Camden's finger update

Last Sunday Camden's fingernail fell off. He was very worried about it. We tried not to say how gross it looked and constantly reminded him how it was getting better. When his finger got infected it also got a blister that has been peeling off. He has been a very brave boy.

The yellow spot on his nail is where they poked the hole.

One morning Camden went outside to play without any shoes or jacket. I asked Rylan to help him get dressed and this is how Camden looked. He had Elliot's shorts on, a coat too small for him and a pair of my gloves.

Today Camden went to the dentist for the first time. He was excited last night but when the time came he was scared a little. He chose to watch Elliot get his teeth cleaned. After two minutes he was done watching. When it was Camden's turn he was still scared but very brave. He insisted on holding my hand the whole time and did a great job. He left with happy healthy teeth.

As a side note all the kids made it through their appointments without any cavities. A happy day for all!

What beauty there is!

Last week we took a drive up Millcreek canyon and roasted hot dogs. Mike was a good sport, he came home from work and put everything we needed together.  It was a long day for him. We were able to leave right after the big kids got home from school. It was a nice day but overcast. The kids did their homework in the truck on the drive.

We found a quiet spot where no one else was. The kids loved climbing up the side of the mountain. Even Camden was one  the big kids too. I was in love with nature. I could not get enough of all the pretty colors the Lord has blessed us with. It was so beautiful I didn't want to leave.

Can you believe this young man will be eight years old soon! He is an amazing boy. Part of me doesn't want him to grow up but then I would be denying him all our Heavenly Father has in store for him. I am trying to enjoy these moments with my children because the years are flying by. (FYI we are planning on having Kaden's baptism Nov 30 @ 12:30 for anyone that wants to plan for and come.  We would love to celebrate this special day with you.)

Here are the boys stopping to let me take a picture.  I was very camera happy that afternoon taking in all the beauty.

We went on a little walk to see where a path led to. It came to a dead end at the creek. Elliot found a snake stick to carry around. I took a picture because I told him we weren't taking it home.

This is our picnic spot. Mike had a hard time keeping the fire lit at first. It was a good thing we had enough matches.  We were able to roast hot dogs, pizza pockets, banana boats, and marshmallow's.

Having a great time!

We have never made banana boats before and they were a hit with some of the kids. 

This is what Rylan was collecting. He collected a cupful of leaves to take to school for show and tell. He ended up giving them to a friend.

We left the mountains dirty, cold, and very happy.  It was a great FHE activity that I hope we can do again soon before the snow comes.  I am so thankful for what the Lord has created for us.  We are so very blessed.  And to think this beauty is nothing compared to beauty of the human body.  

Happy Autumn everyone!

The not so fun things in life

 Let me just start by saying our family has been blessed with healthy bodies. We have not broken any bones or sprained anything. With that being said around a month ago Rylan came down with an ear ache.  Normally we treat ear infections with garlic oil. It works really well but the day after he complained of ear hurting puss started coming out of it. We read up about it and asked my sister-in-law and decided to take him to the doctor.  It was on a Saturday so we didn't get our normal doctor. He said it was swimmers ear.  We don't know how that worked because we hadn't been swimming for two weeks. We were given some drops and that was all. Out of a whole week Rylan made it to school once. I noticed he had spots on his face around his nose. I didn't think anything of it but a day later they were turning into little blisters. On top of that Rylan's ear was not getting better. He was on pain reliever almost 24 hours a day or he would be whining and wake up crying.We decided to take him back to the doctor, this time it was our regular one. She diagnosed Rylan with impetigo. What? We have never heard of that and had to do our research.  The pictures looked painful.  We were told it is highly contagious and he was given some medicine to take religiously. So Rylan should not have gone to school and I disinfected the house as much as I could. Rylan was ordered to wash his hands every time we caught him touching his nose. Rylan's ear turned out fine. It was just a ruptured ear drum that took longer to heal and he was okay to go back to school the next week. And as far as we know no one else got impetigo.  It is still a mystery as to how he caught it.

On to the story of Camden. We were at Wheeler farm early last week and this boy touched everything he could. I noticed Wednesday morning his finger had a spot on it.  I just thought something smashed it. I told Mike and didn't think more of it. Thursdsay night Camden woke up screaming. I got up with him a few times in the night. We rocked in the dark but he couldn't settle down and wouldn't tell me what was bothering him except to say throw up. I didn't want that in my bed but after being up many times I ruled that out and he ended up sleeping with me in bed. That's one more reason why our children don't sleep with us. It was horrible. Camden kept moving and laying on my stomach and face. As a result I tried to move away from him and almost pushed Mike out of bed. He was ready for work when 3:15am rolled around. Friday Camden had a low fever and his little finger looked huge. It was twice as big and the redness was spreading down his finger. By this time Camden was favoring his hand. I called my sister-in-law and asked her opinion because she was a nurse. My worst fear was a spider bite and he was going to die. She told me to get it checked out. I am so grateful Mike was working mornings and I could leave the kids with him. We made it to the doctors okay but not with our normal one. This doctor was very frustrating. She said his finger was infected, abscessed, and that it would need to be drained.  She said she wouldn't do it on a young child and he needed restraints to do anything. She recommended Primary Children's care or Riverton Hospital where they had the proper sleeping medicine and tools. Our insurance doesn't cover those and after talking to Mike he found a place close by. What that doctor said scared me and I really, really didn't want to be holding my son down while not being strong for him. I came home and when Mike asked if I wanted him to take Camden, I did not hesitate to say yes. He is my hero. I busied myself with laundry and said many prayers that Camden would not be in pain. When Mike got back, Camden was happy with a popsicle in hand. Mike said it went really fast, the doctor was really nice and helpful. He said Camden only cried for 30 seconds and that was it. I don't know how his finger got infected but it may have been all his exploring at Wheeler farm or from a hang nail. I never knew something so little could cause so much trouble.

To end on a happy note, here are all the boys watching Curious George on Mike's cell phone. I don't know why they think it's great to watch on a little screen but it sure had them excited.

Fun at Wheeler Farm

We went on a search for the best photo spots at Wheeler farm. The boys were so excited and it was so beautiful. We walked around so much I wore them out. First we saw the animals, and then went exploring. I went in the morning and now that I think about it maybe we should have done an afternoon because we did pictures in the afternoon and the lighting is very different. We did find some great spots though.

We really liked this bridge.  There was no water around so that was good.  

Boys will be boys. They had to touch everything they saw.  

I have to say the sheep were the highlight of the farm. If you ask Camden about the farm he will tell you about the sheep peeing.  

Sadly, the horses came in second next to the sheep.

It is so different going places with two children. I thought I prepared well for the outing. I got snacks because I knew we would be there a while. I brought water to drink, and  had Camden's diapers because he always goes when I don't want him to. We each had our own backpacks to carry and that was the mistake.  Camden didn't like carrying his pack so I ended up carrying that and his sweater. Next time I need to carry a bigger backpack.

Loving the Sand

A week ago we had a big storm where it started snowing.  Because it wasn't cold enough the snow melted when it hit the ground.  That evening we headed out to the church sand pit to play.  The boys love the sand and we never have time to just play.  Elsie had the great idea to go dig in the sand.  It was perfect after the storm, nice and wet sand.  The boys carried their own toys over happily.  

Camden had a few problems throwing the sand and had a little break.  He was very sad.

The kids all got along well and worked together.  I was so pleased.

Elliot thinks it is still shorts weather.  He went to play with one sock on and one off.  

The boys were reluctant to leave but with Camden's freezing nose and hands we had to wrap it up.  Elsie shared her sweater with Camden.  He loves his big sis.

Walk Along the River

It has been so fun finding places to explore.  All the while Elsie is complaining and the boys loving it.  

We took Camden's bike so he could keep up with us but most of the time the big kids had their fun.