CHAMPION SWIMMER!

I had the kids take a few more swim lessons through the Jan Thomas Swim School (much to my husbands dismay). It really is one of the most amazing swim schools out there. We have messed around with a few different swim lessons and I have found these to be the best by far. Becky is Jan's daughter and comes up from California to teach lessons here once a year. The swim school they have in California is huge, and people pay from all over the state and even country to even have their kids take lessons there. Today was Princesses last day. She loves to swim and is an absolute free spirit in the pool. She "earned" her first gold medal today and is on her way to being an Olympian like Michael Phelps (as she likes to say). The school is really into positive feedback and making the kids feel like a million dollars. They become Champion Swimmers when they finish their lessons and get a medal and a ribbon. She insisted on wearing hers all day. Maybe someday she can have a real one hang around her neck.

Let the Tears Flow

It was T-man's first day of Kindergarten today. He was so cute. All last week he would get really somnolent and I would ask him what was wrong. He would tell me how nervous he was to start kindergarten. He has been so excited all summer, but I think reality finally hit him. Last week the school had a fun Summer Social that we got to go to and that helped ease the nerves. He decided today that he was BRAVE. I did really well and actually didn't cry. The only time I about did when I was talking with a neighbor lady and her little girl. The older brother of this little girl was at recess and he came over and gave her a big hug with a pat on the head and didn't say anything. It was really sweet and you just knew that he knew what she was going through. He had fun today, but told me it was so LONG. When I told him he had to go back tomorrow, he just threw his head back and sighed. He will do great and we are excited to be back on a routine!

Last Week's Family Night

We headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon last week for Family Night with the grandparents. We had fun having a picnic and playing in the creek. We are hoping to get up there one more time before it gets too cold! That kid standing on the table definitely isn't mine (what kind of parent would let a ONE year old do such a thing?). I didn't take my camera down by the water (I am not sure why, I have pictures on my phone from the creek). The kids loved playing in the water and the little one threw a fit when it was time to go.

The Great Advances of Medical Technology

I must say, we truly live in a world of amazing medical technology. The advances that I have seen in the ICU field alone in the last 5 years are absolutely unbelievable. We save more and more lives, yet it seems that we have more and more that are dying. I have pondered upon these two issues, talked amongst my colleagues, and tried to get a grasp on if all advances really are that great. The hospital I work in is one of the best in the country for CardioThoracic Surgery (Heart Surgery). The treatments and technology combined with the skilled expertise of the surgeons and nurses has made it so less and less of the complex anatomy hearts actually die (or die during surgery or within hours after). We also are a Trauma 1 facility. That means we get some pretty horrific accidents. The field response for the emergency medical services has gotten so good that more and more make it to the hospital for treatment. I know most of you are thinking, that is so AWESOME, what's the dilemma?. Don't get me wrong, it really is a great thing, but as a result, the stay for these patients in the ICU has increased dramatically, and with that we get an influx of secondary problems that the patient will either survive or not survive. The quality of life that they face if they do survive, usually isn't what one would call ideal either. So, I have this ongoing debate with myself: If it were my child, what would I want? Obviously, it would depend on a number of factors, and every situation is different. I don't want to get into all the ethical issues that surround such subjects because the list can go on and on. Not to mention that cultural, religious and personal beliefs are so different that there really never is a correct answer. But I do know as a result of these advances there definitely is a shortage of nurses out there. With the advances and life sustaining measures that the field of medicine has introduced, it will only get worse. It makes the demand even greater for healthcare professionals. I get a call at least 5/7 days to see if I can work. My heart sinks each time as I know that right now it is not my time to be there consistently in the hospital. As a result, I embrace the moments of taking care of my 3 beautiful, healthy children. Will this problem ever be resolved? I fear not. I don't think there is a way to produce enough nurses to keep up with the job demand based on these advances. But I also don't think that means advances should be slowed down either, because it could be that break through treatment that one day may save the life of a loved one.

The Waterslide

"This is Totally Awesome"

We went to Idaho this weekend to see the fam one last time before school starts. T-man just loves to play with his cousins. We stayed at my sister-in-laws and they have this "totally awesome" (as T-man likes to call it) slip-n-slide water slide. It wasn't that warm but the kids had a great time going down it. I even thought about putting on my suit and giving it a try but I wasn't so sure about the end result. I don't think it would have been pretty. We had a great time and said bye to my Aunt moving to Missouri. And the best part is, Brett didn't even go with me. He spent the weekend golfing and eating out with his parents. Tough life.

The Worth of My Soul

Conversation while signing up for benefits with Brett's new job:

Brett: "Oh, I can get life insurance for me up to $500,000"
Me: "Well, why don't you get me some"
Brett: "I don't know if I can"
Me: "Yes you can, it is usually up to $50,000"
Brett: "There it is, it is only $6 a month, no wait, it is $13 a month for $50,000"
Me: "Get it, it will help cover the funeral costs if I die"
Brett: "Yeah, I don't think so, if you die then I will actually be saving money"

At It, Again

We were crazy and had another camping one nighter this week. We headed up to Tanner's Flats up Little Cottonwood Canyon with the Jamieson's. We had a great time relaxing in the woods. The kids played great and stayed out of trouble. The little creek running through our campground was beautiful and helped provide some nice white noise for sleeping. I think it takes me over a full day to recover from camping, but I am so glad we had the chance to go again. Now, only if I can talk my husband into investing in an air mattress so I don't have to sleep on his bed that he makes up with 30 thousand blankets from our house. He is convinced this provides maximum comfort although I still feel as though I am sleeping on a concrete slab. I need a good massage from all the sore muscles from sleeping wrong.

Good-bye Narumi

When I moved into this neighborhood last year I had some random guy knock on my door and ask if I would ever be interested in hosting a foreign exchange student. I grew up doing a few different things like this, so I gave him my name and number. They called last year but just having a baby, and having my tonsils out, I passed on the experience. Then, they called again this year. I decided to talk Brett into giving it some consideration, which with a little miscommunication, it was decided that I would do it. We had Narumi this week and had so much fun. She is from Kobe, Japan. She played great with the kids, and had so much fun doing new things that we take for granted in America like jumping on a trampoline and going off the diving board at the swimming pool. I love the typical peace sign made in all of the pictures by every student. I even got a picture of a student who wasn't ready, and he was quite disappointed he wasn't making his sign. I laughed. She also had this great ability to fall asleep at anytime and I had to take advantage with a photo of her sleeping completely sideways in the front seat of my car. She taught us some origami and left us with all these fun little toys for the kids. I sent her off this morning, she teared up as I gave my final good-bye. I hope she had a good time, we are going to miss her!!!

Salt Lake City Temple

We went to temple square on Sunday and I got this great picture. I am thinking about quitting my day job to take up photography. I really would love to learn how to, I just need to take a class or two and get the right kind of camera, but until then, my little canon powershot SD 950 IS, will have to do. To the power of a picture.

Splash Park

These little splash parks are so much fun and I can't wait for the one to be open in our neighborhood next year. We hit this last week and the kids had a great time. The water was a little cold for kid 3's liking, but she loved the playground. She even managed to scream a few times at the little kid who managed to repeatedly push her while the mother was nowhere to be found. There were some older kids there (8.10) who kept on nicknaming the little babes. It was actually quite funny. My kids took to this and helped them chase "diaper dude" and "chubby dude" around all who were less than 2. Poor kids, they had no clue what had hit them. Dave, these swimsuit pics are per your request.

The KidBarn

We decided to try and escape the heat last week and headed to the KidBarn, twice. The only problem is we didn't escape it, but were embraced by it (they only have portable ac units). It is so much fun for the kids to go and bounce their way around in my parental attempt to "wear" them out. It never works, but they have fun. Kid 3 was busy, busy, busy and just loved it. Which made me have to love it as well, the giant slide was super fast. We had a great time and found great prices on utahrealdeals (something like that). Check it out for some great deals.

A Trendy Trinket

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am having a jewelry party at my house on Thursday, 7:00 p.m. I got out some invitations, but ran out, so just know that everyone is invited. If you got an invite, feel free to spread the word. It is a great opportunity to make your own stuff, or by handmade jewelry or make stuff for your little girly babies. I have been busy with a Japanese Exchange Student and hope to get it all on the computer soon.

The Day It All Began

I am so glad that my husband "peaked" (as he likes to say) on our wedding day. What a wonderful day it was, NINE years ago TODAY. I married such a great man, and as a result have a great family and life. Our little family of 2 has quickly grown to a "full-fledged" family of 5 (another Brettism, even marked more poignantly the day he drove the mini-van off the lot as a result of number 3). Thanks honey and Happy Anniversary. I don't really have a great shot that isn't scrap booked or professional of us together, so I tried to do my best. Brett is in Seattle for a few more days, not the first anniversary we have celebrated apart. Summers really are busy and I am learning that more and more. To the beginning of our life together, forever, I will always love you. (I know, a little sappy, especially for me)

Medusa, The American Gladiator

I used to have a great desire to be an American Gladiator. It wasn't that I would be a contestant on the show; I would actually be one of the "Gladiators". My name would be Medusa. While other girls were dreaming of being a dancer, or a princess, I was dreaming even bigger. I am embarrassed to actually admit this, because I think it shows a little more of my true character. I remember when I would be asked the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would put down an American Gladiator. I have family and friends who can vouch for this. I might even have some of the papers to prove it. As time went on, the show disappeared and my hopes and dreams were shattered. Until now. The show is back on with new Gladiators. I can't decide if I should start training now to be an American Gladiator or if I should start training now and be a contender. I can see it now, mother of 3, used to be athlete, fighting for the right to be crowned an American Gladiator. Battling for the title, I would probably get worked and just have to lie down and surrender. The dream is still there, I just don't know that the fire is. The 100,000 dollar prize money ought to be enough to push me though. Someday, maybe someday.