Okay, to update on the past few days...

Okay, to start off...Jayson had a fever on monday. It carried over for about an hour on Tuesday and then went away. However, on Wednesday, he started with a bit of a rash. It was just a few red bumps on his lower belly and just under his diaper line. But then on Thursday, it was all over his torso. Front and Back. It also ran up the back of his neck. And instead of being little red bumps, it was red welts. So I called to get him into the doctor and they couldn't get him in until 10 on Friday. So, longer story short...he apparently had a virus that caused the fever and then turned into the rash. Dr. Boettcher prescribed a type of pediatric prednisone for him to clear it up. But it causes wakefulness. Which we experienced last night. We gave it to him at 6 and he didn't end up going to bed until about 10:30 p.m. And he kept Ava up that late right along with him. :(

Ava had been doing really well for the past few days. She is still trying to push 4 teeth out on top. And they still don't seem to be bothering her. Which is a good thing for all of us. But I am really glad that she doesn't have to experience the pain of having that many teeth coming in at the same time. I can't imagine how bad that would have to hurt! In the past couple of days, she has discovered how to wave. And she gets sooooo excited about it too. She gets a really big grin on her face, giggles, wiggles her legs, waves a couple of times, and then does it all over again. It is so cute! She is also getting more and more brave. She has been known to stand all on her own for a few seconds several times over the past couple of weeks. So I don't think it will be long before she will be courageous enough to start taking some small steps. WOW! I can't believe she is old enough to be starting to do those kinds of things! And I definately cannot believe that she is going to be 1 next month! I started planning some of the details for her very first birthday party and have the invitations filled out and ready to mail.

I took the kids on a walk down the road today just to get out of the house and get a little bit of exercise at the same time. I put Ava in the stroller and put Jayson's monkey backpack/leash on him and we started out. Jayson decided that it was his job to push the stroller and everytime that I would try to help him he would push my hand away and say "No! No help you! No!" It made me laugh. He is getting to be so independant in his "old" age! lol His happy mood soon went out the window though when we got to the corner down by the brick house and I turned the stroller back towards home and told him that we needed to go back the way that we came. He immediately started throwing a tantrum; screaming at the top of his lungs and telling me that he wanted to "go oer dehr. Oer dehr," pointing down the road where we hadn't been. So I essentially had to drag him home attatched to his leash kicking and screaming. He even dug in his feet a couple of times and ended up falling down. So I picked him up and carried him in one arm (kicking and screaming, of course!) and trying to push the stroller with the other hand down the dirt road! It was quite the site to see, I'm sure! lol Needless to say, mommy wasn't very happy after that either! I am really hoping that we get some nice weather soon so that I can take them over to the school to play. But Lola told me that we are suppose to be getting a bunch more rain in the next few days. So I guess it will have to wait a little longer.

Grandma Larson is doing better than before. They had her in the hospital for a few days after the second stroke but have since moved her back to the home that she was in for her physical therapy. Mom says that she is moving more but is still having some issues swallowing. She is doing better with it but can only have soft foods.

Brenda was finally able to go in to have her hysterectomy yesterday. Mom called and said that she did very well through the surgery and will probably go home tomorrow. And they are telling her that there is a good possibility that the growth that they were following may not be cancerous after all. But they are going to do a biopsy to be sure. So there could be some great news coming on that front!

Kasey and I are doing great, as always. I am exhausted lately from not getting enough sleep and chasing kids. And Kasey is exhausted from working really hard, as usual. But we are doing good. I don't think that we would change a thing right now. Life is good. We love each other, we love our kids, and we love life.

I have been a bad, bad girl!

I haven't written in 4 days! But I have decided what the problem is and I am going to correct it! I have been writing in the evenings before I go to bed. But I like to go to bed at the same time as Kasey. However, he doesn't usually give me much warning as to when he is planning on going to bed. So I end up hurrying to finish up what I am doing at the time and going to bed to cuddle with my hubby. Which does not leave any time for the blog. So, I am going to start writing in the mornings while the kids are eating their breakfast. And I will be posting about the prior days happenings. That means that tonights post is basically done so that I can post about what happened today, tomorrow...lol. So I hope everyone has a great night and I will talk to you all tomorrow! :)

Well, Jayson is running a fever.

It started yesterday afternoon and it was at 99. Then, this morning, it was at 100.8. Then This afternoon, it was at 101.1. So it is slowly creaping up. I just hope that we can get it under control.
We certainly don't want it turning into a seizure situation! Even knowing why he has them never makes it any easier. They still scare me and I know that they make him uncomfortable...they would have to. It definately has been an interesting day though. Jayson has wanted held much of the day due to not feeling that great. But when he hasn't wanted held, Ava has been snuggly. So I have been dealing with some jealousy from the two of them. Usually when one is being held and the other one sees it, they want up too. So I end up holding both of them. But then they realize that the other one is still on my lap and end up pushing at each other. They aren't usually the jealous type. Either one of them. So I have had to laugh about it a couple of times. But by the end of the day, it started to get old. lol

Also found out that Grandma Larson has been in the hospital since last Thursday. She had that second stroke, had a really bad bladder infection, and the flu. So she has had quite the run of things lately. I feel so bad that we haven't been able to make it down to see her as of yet! But we are making plans to go down as soon as we possibly can!

What a GREAT Sunday!

It is amazing how great the day can be after having two well behaved kids in church!!! And what is even better is that I didn't have anyone helping me...or "trying" to help me! I have been really grateful for those in my ward that have good intentions and try to help me with the kids on Sundays. But good intentions don't always play out into great actions! There have been many Sundays Jayson has been acting up by being loud and climbing up and down and under benches. And while I am trying to take care of Ava, the person "trying" to help with Jayson just sits and stares at me blankly or with a look of "what would you like me to do?" There have also been those that have teased Jayson and made him act up...right in the middle of sacrament meeting! Or those that ask if Jayson can have gum and I tell them no. But they end up giving him some anyway! He's 2! And the thing that gets me the worst about the whole thing is that it is adults that have raised kids of their own who need to use some common sense!

DON'T GET ME WRONG!!!! There are definately those days that I really don't know what I would do without the help that they have provided for me! And I truely am greatful for all of them! But after today, it just makes me wonder if Jayson just gets overloaded with all of the attention? I don't know. But he played with his toys, was relatively quiet, played with his sister at times, and even layed down on the floor or the bench a couple of times. And I know that he was extremely tired! He and Ava both were up at 6:30! Ava didn't act up either! She got a little fussy a couple of times. But nothing major. I was so greatful! I have been in the best mood all day because of it! I have felt like nothing could ruin the day! It has been GREAT!

I love Bonfires!

Every once in a while, Kasey & I have a few friends over for a fire in the pit at our house. It is basically just to relax, shoot the breeze and have fun. But it is also to make a stay-at-home mom feel human again...lol. It is amazing how good it makes you feel to have a grown-up conversation once in awhile! Don't get me wrong! I love every minute I have with my kids! But it is nice to be able to put them to bed and have some fun with friends too. I use to be able to go out and do things with everyone on the weekends. But since the kids have come along, that no longer is an option. But oh well. As long as I can have a bonfire once in a while, I will be just fine.

Kasey went paint balling for the first time today. He got hit four times...once on the arm, twice on the inner thigh, and once dead center in the forhead. Needless to say...he has a really big goose egg on his head! He said that he will definately need to get some better gear for next time. lol But, he said that he had fun.

The kids were pretty worn out when we got them into bed tonight. Ava only had about a 20 minute nap today. And Jayson refused one all together. But even though they were tired, they were really good kids today. I LOVE my kids! They are the best kids I could even imagine. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the blessings that he sent to me when he gave us our kids! They have their moments. But I wouldn't change anything for the world!

Short post tonight...

I am so tired that I am going to make this short and sweet. We had a good day today. No major tantrums and the kids both took a nap, at the same time, AND withouth a fight! How great is that?! I did a couple of loads of laundry today, kept the kids' room pretty well picked up and worked on my coupon binder...one of my other goals. I am going to become a "krazy coupon lady" and save my family lots of money on our groceries and every day needs! I know of a lot of people who are doing it, so it can't be that hard...right? I am in the process of getting all of my coupons cut and organized into my massive 5" binder. But I am really excited about the possibilties! There is alot to learn, but I know I can do it!

Anyway, I am off to bed. Wish me luck on falling asleep without tons of tossing and turning!

Lola's 72nd Birthday Today

Well, today was my mother-in-law's 72nd birthday. That's kinda crazy to say...lol. I guess I never thought that my inlaws would be that age until I was older. But I guess that is what I get for marrying a "surprise" child. lol Anyway, we had cake and ice cream for her this evening. It was nice.

It was in the 70's today! Can you believe that?! And there was only a breeze too! How did we get so lucky? It was such a nice day! I had the kids outside for a little while again. Which is proving to be a little difficult with Jayson. And it's not the part about having him outside that is the problem. It is the bringing him back in when it is time...he throws an absolute fit! Especially when he has been outside riding the trike or his bike. He loves doing those things and wants to be out there 24/7!

I am slowly making progress on the house. Not on my schedule though. So I need to get better at that. But I did get the kids' room cleaned up today. Including washing their bedding. I also did a couple of other batches of laundry, did the dishes, picked up the front room and loaded the DI stuff and stuff for storage into the jeep. So I feel like I did pretty good today. Hopefully I can get more done tomorrow. It will just depend on the kids and how much energy that I have. For some reason lately, I just have not been able to go to sleep very well. And it is affecting my energy level alot! And tonight I have a lot on my mind. Not sure that I am ready to put it into words here. But a lot that I am going to have to think about and force myself to put into the Lord's hands. I know that He has a plan for me and my family. He knows what is best for us and sees the bigger picture. I just have to remember that.

Anyway, I am finally getting tired and feel like I can sleep. So off to bed I go. Goodnight!

Thinking about being adventurous...

I have never learned how to do much canning. And the most that I have done is freezer stuff. But when I was at walmart tonight, I noticed that the strawberries are on sale for .98! That is really cheap compared to what they usually are. So I got to thinking that I might have to be adventurous and learn how to make strawberry jam. It can't be that hard, right? I just have to get someone to tell me how much to buy and how much it will make...cause I have no idea! lol

When the kids and I got home, Jayson was zonked out in his car seat. Enough that when Kasey brought him in and tried to wake him up so that we could feed him, all he did was fall back on the couch like a rag doll! Guess he had had enough for the day. However, Kasey then went to put him in bed and he woke up and was rearing to go! lol And he was on one for the next couple of hours!

I took Jayson up to Skip and Lola's today to play in the sand box with all of the toys. He LOVES being outside doing anything! And while he played, Ava and I sat on the lawn and enjoyed the nice day...while it lasted. Not too long after that, the wind came up again. But Ava had fun playing on the grass and just being outside too. I think this summer is going to be spent outside. The kids love it and it teaches them that they need to be active. Another adventure for the Thornton's. I think I will do some picnics, go to the parks, Declo school grounds, etc. It should be fun! I also want to take them to the zoo in Salt Lake this summer. I think they would have a blast!

On a more somber note...Mom told me that Grandma Larson had a second stroke night before last. She has been in a care facility in Bountiful for that past little while because she had a minor stroke and was having some issues with her strength and swallowing. This past week or so she has had the flu and a bladder infection as well. But she was starting to show some improvement with both of the prior issues. Then the second stroke occurred and affected her left side. I talked to mom again today though and she told me that she is starting to move her had a little bit better. Thank goodness both of these strokes have been mild. But the strokes are what took Grandpa. So who knows what could happen. I just hope that we are able to get down to see Grandma soon. We miss her! I hope that she knows just how much we love her!

Not much to tell today

Well, today was a long day. But it was also uneventful and I didn't get much done...unfortunately. I did go to town to get some groceries. But that was about it. The kids had a pretty good day today. Other than for getting pretty tired due to not having a nap. But they took a bath tonight. And that is something that they always like to do. Jayson and Ava are both getting use to having water on their faces. (Jayson has hated that for the longest time and always threw a fit when it came time to get clean. lol) But Jayson had his little bucket in the tub with them tonight and that was what Kasey was using to rinse Jayson off with. Well, Jayson then decided that it would be fun to use that to rinse sister off with too. So he kept dumping it over Ava's head. It was actually pretty funny. And after the initial shock of the first time or two, Ava decided it was funny too and started giggling. It was cute. After that, with both of them being so tired, it didn't take much to get them off to bed. And now it is mommy's turn. I am pretty worn out.

Short updates on the kids

It's late and I've already been in bed once but couldn't sleep. And then I remembered that I hadn't had a chance to post today. So I decided that I had better get up and do it so that I can force myself into this habbit.

Today was a pretty good day. Other than for the fact that the kids are going through a faze right now where they are waking up between 6 & 7 in the morning and thinking that it is time to be up for the day. But we got up and I was able to get quite a bit done. Along with trying to get into the habbit of journaling, I am also trying to get myself into several other routines as well. One of them being a cleaning routine where I clean a certain room each day of the week. Monday is the front room, Tuesday is the kitchen, Wednesday is the kids' room, Thursday is the bathroom and hall, and Friday is our bedroom. Saturday and Sunday are our days to relax and have fun as a family. So there will only be minimal things done on those days. And only when necessary. But I got the front room pretty well cleaned up today. I just have to get the desk organized. Which is a chore in and of itself right now. But I will get it.

The kids did pretty good today too. We had lots of fun playing and spending time together. And they even took a nap today! And at the same time!! That doesn't always happen. But when it does, it is wonderful! I think that is why I was able to get so much done.

Just a quick summary of the kids' accomplishments lately...

Jayson turned TWO in February and is so completely into trains! It is trains this, and trains that...EVERYTHING is trains! And especially anything that has to do with Thomas the train and his friends. He can tell you all of their names too. lol Kasey built him a track for his trains and that is his most favorite thing to do...all the time!
I am beginning to think that Jayson has a very photographic memory. He remembers everything! You show him something once and he remembers it. But he has a very good memory beyond that as well. It is amazing to me how smart he is! I have been teaching him his colors and some shapes. And he is doing really well with that. However, he is also a big tease and likes to tell me the wrong thing with a twinkle in his eye and a silly grin on his face. lol He is also starting to sing along with things such as tv commercials. It's funny too. He will listen to the song and say the very last word of the phrase only. And then he will listen to the next phrase and do the same thing.

Ava is getting ready to turn ONE next month! I can't believe how the time has flown by! It seems like only yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital to introduce her to her big brother. And now she is walking along the furniture and she stood all by herself for all of about 5 seconds today! She was walking along the couch and let go and just stood there staring at Max. (Max is our newest addition. A 3 Mo. old great pyranees puppy.) Anyway, I had to smile knowing that she is learning sooo much right now. But I am not sure that I am ready for my little girl to be getting so big! She is also trying to cut 4 teeth at the moment. (She already has two on the bottom.) They are all on top and they aren't quite ready to poke through. But I can definately feel each one through her gums. But, luckily, it doesn't seem to bother her at all. She takes after her brother in that respect. Neither one of them seem to feel any pain when getting new teeth.
Ava loves to laugh and giggle. Especially when playing with her brother. And he loves to do anything to make her smile. I am so glad that they love each other the way that they do. There are times of Jayson not wanting to share his toys and wanting to wrestle with her. And jealousy of one being on mom's lap when they want to be. And even when they are both on my lap and don't want the other to be there too...lol. But for the most part, they get along so well. I have a feeling that they are going to the best of friends due to being so close in age.

Anyway, I will update more on the kids as we go. But for now, it is getting really late. And I am actually starting to feel like I can go to bed and actually fall asleep instead of tossing and turning. So goodnight.

Everybody's Doing It...

Well, I guess since everyone else is doing it, I will join the blogging world. Actually it is a great way to journal without actually sitting down and writing everything out. And with two small kids, I NEVER get the chance to journal. And that is something that I have always thought was very important. Especially now that Jayson and Ava are here. They are going to want to know things about their family, when they were growing up, and the adventures that we had as a family. So I am setting myself a goal. I am going to write everyday for a month and go from there. As long as I can get myself into the habbit of taking a few minutes while the kids are taking a nap or after they go to bed, this should be pretty easy. It's just getting into that habbit. So, wish me luck! And welcome to the Thornton Family Adventures! I hope you enjoy the ride!