craziness

Trying to keep up with 3 blogs is a little crazy-right.
You would think that it wouldn't be to hard. But for me, it is.
I realized that I posted Braden's email and ours on my preschool blog.
Hum, don't think they need to know about that-do they?
I guess I need to be a little more careful about which blog I am actually blogging on and make sure it is the right one before I post the blog.

The up side is that we only have 3 months until Elder Erickson returns home and I will be down to two blogs. I'm sure that will be easier, on me at least.

Ethan-no more braces

Ethan finally got his braces off after 2+ years. His teeth are ver nice and straight now.  

He has two permanent retainers, upper and lower. The only cover the front few teeth.

He has clear retainers for all of the teeth that he has to wear every night.

The gave him a yummy caramel apple to eat. Yeah, no more cutting apples to eat and YES caramel.

He says it feel weird and his teeth feel so smooth.

 

Mother Goose Time curriculum

I just want to give a shout out for Mother Goose Time curriculum. I have been using in my Preschool classes for 5 years.
I love it because it covers so many different learning experiences.  It covers every area needed to learn and grow.
We just got done learning about Dinosaurs. We even took a field trip to the Dinosaur Museum here in Lehi.  The kids all had a blast.
If you would like to follow along on our adventures go to my preschool blog by clicking the link on the right called Leapz and Boundz Preschool. This is were I will be posting from now on.

The best part about the curriculum, for me as a teacher, is most of the prep work for art projects is already done. And the monthly teacher guide is easy to follow and use.

Here are some pic's of our field trip ...

Starting again

So, it has been quit awhile since I have blogged on the family blog. Most of what is happening has been posted on Braden's blog. But so much is happening that I guess it is time to start this one up again.

Paige is off to college at BYU Idaho and loving it. Even thought it has been very cold. She gets along with all of her roommates . And because she tool our Wii with her, they are the happening place when classes are over.

Hope had her tonsils and adenoids out. She had extra adenoid tissue so she came out of surgery with a few extra sore spots.  The poor thing was pretty touchy for about 10, yes, 10 days.  She is her happy self now.

We have struggled with her for about 6 months to go to primary on her own. But she just won't do it.  So, when the new year came around we made a big deal out of getting new teachers and she should go and show them how reverent she could sit. Guess what, she has the same teacher.  So, of course all of that was for not.  I came up with another plan that she could be anchorage of the kids in her class and see how reverent they are and then give them a treat when class was over. I bought a bag of dumb dumb suckers and sent some with her. It worked. She stayed in class by herself.  This week however was Stake Conference. We'll have to see how things go next week.

As part of the Stake Relief Society Presidency, I got to help make and serve dinner to the Stake Presidency, their wives and Elder Ence (probably spelt wrong) and his wife, dinner last night in-between the Stake meetings.  Everything went smoothly and clean up was even fast and easy. I guess, after 2 years of experience of serving other meals both big and small has paid off.

Stake conference was great as usual.  Our stake theme this year is Reverence for sacred things brings faith in Jesus Christ. What a great thing to focus on this year.

Life can be scary but keep going

So I have to blog about this..

Paige and I took a trip to BYU Idaho with her friend Kaylee and her mother to check out living and get a feel for campus.

On our trip home from Idaho, we stopped at a Wendy's to eat. This old lady started choking and her daughter yelled for help. A worker came to help but couldn't get it out. They told the other worker's to call 911. I was scared but knew I had to at least try and help. I went over and told them to let me help. First time doing the hymlic maneuver (on an adult) and it worked. The poor lady was so shaky. I sat her down and rubbed her back and asked if she was alright. She was coughing, but nodded her head, yes. So, I went back to my lunch. The ambulance still came and checked her out and talked to her. The old lady and her daughter thanked me before they left. It was a scary experience. Poor Paige told Dad, that she almost saw a lady die today but Mom saved her life. I guess I did. I was to nervous to even think of it that way.
It was scary to me but what was I gong to do-watch her die-NO. I am glad that I have been certified in first aid and CPR. Kaylee's mom said-wow, right place, right time-Traci. Yes, it was but I don't wish to have to do it again.
Today in church we talked about hastening the work (missionary work) and I thought about my experience at Wendy's and doing what I could to help the lady live, even though I was scared. Am I willing to step in and help people people in their spiritual live's? I know I am, but even after serving a full time mission, it can be a little scary. I need to work on the FAITH thing a little more.

Skin care

I have been using a new skincare product called Paula's Choice exfoliant. So far, I am in love with it.  My complexion is smoother and brighter.  Big pores are smaller and fine lines are diapering. I'm going to keep using this product.

I was able to try this great product through being a Buzz Agent.

Braden's address

I thought that I had posted this earlier but I guess not.

The easiest way to get letters to Braden right now is through pouch mail.

 Write on one side of plain white paper, fold it into 3rd's and tape it closed-leavig about 1 inch on either side.
Put address and first class stamp on outside of letter -no envelope!!!

Pouch mail to

Elder Braden Michael Erickson
Uganda Kampala Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City Ut 84130-0150

I am sure he would love to hear from you.

Squirt gun party

I registered to do a Nurf squirt gun party through a company called House Parties.

And they actually choose me to host a party. They sent me 5 Nurf Squirt guns and 10 bags of Cheetos, lots of coupons and tattoos. We were supposed to have the party Saturday but Loren's work is hosting Lagoon Day-so it is free for us.  We can't pass that up, so we had the water party early.  The boys invited some friends and I bought extra guns and of course used the coupons.  The kids had a blast and got to take Cheetos home with other fun goodies.
We may do this again this summer just because it is so much fun.

He made it to Africa

Yes, he made it. I kind of stressed about it. Because he called and talked to Loren from the airport and said that he had to do the last part of the trip on his own.  I'm guessing it was because they had his travel itinerary wrong the first time around.
The silly kid, I waited around at home knowing that he gets to call home and find out that he called Loren at work.
I'm glad he made it safely.

Here is an email we received from his mission President today.

12 June 2013

 We want you to know that your son, Elder Braden Erickson has arrived in the Uganda Kampala Mission.  I was very pleased to note the preparation, worthiness and commitment of your son to be obedient and to serve the Lord honorably.  He spent his first day at the Mission Home where we had lots of special training and food.

Elder Erikson is a choice young Elder, eager to be an excellent missionary.  His testimony is strong and I am honored to have him serve in our Mission.  Elder Erickson is laboring in Gulu, District with an excellent trainer, Elder Plant.  Sister Jackson and I will see Elder Erikson in a timely manner at Zone Conferences, and I will have an interview with him on those occasions. This is a wonderful Mission and I know that Elder Erickson will be successful.  We pledge to keep our eyes and hearts open to his needs.

Thank you for teaching, nurturing and sending forth this fine young Elder. He will serve the Lord, honor the Erickson Family and other loved ones.  The Missionary Department has authorized e-mail to the family once a week and we are grateful for this added blessing.  May the Lord bless you with peace and assurance that all is in His hands.

Yours Sincerely,

2nd trip to MTC

You would think that one trip to the MTC would be enough. Not if your child's name is Braden.

So it goes like this...
letter and emails from Braden---

Dear Mom and Dad,
I still need my yellow fever card!!!
The MTC is going great.
I got a NEW flight plan. I will be going to SLC, to Washingtion D.C. (yes, Paige, that's right)!Then I will  be going to Belguim Brussels to Entebbe Uganda!
I Leave June 10th.

 If you can I need to have the yellow fever card by Wednesday, Thanks.

oh, I have something I want to share and its...
"Try a little harder to be a little better"

Braden


Uhm, with the emails we sent back and forth, we decided that he didn't get a yellow fever card. So, I went to get one from the health department. They were very sure that he got one. It was a good thing that he had signed a release form for me to get his information, the first time I was there, or they wouldn't have given it to me. So after talking to them and them checking their computer, they finally give me the yellow fever card.
I get home, open Braden's draw in the kitchen and guess what, there is his original yellow fever card!
I write hi a letter and get it ready for the mail.  Loren says he isn't sure it will make it to him beforeMonday. So, this morning I drive back to the MTC.  The security there is very strict. They give me a card at the security window and tell me to park in #1 and call this number. I talk to someone in the MTC whom tells me they will let me drop off the card, but only the card and that a security guard will come to me to get it in a few minutes. I take the card out of the envelope and in a few seconds there is a guard asking me a few questions, takes the card and tell me to have a good day.  Wow, they don't even let you into the parking lot.

By the time I got home, there was an email from Braden saying "thanks" that was it , silly kid. -mom

Bitter Sweet

We spent the morning washing last minute items and packing Braden's suitcases.
He was kins of quiet all morning and on the way to the MTC. I am sure he was excited and anxious at the same time.
Drop off was quick but not painless.  They had a few men directing traffic and welcoming us, asking us who we were dropping off.  We then pulled over to the curb where we were meet by missionaries. Opening doors for us, and helping with luggage. They gave us enough time for hugs and a quick hug and they whisked him away.  It has been a bitter sweet day for me. Joy and tears.-posted by mom.

Blog book

I just put a blog book together for Hope of her 1st year.I used shutterfly and it was fun and easy. Can't wait for the book to come. I never did do a baby book. Good thing I have a blog. You can view it here. Enjoy.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZOGjlm0ZNmzpg&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET

Allergies!!!

I have decided that the doctors really don't know what they are talking about when it comes to allergies.

They told me I could try the drops that go under your tongue, if I wanted. The problem, they aren't as affective and insurance doesn't cover them.  They also gave me a new nasal spray to help the swelling-it seems to be working, why didn't they give this to me years ago? And did you know that you can take double or more the amount of antihistamine? They never told me that one either, until I was on the shots. 

Also, now that I took the shots for 9 months and quit, my body has decided it doesn't like things that I wasn't allergic to before.  I went out and cut the ground cover way back in front of the house. I wore gloves because they drip this white, milky, sticky stuff. Sometimes I end up with a few itchy bumps. This was what I got this time. Yes, blisters and bumps-very itchy- benadryl is my friend.

Really? I can tell summer is going to be a challenge.

Twins

I went to the store to spent my gift certificate- I bought some new pants. And couldn't resist buying Hope and Baelie matching outfits that were on sale.

                                                                        Cute girls.

New paint

We have lived in this house for almost 8 years and I have decide that it needs a new look. So I bought some paint and got to it. I painted the living room light green and brown- Hope helped out of course.

 Hope also took a picture of me- not sure how she did it with the camera upside down-but she did.

I only went part way up with the brown on 2 of the walls. I am going to put a wood trim around it/when Loren gets it cut for me.


Then I repainted the entry way...

                                                            This is the before look

                                                                        The new look

Next is to finish Hopes room-doing a light blue with princess border. And I want to paint the stair wall in the family room-not sure what color yet.

All of the kids, now think I need to do their rooms.

Allergy shots

Are NOT for me.

I started allergy shots about 9 months ago. The idea is that you are injected with the stuff you are allergic too, small amounts at a time and build up. This way your body accepts it and no longer see it as an enemy.

Except it didn't work that way for me.  I have been going in to get a shot almost every week- they start with a very low dose (.001) and work up to (.05).  I did great until about .1, I had a bad reaction and had to get an epinephrine  injection to stop my throat from swelling closed.  The allergist then proscribed me singular to take the night before and the day of the next shot. I also was to take 24 hour zyrtec the night before and morning of the shot. It seemed to work but boy I was tired. I felt tired and yucky for a few days though.  After the 2nd shot of .2 one side of my face swoll up. My md thought it was some kind of infection and prescribed an antibiotic, it seemed to work.  But, I soon realized that after every shot of .2 my face would swell up and I then would get a sinus infection.  So my allergist said that we would call .1 my high dose and go from there. Guess what? My sinus swelled up and I got another sinus infection-again. I am still fighting it as I type.  So the allergist and I agreed that the shots just aren't for me and I am done getting them.

It is frustrating that I spent so much time every week for nine months for the shots not to work.

Braden has been called...

Braden has been called to the Uganda Kampala Mission.  Africa here he comes.
Braden said he wanted to go somewhere warm- he got it.  He enters the M.T.C. on May 29th.
He will be speaking ENGLISH.
He only has to take 1 suit. He get to wear dress shirts and slacks, sandals, flip flops, and ties.

Mail

I went to put a letter in the mail this morning and was surprised to see mail already in it.  I don't know if I missed the mailman or if it was yesterdays mail. I did get mail out of the box yesterday but who knows.

We were looking for Braden's mission call because they arrive on Wednesdays but it wasn't there.

IT WAS TODAY!! On valentines day, how fun.  So know, he and I are anxiously waiting for everyone to get home from school and Loren from work, so he can open it.

Any guesses of where he will be going???

Christmas 2012

Christmas was fun.  Every one was happy with what they received .

Braden got suitcases and a small speaker

Paige got a camera and case

Zach got a sniper air gun

Ethan got a long shot nerf gun

Parker also got a huge nerf gun

and Hope got a little people princess castle

 Some more fun pictures...

Loren bought himself a REAL hand gun and safe for Christmas. He and I are taking gun safety classes later in January and learning how to use the gun.

I got a nexus 7. I have read to novels already on it.

Getting ready

 for a mission can be painful.
 Braden had his wisdom teeth out. The dentist told us it was optional and up to us. He then added that they were coming in under parts of his other teeth.  Since we paid for braces, we weren't going to let them ruin his nice straight teeth.
We took him to an oral surgeon so he could be put under and not remember it being done ( I still have horrible memories of having mine out). It took about 30 minutes for the procedure and another 30 minutes for him to wake up enough to go home.  Here are some pretty funny video's I got of him waking up and then sitting at the drive up pharmacy to get his med's.
As soon as he figured out I was videoing him he would look at me or talk to me any more, so the fun ended- well, on video anyways.

He had to take pain medicine when we got home and he still couldn't feel his mouth. It was funny watching him drool water down the front of him.  He only had a little swelling the first day. It was gone the second day, and no bruising. He stopped taking pain medicine on the third day and was back to eating normal food on the fifth day.  His jaw was still sore but not too much.
So of course< I can't get the video's to load, so here are some pic's.