Doctor and Family Visits

Well it has been a very busy few weeks. We have enjoyed non-stop visitors and loved every minute.
The visit from Thomas' mom and Clyde was great. The kids really enjoyed having them all to themselves. Broc loved the time sisters were at school, he had grandma to himself. Unfortunately grandma didn't get to see Chey play basketball. The one game she was here for, Chey was still pretty sick. She was able to watch they girl's first softball practice. Clyde enjoyed that too! They also were able to go to swimming lessons with me and Broc. He swam his best and showed off a bit. She even put up with our running errands after lessons. Clyde opted out of errands and choose the library for a few hours. On Tuesday we took them to the airport. We were sad to see them go. Especially since we aren't sure when the next time we see them will be. But it was a wonderful visit and we are anxious to have them back again.

For many years I have been encouraging Thomas to go see a Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist for his snoring and sleep apnea. He never thought it was serious enough to take time off work to go. And them the last year or so, when he knew he needed to, he also knew he would end up in surgery so he kept putting it off. Well, after Nait had his tongue clipped and I raved about his doctor, it was finally enough to convince him to make an appointment, or rather, ask me to make him an appointment. It also helped in the decision making that a close friend had just had a similar surgery and was shocked how much it has changed the way he feels all day, everyday! So on Wednesday Thomas had his appointment. He met all the criteria for further testing. We were told his tonsils were twice the size of a normal adults, not a good sign. His dangly thing (whatever it is called) was really big too. But in order for insurance to pick up the tab, we have to go step by step. The first step is an in-lab sleep study. The doc said lots of people have problems sleeping with wires attached and in a strange environment, Thomas quickly responded that he can sleep anywhere, anytime, anyplace. Which is SO true. So we have the preliminary sleep study appointment next week, then we'll see where we go from there. I am just so happy that he is finally ready to take care of this. Lack of restful sleep and sleep apnea lead to many other health problems and sometimes very grumpy daddy's!! We will all be happy when this is over.
The next day the kids all had there semiannual dental checkups. We came out 4 for 4. Everyone was clear. Kallie and Kassie had their wires adjusted slightly so they were a bit sore, but they don't need them back for another 6 months, YAHHH!! The girls had their next SB practice that night, along Chey's BB game
The next day Nait had his 2 month check-up. He is getting way to big. He weighed in at 13. 13 (95%) and was 23 1/2 inches (75%) long. His head circumference was also in the 95 %. These are odd measurements compared to my other kids. All the others were always way above average in weight but normal to under for length at this age, and their heads were always very small. Nait continues to defy the family norm, I have a feeling his surprises are just getting started. Unfortunately he also had to get his first set of shots. He did very well, just a quick cry, and he has been fine since. Thankfully no repercussions a few days later. After Naits appointment a few friends and I spent the middle part of the day in Reno. After picking up the girls from school we cleaned, cleaned and cleaned some more. The kids weren't very happy about it, but they got most of it finished anyway. They did their normal chores, and then we told them that if they all worked until everything else was done, they would earn some money. But, if they put it all off until Saturday, the work would still have to get done, but there would be no money. It worked great. Sheets were changed, the basement was cleaned, garage was cleaned and several other not so appealing jobs. So on Saturday we gave them the option to earn so more money , or they could play. But if they started a job they had to finish it without nagging, or else no payment. They all worked hard and got the whole house and yard cleaned up in time for all of our company to arrive.
Saturday my parents, Blake and Brea, grandma Naydean, and my cousin Robyn and her family all came to our house. Kristi also came and then slept at David's. That afternoon we girls were planning to go shopping, at least that was the story, but we needed to stop at the church to give something to Laura. They had planned a surprise shower for me. It was so much fun to walk in to a big shout. My girls were just as excited as I was. We spent a wonderful couple of hours talking, eating, playing games and opening presents. I had told my friends I didn't need a shower, after all I do have 4 others kids, but they threw one for me anyway. It was wonderful and I am so so thankful for great friends and family, I am truly blessed.
Sunday was a special day. With so many of our family at church and so many friends, Thomas performed Nait's blessing. It was beautiful. It makes me so very thankful for an honorable and faithful husband who respects and honors his priesthood. Nait was so blessed to be surrounded by so many honorable men who love him so much. The support we have through our family and our church is irreplaceable. For that I will always be eternally grateful.

After church everyone came back to our house for lunch. I believe the final count was 57 people. Of that 57, 28 were under the age of 14. It was so much fun. Lunch went as smooth as could be and everyone got lots to eat. The kids played for hours outside. I am so thankful the weather was so beautiful. Along with all the people, we also had 6 dogs here. Of course our 2, the David had to bring his 2 over, and Kristi had here puppy with her and Blake and Brea had Twix with them. It was quite a site in the back yard. The sizes ranged from a 90 lb Chesapeake Bay, 2 80 lb labs, a huge & young Newfoundland puppy and a German Shepard puppy to Twix, a 15 pound Carin Terrier. At one point the gate got left open and they all were out. That was very entertaining watching a few men and kids get them all back in the yard. It is a really good thing our yard is so big.
After a few hours everyone headed for home, some had 3+hour drives. Then our little family all crashed. We all slept the rest of the afternoon away. It was wonderful having so much love and support around us, I can't ever be thankful enough for our wonderful family and friends.

So back to a normal week, no sickness, no doctors, no visitors. What will we do? Not to worry, we still have BB overlapping SB, t-ball practice starting, coaches meetings, swimming, the Book Fair, Family Night at the school, piano lessons and a piano recital on Sunday. I think we will survive the slowdown!