An Unexpected Birthday...

Because of the given circumstance, I wasn't expecting to have such a great birthday this year, but it turned out to be quite nice. I guess maybe because I dropped my expectations or because I didn't expect too much from anyone because they've already done so much for me for the past month. Who knows, but it turned out really pleasant. I really spent most of the day as I have been lately - lying down, sitting down, taking a small stroll around the house, and changing out my IV bag.

On a different note, I received so many phone calls, texts, and facebook posts wishing me a happy birthday and a quick recovery, along with a wonderful visit from 3very great friends of mine who brought me a heavily frosted (and I'm sure fat free) beautiful cake along with lots of laughter and good company. I received 3 wonderful phone calls of great family singing to me and cheering me up. My cute daughters colored a big banner with their cousins and hung it up in my living room and my husband surprised me by sneaking me out of the house for a bit and taking me to do one of my favorite things - get a pedicure!

I was a little nervous about going out in public a) for fear I would frighten people to death with my awesome haircut and fanny-pack IV and b) I wasn't suppose to be out and about for fear of infection and sickness and germs, etc., but it felt so good to be out and while I was there, I met this really wonderful lady. She sat down beside me and we got to talking. She was asking me about my surgeries and I was talking to her and found out her Dad had just passed away the day before and she was getting his funeral arrangements put together in Las Vegas. She was so nice and pleasant and didn't make me feel weird or out of place. It was really nice. When we were both finishing up, she leaned over to me and said, "I'd like to pay for your pedicure." I told her that was really nice, but not necessary and she insisted, telling me that she really felt like doing something nice for someone today. It nearly brought me to tears and it was just one of those shockingly really kind and random things that never happens. My husband didn't find out about it until he went to pay and she really didn't want me to tell anyone, but I just wanted to share this awesome story because it made my day. For someone random to do that for me and all these kind things people having been doing for me this entire month, I just feel overwhelmingly blessed and I hope deep down inside, people know how much everything means to me. It has made this trying time just a little brighter and a little easier to deal with even though it has been so hard.

So Richard is gone now to a ball tournament and I am basically alone with my girls for the rest of my birthday night, but I don't mind, because I have had a fantastic day and I think, in a weird way, this may be one of the best birthdays I've ever had because I've realized just how many wonderful people I am blessed to know and call friends in my life. Thanks to all of you I know and to that one kind stranger who really brightened up my day.

Happy Birthday my Baby Rhett!

Well, it has happened, my little man has turned 5. I can hardly believe it. It makes me so sad that he is growing up so fast, but he is such a sweetheart and so darn cute (I think he is blissfully aware of this and takes full advantage). Since I am down and out, we got some takeout for our little guy, ate some icecream, and Rhett got to spend some quality time with Dad. Here are some pics of the little guy getting his awesome new "racing rocket" bike (that is what he calls it) and the cutie with some cards. He is telling everybody that we will celebrate his real birthday when mom is better. It is pretty cute. Here are a few things I love about my little guy.

1. He is my baby.
2. He is so darn cute.
3. He loves to kiss and hug me at any given moment (which I love).
4. Even when he cries, he is so darn cute.
5. He is a smart little guy and he loves to read.
6. He is a fun, sweet little brother who loves his family.
7. He is my baby (I know I already said that, but can you really emphasize that too much?)

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

Congratulations to Kayle on Your Wolf Badge!

I just wanted to tell my little guy how proud I am of him for accomplishing his wolf. He got a couple of beads, his wolf, and a couple of arrowheads also. I've never done the scouting thing until this first boy, so this is all new to him, but he sure loves it and Richard loves scouting, so I'm glad there's someone to guide the way! He received all his awards at pack meeting Wednesday and Rich was kind enough to make sure and get pictures since I am unable to leave the house. I love you Kayle!

Another Update...and an Airplane Ride...

Well, last Tuesday, I was healing wonderfully, and then I went to bed. I woke up in the night very uncomfortable (like rocks in my head) and I had Richard give me a blessing. I tossed and turned all night and in the morning I asked Richard to stay home. We called the doctor and they were trying to get ahold of him because he was in surgery all day, and by then, my fever was climbing to almost 102. I was in a lot of pain and Richard was really getting worried. Well, when the doctor called back in the afternoon (finally), my fever was 104.6 and I felt like I was dying. My doctor wanted me to go to the ER immediately and have a spinal tap done and he was worried that I had meningitis. Well, after being in the ER for a few hours, having a CT scan, lots of pain medication, and a spinal tap (ow!), I thought they were going to give me some antibiotics and send me home. All of a sudden, the ER doctor comes in, talking to my other doctor on the phone, and messing with my head wound. He finishes his conversation, comes back in the room, and tells me that I need to get up North immediately. All of a sudden, they're arranging for lifeflight to come and get me, Richard's taking care of arrangements with the kids, and our plans are changed - big time. So after we get up North, my doctor tells me he is going to take me back into surgery. The next day, they took me in, reopened my wound, and cleaned everything out. The good news is that the inside part of my surgery was holding up well (there was some silver lining). Anyway, when I woke up, I felt horrible again, and they started pumping me full of heavy antibiotics. I was in the hospital 3 more days and then they released me with a PICC line in and a bag full of antibiotics that Richard gets to change everyday for the next two weeks (he's getting quite good at the home health biz). And if any of you have had a PICC line placed, it's quite the experience in itself. The lady who was putting it in was really good, but for some reason the PICC line kept going up my next instead of down by my heart. This happened about 10 times (she said this never happened to her) and when they finally got it in, I thought I was going to die! Let's just say it was sweet relief. Anyway, so now I have been home for a few days and I am getting a little better everyday. I am finally able to walk around and sit up more. My doctor doesn't want me to get a blood clot, so I have to walk more than I was, but I have to rest when my neck says, please stop! My hair is nicely shaved (even more this time - I'll try to get a picture) and it is quite interesting to get dressed over an IV.

My family, friends, and ward members have been amazing through this time and I wouldn't have made it without their prayers and concern. I truly felt all of them while I was up North and I feel them daily when I wake up a little better each day. I know this summer is a hard one, but I'm trying to look forward to the future and being better and enjoying my family for years to come. I almost felt like I would lose them, and now I am grateful for every second I get to be a part of this life. I am so blessed.

Little Man Without Training Wheels...

Well, I must say, Richard and I slacked off. Our little man finally is riding his bike without training wheels, so easily, that we basically didn't have to teach him. I'm sure he would've been able to ride it before now, but we neglected our duty as parents. The day of Trissy's party, he got out his little bike and said, "Will you please help me ride this without training wheels?" I told him sure and started pushing him around the driveway, only to let go a few seconds later, and that was all he wrote. After that, he was trained, and I felt so bad that I hadn't worked with him before. Now, he loves to ride and he rides all the time. He is so darn cute!

Happy Birthday Trista - June 10th!!!

Cake Fight...

First year at girls camp...


This is a few days late, but with a good excuse. I haven't been able to get on the computer very much, so now I have the strength and I want to pay tribute to a wonderful wonderful daughter.
We celebrated her birthday the last day of school with a fun party with some of her friends because we knew I would be down for her birthday and also she was going to be going to girl's camp. We had kind of a carnival with a bounce house, hot dogs, games, and such, and lots of screaming girls, who, by the way, decided to have a cake fight all over the front drive way (believe me, scraping chocolate cake off a driveway is not so fun). Anyway, some of the girls slept over and they all had a great time. On Trista's real birthday, we sent her off the night before and in the morning with some family gifts and cards, and lots of loud fun singing, to girls camp. I was a little bummed because I am actually her advisor and I really wanted to be there for her first year at camp, but she really had a great time and told me when she got home today that it was "the bomb." (In her words). Anyway, here are a few reasons I love my Trissy Poo:

1. She has been my buddy since she was born, she was my first, and yes, I spoiled her. (I can't believe she's growing up so fast)
2. I love her fun, personality and funny sense of humor.
3. I love her beautiful singing voice.
4. Since I've been down, she has been taking such good care of me and she is truly concerned for me to get better.
5. She is a great big sister.
6. She is quite a popular babysitter around these parts because she is so good with kids.
7. She is very much a Daddy's girl and loves to make him happy.
8. She is so beautiful, inside and out, and I couldn't be more proud of the young lady she's turning into.

I love you Trissy! Happy Birthday!

Update and Kayle's Surgery Update

I forgot to post this picture of Kayle after his surgery. He did really well and recovered so well that we nearly forgot he had the surgery in the first place. The day after surgery he went to father's and sons! Anyway, we are so happy he is such a healthy fun kid.


I am doing well, actually better than expected. My recovery has been going well and I am able to get up more and sit up more. The first couple of weeks lying down all the time and not being able to move my neck very well were not very fun, but now I am improving fairly rapidly everyday. I can see little improvements that make me so happy and give me great hope for the future. I am so thankful for the modern miracles of science and medicine. It really amazes me the things they can do for you now a days. My doctor really was amazing and everything he has said has been par for the course. I go back up for my check up in a couple of weeks and then I will find out what else I will be able to do soon. Little baby steps...

Anyway, thank you so much for all of your prayers, calls, cards, flowers, dinners, child care, baskets, you name its - you all have been a blessing in our lives here in this household and we could not have made it (or still make it) through this tough time without all of you. I am thankful and overwhelmed each day for the blessings Heavenly Father grants to me through all of you wonderful people. Thank you so much!!! I hope one day I can repay this great service you've done for my family.

Stitches out - I could finally wash my hair! Doesn't my wound look great?

Off for a Season...

Just a note to write that I shall be away for awhile. I am heading up North in a matter of minutes. Tomorrow I shall be having surgery on my brain for a chiari malformation. (If you don't know what that is, look it up, there is lots on the internet!) Anyway, no worries, everything will be great and when I am well again, I will post you and update you on my recovery. I know it will be a long summer, but I am hoping this will solve a lot of problems. We have not told the kids the extent of the surgery as not to worry them, but I have great faith that all will be well. Surprisingly, I am not nervous, but overwhelmingly calm and so grateful for my wonderful friends and family who are praying for me and who have offered great love and support. Thank you all! You are fantastic! Remember...No worries!

Boys' Room!

Here are pics of the boys' room 99% finished minus the pillows that are almost done. This was a fun room. We moved them upstairs and gave them more space and they have loved it. It was a lot of fun to do and I am glad it's done!

Trista's Room!

Here are the pics of Trista's room 99% finished (noticing a pattern?). I just have to get some grass for above her closet so if any of you know where I could get really cheap or even free tiki hut grass, please feel free to refer away! Her room is adorable and she loved it. I hand painted the wall murals and it was a lot of fun! I made her floor pillows out of the big beach towels from Costco and then her headboard is just a fun wooden surfboard I found on ebay. We had a blast doing this room!

Alayna's Room

Here are the pictures of Alayna's 99% finished room. I have yet to finish sewing her cushion for her window seat, her pillows, and her curtain for her window, but other than that - it is finished! It is very cute and very fitting for our "LaynaBug!"

Kayle's Field Trip to the Wildlife Museum

Well, this is it. This actually happened today so I am really catching up finally! Anyway, Kayle's 2nd grade class had a field trip to the Rosenbruch Wildlife museum today and I was able to go along. We took the kids to watch the movie about Africa and the Serengetti and then we explored the cool animals in the museum. Kayle really enjoyed it and I enjoyed spending time with him. After that, we went to the park and ate lunch and the kids played. It was a fun day and I'm glad I got to share it with Kayle!

Our Bryce Canyon Getaway

Richard and I had a chance to getaway last weekend. We went up to Bryce Canyon and stayed at Ruby's Inn, did some mountain biking, and just enjoyed some peace and quiet. It was beautiful weather and we really had a great time. The first day, we did three trails combined together totalling close to 15 miles. We went uphill for about 5 1/2 miles on a paved trail called Red Canyon, then we hooked over on this dirt road for about 2 miles to lead us to the next trail which was the big one - Thunder Mountain. It was up and down and big climbs for another 7 miles, but it was beautiful views. It really took your breath away. I swear at a couple of points I was going to need a new pair of legs, but it was so much fun and I would definitely do it again. That night, we went out for a nice dinner and just relaxed. The next day was a little cloudy and on and off again sprinkles, so we decided to drive down through the Pink Cliffs and take the long way home. We drove along way on this dirt road enjoying the views and the company. Then we drove up over the mountain past Strawberry and Duck Creek. There was so much snow still up there! Next, we stopped in Cedar and did some shopping and ate dinner. Then, we headed home. We had a great weekend!

We started out at the bottom, very rested and relaxed...

We rode and rode and climbed and climbed...

And took quite a few breaks...

But it was worth it to see this beautiful view...

Isn't it amazing?

Baseball Season Begins...

Baseball season is in full swing. I will post some more pictures when I get better ones. I was trying to get my parents to take a few, but they had to go a little early and were unable to get some. I haven't got any of Rhett playing Tball yet because I am the coach and I have been pitching to them, but I am hoping to do that this week. Here are a few of Ethan and Kayle on the Boston Red Sox. Richard is coaching this team this year and I am doing a Tball team along with Richard playing in two softball leagues, one in St. George that just finished and one in Hurricane. We are definitely a baseball family!

Alayna's Soccer Team

Alayna and her cousin, Abby, were on the same team this year

Soccer Season Winds Down...

Here are a few pics of the kids at soccer. The season finally ended last week with Alayna's last game. The other kids had finished the week before. There were 4 kids playing in this season and 1 that had played a couple of months before. Now it has overlapped into baseball season. Ahhh, can Spring be any more fun and busy? I'm sure a few of you would agree!

Hirschi Annual Family Campout...

Every Spring and Fall, the Hirschi family gets together up on Smith's Mesa and we have a little campout. It's always fun for the cousins to run around and for everyone to visit, eat, and relax. Natalie and Corey even came down from Idaho so it was really fun to have them. We look like a big trailer park up on the mountain when we circle the trailers and pop out the 4-wheelers. Good times...

Richard, our nephew Aspen, and Rhett take a ride on the bike...

Corey, Rich, Matt, & Nanette...

Julie, Joseph, Amanda, Nanette...

Bye Bye Blonde...Hello Brown...

Yes, my friends, it is time to say goodbye to the blonde hair. Although I enjoyed frying the crap out of it and being a little "light headed" for awhile, I know where my true comfort zone is and that is definitely a little darker. It was fun while it lasted...

Before...

After...


Yes, You can breathe easier now...