Leavitts for Life

Today is the Day!!

2011-10-22T13:22:00.005-06:00

The SMILE said it ALL...he knew the good news...before we did!
This was the first sight we saw this morning...see anything different...LESS BLING!!

The NEW ROOM!! 3rd Floor!

Sleepy Boy!

These two pics about are just after Tritton had his first...real bath!!
He didn't quite know what to make of it.. :)

Thursday, June 16, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 14)
When Jess and I arrived we really didn't have too much hope of leaving the CICU today. But when we saw Tritt's smile we knew it was going to be a good day no matter what. We also discovered that they had taken off his chest tubes (since he DID "drain dry" the night before), art lines and pick lines. We were thrilled!! That had to be good news. They did leave in the monitor on his foot for his oxygen, feeding tube, blood pressure monitor and heart rate monitor. But hey, we can live with that!

We had been there about 30 minutes when the head attending came said that today was the day we were heading up to the 3rd FLOOR!!! WHAT!! I couldn't believe it. :)
It took a while-in fact, most of the morning to get all the paper work and Tritt ready. Around 12:30 we were heading up to the 3rd floor.
I, of course, was very emotional and tears came at will as we strolled up the our new room. But there were happy tears of joy and relief to finally be moving on. We have seen so many come and go, that it has been hard thinking when would it be our turn. Oh! What a blessed day!

We arrived in our new room, meet the nurse, and got settled in. We were told that we could stay with him overnight now if we desired. We were excited to hear this!! We spent the day enjoying the privacy of our room and loving on our little boy. We had hoped to spend the night there, but having to clean your own room and do some laundry at the Ronald McDonald House, we decided we would stay one more night there and get it cleaned up then "move in" with Tritt in his room. It had a bathroom/shower and make shift bed/couch. It was not luxury, but it meant being with our little one 24/7!

We spent the rest of the day meeting new the various nurses/doctors to make a game plan as to where to go from here. Tritt also had his hearing test. Since we couldn't have it done as a newborn, they went ahead and did it today. He passed with flying colors! But they suggested that once we get home and off all medications to go have it done again..since some medications can cause hearing loss. We will cross that bridge when we get there.

Dad helped bathe Tritt and he loved it! Dad did..but Tritt was not quite sure of it all...but he made some cute faces!!
We also were on a feeding schedule..every 6 hours (every other feeding) we would feed him with a bottle..or at least try and get as much as we could in him...then use his feeding tube for the rest. We are only allowed to try and get 20ml for now. He is still trying to figure out how to suck and swallow.

The 3rd Floor is what I call a "half-way-house" for parents...we are learning how to take care of Tritt in all aspects. Feedings, bathing, giving him his medicines, etc. So when it comes time for us to go home we will have an idea as to what to do. It is a little daunting to give him his meds through his feeding tube. Jess just takes over..but I guess I better get the hang of it since I be taking care of him throughout the day when we get home.

Overall, today was a very eventful and exciting, YET exhausting day! But we are so glad to be where we are and making progress!!

Continued Healing. . . :) 3rd Floor In Sight!

2011-07-10T19:37:00.003-06:00

"The Cage" the new bed! Wowzer :)

One of his chest tubes-draining the fluid around his lungs from the lymphoids. They also have to suture the tube to his skin to keep it in place. Oh we are going to have many, many scars!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 13)
Last night we received another dreaded phone call during the night saying that after they removed his feeding tube for a trial run of a bottle-he threw up for a while and so they were going to put it back in that morning. Poor kid-his body just can't get use to the different flow of food and on top of that he has acid reflux-which they say is common in heart babies.

When we arrived Wednesday morning we saw that his cozy little bed-was replaced with a much larger, "cage like" bed (at least to me that is what it looked like). He had threw up twice since the feeding tube was put back in, so they were watching him very carefully so he wouldn't choke.

The speech therapist came by to work on his sucking and swallowing, since he had the breathing tube so long he is having to relearn how to do both. He did well-considering yesterday was not the greatest attempt. We were gone when they came yesterday and they decided to see how his does with a bottle anyway. After working with him for about 10 minutes he shut down and wouldn't open up his mouth. So we were hoping today would be better!

We worked with the speech therapists to help Tritt get use to taking a bottle. We would put just a taste of the formula on his binky and let him taste it then work the binky into his mouth. He would somewhat catch on to the whole sucking idea, but not for very long. We eventually introduced the bottle and he began to suck a little more, but got tired very quickly and that's where the feeding tube comes in. The goal is to get 60 ml (2 oz) in him every 3 hours. We start with the bottle feeding and see how much he will take before he tuckers out and/or before 20 minutes are up (they don't want him taking too long to take the full amount since it can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 and a half to feed him. And they want enough time in between feedings to allow the food to digest before giving him more) then the rest will be given to him through his feeding tube with the pump. It is a process!!

Dr. Bowles (Nurse Practitioner) made the rounds this evening and mentioned about pulling his chest tubes tomorrow morning if they continue "drain dry" through the night. We are praying for this to happen!! He did also begin the "3rd floor talk" with us. If all goes well then possibly we could go up tomorrow. But he will have to pass his sucking/swallowing test tomorrow, keep food down and not reflux, and have his chest tubes "drain dry".

Tomorrow will tell. . . . Praying for a FANTASTIC night of healing and good eating!

Wimmicks Gray Dots & Gold Stars!

2011-06-14T22:48:00.003-06:00

"Battle Wounds"
One nurse said, "He'll have something to show the girls" :) HaHa

Sleeping with my mouth open!

Like Father, Like Son! (Giggle, Giggle)

My Handsome BOYS!!
Oh how I LOVE THEM!!

Perfect Pair!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 12)
I am trying to be little more clever with the titles of each post. If any of you have ever read the childrens book called "You Are Special" (one of my all time favorite books) you will know what I mean when I say that Tritt lost a lot of the "gray dots" or "BLING" today and gain a few "gold stars"

Jesse got up earlier than I did this morning and headed to the hospital, while I hustled and got ready myself. When he returned to pick me up-he reported of what went on in the hour he was gone. I couldn't believe my ears at what all went on in such a short amount of time.

Tritt was able to get off the high flow oxygen and to a much lower dose through his nasal tube (hoping to get off of this by tonight or tomorrow), his pace maker "hook ups" that were wired to his heart and stitched to his skin so they would not move around were pulled out, art line in his left wrist-that also went to his heart was taken out, and his feeding tube was pulled out of his small intestine and put into his stomach. The "gray dots" are falling off due to faith, love, and prayers!

"Gold Stars" - Tritt's blood pressure, that was being monitored by his art line, is now measured with a cuff on his calf muscle or his bicep, heart is now just being monitored by the probes on his chest, and as mentioned above lower flow of oxygen through his nasal tube!!

He had been throwing up-acid reflux-more than they would like, but this is not an uncommon occurrence in babies who have had heart surgery. So they have given him a med to help with that. They are also watching his magnesium, potassium, and electros to see if they need to give him any more. Since he still has his chest tubes that are draining out the fluid from his chest cavities, he looses those components in his body. Once he quits producing fluid they will not have to give him anymore, since his body should be able to regulate it.

He also had a feeding test with a bottle today, but he didn't pass it. He had been sucking on his binky all day long-he would even suck on his breathing tube! But when the speech therapist came to do the test, he was not having it! He just sat there like "too bad dude-I'm NOT doing what you want me to do" So we have to try again tomorrow!
So for now we are mainly waiting on his lymphoids to quit producing fluid and him to quit being so stubborn and suck on the bottle!! What a kid! Sure hope this is not any precursor to how he will act in the future. . . . :)

Another Gold Star-or should I say-BRIGHT STAR in our day, was being able to hold and snuggle with him more! Jess and I both enjoyed this tremendously! He would just snuggle right down into our arms and be so content! We just melt!!

Steps closer to getting out of the CICU and on to the 3rd floor in a private room. We have not been told when, but we are hoping and praying soon!!

"With Celestial sight, trials impossible to change, become possible to ENDURE!"
Elder Russell M. Nelson

Just Breath. . . .

2011-06-14T01:37:00.008-06:00

"Look All. . . No Breathing Tube!"

Yeah, that's what my little man looks like!!

Dad putting me to sleep-ZZZZ!
Still with my hands in "Stick'em Up Form"

Awww, In My Arms Again. . . LOVED IT!

Flowers from the "Newby Bunch"
Thank You ALL!

Plant from Bloomington Staff
Thank You!! Love You!

Plant from Eric & Autumn & Girls
Thank You Friends!

LARGE Card from so many! We Love It!!
(Kim this was spectacular-Its DARLING!)

Our little family! "Lots of Love" back to all who are praying, fasting, giving, and sending their thoughts to us at this time. We LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!

Monday, June 13, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 11) & Tritton's "Actual" Due Date
Monday morning Tritton had passed his breathing test and they took out the breathing tube!! WAHOO! He let out a couple of cries and then just laid there content. The nurse and respitory therapist was hoping for a little more active sounds, but not Tritt! After they pulled the tube out of this throat (which made his throat sore and his cries were hoarse anyway) they wiped up all the glue that they use to keep the vent stuck to his face. The nurse was not to careful about it either-hoping to stir him a little into crying some more. . . but it was no use! So they had to give him some high-flow oxygen through a nose tube to remind him to take deeper breaths. They will slowly wean him of this and hopefully get rid of it in a day or two! (What a little stinker :) )

Since Tritton is known to do his "own thing" more often than not, we he did get another IV put into his foot. . . since the one in his hand was too slow. (the flow-since this can mean it is "closing-up") They needed to give him some more blood, due to earlier that morning when the nurse was suctioning out his left chest tube that it had a lot of fluid that was bloody. So out goes one thing, in goes another. But I did find out that he has an o-negative blood type-universal donor!!

Another really terrific event of the day, was getting to hold my little boy-after waiting 11 days to do go again. We couldn't due to the breathing tube and the chest Art Line since it was not stitched in his skin. It was just an amazing feeling to hold my son again. He snuggled right down into my arms and went to sleep. I had a good cry and just loved on him for as along as I could. Oh, how I wished I was home with my little boy! Soon enough. . . . I hope :)

We also got another surprise today. Nikki and Andrew Nelson was up at Primary's with Carter their son for follow up appointments. Nikki and I have become great friends and it was so nice to see familiar faces once again. They had brought up a "care package" from many of our friends from Bloomington & Bloomington Elementary. I am just simply amazed at the outpouring of love and support and generosity that many of you have shown to us. I didn't now know that Jess and I were so loved. Thank you to all for being so kind and considerate of us. We both are at a loss for the right words to say, "Thank You", but truly with every fiber of our souls, we are ever so grateful for all your support. It has made this trial easier to bear and face everyday. THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU!! WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN WE COULD EVER EXPRESS!
We wish we could Hug each and everyone of you and tell you Thank You in person-we will eventually!

Through many, we are made stronger and our faith is strengthened! It is very humbling to realize the support and love of many. It opens your eyes to a whole new world and perspective of life. I have been listing ways that Jess and I can give back to these facilities that have also been such a blessing for us. You definitely gain a higher appreciation for those who sacrifice their time, money, talents, and efforts to make our situation a little more bearable.

Again, Thank you to all!! We love you and are strengthened by your simple and yet, immeasurable sacrifices that you have made in our behalf. Hugs and Kisses!! XOXOX

Day of Healing :)

2011-06-14T00:58:00.005-06:00

"Looking at His Daddy"

*Being Held by Mom*
I LOVE this Moment!

Sunday, June 12, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 10)
Sundays are usually quiet day on the CICU floor, but a busy visiting day for many at the hospital. We had got ready to go to church this day and hurried off to see Tritton first. He was wide awake and really responsive due to his new medication that they had him on for his sedation and pain. I am so glad they made the switch from the more aggressive kind that made him pretty sedated most of the day. Another reason why they switched it out is because he will need to eventually be weaned of it and this new kind is not so hard to wean him from.

He was so fun to be around and watch move. His little legs go a hundred miles an hour. Running Races! It is also wonderful to look into those precious eyes and see him looking back at you. At times he will look past you and just stare. . . makes you wonder who else is there with us :)

Jess and I attended the hospitals LDS branch that morning for sacrament meeting. It was really a sight to see a lot of parents and their children who are receiving treatment at Primarys there. There was a calming spirit about room. We were fortunate to have some friends (although being at the hospital with their little girl was unfortunate) the Wises, meet up with us at the service. It was great to set by familiar faces and visit afterward with them. They are such a strong and loving couple. So glad we get to associate with such people-Love You!!

During sacrament meeting we sang "Count Your Many Blessings", such an appropriate song to sing. It felt so good to be in such a meeting. It was fast and testimony meeting this week, due to the telethon that went on the week previous. It was a short meeting due to there only being 35 minutes of time total, but welcomed time indeed!

There were just about 10 minutes for he bearing of testimonies, so few were able to do so. I was gaining the courage to get up, when a young man raced to the pulpit. He joked and said that he wanted to take full advantage to bear his testimony in his PJ's-since this would be the only time he would ever get to do so in a sacrament meeting :) We all had a good laugh at this, then he went on to say that he was there with both his little boys and wife. He had with him his I-Pad where he had ready to share with us part of an article that he had come across just the night before. As he began to read I recognized the words immediately! It was the same article "Face the Future with Faith" by Elder Russell M. Nelson, that I had read not just 2 days previous and many times since. He got very emotional reading the same parts that I have mentioned in the previous post. I too became emotional at the non-coincidental way this article was found by him, similar situation of doubting his faith. Jess squeezed my hand and I knew that he too recognized the words.
After the meeting I happen to see this man standing off waiting for his family. I took the time to thank him for sharing the article that he did and shared with him my own experience with finding and reading it. It was a emotional and heart-filled conversation with him. It was nice to see the Lord's work in a different-yet similar-avenue of anothers life. What a confirmation of what I had learned-to see it working in his mans own trial of faith.

Later that day Tritt was given a trial run being off him ventilator, he did well for 45 minutes and then began to take panic breaths, but first time went well. They later gave him another trial and he did better. They would work throughout the night on more trials for longer periods of time and hope for him to be rid of it come Monday.

Tritt also got his "Art line" that was inserted in his bellybutton to his heart-taken out. This allowed us to hold him up underneath his bedding. OH! It was a wonderful moment to get to hold him once again! We were told that once his breathing tube is out then we can hold him fully!! I could not wait!! We had some fun pictures of him while we held him.

This was such a day of healing! Spiritually, Physically, & Emotionally! I had been renewed with faith I never knew existed in me and a comfort hand was with us all day! I felt a peace I had not truly understood until this day! I know everything is going to be alright, yes it will take time, but I am ready to endure it more faithfully!

Hiccups. . . . Post Surgery Days 8 & 9

2011-06-13T22:38:00.007-06:00

Wonderful Grandparents!!

Our Handsome Little Man!

Such a Cute Pair!!

My Little Miracle!

Friday, June 10th, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 8)
We have learned by now that Tritton has not done anything "usual" he likes to beat to his own drum. . .and carve a path down an unexpected road at times. I sure hope this is not any insight to future experiences.

This morning he had an x-ray of his stomach/chest area. The doctors were worried about a little fluid that had been accumulating around the left cavity of his chest area, but were going to watch it for a while and see if the body would just absorb it.
He also began to have arrhythmia spells-where his heart would speed up too fast which would cause his blood pressure to rise as well. He has the "hook ups" already attached to him and his heart for the pace maker, if necessary. He was able to out out of the first two spells by himself, but through the night he had 2 more, where the nurse had to turn on the pace maker. It didn't take much for it to slowly come back down, but if he continues to have these arrhythmia spells then they may have to put him on a medication to regulate it for 6 months or more. I was worried about having to deal with this medication, but IF we need it. . . we will take care of it when we cross that bridge.
That evening the goal was to watch the left side of his chest for further fluid, and keep a close on his output of fluid. (they call it negative fluid. . . meaning he is getting rid of more fluid through his urine, than positive fluid where his body is retaining).

Saturday, June 11, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 9)
After careful watch over night at his chest and flank area, the doctors wanted another x-ray of his left chest cavity that morning. Sure enough the left side had also filled up with fluid from the lymphoids being nicked during surgery.
So as we watched they put in another chest tube on his left side. When they first put it in, due to the amount of fluid and pressure, it sprayed quite a large amount of fluid on the bedside. I was feeling awful! We had just got these tube taken out a few days earlier and now we were set back another week or more due to this issue.

Fortunately, Grandma T and Grandpa n Grandma Leavitt were there to comfort us. It was such a blessing to have them there for us. . . in person! Thank you for your love and support through all of this. WE love you all so very much!!

As the day went on we got confirmation that the blood samples/cultures came back negative for infection, which would have been devastating. Tritt was stopped of his Fentanol (a drug used for sedation and pain killer) and placed on another that will help him be more awake and alert while being comfortable. They also turned down his oxygen a little to begin weaning him of his breathing tube. Later in the evening they will begin to put him on the MCT Diet with 1-2cc every 4 hours and work their way to the pre-spun /"fat free" breast milk, which they are hoping to get to 16-19cc soon.
Saturday night went well-NO ARRHYTHMIA spells!! YAHOO!

Emotions . . . . of the past few days. . .
This week had been one roller coaster twist, turn, loop, stomach loosing, brain busting, loop-d-loop ride! Although we had the support of both our parents here to lean on as well as each other, I was dealing with such a misleading feeling of doubt. I was scared to hope for anything positive, since anytime I did we were hit in the face with another set back. It was like we would take 2 steps forward and 3 back everyday. I can't explain the feeling of lost hope and doubt I was experiencing during this time. I knew it was Satan doing his best to bring me down, but I was letting him. I found myself in such a scary place. I did feel hopeless. . . .

I was able to find some time alone during all of this and while I hit my knees asking for understanding and help, I happened along the May 2011 Conference Edition of the Ensign I just happened to bring on a whim. I felt so guided to open it and turn to the table of contents. As I did I came across a talk given by Elder Russell M. Nelson, titled "Face the Future with Faith."
I turned to it and began to read. . . and read. . . and re-read. It was my Heavenly Father talking to me through this prophetic way of inspiration.

The article taught that we as parents need to teach our children about faith in different means of obedience, but then there were some points made that were so profound to me that I have not forget them, they are embedded in my mind.

" ". . . And remember, God's holy angles are ever on call to help us. The Lord so declared: "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." What a promise! When we are faithful, He and His angels will help us. "

It continued to say. . ." "Unfailing faith is fortified through prayer. Your heartfelt pleadings are important to Him. Think of the intense and impassioned prayers of the Prophet Joseph Smith during this dreadful days of incarceration in Liberty Jail. The Lord responded by changing the Prophet's perspective. He said, "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." If we pray with an eternal perspective, we need not wonder if our most tearful and heartfelt pleadings are heard. This promise from the Lord is recorded in section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants: "Your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord. . . . and are recorded with his seal and testament-the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted." "

The most profound statement of the whole talk was a quote from President Monson, he said, "My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith."

I knew, after reading this article, that my prayers and the prayers of so many were not in vain. That these "Hiccups" had a reason for happening and that I had to endure it with faith. As I pondered these words of counsel over the last few hours of the day, I felt more at peace and had a better understanding of what my role was in this trial/lesson we are being taught. I knew that my Heavenly Father KNEW of our situation and was with my sweet boy. I knew of his love for Jess and I and our ability and need to lean on Him.
I later shared this article with Jess and we had a great discussion about the role faith plays in our everyday lives. It is truly one of those things in life you cannot live without. The other side is dark and dreadful, but with faith, truly our future can be bright!
I encourage any of you to read this article and also "The Atonement Covers All Pain" by Elder Kent F. Richardson, pg. 15 of May 2011 Ensign. What a peace both articles brought to my mind, heart, and soul. I couldn't do this without the knowledge of my Heavenly Father and Savior and their Eternal plan for us. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and the power it has over any earthly foe! I love my little family so dearly and Thank You All for your prayers, thoughts, sacrifice, and generosity during this trial of our faith. May the Lord bless you all for your blessed efforts. We Love You!!

Two Steps Forward. . . Three Steps Back...Post Surgery Day 6 & 7

2011-06-08T22:42:00.006-06:00

The "New" IV on his hand-Moved from his Foot

Holding Daddy's Hand...and Look My "Bow" is gone!

Well just like this post is titled. . . .we took two steps forward and three steps back last night and today. The healing or "fine tuning" (I like to call it) is a long and hard process.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 6)
On Wednesday he got his chest draining tubes taken out, but one of the two was clogged. So when they took it out there was some fluid that came gushing out. They let it gush for a minute then patched it up, saying that the body will absorb the rest-no big deal. But throughout the day on Wednesday the flanks of his body were getting wider-filling with this fluid. So today-Thursday-they put in another chest tube to drain the fluid. As they did so they got about 50cc worth of fluid-which is a lot!

Here is how the past two days break down:

Wednesday:
Removed head sensor and kidney senor, removed the chest tubes, removed one IV-that was for the pain medication and sedation drip-from his foot and put it in to his left wrist. It had been there for so long that it was not working-his poor little leg was swollen due to the medication not reaching the rest of his body.

Wednesday goals were: push for him to get rid of the fluid around his flanks and wean him more of his ventilator. (these were not met due to the following)

Wednesday Night @ 11:00
We get a call from the hospital saying that his blood pressure had dropped and they were going to give him blood pressure medication and blood platelets to bring it back up. They were also going to do another ECOgram to see what the deal was. Later that night be came off of both medicines and blood pressure resumed normalcy. They also took cultures of his blood to see what was going on.

Thursday, June 9, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 7)
Doctors decided to put back in the Art Line to draw his blood from and to watch his blood pressure. They also decided to send it to the lab to check for infection. The preliminary report after 12 hours came back negative, but they will wait 48 hours to confirm. They also put back in one of the chest tubes-to drain the fluid mentioned above (also found out that during surgery they nicked a lymphatic vessel, which is leaking Chyle a milky white fluid that was found in the fluid in his chest-which makes it difficult to breath-it is called Chylothorax. They treat it by draining it and placing him on a MCT diet-no breast milk for a few weeks due to its fat content. He will need to be on a special formula for a while.

His acidic levels were high-so they stopped feeding him my milk and went back on the electros and are watching the levels of acid in his bowels and stool. And later on his heart had a irregular rhythm to it-so they shocked him with the heart defibrillator and his heart was able to get back on pace-but this they are watching very closely and are giving him medication for it as well. He is on more oxygen and we are hoping that by draining the fluid that that will help get him back on track.

It has been a tough last couple of days. Jesse has been so positive and able to see the good! He said that it has been a great day of knowledge-how that the doctors and nurses have found out what is the matter and are treating it. I am so grateful for his insights, because I have not felt this way. I believe my faith and patience are wavering and I feel as if I can't wish for the positive, since lately we have seen too much of the negative. It is hard to stay positive when you are dealing with such critical moments in your little boys life. I have prayed for strength and understanding all day....I hope that Heavenly Father is patient with me....it is a hard lesson to learn and believe day in and day out-Trial of Faith...

Post Surgery Day 5

2011-06-07T18:39:00.006-06:00

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 5)
Wow I cannot believe that it has been 5 days after surgery. Tritt has come leaps and bounds these past few days!

This morning Jess went over to the hospital around 8am. I was still having a hard time rolling out of bed. While he was there Tritt opened up his eyes for a while and he and dad had a great chat-from what Jess informed me :)

The plan today was to remove his two IV's in his neck (check), remove the stomach catheter (check), remove the "art line" in his bellybutton, and add another art line in his arm. Lose and Gain. . . I hate this game! The reasoning behind it is that they still needed a line to draw his blood-the line in his belly button was still working, but it is not good to leave it in as long as it has been in there-the risk of leaving it in out-weights its benefit.

As I arrived the poor kid was being poked and prodded! The nurses were having a hard time trying to get this line in. We couldn't be close and I could tell we really were not wanted there. I also felt horrible watching my little guy get stuck like a pin cushion, so we went downstairs for breakfast. When we returned they STILL had not got the line in. I was not ok and Jess was going to loose it! Thank heavens my little boy was heavily sedated! So we decided to go to Temple Square. I really didn't want to leave, but it was better that we were not in the middle of it all.

Temple Square was beautiful!! It brought a peace that we both needed to feel today. We walked around and visited the Church History Museum. Neither of us had know of it before and we got to see some wonderful artifacts from early pioneer history. Such a peaceful time!
We also remenised about our 3rd date, where we went to his mission presidents homecoming and then later came to Temple Square. I knew that day that I would marry Jess :) Now look where we are. A handsome little guy and a good future ahead of us. You have to look for the blessings in a world that is so full of negativity and sorrow. We truly are blessed and have grown so much as eternal companions. I am very grateful for the knowledge that I will always have Jess and Tritton in my life!

By the time we got back they had given up on getting the line in. They left the belly button line in until they can get the "art line" in tomorrow. They had stuck him too many times and he had had it! So had I!!!!!

We spent most of the evening with him and he opened up his eyes for a while. We were able to capture a picture of this wonderful moment. He is such a handsome little boy-I just love him!! Then the nurse took a picture of us hovering over him as he was awake. She said that this moment was meant to be captured on film. :)

Tomorrow they will try again to get rid and redo the art line. Also they will be slowly weaning him of his breathing tube. Once that is gone then we can hold him again! They are hoping by the time Friday rolls around that we will be out of ICU and into another recovery room.
Everyday we are getting closer, some set backs to day, but our strength is enduring!!

Love to ALL!!

Mending a Fixed Heart :)

2011-06-06T19:54:00.009-06:00

I like this bandage much better!! Simple :)
(sorry the pics uploaded out of order)

Setting up for the Mending of Tritton's "Fixed" Heart!

This was before surgery-gotta love the bow tie look!!
(I know I am biased-but isn't he a looker!! LOVE HIM!!)

Monday, June 6, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 4)
Today Tritton's heart and chest was mended back together and now we can start the real healing process!! Yeah! Dr. Casa preformed the surgery and did a really great job. Tritts swelling was down significantly and around 1:00 here came the prep team to get his bedside ready. They preformed the surgery there at his bedside after their sterilized everything. We were not allowed to be around so we went to lunch down at the cafeteria and then waited in the waiting room.

The doctor said that his heart pumps, valves, and arteries all looked great! They first had to clean out his chest with an antibiotic solution, then closed his sternum with stainless steel wires, next pulled the tissue together and then stitched it up, finally they glued the top of the stitches with a surgical glue that keeps the infection out. Now instead of a bow-tie look he just has a nice vertical bandage.

Tritt also got rid of the two heart pick lines in his neck, but they added another IV in his other foot. Poor kid-loose some-gain more, but all for his benefit. They also put in a feeding tube through his nose that leads to his stomach. They will begin feeding him my milk either tonight or tomorrow and slowly get decrease his "electros".

He was wide awake before they put him under for the closure, so we were able to see and visit with him. I love to see his eyes! He is such a mellow baby, just chill and calm. We love him so much-it is a love I have never felt before. :)

Tritt goals for the week, now that his chest is closed, is to continue to get rid of the fluid in his body, get the breathing tube out, and start eliminating medications, and relying fully on my milk through his feeding tube.

We also did talk to Dr. Casa about the possibility of him having to have additional surgeries to elongate the pulmonary valve and conduit that was put in his coronary-artery. He said that in some cases that it will grow with the child depending on if the length they put in fits well as he grows. If he does need to have addition surgeries they now can go up through the groin and like a balloon open it up to allow blood flow, or if they have to go in again (several years down the road) the surgery is not as intense as this first has been. He said that right now, NOT to worry about it and looked right at me. . . I think he could see my concern on my face. What he said sure helped keep my focus on the now and perspective in the long run. What an amazing doctor! So grateful for his work and ability to be guided by the Lord.

Oh! And one thing I have not mentioned that I thought was interesting. . . Tritton's Pulmonary Valve and Conduit is very special. . . We were given a card that shows the its own serial number and date as to what it is and when it was put into his body. We were told to keep the card safe just like you would your social security card. WOW!! Talk about a valuable, but life changing part!

Please know that we Thank You all for your prayers and love! We are seeing a miracle unravel before our very eyes. We feel your love and support. Tritt is such a fighter and just amazes us everyday! We LOVE You all so much - Thank you!!

Chalk this day up for one of the better!! BEST!! Thus far . . .

Post Surgery . . . Days 1, 2, 3

2011-06-06T07:29:00.011-06:00

Nothing says LOVE, like Kisses from Dad!

Dad and Tritt!! So Sweet...

Friday, June 3, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 1)
Today was a critical for our little fighter. . . the window for serious complications is 24-48 hours. We were on pins and needles to get to the hospital and see how he fared through the night. Remarkably, he didn't have the issues that the nurses and doctors were prepare for. They had a pace maker hooked up to his heart just in case, breathing aids ready, etc. Dr. Casa was there that morning during the doctors rounds and came over to us to tell us that he couldn't believe the turn around that Tritt was making-even after such a difficult surgery. As he walked away he said to Jesse, "There is a higher power watching over your son." Wow! You bet there is!

Uncle Mark and Aunt Shi, Bishop Barrett and Sandy, and Renee and Randy Stevenson came to see him today. He was pretty sedated of course, but I'm sure he could feel their presence. The Bishop and Jess gave him a blessing, which I was very-very thankful for. It put my heart at ease.

Earlier that morning, Jess was talking in his ear and Tritt turned his head and opened his eyes for a few minutes and just stared at him. It was such a special moment! It is those moments that we live for right now.

Tritton's vitals were looking great, he was impressing the doctors so well. . . that's my boy. Jess and I hung out at the hospital for as long as we could stand it. . . we cannot hold him or touch him too much, as they don't want him to move around a lot. He does respond to touch and will move his little hands and feet. I just love it!

He is always sleeping with his hands up. Like Father like Son!

I just love his chubby feet!!

Saturday, June 4, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 2)
Another healing day. . . there really is not much to do around him at this time. We talk to him, touch him, and we have even sang the silly songs that we grew up hearing from our parents and grandparents. It was a day of smiles and grateful hearts as we knew we were past the worst-as far as his surgery went. . . We have been blessed with terrific nurses that have loved him and really take the time to help him be comfortable.

The nurses and doctors still can't believe his progress. He is getting rid of his fluid more and more, vitals looked great, and he was looking so much better.

Jesse and I decided that this would be a good day to go out for a while longer and get some time away from the hospital. We made the usually trip to Walmart and Gateway Mall. It was a great distraction and helped us feel normal for a minute :)

We still cannot get over the out pouring of loves, hugs, prayers, and fasts that many of your are offering and sacrificing in our behalf. Thank you-THANK YOU for being who you are! We love you all so much! I KNOW that without your prayers Tritton would not be doing as well as he is. I am seeing miracles happening before my own eyes, big and small every moment. Thank you!

We were told today that the doctors would be closing his chest tomorrow morning. . . . hopefully that will be the case.

Sunday, June 5, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 3)
We were up early and dressed in our Sunday best! We decided to remember the Sabbath Day that we would stay in our church attire. We arrived at the hospital around 8am and eagerly waited the time when Tritton would have his chest closed, but during the night a little eight year old girl, who had been fighting for her life, got her heart transplant. We were so thrilled to hear such great news for her and her family. We have made great friends with them and were so happy that their sorrow turned so quickly to joy! It was just that evening that the heart became available, so the doctors were taking care of his emergency since they only had a 4 hour window. By the time they were done the doctors were quite exhausted and during rounds they felt that Tritton had too much fluid around his back and chest to close him today. I was more ok with this than Jess. I felt like it was a little early-mother instinct I guess-but Jess was disappointed and down most of the day. But one more day of healing is a good factor in this day to day life we are living.

We were able to go and be with some friends later this afternoon. Jesse's best friend growing up lives in Clearfield and they were blessing their baby today. So we went for a few hours and enjoyed our time with them going to church and visiting for a while afterward at the luncheon.
But were were eager to get back to our little boy.

We got back to the hospital and loved on our little guy. He was more awake today and would turn his head to look at us. He wouldn't fuss or get too wiggly with all the Bling that hangs from his little body. He even will suck on his breathing tube. Which is awesome!! Most babies will forget how to suck after surgery, so we are happy to see him doing that. It is quite the noise as well. . . we just giggle - he is too cool!! (I have to say that instead of cute-Jess says that he has to keep his macho image :) ) Ha Ha-what a dad!!

So we wait until tomorrow to see when they will close his chest. We were stopped by Dr. Casa-who will do the surgery, and he said that tomorrow after the first surgery case that they will do then. Most likely early afternoon. . . . but as we have learned. . . nothing goes as planned so we will patiently wait until it is time. Assuming Tritt still keeps a positive flow of fluid going out!

Love to all!!

Day of Surgery!

2011-06-05T23:54:00.007-06:00

This is our little fighter after surgery. He is swollen like a balloon :(
His chest is still open-covered with a sterile bandage. It looks like a bow tie-he was stylin' !

Our little family. . . just before the came to get him for surgery.

Thursday, June 2, 2011 (Day of Surgery)

Jess and I arrived early at the hospital to be with Tritt for an hour. We were able to love on him before the nurses came to take him at 7:00am. We were able to follow him to a certain point into the operating section of the CICU. There we said our tearful goodbyes and were directed to the "same day surgery" waiting room. There we did just that. . . . . WAITED!!!

Dr. Burch had said that he wouldn't be starting the surgery until 9am. The prep work takes time. They had to drop his body temp. around 24 degrees, put him on a pumping system that monitored his heart and lungs, IVs, tubes and such (I call it all BLING!!) Then they began the first incision right around 9am.

We had a nurse practitioner--Ann-- who came out of the operating room and gave us several updates each hour, on the hour. She was usually within 2 minutes from the last visit. I greatly appreciated her promptness. We were told that surgery would end around noon or one depending on what went on. Unfortunately this was not the case. After they did the "first" surgery, they had to warm his body temperature up slowly, monitor everything with an ECOgram, then wait and watch to see if there were any issues. During this time the doctor found out that his artery and coronary were laying on top of each other constricting the blood flow. They once again had to lower his temperature, monitor, go back in and elongate the coronary to make it longer so they don't constrict. The part put in was a human organ called a pulmonary valve and conduit, that will possibly have to be replaced as he grows older. (I am having a really hard time with this possibility, but right now I cannot be concerned with it. I have to keep telling myself to focus on the moments now and cross that bridge when we get there).

We finally were able to see Tritton around 6:30 that evening. He was very swollen. Although we were prepared for this image, it was still hard to see our little boy so sore with more bling attached to his little body. The doctors were worried that since he had been on the lung/heart machine twice that his kidneys would have a harder time getting rid of the excess fluid (basically getting rid of it through his urine) There were two nurses with him that night watching him consistently. Dr. Delgaldo was very adamant about us leaving and letting the nurses and doctors work their magic that evening. She knew that we had a long and very emotional draining day. She assured us that if there was any problems that she would call us.

We have really taken to Dr. Delgaldo and I believe her to us. I have observed her with others and she is a little more professional and to the point, but with us she is that with a compassion that just yields to friendship. She hugged us both and told us to go take sometime that night to be together. She also mentioned that she was going back to Ecuador to do some training and wished us well, hoping that she would see us before we left, but wishing Tritton a speedy recovery. I sure felt a warm feeling as she spoke these words to us. I knew my baby was in good hands. We will miss her!

Surgery was hard on all of us that day. It will be a day that I will never forget how I felt and the emotions that came so freely. It was hard to accept that it didn't go text book, that there were complications and future surgeries as he grows. But at least we have the chance to have him with us and to raise him. It was a hard day to try and find the good among all of the mishaps, but together Jess and I talked it through and helped each other understand that the Lord has his hands in this and will strengthen us with whatever we will have to face in the future with Tritton. Jesse shared a story with me in the waiting room and helped me see that although it was not a complete successful surgery, that the end result was one of progress and a path to healing. I can't express in words the gratitude I feel for him and his ability to see through situations so clearly with so much faith. He has mentioned to me that through this process he has been able to "see clearly" and understand fully what is going on around us. The way he talks and asks questions to the doctors and nurses is amazing. I honestly can't keep time straight each day and he is able to completely understand what we are being told and asking questions I would have never thought to ask. What a blessing it is to have him here by my side, I couldn't do this alone, this "sight" he has is a blessing in itself. Yes the Lord truly has his hands in all things. . . . how blessed we truly are!

5 Days Old!!

2011-06-01T16:45:00.006-06:00

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 (5 Days Old)
Today was a good day to be with Tritton. We feed, changed diapers, loved, and hugged on him all day. His surgery is tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM, so we have to get as much love in as we can, since after the surgery we will not be allowed to hold him for a few days.

All of the doctors and nurse practitioners visited with us today about the procedures of the surgery and had us sign the consent forms. Dr. Birtch will be the surgeon performing the surgery. He said that usually within a year they maybe see about 12 cases of this heart defect, but this year alone they have already performed over that number. So, fortunately or unfortunately they are very well aware of what needs to happen during surgery. We feel blessed to have a doctor who is well versed in such a task. We know we are in good hands.

We have had lots of prayers and blessing from so many loved ones. That is what keeps us going. Today, although it was a good day, I have been really emotional at the thought of my little boy being in pain and having to go through this ordeal. I am so blessed to have a husband who loves and draws his strength from Heavenly Father. Jess is such a good man and is my rock! I can't imagine dealing with this without him, so blessed that I never will have to.

A thought I had today while we sat with Trit. . . . I was thinking what it says in my patriarchal blessing. I would like to share one thing from this personal blessing from my Heavenly Father. It is repeated 3 distinct times that although hardships, trials, and tribulations will come into my life to always seek the guidance and direction of my Heavenly Father. I can't tell you how much that use to scare me, but know I feel that it is serving its purpose in comforting me to rely on my Heavenly Father and his healing powers. To place this in his hands and have the faith on my end to understand the outcome of what will take place. I know my Savior loves me and knows the desires of my heart. I know that love is abounding all around our little family right now, I feel it in every phone call, text, message, thought and prayer that has been directed our way. The plan of Eternal Families is real and I know we have Papa Westwood and many, many others carrying us and Tritton through each day-each moment.

Again thank you to all for your love. Words cannot express our thankful hearts to you and all you do. Thank you to our families whose strength we have felt and continue to feel. I can see why Heavenly Father created the family unit. We all are family, connected in a beautiful plan. I am grateful to be apart of it and have the knowledge that we do. May the Lord bless and protect you all as you have blessed us! Love to many. . . .Love to all!

Loves & More Loves & Pictures !!

2011-05-31T20:17:00.008-06:00

This monitor watches his heart rate (When I first saw him, I thought "What is a bow doing on my little guy??!") Ha Ha

Look at his hair!! Just like his Daddy's!

This is his room-he has a 24 hour nurse-we just sit and love on him all day!

The tubes look more intense than they actually are. After surgery we will not be able to hold him for a day or two, so SNUGGLE-SNUGGLE-SNUGGLE as much as we can!!

This is his name tag that is on is little bed.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011
We have had some of the best nurses today!! They have been so friendly, aware, and simply put AMAZING!! What a terrific place to be! I do feel at peace here.

We both slept in a little this morning and got to the hospital around nine. We have spent all of the day here, just lovin' on our little man. We have been able to hold him most of the day!

Aunt Mary and Uncle Kevin stopped on by to see him. It was so great to see family. Thank you for coming and seeing us, we just love you!

We will know tomorrow what the doctors have decided after their meeting. Dr. Delgato mentioned maybe Thursday or Friday. Sooner the better for me. . . I just want to get the healing process going as soon as possible.

Chalk this up for a great day with my boys!!
Moment. . . to . . . Moment!

Loves to All!!

Finally . . . I am with my BOYS!!

2011-05-30T23:28:00.005-06:00

Monday, May 30, 2011
Arrived yesterday at Primary Childrens Hospital. My sweet in-laws helped me make the trip up. They were able to bring up my car so we could get around.

We were able to get a room at the Ronald McDonald house-terrific place and close to the hospital!

On to the really good stuff!
I just couldn't wait to see Tritton! He looked so good and was just a doll. I got to hold him as soon as I arrived and later help feed him. I even got to change a poopy diaper-silly moments but I just loved it!

Tritton was able to get of all forced oxygen, but still has a nose tube of oxygen. He keeps wanting to hold his breath so we have to watch the monitors to make sure we keep him breathing. What a little stinker!!

I met Dr. Delgado, who is the charge Dr on the CICU (Cardiovascular Intensive/Infant Care Unit) She will not be the doctor who performs the surgery, but will assist in making decisions and care of our little angel!

Primary's is such a wonderful place. It reminds me of an elementary school, with all the children artwork and sweet-spirited environment. I feel at peace there and love being with my little boy.

Surgery is not scheduled, but possibly this week sometime. We will know more after Wed-when the doctors meet. They feel where Tritt is doing so well that his case is not a "high priority" and want him to get a few more days of life and strength under him-basically to make him stronger.

Here are some pics from the day. Will try to post more. He is such a fighter and your prayers are all felt. Jesse and I are so thankful to all for being so supportive. WE LOVE YOU!

Beginnings + Blessings x Miracles = Tritton Dan Leavitt

2011-05-29T14:53:00.015-06:00

Beginnings. . .

(Names of many have not been mentioned for their privacy)

Monday, May 23, 2011
Just beginning my usual afternoon at school and getting the kids ready for their Buccaneer "Last Splash" event of the year put on by the PTA, I began feeling a load of pain in my lower back, which was getting worst as time went by. With the love and concern from PTA moms and the best principal in the world, I quickly made lesson plans for the last two days of school-just in case. But I knew I would be back (Yeah I am pretty naive).
I went home, laid down, and later on I was feeling a little better. Whew! False alarm. :) Then I got the chills/hot flashes, fever, flu like symptoms! NOT GOOD! I was so sick the rest of the night!

Tuesday, May 24
Didn't make it to school on Tuesday! Thank heavens I had lesson plans!
Jess left for work and about an hour later I was up using the potty when I began to bleed out with some impressive blog clots. Jesse came home "mock chicken" and we headed for the hospital. Once there, the nurse checked me out, dilated to a 3, bleeding had stopped some, contractions were irregular 5-7 min, they were not too concerned with the clots-thinking that things were just shifting and moving to get me ready, but wanted me to take it easy and not do anything! Sent us home about 1 1/2 hour later! I rested the rest of the day.

Wednesday, May 25 - The Last Day of school!
I CRIED! From the moment I woke up. . . I was feeling awful that I could not be with my students on the last day of the school year. Here you spend 177 days with them throughout the year and can't see them the last two! It was hard, but I still need to get writing folders and poetry books to them, so I'll have to communicate through the mail! :)
I rested throughout the day and was feeling much better come Thursday!

Thursday, May 26
Feeling better. . . I ran a few errands this morning-thinking that if this baby comes earlier than expected (I was at 37+ weeks) that I better get his room ready! (DUH-I only had multiple months to do this beforehand!!) I went to my Dr. Apt and was told I was 3+ and to take it easy and not to over do it. Fine, I understand! I do little things and then would take it easy-I really was not over doing it. Slept terrific-the best sleep I had in weeks!

Friday, May 27
I have an amazing family! My terrific friend and sister-in-law came to help me paint a dresser for the baby room. We worked on it and then went to lunch. After lunch I returned home just in time to beginning feeling pain in my back again and cramping. I began to bleed-AGAIN!
I called Jess to inform him, called the nurses hotline-and the nurse said to lay down, get off my feet, and watch for any signs of major contractions, clear liquid, and of course more bleeding.

Jesse got home and laid down with me on the couch for a couple of hours. Little did we know that this was just the beginning. . . . :)

5:20PM. . . . Door bell rang. . . sweet little visitor. . . then mad dash to the bathroom. My water was SLOWLY leaking, but the contractions were IMMEDIATE!

Jesse showered in 2.3 seconds, I threw in a load of laundry, changed my clothes, fixed my hair (really. . . yeah that is me!), grabbed our previously packed bags, and out the door we went! Contractions were 3-5 minutes apart & getting stronger (WOW that is a feeling!)
EXCITED, NERVOUS, & EAGER to meet our lil'man!

6:00ish PM-The Blessings. . .
I had called the labor and delivery to let them know that we were on our way. As we came rolling around the corner there was our #1 Blessing waiting to take us in. Jesse has a cousin-whose wife is a RN at the hospital-who came on shift just 5 min before our arrival-she would be my nurse! . I couldn't have asked or even handpicked better, more loving, and concerned nurses that day!

Contractions grew, I was dilated to a 4, up to the room we go for a much needed epidural and relief! The epidural was just terrific and not this horrible experience I had heard so much of. After that things progressed rapidly-with the little help of pitocin!

Blessing #2
My regular doctor was out of town for the Memorial Holiday, so in walks Dr. R! An amazing man in all faucets of life! I quickly felt comfortable and knew of his concern for us. I just had this amazing feeling about him the moment he walked in-peaceful.

6. . . 8. . . 10 all within a few hours! Bets were placed as to how big this little guy would be and what time. We were fast approaching the midnight hour and I kept thinking that he will be born before 11 :30pm so I bet 8lbs 2oz and before 11:30. (I can't remember the other bets-or I would have posted them)
Jesse's brother was able to come with his wife and give me a blessing! Thank you bro! I love you!

11:06 PM Practice Pushes. . . 11:34 PM Tritton arrives!!
(AWESOME DELIVERY!!) Blessing #3-No stress delivery on mom or baby!

What a Couple of GOOFS!

Tritton Dan Leavitt
8lbs 3 oz
19 inches
11:34 pm
Birthday: May 27, 2011

We were able to spend some time with Tritt before we headed down to the "mom & baby unit" We were able to snuggle, kiss, hug, cry, and just love on him!
Tritton was such a calm baby. He cried a few minutes just after birth then he was calm and taking in his surroundings! He would look at me and Jess and make these soft noises. He was alert and just precious!
I felt such a presence of my Savior and my Dad in the room! Peaceful and warm. I knew that this little guy-my son-had left his Heavenly Fathers' and Papa Westwoods' arms and came to mine. What an amazing feeling! I knew my dad was in that room!

Blessings x Miracles. . . .

Saturday, May 28 2:00 AM
We made our way to the "mom and baby unit" a couple hours later. We arrived, got settled in, and met our nurses! Once again amazing women! Our RN was checking out Tritt when she said that she was going to take him to get his oxygen levels checked. I thought nothing of it-so we got settled in and ready for a night of good rest with our boy.

When she returned with Tritt and a NICU nurse . . . I knew something was not right. They said that his oxygen levels were severely low and they were going to take him to the NICU to saturate his lungs with oxygen and see what was causing him to be deficient. Jesse followed. I stayed. Now what? I began to pray - because I knew this was going to be a long night!

Little did I know that Miracle #1 just happened . . .

3:30 AM . . .
When Jess returned to the room with one of the NICU nurses, I was not ready to hear what was said. Tritton's lack of oxygen was either due to some lung issue or related to his heart-Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). In either case, he mostly likely need to be sent to Primary Children's Hospital.
Jesse left for home to pack a bag to go with life flight and I quickly got ready (with the help of my amazing nurses) to go and be with Tritt in the NICU, while they ran a Eco-gram and Sonogram of his heart.

I expected to hear him crying when I arrived. . . but it was calm. The dr's were preforming the pick/central lines and even though Tritton was restrained (just so he would not "help" out in the procedure) he was calm and alert. They didn't have to sedate him! What a good little boy!

Jesse returned and after all the test this is what was confirmed:
Tritton has a condition called TGA-Transposition of the Great Arteries in his heart. This is where the main arteries of his heart are switched.
In your heart your arteries help make a "figure 8" shape for the blood-oxygen to mix and then to re-enter your lungs and the rest of your body. In Tritton's heart he doesn't have the "mixing" going on since his arteries are making their own "circles" on each side. One circle is moving blood to the heart and body and the other to the heart and lungs. They are not crossing in the middle, due to the switch in his arteries. Therefore, he will need surgery to switch these arteries.

Miracle #2: Tritton does have an opening in his heart that otherwise would cause great concern if he didn't have this condition. This opening is allowing SOME mixture of the blood and oxygen to cross in and out of the heart-lungs rotation, making him able to LIVE! Without this, he would not have been able to live out of the womb for very long. Thus the change in color once we moved to a recovery room and Miracle #1 - my nurse discovering his color had changed quickly.
Had my nurse not caught this, Tritt would not be with us. I owe her my everything! She was yet another angel in our path this night.
The NICU doctors said that most often than not-this is not caught early and babies will be sent home thinking all is well and will then turn blue and not be able to breathe and being without the necessary-quick intervention of oxygen will die.

The doctors also said that if they had to choose a heart condition - this TGA would be the one to have (Miracle #3) It is fixable and kids can live a normal life. They also said that Tritton's good size is in his favor and will make it better for him in the long run! (Miracle #4)

As the team prepared for Life Flight-Jess and I knew Tritt needed a Priesthood Blessing before he left. Not long after that thought, Dr. R (who had been with another patient preparing to deliver a baby-left) came to our side with the intent to help in blessing my son. . . Miracle #5.
There is not a doubt in my mind that he knew what needed to be done and so he came once he had heard the news. Another Angel!

6:45 AM . . .
Jesse and the Life Flight crew prepared to leave, I got to touch my sons leg through all the monitors and lines, kiss him, and off they went.

I spent the rest of the day in the hospital and came home later that evening around 6:00PM.

Jesse is up with Tritton at Primary Children's Hospital. The doctors will not be performing surgery right away. They wanted to wait a week or so to let Tritt get stronger and to make a game plan and not rush into the first thought of surgery.

I will be heading up there hopefully soon! I feel good and have been able to get around-slowly-but enough to make the trip when it comes time.

I will keep all posted as to the little Miracles that are happening around us continually! Thank you to all for your love and prayers! The power of blessings and prayers are real! Thank you and we love you!

The Decision Is. . . .

2010-05-17T17:41:00.002-06:00

We took the $$$$!!!
They were going to limit us to 12,000 miles in the year we had the car (1000 per month)
And any additional mile over was .22 cents.
So, since I have a little commute to St.G everyday and back, plus we travel a lot, it was more logical for us to take the money.

Which leaves me to car hunting. . . again! We have been looking for a car for the past 6 months and this extra $$ dough will be an extra incentive to get really serious!!

Maybe my next blog will be pictures of my new-NEW Car!!

I NEVER WIN ANYTHING. . . . BUT TODAY. .

2010-05-16T00:32:00.004-06:00

Jesse and I have always said that we are "jinxed!" We NEVER win anything! But today our luck has changed. Here is the story. . .

Earlier this year, one of my student's amazing moms had nominated me for the radio stations (Planet 94.1) "Best Teacher on the Planet" award. I felt very honored to think that I would be nominated. I was then invited for a luncheon at Findlay Subaru to celebrate being nominated. The invitation said that all teachers who show up will win a prize. Of course I thought FINALLY I will win something!!

Jesse and I arrived, we ate, visited with other fabulous teachers and just enjoyed the time together. Finally they announced how they would proceed to give each teacher their "prize" and an opportunity to win a new car. I was tickled pink just to be there
& hey free lunch-can't beat that.

Planet 94.1, Chris and LaRae were there and they had a bunch of balloons in the car. Each teachers name was pulled out of a drawing and they got the chance to go and pick a balloon, pop it, and then the little paper inside would tell you what you had won. They had prizes such as:
30 -1 hour massages, two-nights stays in Mesquite, Tuachan tickets (which I really wanted), Ashley Furniture gift cards, etc. Pretty nice prizes if you ask me, I was thrilled!
Well, we had been waiting for a while and my name still had not been drawn and the car was still not claimed. Finally they call my name-yahoo!
Jesse had dared told me to say (when they asked what school I taught at and what grade level) "Oh, I don't teach, I just wanted a chance to win a car!") Ummm, so I did! That got a chuckle!
I opened up the drivers side door, picked up the balloon on the seat and got in. I was trying reach another balloon on the passenger floor, but quickly decided to take the one in my hand.
I got out, popped it open, and . . . . silence!
I read, "Congratulations! YOU JUST WON A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER FOR A YEAR FROM FINDLAY SUBARU."
Still silence.
There I was bug-eyed, jaw dropped, and numb!
I couldn't believe it.
LaRae (the announcer) came over to see if I could read it or if I really had just won.
"We finally have a winner!" she said (Cheers)

I was still silent.

I finally looked over at Jess, who was about as shocked as I was, and then he let out a big yahoo!!
When I finally regained awareness, I had to talk on the radio and all that jazz!
It was really a once in a life time feeling! Numbness, amazement, loss of awareness, happiness, exhilaration, and panic all at once!

So this is the car that I won from The Planet 94.1 and Findlay Subaru!!

So here is the fine print. . .
I do only get to drive it for a year
The stickers have to stay in the windows
Tax/registration free
But we have to insure it for that year

OK, not so bad. We have actually been looking for a car and thought we would drive this for a year, sale my car, save up our $$, when the year is up then go buy me a new car!

Great idea, right?!?
(We thought so too, until. . . )

They offered us $1000 cash instead of the car.
After our "test drive" they then offered us $2000 dollars in cash.
(they said that where it is a new model they needed one to advertise-but the value of the car will decrease after I bring it back after a year and they lose profit-that is if I decide to take the option of the car for a year)

So we have until the Monday to come up with a decision.
Do I take the car, drive it for a year, save $$, return it, and then go buy me a new one?
OR
Take the $2000 cash and go buy me a new car now?
(which we are leaning more toward the later- but still???)

May be a no brainer for some, but for me I am torn!!
Oh what to do??

I'll take any suggestions!

Fruits of my Labors - During Spring Break?!?

2010-03-11T23:03:00.005-07:00

Yeah. . . What an idea! I thought I could just take a couple of days out of my spring break (since Jess and I are not going on our cruise until after school breaks for summer) and redecorate my bathrooms. Well instead of two days as planned. . . . it has come to a total of four!! YIKES!

I decided to paint the hall bath chocolate brown and turquoise! Love these colors, but was a little nervous AFTER I had purchased the paint-no turning back now!!

I even got some giggles from Jess and my sister-they thought it looked like I was opening up a Mexican Cantina in my bathroom. I just need a sign to says

"B.Y.O.T Bring Your Own Toilet Paper!!"

But in the end everything came together in a fun way.

Here is our bathroom. I took the colors we had in our bedroom and just continued them into the bathroom. Nothing too intimidating!

I gotta tell ya this was not what I had planned for my break! OH WELL its done!!

Oh and I have to give a plug for the wonderful invention of a SHARK Steam Cleaner!! I purchased one the other day and love it!! If you ever need to deep clean (or are a clean freak like me and hate using those nasty chemicals all the time) this cleaner does wonders and its just cool water that is generated into steam! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

You know when you are getting older... when painting/redecorating and cleaning machines excites you!!

(CRAP!!)

Thanksgiving Time. . . .

2009-11-28T21:27:00.005-07:00

Leavitt/Merrill 1st Annual Softball Game!!

(THE All-Stars posing for a pic. . .well at least before we played)

Hey Batter, Batter. . .

My thoughts, "Keep your eye on the ball, just keep looking at the ball. . . DON"T MISS!!!!"

Our first EVER attempt at deep frying Turkey-Gobble, Gobble!!

TA-DA!!

It was delicious-the best turkey yet!!

(Yep. . .that's my husband)

Do ya think we can fit more in the kitchen!!

I kept out of the preparations hysteria. . . . but later became clean up crew, which I will take any day!!

This is your face after a heaping dose of Turkey Dinner. . . .and then some!!

After dinner we all played games, went 4-wheeling, rock crawling in the Jeeps, taught young children how to hunt with a bow. . . .ya it was the usually get together!! :)

Then the big boys had to have their turn!

It was a great Thanksgiving!! It was terrific to see all of Jesse's family again!! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving time!!

GRADUATION!!

2009-05-05T22:23:00.008-06:00

The whole crew. . . I have had the amazing opportunity to be with this terrific group for the past two years - (The AP RED Cohort) It has been a long and almost never-ending two years, but the sweat, blood, and tears have paid off-FINALLY!!

"Wannabe's"NO MORE!! Way to go all-We Made It!!

Anne, Eliza, Me, Mary-Elizabeth

Love you all-Thanks for being there for me!!

After our Senior Banquet-hugs all around

Thanks Jess for being my rock and supporting me!!

I love you Mom & (Dad) for all your prayers, support, and guidance throughout my life and for raising me to know the value of an education.

Thank you!!

THE BIG DAY!!

Picture Time. . . . .

Mama'D & Papa'D

I couldn't help but add this picture. . . we were giggling at Jesse and the camera snapped. Just a cute moment!

Love ya Mom!!

The big moment. . . .

My last walk through Dixie's "D"

I'll always be a 'Rebel'

I did it. . . . . (great cheeser babe!!)

Oops! Camera was still rollin'. . . . .

Thanks to all for your love and support as I have ended another chapter in my life. Now a new chapter begins as I start out as a 4th grade teacher, yahoo! Someday I plan on getting my masters, but I need a little break for a minute before I go back. Maybe a family is in my near future - who knows. . . time will tell!!

Strawberries 'n' Sunday

2009-04-19T22:22:00.005-06:00

What a post I just had to laugh at this. . . .

Sundays are crazy days when you have the "privilege" of attending church at 1 to 4. It is a switch I tell ya from the 9 to 12.

Well, as we walked in the door, not 10 seconds later, I turn around to find Jess stationed on the counter eating strawberries dipped in sugar.

(Or should I say sugar dipped in strawberry-SUGAR BUZZZZZ!!)

I just had to laugh and snap a picture of him and the delicious treat he so hastily concocted for himself.
Well I wasn't about to let him have all the fun and deny my taste buds of such a definable, summer-days delicacy, so I joined in!!

Yep!! Strawberries and Sundays go hand-in-hand (especially when you are starved from lack of nourishment for the better part of the day)

What a little quirk from the lively leavitts!!!
Never a dull or lacking moment-just the way we like it!!
FUN & SWEET!

GUESS WHAT. . . . . (No, not what you think!)

2009-04-16T22:10:00.003-06:00

There are so many reasons to be celebrating!!! Where to begin. . . .

Teaching positions in Washington County has been slim to none this year and the pressure and necessity of finding a teaching position has been weighing me down. BUT NOT ANYMORE!! I will be teaching 4th grade at Bloomington Elementary School next year! YES I HAVE A TEACHING JOB!!! AHHHHHHH I am so thrilled!!

I have had one of the best experiences of my life working at Bloomington and I had hoped for a position there. Well dreams do come true!!! I got the official phone call from the district Wednesday. I finally feel that all of my hard work and countless prayers have paid off. I am so excited to be working with a great 4th grade team and especially finally have my own class!!

Next, I will also be graduating in 14 days and I am also graduating with honors!! It has been a long journey, but I will FINALLY have my Bachelors in Elementary Education. Someday, after a year or two of teaching, I want to begin work on my masters, but for now I am content and can't wait to begin work planning for next year!

Birthday Blessings!

2009-04-05T00:33:00.014-06:00

I'm a little slow on the go in blogging about this . . . but I guess better late then never!

Birthdays are just not the same as when you are little and can't sleep the night before, because you are reeling in the anticipation of the biggest day of the year. Quite honestly I rested well the night before MY DAY. Here's what the day had in store for me.

5:45am, my darling husband rolls over and gives me a bear hug and wishes me a Happy Birthday to wake me up for my big day!!

I arrived at school to find my desk all decorated!! (Thanks Annelies)

The day previous, March 24, was my mentors birthday! I decorated the door for her and had secretly planned a party for her with the help of her fiancee. Well . . . unanticipated by both of us. . . . she had a little party planned as well. So we partied twice that day and send the kids home on a major sugar buzz!
(Although it's way past and I am so late blogging this . . . Hope YOUR day was fabulous Annelies-your the greatest and I appreciate all you do for me!!)

My Birthday Balloon Buddy!!

During lunch, Jesse showed up with a dozen roses and balloons!! What a darling husband!! He had come to eat lunch with me and meet the kids. (The students had been asking me from the first of the year when they could meet him and they were so excited when he finally came-He loved it)
Thanks babe for making my day to wonderful - Your Amazing!!

Just before he left he told me to come home as soon as possible and get dressed in some warm clothes. He anticipated my question and stopped me mid-sentence to say, "Don't ask questions on your Birthday!!)

I was totally excited to get home!!

These are the darling Gerber Daisies that Nicole and her family sent me at school. They were so vibrant and beautiful. Thanks sis!!

Here were a few gifts from the kids and Annelise
(Thanks to ALL!)

I almost forgot to show you MY birthday present from Jesse! Well, technically is OURS, but since the purchase of our new OUTLANDER 800 was so close to my birthday I call it MY Birthday present!!

Pretty FLASHY huh??!

So. . . when I arrived home Jesse was ready to go!! I went to ask where we were going, but got the 'quit asking questions and hurry and get dressed' look. Needless to say-I was so excited!!

Here we are as we venture off into the mountains on "MY" new ride!

Jesse had planned for us to go on a picnic up to Browse, by the old ranger station. This is the place where we went on our first date and where he sent me on a "treasure hunt" where he proposed.

It has become our little spot. We had not been up in a while and I was so excited! It is gorgeous and has breath-taking views!

Well, we came to a little problem. . . the gate was locked!! What a BUMMER!! So we picked a spot on a nearby ledge and had our picnic. Below are some picture of where we were.

You can see Kolob in the background.
Although we didn't reach our destination-I was loving every minute of it!

We had subway sandwiches-same as we had on our first date . . . . I scarfed mine down-yeah the whole thing!

As we finished eating Jesse gave me my birthday present-Tennis Balls!!

The roses, balloons, and classroom visit was terrific and on top of that I got Tennis Balls too-WOW Jess you went overboard!! Ha Ha!

(We had talked about going and playing tennis forever-we both have our rackets but we never bought the balls-but now we are set!!)

After he laughed and I giggled, because I couldn't tell if he was serious or not. . . (what a tease) he pulled out a coupon for a massage to a salon of my choice and a little coupon booklet. I was elated by the massage, but the handmade "Happy Birthday Coupon Book" was priceless.

Jesse had made it and it was filled with things like: Good for one full-body massage for 30 from him, Good for any (on the spot) hunny-do, Good for one car wash from your husband, Good for one a romantic night on the town-my choice-and other than the usual we do, Good for one 'night off'-Jesse makes dinner, clean the dishes, cleans, etc., good for anything I want-NO questions asked (gift, chore, favor, $$), plus a few more!!

Really. . . what a tearjerker!! I began to cry-it was so thoughtful and meant more to me than any expensive gift ever would. Honestly this was the best Birthday present I had ever received-it was purely made out of love.

I have the most amazing and thoughtful husband ever!!

It truly is the little things in life that make the biggest difference. I can't imagine my life without you babe.

Thanks for all you do for me. . . &

Thanks for being my Knight in Shining Armor!

XOXO

Detroit Temple--Detroit Pistons--& Snaps

2009-03-21T12:30:00.008-06:00

Detroit Michigan Temple

Ty and I in front of the Temple.

This temple is a smaller-working Temple. It shares a parking lot with a stake center and the stake center is a little bigger. But it is Beautiful!!

Front View

Backside
Nic & D

Darling Family!!

THE PISTONS v. LA CLIPPERS
Tyson talked about cheering on the Pistons the whole day!! He was in cheerleader spirits!!

Nic and I didn't plan on wearing similar clothes. . . . but just as Mom and Mama'D do. . . we both came out with long-sleeve black undershirts and red!! We couldn't believe it. . . . although 7 years apart we are so twin-like!!

Taryn all ready to go. . . . not quite sure what to think about the noise. . . .

Tyson getting frustrated at the Pistons. . . . They were only warming-up!! So Funny!!

(Aunt D is a goof and recorded this sideways sorry all for the kinked neck!)

The Drummers put on a great opening show and did more throughout the night!!
Opening . . . . Awesome!! The fire was so hot we could feel it where we sat (balcony)

Opening Tip Off!!

Tyson is thoroughly thrilled and loving every minute of it!!

(Oops!! Sideways again--sorry)
FREE PIZZA for TYSON!! The cheerleaders were handing out free pizza from Domino's to the loudest fans. Vaughn grabbed Ty and put him in the air about 5 feet and started to wave him around and told Tyson to scream loud!! Needless to say he got the pizza!!
What a Lucky Kid!!

Taryn made it through pretty well until. . . the Pistons made a come back and we were all yelling. It scared her!! Then we found out that when her mom would yell she would fall apart!! So Nic quite cheer leading and kept quiet. Tyson asked why his mom was not cheering every second like him, he is definitely the Pistons #1 Fan!!

Final score. . . . PISTONS WIN!!!

It was a pretty good game. . . .full of energy and drunk fans!! It was great!!

I loved to see Tyson just take it all in. Thanks Vaughn and Nicole for the wonderful evening!!

Here are some SNAPS that I thought were blog-worthy!!

All Day Shopping & Painting

2009-03-19T20:44:00.006-06:00

Today we went to the coolest mall (Somerset) I have ever seen! I was in heaven!!!

First of all it was so huge that it spread across the highway-2 HUGE malls-and you had to take the sky walk across the highway to get to the other mall.

We shopped hard and both kiddos were tuckered out by the end. Nic held sleeping Taryn and I pushed the big kid in the stroller.

We took a few seconds in our rush to see it all and took a few pictures by a water feature that shot water from the center of the glass squares. Tyson loved it and wanted to climb in. . . . Sure go ahead lil' buddy!

What a stinkin' cutie!! I just love her smile. . . . I can't wait til she is older so we can do gal-weekend getaways!!

Later on (after we all had naps) we decorated our T-shirts that "Larry the Leprechaun" left for Tyson for St. P Day. He had a ball and was VERY creative!! His was a jungle and 'jungle" it was!!

Oh, but it was a Hoot!

Mine. . . pretty normal-not quite as abstract as Ty's

Way to go Nic!

Don't you love this?!?!. . . . He'll be a famous designer someday! HAHA

Final products!! TADA!

Tomorrow MORE Shopping and THE PISTONS GAME!! YAHOO. . . .

Day Three & Three Hours at the Big Cheese!!

2009-03-18T20:05:00.005-06:00

I have heard about going to Chuck E Cheese for two months-ever since I booked my flight to come to Michigan. Tyson loves it and Nic told him that we could go when I came out. . . well today I got my fill.

We left the house this afternoon and went to find a newer Chuck E Cheese. . . it took longer than expected and Tyson was not impressed with the wait.

We arrived and he b-lined it for the door.

It was a struggle to get him to eat his food before we played, but we made it!

Ty loves race car games and we played all of them! I pushed the gas pedal (he wouldn't let me push the brake) and he ran the wheel (with my help!)

He was a little pro at Air-Hockey!
He won all 4 games!! Way to go buddy!!
He thought beating Aunt D was the coolest and he let me know it!

We had 100 + tokens to begin with and we played hard!

We played this game more than once . . . . Arrrrg!!
You can tell that Ty loved it more than me!

We finally got down to our last few tokens-FINALLY. . . . but I spoke to soon and before I knew it we had 100 + more!! Nic's friend, who manages Chuck E Cheese, gave us free tokens and hundreds of tickets. So needless to say we played and played and played, until we had played all the games and rode the rides at least once and some several times. So we got quite acquainted with Chuck E Cheese (three hours of Cheesy Fun!!) HA HA

Nic and I felt like we had been ran over by a semi, but we really loved every minute of it. Tyson was a blast and in his little world all was well!!

Tyson made out like a bandit. 700+ tickets! He came out with a bag full of goodies and toys. Plus Nic's friend hooked him up with more free stuff.

He loved his pirate gear and had to wear it as soon as he got home. What a handsome dude!

This was Taryn this morning in her chair that is just a few sizes to small. What a chunk!! She loves to yell and make funny noises in the morning. What a hoot she is to be around!!

And for the GRAND FINALE. . . . . . Taryn's first tooth is peeking through! YIKES!

She was totally having a melt-down (see above), we all thought she was just hungry or wanted to be held. . . So I held her-Nic feed her. . . . and she was still full of drama. Nic and Vaughn ruled out all other options and finally discovered the bottom tooth and was the cause of all this drama.

Poor thing-it is a good thing that we don't remember stuff like that. . . . I wanted to cry for her!

So day three was great!! We came home played games, chilled with the kiddos and ate dinner. Nic and Vaughn are so great to put up with me for a week. It is so great to see them both and their family. Vaughn has been on a break from his clinical rotations (he is in med school) and it is sure fun to spend time with him as well!! He is a huge tease, but fits into our family perfectly!! I love ya!

Day four tomorrow. . . .SHOPPING!! Its going by too fast!!

St. Patrick's Day-Day Two

2009-03-17T20:32:00.008-06:00

Tyson woke up to little footprints and a surprise from Larry the Leprechaun. He decorated his door for good luck and lead Tyson on a treasure hunt!

Tyson followed the little footprints around the house . . . .

And finally found a little stash of prizes for him. He got a fishing pole game, T-shirts and paints to decorate them, couple of water-growing animals, shamrock stickers, and a letter from the leprechaun. He was so excited!! And while he was getting ready I tried to secretly "pick-up" the footprints. . . . well then he noticed and I had to make up some story about the leprechaun not wanting anybody to follow him. . . . he was fine with my explanation. Whew!!On Tuesday mornings Tyson has a little library class that he goes to. It was the cutest place! The library was made out of an old barn (but they have added on to it) and it has a little kiva for the kids to gather for library time with a teacher. They sing songs and read books. Afterward we got to check out library books . . . we came out with 10. Between his mother and I (both educators) we wanted more, but settled for 10. We have already read 6 as of tonight. "Reading a Westwood/Jackson past-time!!'
After library time we went to a market place called Nino's. WOW!! It was all produce and meats! All fresh cut right before your eyes. It was the biggest market I have ever seen - I loved it and they had sample stations there too. Tyson absolutely love that-So did I-needless to say I wasn't too hungry around lunch time.
We went to another park called Kids Kingdom. It was themed like a castle and a lot bigger than Friendship park. We played until Aunt D was tired and wore out. Tyson could have played for hours. He said, "Lets stay for one-thousand 46 minutes!" Yeah OK!

He loved the swings!!

Taryn has this look that Papa Westwood would call it her "Worried Look." I couldn't help resists snapping this picture while she was in her car seat (which by the way she hates to be in).

What a look babe!!

Later we went a store out in the middle of a farm where they have homemade ice cream. It was delicious!! Rich and amazing!! I couldn't eat all of it. The kid size was what I would call normal; it was huge, but I sure made a large dent.

Day two has been great! I love having to spend time with Nic, Vaughn, and the two kiddos. They have the cutest family! Lucky Me!

Stay Tuned. . . .

Visiting Michigan

2009-03-16T16:48:00.006-06:00

I have been waiting for three months to finally come see my sister and her family-FINALLY I AM HERE!! I had a red eye flight out of LV on Saturday and it was the longest 3 and a half hour plane ride of my life!! The seats didn't recline because I had a seat just before the middle exit door and then my IPod lost its juice 10 min into the flight, I didn't want to turn on my lamp for fear of someone yelling at me to turn it out because they were sleeping, so feeling like a sardine I forced myself to sleep sitting up! I still have a messed up neck and back, but the flight was well worth it!! I arrived in Detroit at 5:30am, where my sister and family were waiting. My little nephew-Tyson was the most excited to see me and I got the three year old "Hey guess what?" the whole drive home (1 hour) but I didn't mind I was so excited to be with them all.

I had bought Tyson some foam soap and we had to try it out!! He is such a a funny kid!!

What a Look!!

Taryn is a beautiful baby at 4 1/2 months and at 18 lbs!! What a CHUNK!! I just wanted to cry when I saw them!! I am so glad I get to be here a whole week!!

Once we got back Sunday morning to Nicole's house we all crashed and sleep until their church at 1:00. So we all got about 3-4 hours of sleep. Church was nice, they have a really nice ward and a group of friends. After Church we went over one of their friends house for dinner-authentic tacos-they were yummy!! The kids all played and it was nice to get to meet all their friends. We came home visited til all hours and I finally decided to get some sleep-since I was exhausted! Once I got to bed. . . WIDE AWAKE!! I couldn't sleep! It was miserable. I finally dosed off around 3 or 4. Guess the jet lag was a little late responding to my body! MISERABLE I TELL YA !!

Me and the Kiddos at Friendship Park

Monday Tyson and Nic went to check out his new preschool while I got my lazy self up and got ready. We went to a few stores to find Tyson some new shoes and pants-he is growing like a weed!! They we went to the Great Lake Crossing mall where she found amazing deals on kids clothes at 1.00-2.99. Score!!

We also met up with Vaughn and had lunch then Tyson played on the "food' (see below) He is quite the poser!! What a hoot! After we went to Friendship Park where Tyson and I played and giggled and had a ball!! Thankfully it was a beautiful day!!

Playing at the Park!!

Best Christmas Gift EVER!!!!

2009-01-13T20:12:00.004-07:00

I love my new PIANO plus I have the most romatic husband in the world!!

So get this. . . unannounced to me, Jesse had seceretly planned to get me a piano for Christmas. Instead of buying me the most expensive piano money could buy. . . he purchased an antique and practically rebuild it. He stripped it of its old varnish-sanded down to its original cherry wood-then refinished it. He keeped all the original pedals and keys. It is absolutely gorgeous!! The picture does not do it justice. I bawled my eyes out Christmas morning when he surprised me with it. . . I finally got my piano I always wanted!! The love and devotion put into this piano was enough to make any woman melt. Thanks Jess for the best Christmas ever-truly one I will remember for years to come.

I Love You!!

A Thankful Heart . . .

2008-11-11T21:57:00.004-07:00

What does it truly mean to be thankful. . . . well I don't know, maybe is it a state of mind or action. Whatever it is I am thankful that I have the ability to feel grateful for all the wonderful and sweet things in my life. I feel that I can express myself better through my writing-its my therapy. Especially this time of year when the thoughts of gratefulness become closer to the surface.

I have truly been blessed. I have a wonderful, supporting husband who I love to wake up to every morning. It is like waking to a fairy tale-my treasured fairy tale. Jesse, I love you and really couldn't say it enough. Thank you for keeping me focused and for helping me not sweat the small things in life. Thank you for providing for me and our little family & for supporting my desire to finish school and whatever else I will be apart of some day. It's true when I say you are my better half, my rock, and my lighthouse. I'm glad that you are mine for eternity. Thanks for choosing me!

I have a heavy thank you to say to my families. I have a mom who has relentlessly given me love, support, advice, and has been the kind of friend a daughter craves for. I love you mom. Thank you for being such an example to me. You and dad raised me well. . . I have no doubt that all of my successes in life have stemmed from your belief in me. You are such a strong woman who can do it all. Its amazing to me just how strong you have become, since we were all faced with the trial that has been presented to our family-longing for our beloved daddy and husband. Thank you for being my rock, example, my best girl-friend!

I wish more than anything to have my dad read this. . . but I know that he hears my thoughts and knows my heart. To you I say thank you for being the kind of dad that taught his girls how to become strong individuals, but how to love unconditionally. There never was a dad who loved his girls more than my daddy. You are truly an amazing individual. You fought so hard-for so long. You beat the disease time and time again. You taught me through this experience that no matter what life gives you, you take it and smile-smile all day long and never look back. I saw my daddy grow spiritually the past three years, more so than the previous. He showed me what really matters in life-family and love for one another. It will be nine months this month. Wow it seems like eternity since I hugged you and heard you call me "precious kid". I can't wait for eternity!! For now, thank you for being my guardian angel and keeping me looking up to heaven. Hugs and Kisses

The bond between sisters is unbreakable. Thank you Nic for always keeping my feet in the ground and for seeing things in a different light. I thank you for always being someone who truly cares and shows concern for me. I hate the distance miles between us. But I know that we are bonded together by other means of love. Thank you for being the best big sister I could have ever asked for. You are such a support to me and have always had my back. I look up to you more than you would ever know. Its amazing how much we are alike, yet so different. Truly we were meant to be twins! Your such a genuine example to me-keep it up-I'm watching. :)
Love you sis!! Simply put-Thanks!

To my other family who have taken me in as one of their own daughters, not just a daughter-in-law. Thank you for being such a great supporting factor in mine and Jesse's lives. I appreciate your love! I couldn't have asked for a better family to be married into. Thank you for raising Jess to be the strong individual that he is. He is definitely one of a kind. I am truly thankful for him and the royal way that he treats me. I know that he has learned how to be a great husband from watching his dad and I appreciate all that you both have done to teach him how to be a gentleman. He is truly my greatest gift. Thank you for everything and for allowing me to be apart of your family.

Thank you to many, many more who have influenced me in my life.

Dead Bride-Witches-Clowns & Pirates ... Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-31T20:46:00.007-06:00

For school today I was a Dead Bride. The students were absolutely taken by my beauty. Some said I should dress like this everyday!!

What sweet and loving children. . . ha ha

Always a Bridesmaid never a Bride.

This is my WONDERFUL-TERRIFIC & AMAZING Mentor Teacher Ms. Paluso (yeah-the one in the clown suit ... he he ha ha)

We both look like we have had it (this was taken toward the end of the day-whew!!)

It was a fun and exciting day. The students were buzzing with a lot of excitement and spunk!!

After the costume parade-the room moms had karaoke and treats for the kids.

Boy, they thought the karaoke was the coolest!! They performed and danced the whole time and put on quite the show. I sure enjoyed the day with them!!

I absolutely love working with kids and look forward to these days when I get to see their personalities a little more!!

Jacquie and I at the costume parade(we go to school together).

She was a darling witch-I sure have enjoyed getting to know her better this year!!

I look like I have my eyes closed, but they really are open - must be a dead thing.

Pirates R we!! What a cute pair!!

We went to our wards Truck-or-Treat tonight and many of the little ghosts, goblins, and ghouls were not about to come and get treats from us. . . mostly do the the fact that Jess was saying ARRRRRRRRRRRRRR too much and scaring them away!!

He's kinda a little ghoul himself!!

We have made it a tradition every year to dress up for Halloween. The two previous years we were hillbillies and then hippies. Jess is sure a good sport (he let me put eyeliner on him)

I am so blessed to have him in my life. My life would not be complete without him - Thanks for being my first (and only) mate-get it ... mate ... little pirate humor! Wink-Wink

ARRRRR Love You!

Two lil' Angels ... Taryn & Aryana

2008-10-31T20:35:00.002-06:00

Tayrn Jackson-born on October 24, 2008

Nicole & Vaughn's lil' Angel

Aryana Jo Cahoon-born October 27, 2008

Helana & Brett's lil' Angel

(sis and bro-in-law)

Jesse and I are so excited to finally get-not one BUT two little nieces!! (we had all nephews)

We were so excited to hear the news of two girls coming to our families, and now they are here in the same month!!

We absolutely love them!! Congrats to our sisters and their families-we love you!!

Boys and their TOYS!

2008-10-19T15:49:00.003-06:00

Here is out latest purchase! A RED Jeep!
Jess has had his eye on one for a long time and well would you believe that his life-long dream of becoming a Jeep owner has come true. (Must just be a Jeep thing) Anyway we are excited to have yet another toy to play around in or just another yard decoration. . . . our yard is becoming a car lot!! HONK-HONK BEEP - BEEP or just VROOM-VROOM in this case!

Latest New Do. . . . What am I Thinking?!?!?

2008-10-18T22:45:00.003-06:00

During the summer months I decided to cut my hair shorter-ya know just a slight trim-few inches. Well the as you can see from the pictures above I cut a little more than just a few-try 13 inches!! Not what I was picturing when I walked in the salon-drastic change-but I love it.
I thought that I would begin to grow it out again, but after a couple months I needed a trim. . . well guess what happened. . . . .

I cut it SHORTER!!! I was freakin' out!! But too late-can't glue the old hair on anyway. . . . besides where it was already short why not play around with it and have a new do each week. The rate I'm going I might have inch-high spiked hair next month. . . . stay tuned. . . . .
Overall I love it-still trying to get use to using less shampoo & conditioner and having the breeze rush over the back of my neck, but I can live with it. Hopefully Jess can. . . he has been a pretty good sport about letting me cut it-although he loved my long hair. Well here is the new me, whatta think??

BLAST from the PAST!! BIG HAIR & MULLETS

2008-10-17T22:02:00.004-06:00

I have never laughed so hard. . . . we are beautiful people, huh!? Seriously some of these hair styles actually look decent-although I do have to admit I definately had huge bangs and hair growing up. What was I thinking!

Jesse is such a stud!! WOW what a Hottie! The feathered hair just melts my heart! Ha Ha

Hope you enjoy-we sure have!!

Eliza this one's for YOU!

2008-10-17T20:01:00.003-06:00

OK, OK, I know-I am awful at keeping up to date.

Well, after a promise to Eliza to do something with my blog,
I gave in and will do my best to post once a week.
This picture shows our cute little family during the fall last year.
Trigger (our kid) was just a puppy in this picture.
He has since gone to doggy heaven, I have chopped my hair,
and Jess-well he is just dang cute!! Love ya babe!
So . . . I vow to do my best and become apart of the crazy
blogger mania!

2008-04-04T01:17:00.000-06:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Snowboarding

2008-01-24T20:02:00.001-07:00

Here we are at Brian Head Snowboarding.
It was a beautiful day!! No wind, no cold,
just me and my sweetheart enjoying the slops!