of pain, but he improves each day. We are now dealing with the details of recovery. We are in the middle of a saga surrounding his crutches. At 6'8", Jared is a "tweener". The initial set of crutches were too short, though they were perfect for me. The second set of crutches were too big, probably for patients 6'10" and above. Out of frustration, an administrator from Cooks called the Dallas Mavericks and asked, "where do you find crutches for your players". A supplier was identified and new crutches are on order. Hopefully, we'll be able to pick up the crutches on Monday. Jared appreciates everyone's love and concern. He especially appreciates the many prayers in his behalf. Lost in all of Jared's drama is Kristin. She has been by Jared's side through the entire ordeal and has been on an emotional roller coaster as she watched Jared fluctuate between having good days and bad days. Kristin is exhausted and the first thing she said to me when she got home was, "I'm overwhelmed". Kristin is a rock and I can't think of a better care giver for Jared than Kristin. She too is coming out of the fog and things are starting to resemble normalcy in our household. What would we do without Kristin! Thanks everyone for your thoughts, prayers and love.

Robins

Because the ground is covered in white, the robins have not been able to find anything to eat. We looked out in the front yard and there were about 50 of them in and under our little crab apple tree, devouring the tiny apples that are still clinging to it. I went out to take a picture but most of them flew away. It was quite a sight.

March snow storm

This morning Joyce and I took our morning walk in the beginnings of a snow storm. When I got back to the house I looked like a snow man. The storm began to worsen and big flakes fell for three or four hours. Before it was through we had 13 1/2 inches. I talked to Christi this morning and she was playing outside with the kids in short sleeve shirts and the temperature was 72 degrees. Not fair!

A Room With A View For You

Three years ago when we were looking for a new home to buy I had a list of things I really wanted in my next home. I found some that had all of them but I fell in love with the house we bought because I knew it was a good house. It was missing one item from my list, a bonus room. However, it did have a storage room that spanned almost the width of the house that could be finished off to make a bonus room. The only problem was that the entrance was through a door in one of the bedroom closets. See below:

That was kind of an awkward entrance, especially if we were to use the room as a guest room. So a few months ago we contacted someone who could come make some improvements to this room. It's all finished now and this is what we did.

A door has been added so there is another entrance through the bathroom. This will allow us to use the room as a guest room since the guest(s) won't have to go through Tristan's room. It will also give our guests a private entrance to the bathroom. The door also lets in needed light to the bathroom that has no windows, only a skylight.
We had space on both ends of the room to make into a storage area and a closet. The storage area has a small door (behind the trunk). This side of the room will also be used for my sewing area until we move Jack out of his room and into Tristan's room.

The Closet has double doors so we can store our extra bed when it is not in use. We also added a window to brighten up the room and make it look bigger. That made so much difference. If you have ever been to our house and seen the old storage area, you will be surprised next time you come to visit.
We are very pleased with the outcome of this improvement. Now that we have a room for you will you come visit?

Michael

SMU (Saturday Morning Update)

Yesterday, the doctors decided they wanted to be more aggressive toward treating the infection, so they operated on Jared mid afternoon. In their words, if they are nice to Jared (no operation), then they are also being nice to the infection. The operation went well. The doctor told me this morning that the area looked better than they expected, based on the results of Jared's second MRI. The doctors pumped 9 liters of fluid to thoroughly wash the infected area. In short, the second operation was more of a precaution than a compelling need.
Kristin and I switched places today. She is home and I'm with Jared. Jared is pretty sore this morning. He is also very sleepy. Jared continues to receive an outpouring of love and support. His math class made homemade get well cards, he has received care packages from family and friends as well as cards and E-mails. Keep Jared in your prayers. He as a few tough days ahead of him as he continues his recovery.

I really like this pose. Handsome kid!!!

This one has a "lens flare" added to it. Kinda interesting!

I ran a vintage wash on this one. I like it.

Jared

This action was called "Pretty Gritty". Cool, huh?

Jared

Hey, Jared, here's a picture that might cheer you up. I ran a couple of actions on it that really zapped it up. I hope you like them. We're hoping and praying that you get better soon. Maybe a miracle, Heavenly Father?

Michael

I couldn't resist the sparkle in his eye on this one

Overdue Update

Jared had an MRI today. Following the MRI, Kristin and Jared were able to visit with the doctor to review test results. The doctors suspect the infection began in the bones in his pelvis. The infection likely leaked from the pelvis and migrated to two abysses areas as well as to the hip. The place where the infection originated isn’t as sensitive as the hip area, so the infection was able to flourish before it was discovered. The MRI revealed there is still some infection in the pelvis. The area can be surgically drained, but the doctors are hopeful the infection can be dealt with through antibiotics. The doctor reset our expectations as follows: Jared will stay in the hospital at least through the weekend. Jared will be on antibiotics for 3 months, intravenously for 2 more weeks, orally for the rest. Jared will be on crutches beyond 6 weeks and he won’t be able to play sports for up to 6 months. A full recovery is still possible. The doctors are being very cautious. The reason for the crutches is to eliminate pressure on the hip joint and cartilage, which will allow maximum healing time. Jared is definitely headed in the right direction. His pain levels are greatly reduced. His fever is gone at the moment. His latest blood sample didn’t grow a culture, meaning the infection wasn’t present in the blood sample. Apparently, there are several strains of staph infection. The strain Jared is dealing with is NOT the strain that is drug resistant, for which we are very grateful. Jared has had many visitors and well wishers. He is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support. The school principal called today and told Jared his number one priority is to get better. He said school will be dealt with at the appropriate time. We have had dinners delivered to our house every day this week, which certainly eases the stress level in our household. Kristin is now staying with Jared full time, including sleeping at the hospital. It is much easier for Jared to have a parent there to help him during the night and to talk to the doctors in the morning. Jared’s appetite is slowly returning. His color is back to normal. His dimples can be seen more frequently. We are grateful to have the Jared we know and love return to us. Thanks again for all the support.

monday morning

Hello Family! Thank you for your prayers and fasting on my behalf. I know they helped a lot. This morning, I have no pain in my hip. Last night, I could barely get up and go to the bathroom with help, but this morning I went up the stairs with crutches. I can finally get up out of bed with almost no help and my fever is going down. And Ron, the reason i can fit in my bed is because they got an extension for my bed. I appreciate all the love and support that's been shown.
-Jared