Spring Break

Funny how snow just continues to add up outside, when its spring break for the kids. On Friday, our first day of spring break we had mild weather in the morning and early afternoon, and then we got a snow storm in that was probably our best this year, at least 12 inches of snow. We've had another mild winter, which doesn't bod well for living in a desert.

Today, as I woke up, looked out the window at the beautiful snow, the first thought I had was what a beautiful day, a fresh new day. All the white snow is like a day of renewal, and fresh new start. Wouldn't that be nice to wake up to a fresh new start everyday? I think of all the beautiful things that this life has to offer...the spring flowers are on the top of my list of things I love. I especially love tulips, they are my all time favorite flower. They just are so beautiful and vibrant with color. I love the blue sky as I look out my window I can not see a cloud in the sky, just sunshine from every angle. It makes me want to wake up, shout HOORAY for a bright new beautiful day!

These are two pictures that make me think of the things I love, spring and fresh starts. Have you ever had a day where you think, if I could only start today over? well sure you have, we all do. Today, is like a fresh start, its Monday, its the week before Easter, so many amazing reasons to allow today to be a fresh start. Winters can seem so long for some, and for others not long enough. I know for me that by April 1st, I am ready for spring flowers, spring like temperatures, and a myriad of other spring type things.

Start today, and find what makes you happy, and find what makes you want to be a better person. Its a fresh new start, a new day!

Weekend Trip to Colorado Springs

We went to Colorado Springs for the last four days, the kids went through the Betty Ford Colorado Children's Program to teach them about Addiction. This program is geared to help children understand its not their fault, and they are not alone. Although, I could not take any pictures of the kids at the program, I did take a couple when we went to dinner one night. The kids do not understand the theory behind all you can eat food bars at Golden Coral. Connor came to the table with a bowl of pepperoni, and pickles. I just shook my head. Then they found the desserts so that was the end of that.

Aubrey's First Play!

Aubrey tried out for her school play "Dickens of a Christmas" she was a maid, and loved it! We were so excited for her to be in this play as she is our little actress. She had a great time!

Keeping it real

 It all started back in September, Loren started to feel awful and ended up having a kidney stone issue. His doctor tried to keep him comfortable, expecting that Loren would pass it and after three weeks of not feeling well Loren finally had surgery on October 10, then he had surgery again on December 6th. He went into the ER on New Years Eve with another stone, and finally he went in again on February 12th. Loren is now having serious health issues regarding his right kidney. He will not be happy if he knows that I've posted these pictures, he said no Facebook, so I didn't post it there. He never said no blog! ;-)

Loren's kidney is not fully functioning and his baseline is only 60%, by February his kidney was discovered to be very sick, full of puss and blood. By then the kidney was not even functioning at 60% it was far less. So, he is having to deal with a lot of issues and is in serious pain. He is trying to keep his spirits up!

Not looking happy about an upcoming procedure. He really didn't want this picture posted!

This is a stint, these are placed in the ureter from the kidney to the badder to prevent swelling after surgery. Loren currently has one in to keep any stones from dropping down into the ureter, while they try to dissolve his stones. He is not a candidate for "blasting" the stones, because his stones are uric acid and not calcium. This has been a difficult few months, and we will be glad when he is feeling better.

Fun with family

Jon, Renae and Paityn came for a visit in Feburary! We had such a good time for the 10 days that they were here. I am so thankful for them and all their help. They originally were coming out to help us with the kids so we could attend a conference. Then Loren went into the hospital and we were not sure we were even going to be able to attend our conference. Turns out with a lot of breaks we were able to attend our couples conference. While they were here, we went one night up to our condo at Estes Park, we had so much fun. Of course, I deleted on accident all those pictures off my cellphone...smart me. I also forgot my camera, so I will try get copy the ones I do have and put some more on here.

Catching up

This year has been crazy to say the least. While most of my family has been sick and trying to recover from various illnesses...I have been busy with my internship and trying to stay on top of things. I plan to post new pictures and stories in the next couple of days. Maybe even today as time permits. We are currently in the middle of a snow storm with blizzard conditions. Although we do not have a lot of snow yet, its going to pick up and gain speed today. Since I do not have my internship, and I do not have much going on, I hope to sit down and catch up my blog. I know I have been lacking in it a lot lately. Once I sit and explain all that is happening I think it will make more sense.

Happy Saturday!