Braces...Again

Sadly, a photo opp was declined but I still wanted to document that

Dan has braces...again...but only on his bottom teeth...and only for 6 months.

Several years ago Dan asked the dentist to remove his permanent lower holding retainer that was placed after his first go around with braces. Well, no surprise, his teeth moved different directions. He's debated for awhile whether to go through it again. After my prompting he decided on the same day as his consultation to have braces put on. I think he secretly might regret it. He's really sore, food tastes funny and he is now remembering what a royal pain it is! I was hoping Julia would be ready for braces at the same time. I foresaw Daddy/Daughter dates to the orthodontist...you know...one less appointment for me to worry about. However, it was not to be. Julia is still waiting for teeth to grow into place.

In the meantime, I remind Dan how young it will keep him looking to have straight teeth! 

Epipen

I went to bed really late last night feeling like a bad mom.

A few years ago the allergist told me that I should really keep an epipen around for Hilary because she is highly allergic to all nuts. I knew she was allergic to nuts and a half dozen other things, but she had never had a serious reaction to any of them.  So, I kind of put the counsel of the allergist on the back burner and eventually forgot about it.

I have taken for granted that Hilary is sooooo careful about what she eats. She always asks me if she has a question or if she is on her own, she never hesitates to ask the server what's in the food she is eating.

Last night, after a really nice experience with the Mia Maids at the temple, they stopped for ice cream at the BYU Creamery. Hilary decided she wanted to try a new flavor of ice cream. She asked the worker specifically if the ice cream had nuts in it. He assured her it was free of nuts so she ordered, got her ice cream and took a bite. She immediately knew that there was peanut butter and peanuts in it. Only one bite of the ice cream and she knew she needed to get home. Her young women leaders took her home and when she walked in the door, her face was red, splotchy, and swelling. She was having a hard time breathing and then it hit me hard... I should have had an epipen.

I quickly gave her a Benadryl, she took her inhaler and Emily and I rushed her to the ER. (Note: Dan was out of town...he always misses the action)! By this time, she couldn't feel her lips and she was having a hard time talking because of the swelling in her mouth. They got her back, gave her the needed epipen, more Benadryl, steroids and told me I had done well giving her the initial dose of Benadryl and her inhaler. Guilt continued to set in and I willingly admitted to the ER doctor that I knew I should have had an epipen on hand. He was so nice, non judgemental and understanding. He walked Hilary and I through what to do next time. All the meds she should keep with her in case someone else makes a mistake. I can't help but think of the BYU Creamery worker who's manager got upset with him as they were leaving. I think the poor guy had no clue the seriousness of his mistake, but the manager was well aware. I hope he still has a job!

In the meantime, I have a new prescription for an epipen and steroids to have on hand. I thank my lucky stars we were close to home and a hospital. I know that I will be prepared next time this happens...the doctor assured me it would.

P.S. Thank you Jeanmarie for walking me through this on my way to the ER...you're the best!

Vegas

Last week we decided a little last minute

that we were going to head to Vegas for the Mountain West Conference Championship and support the Cougars. My previous visits to Las Vegas have been memorable in the negative sense.

However, the promise of great entertainment on the basketball court, warm sunshine, shopping and of course, just being with the family was more than enough to get me to go.

It was a very different trip because it was the first without Emily. When we went out to eat, we inadvertently said we needed a table for 6, then realized there were only 5 of us. We all commented a few times how much we missed her. 

I am pretty sure Emily was just fine on her own. I've never seen someone so excited to be left home alone! Let's just say, she had plenty of things to keep her busy. 

There are more photos I could share via the phone, but I think this will do. I had a chemical peel done the day we left and then broke out in hives on my neck. Not a good combination!

Watching BYU play on Friday night was incredible! Saturday night was hard to watch but the SDSU fans that surrounded us provided plenty of entertainment! 

Despite the whirlwind of a weekend, it was well worth it and tons of fun!! 

Who Needs Boys?

I always find it interesting to hear or see (in this case) what goes on when I'm not around.

Emily deals with the commotion that sometimes occurs, by pulling out the camera and

 documenting things.

A couple of years ago, I found an old camcorder tape that Emily had shot while babysitting these two.

Let's just say, they weren't cooperating like she had hoped and so she decided to tape them for the record. I don't know why she never showed us the video footage, but we all got a good laugh watching it years later.

By I digress... this is what was left on my camera a few months ago. 

Notice the dog...Is it me, or does she look a little worried?

The wrestlers shake hands in the "ring" at straight up 6 o'clock.

The wrestling and laughing ensue...

Although it looks like Hannah is trying to hurt Hilary, this is all fun and games to them.

The furniture gets moved, the dog runs from the room and Emily continues to snap away as these two go at it. Afterwards, everyone is still all smiles and no trips to the ER were necessary!

Seriously, who needs boys?!

Sick of Being Sick

She has been home bound for the entire week...

so sick with what the doctor calls para flu.

And she is truly sick of being sick!

She gets a little medicine in her and we think momentarily that she is getting better.

Two nights ago, she even laid out her clothes for school, I packed her a lunch and she went to bed.

It was not to be... a low grade fever seems to be her constant companion.

She loves school and hates to think about all that she is missing.

I secretly like her being sick, only because I get to have her home, all to myself!

It reminds me of the good old days when she was a baby and all the other kids were off at school. 

She went with me everywhere for nearly five years! 

Now days, I have to be content with a few days here and there with her all to myself.

Top 10 List of Things You Can't Do with Your Cap and Gown

If you are wondering why I decided to walk at BYU Graduation,

it's because I received this very convincing video in my inbox.

Not really.

Mid-Term Update

Life is in constant motion around here...

When one is in school, life often revolves around mid-terms.

It's mid-term time around our house for most of us.

Emily is in the middle of several mid-terms, two of which she knocked out last night. She continues to keep us entertained with her strange and sometimes creepy encounters with persons of the opposite sex. 

I can't say enough how happy I am that she is living at home still...I'm one lucky mom!

Hilary and Hannah got their first taste of the ACT today at school with a sophomore practice test. 

We are already talking about college and possible majors.

 Someone...hurry...stop the ride! 

Having 3 of my 4 children in college in a couple of short years is mind boggling to say the least.

Julia has been home bound with the flu for the past few days. She must be sick if she is willingly laying on the couch and watching television. She goes through at least a large box of tissues a day.

I am facing my own mid-term in Stats. It is overwhelming and I'm spending what feels like every waking moment thinking about, reading about or listening to statistical talk. My mantra is home stretch.

 I say it to myself constantly.

Dan is actually home for mid-terms which is wonderful! No travel plans this week and that has resulted in him helping with carpools, dinner, homework and such. 

And that's our mid-term update!