Our Amazing Family

No time.

2011-03-12T04:25:00.000-08:00

No time. I feel exactly like that. Since Cole was laid off in December I have been working full-time and have forgotten how much that takes out of you. I do straight nights which leaves me in a fog most of the time. I'm good at making excuses, and I'll even claim responsibility for them. In the end I'm just lazy. I've kinda felt in a funk lately. Depressed? No. Tired? Yes Stressed? Yes Why? Not sure. Do ya ever feel out of sorts but can't put your finger on why? I do.

We're leaving Sunday to head to Salt Lake for Brynlee to have her tonsils out. She is on her 4th antibiotic since October. Sigh. They will be keeping us overnight, then we have to stay in the Salt Lake area for 10 days until her scabs fall off and we know she won't hemorrhage. We live 3 hours away from Primary Childrens, and her cardiologist will only approve surgery there. Agreed. Spontaneous death? Not so cool. Am I nervous? Not for Bryn. My mom will be keeping Haivyn and Jaivery at a hotel semi-close, and I worry more about her having to get up with the baby. Oh, did I mention they're sick? I'm 80% sure its RSV. I'm sure I brought it home from work. It's how we roll.

I haven't wrote much about Bryn lately. Why? I assume noone really wants to hear it, and we don't do anything exciting anyway. But I've decided that if I don't, it all passes by and I forget about it. So, I'm going to get better. I've always wished I had journaled more of my feeling surrounding when Bryn was diagnosed and over the years, so here goes.

I always say Bryn is doing better than I ever would have imagined. But is she? You always hope for the best and expect the worst, but I really can't say that I expected she would never write her name, read, spell etc.... She is mainstream. I am happy for that. She's not the lowest reader in her class, and 80% of the time she gets 100% on her spelling tests. Can I just be happy for her accomplishments? I find myself pushing her harder and harder, which makes her fight me harder and harder. Is it doing any good? I know she can do it. She proves it to me each week. Math? Money? Addition? Subtraction? Not so much. She struggles here. But I refuse to believe she will never get it. It might take a while, and perhaps even years, but I know she will get it.

She loves washing machines. Ok, loves is not the best word. She obsesses over them. Sears is her favorite store and actually reward most of the time for being good. She likes the red ones. Me too. She likes the ones that go back and forth, not round and round. Interesting observation, huh. I'm trying to teach her how to sort colors so she can do laundry by herself. Yay!!! Unfortunately, she doesn't care about this part, just watching it in the machine. She loves her Nintendo DS and Wii too. Another thing I didn't think she'd ever get. She's actually quite good at it too. Whatever makes her happy is game with us!

Jaivery is 4 1/2 months now. She's such a high maintenance baby. Not in a bad way, but she thinks my world revolves around her. Kinda does. But she always has to be in the middle of everything. She likes to be talked to and coddled, and loves to laugh and giggle. Brynlee thinks this is so funny and she can always get a giggle out of her. She's lazy too. She will not roll over for nothing. She will lay on her stomach and scream for 20 minutes rather than just roll over. My goodness, sure hope she grows out of this stubbornness. Like her mama I guess!

Cole has been such a trooper through this interesting transition. He's good to do the laundry and keep the house clean and things in order while I ...sleep. Tis a great life really. What could I complain about.

Little of this, Little of that!

2011-01-20T22:51:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted much in a while, so I thought I'd add a few glimpses of what we have spent our time doing!

The first few weeks Jaivery was home, we did LOTS of this!

Thanksgiving 2010 was spent with Cole's parents. Grandma Gladys and Grandpa Gene came down. For being in their 80's they're absolutely amazing! Sure hope they can keep it up!

Jaivery was blessed December 5, 2010. Cole gave her a beautiful blessing. Not a lot of family came, but it was great just the same!

Just before Christmas Brynlee had a few days of Dr. appointments at Primary Childrens, so we took the opportunity to make it a family outing. We're always up for a good time!

Brynlee at her echo.

We thought it would be fun to take the girls ice skating at the Gallivan Center. We started out with just Haivyn because Bryn usually doesn't like this kind of stuff. After watching her sister, Bryn thought she needed to try! Haivyn did great! Brynlee, not so much.

Cole's parents bought us a carriage ride at Temple Square as part of our Christmas! The girls loved it!
I am back to work full-time now, so our days are mostly spent just trying to keep up. Cole is once again coaching basketball for Emery High, so we are always spread pretty thin.

Brynlee is doing great in first grade and remains main stream. This is honestly something that I never expected for her. I start to see her slipping behind now, but I am amazed at how far she has come and all that she has accomplished. She almost always gets 100% on her spelling tests and can read fairly well. (When she wants to!) Math, like simple addition/subtraction and counting money, is a huge stumbling stone. I hope with time she can conquer this. She remains quite temperamental, but is for the most part very happy. I have also been quite pleasantly surprised at how much she loves her baby sister. She often asks to hold her or give her hugs and kisses. We just did our yearly round of MD appointments, but added nephrology and orthopedics. The nephrologist thought her kidneys were great and would just need yearly urinalysis and B/P checks. We went to see orthopedics because we noticed toe walking. Her achilles tendons and calf muscles have tightened to the point that surgical lengthening is necessary. However, we decided to see another ortho and wait as long as possible because the problem will likely recur. Lastly, in a few weeks we will go see an ENT to have her tonsils and addenoids removed. Her tonsils are HUGE, and she has two lumps on her neck. One looks like a marble sitting under the skin. This is likely an enlarged lymph node, but we will have to have it biopsied and removed for sure.

Haivyn has been such a delight to have at home. When I found out she wouldn't be attending pre-school this year I was really bugged. But it has been so fun to have her at home for some alone time, and she is also a big help with chores and Jaivery. She is always found in some fantasy land dressed in one princess dress or another. I will often just sit and watch her play. Oh, the innocence of a child! She loves going to her dance class and has improved much since last year. She askes every day when she gets to go to school.

Jaivery is now 12 weeks and around 13 pounds. It makes me so sad to see how fast she has changed. It seems as though she has grown/changed quicker than the others did. I try to relish every day but it seems as though they just fly by before I notice they've come. She is a happy baby and loves to talk and laugh. Nothing sweeter!

Jaivery 1 week

Jaivery 12 weeks

Jaivery Birth Announcement

2010-11-22T13:37:00.001-08:00

Facade Quartet Pink Birth Announcement

Customize your own baby announcement at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas Card 2010

2010-11-22T13:32:00.001-08:00

With Love Chartreuse Christmas Card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Our Beautiful Girls!

2010-11-16T12:46:00.001-08:00

Cute feeties!

Haivyn looked at this picture and said "Wow, that's a big bow"! I laughed and agreed!

I do not love naked baby pictures, but I did let them talk me into doing this one!

Haivyn 4 years old

Brynlee 6 years old!

They have done better as big sisters than I ever expected!

Our 3 beautiful girls!

New Pitchforth

2010-11-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

Jaivery Pitchforth

October 29, 2010

9:08 A.M.

6 lbs, 12 oz

21 inches

Jaivery came right on schedule. My last day of work was Wednesday and I told everyone I would have her Thurs or Fri. Needless to say, my family all laughed at me. Sure enough, I was at the hospital Thursday night and she was born Friday morning. Although she was full-term, I was only 37 weeks. All my kiddo's are born at 37 weeks, big deal right? Well apparently Jaivery didn't like that. She didn't want to breathe. We started out with the oxygen "cake pan" (that's what it looks like to me!) thinking it was just retained fluid from delivery, and progressed to high flow 40% oxygen, I.V. fluids, antibiotics and eventually intubating and giving surfactant. What full-term baby has a surfactant deficiency? Mine. It's been a long go, but 3 days later, we're on our first night without oxygen and will hopefully finish up antibiotics in the morning and finally get to go home. So grateful for modern medicine! Where would we be without it? I will post more pictures when we get home! Wish us luck!!

What to post?

2010-05-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to think what to post for quite some time but really couldn't come up with much. Hence the reason it's been over 2 months. After I went private I kinda got a sour taste in my mouth for the whole blogging thing, especially since noone reads it. But for those of you who do, here's a tidbit. Not much has happened, but here's what has.

Brynlee had eye muscle correction surgery April 1, 2010. This was a big risk and we've waited for a few years for this due to spontaneous death related to children with Williams Syndrome. However, I felt that it was a priority. I refused to sacrifice and try to give her the best so she could walk around with crooked eyes. If she died on the table, at least it was doing what I thought was best for her. Good news, she did great!

Pre-Op

Post Op

The next day

I wasn't going to post about this, but I ain't(yes, I just typed that) got nothing else to talk about. Coming November, 2010...Ok, I know ultrasound pictures look like absolutely nothing to anybody, but it's an 11 week profile. I'm not sure if I was ready for this or not, but Brynlee is 6 and Haivyn will be 4. Four year gap, aahh. It was now or never. Here we go!!! One thing about it, there should be plenty of cousins to play with.... Out of the six of us that are married, 4 are expecting. Wow! My poor parents. We're excited! Hopefully the next post will be more eventful.

Going Private

2010-01-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's true!!! Let me know if you read us. Not like we update very often, but leave me your email if you want in. I'm locking soon, so the sooner the better. If you're private and check us, let me into yours. janpitchforth@gmail.com Many of you I check but don't have your email to ask for and invite. So let me in and then let me know so I can check on you!!!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

For those of you who may have been missed, or who I don't have addressess for!!!

My Amazing Sister Jill!!!!

2009-12-01T21:30:00.000-08:00

For any of you who don't really know my sister, here's a small glimpse into the many facets of her personality. She is by far the favorite aunt and lets all the kids do things noone else won't. She's a nut to be with, although I'm not sure which picture gave that away. These few pictures were 15 seconds in the album. There are vaults more just like them. I have been so grateful for her being here with us the past seven months and have truly enjoyed every day of it. Thanks Jill, I love you!!! Remember people, single. Tall, dark and handsome????

December? Really?

2009-12-01T01:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! My last post was October recap and it's already time for November recap. Seriously, I think I only get about half of the days.

November has been very uneventful for us. Cole is coaching basketball again and it is in full swing. It's nice to be involved again. Coach Jeffs, as always, has been great to work with Cole and his crazy schedule. Although it does occupy much of his free time, I do love seeing Cole do something that makes him happy. After 2.5 years, he was released as Young Mens President. It has really been strange. Reminded me of when he was laid off. Nice to have the stress gone, but thanks, all done. End of story.

Brynlee and Haivyn have been getting excited for Christmas. This is really the first year that we will have "Christmas". We're excited. We were going to go to Delta, all my siblings are coming home, but I think we will just stay home instead. (Not worth the hastle!)

Thanksgiving came and went. I spent the morning in the ER with strep. Yuck. Thank goodness Laurie did all the work. The next two days Cole and I had reservations at the Downtown Marriott in Salt Lake. I was feeling fairly ok, so we spent the day shopping. Mistake. We were in bed by 6:30, yes I was asleep. Thank you Laurie for keeping the girls. It was so fun to just spend time with Cole doing nothing at all. We hit a few movies, The Blind Side is a definate MUST SEE!!!! We also went to the temple, ate at Tucanos, and just hung out. So fun, nice, and definately overdue.

My sister and I made it to New Moon. Yep. That's about all needs said. (Not a fan!) I have really enjoyed only working 2 nights a week now. I have been working on a lot of unfinished projects, not to mention outside stuff.

Jill is still staying with us and there is potential for a job to finish the school year. I have my fingers crossed. I really am mixed because ultimately yes, she needs to find a man and get married. But I do love having her around. If ya'll know of any bachelors send them our way. 24 or so, tall, dark and handsome:) Love ya Jill!!!! Who wouldn't want this? Seriously?

(Sorry Jill, it's the only picture I can get to at work!!)

October Recap

2009-11-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

Haivyn's Birthday Party

Haivyn's Birthday Cake. It was my first attempt with fondant. Some was good, some bad. I learned a lot and actually had a lot of fun!

Haivyn wanted her ears pierced for her birthday. When you ask her, she said it didn't hurt. What do you think?

Halloween!

Brynlee wanted to be a flower and I had a rough vision. I found one with the flower pot on the internet, then the vision was complete. It turned out just like I imagined. It took me about a month to really get it done, but once again, it was a lot of fun. I don't think my mom ever thought I'd sew, but from a distance it looks pretty good.

Haivyn wanted to be Belle. Thank goodness it was easy because all my time was spend on Brynlee's. Thank you Disney!

We weren't going to dress up, but at the last minute started feeling bad, so we went with the easiest thing we could think of. Chet wasn't too excited, but he was a good sport and really looked the best.

I'm amazed I made it through the elk and deer hunt without a single picture. Hhhmmm... Mom of the year award, please. I guess better luck next time!

Where has the time gone?

2009-10-16T01:49:00.001-07:00

Seriously. Where has the time gone. It seems crazy to think that it has been three years since we've had a new baby at out house. Having Haivyn was a very big and scary step for us, considering what we already had with Brynlee. However, it was also the best thing we ever did, and had I have known how much easier it would have been I'd have done it sooner. Haivyn and Brynlee are really great friends. Sure, they have their run ins, but for the most part they play together very well. Nothing makes me happier than hearing them laugh and giggle together. Haivyn is a good little mother to Bryn and I truly pray that she can continue to be there for her and help her through life and it's many challenges.

Haivyn is such a spunky, energetic, loving little monster. She has unconditional love that is truly amazing. She has a tender little heart and gets her feeling hurt very easily. She is truly a princess in all aspects of the word. She loves all princesses. She has many gowns and can almost always be found in one of them, or at least a pair of butterfly wings. I hate to say this, but she has taught us what it is like to have a "normal" child. They're a lot of fun! She brings so much joy and enthusiasm to our house, and I really cannot think of how boring our life would be without her. Haivyn, we love you!

Having Haivyn turn three also marks so many milestones for us. Cole started teaching in August of 2006. Haivyn was born in October. I was carrying our insurance, so I stayed in Cedar City working and waiting. We had also built a house that we were planning to live in until Cole got his job in Ferron. So, we had listed the house for sale but really weren't having any luck. Needless to say, that's a whole other story. We couldn't buy another house in Ferron, because we still had the construction loan on the house we were building. We were essentially homeless. Cole was living with his parents and I was in our apartment. The day Haivyn and I were discharged we packed up the air mattress I had been living on and drove to Delta. The next day we drove back to Cedar, signed the closing papers on selling the house, then drove to Ferron and were staying with his parents until we could find something to buy. Yes, this was my worst fear. I had just left a beautiful new house to live with the in-laws. So Cole was finally done with school, and we were leaving Cedar City where we had previously been for the last 3 years. Life was finally beginning. Or so we thought. When Cole was laid off in March of this year we were devastated. I suppose you never really know what life has in store for you, and I know something good will come from this. Although I'm not sure what it could be, other than unemployment, there are worse things that working in a coal mine. The money is almost double and I'm now only working 2 nights a week. Will he ever get back into teaching? I'm not sure. Will he go back to school for something different? The thoughts are nauseating. Will we move to find a different job? I doubt it. Ferron has truly become home and we have met so many wonderful people, not to mention Cole's parents are here. Despite many challenges, we have truly been blessed and are very lucky. Life is not always as it seems. We have become more grounded, humble and grateful for the simple things of life.

Brynlee started kindergarten this year. Has it been a good experience? No. Does she like school? No. Have I been disapointed by the school district? Utterly. I become too angry and frustrated if I get into details, so I will spare you. I would like to say that it will get better, but I truly don't believe that it will. It breaks my heart to know that not everyone thinks she deserves the best. My goal for her is that she can read, write her own name, dress and feed herself, and be a semi-functioning individual. I know resources are not always abundant, but I wish others had the same goals for her.

I have many pictures to post, but am at work. I will try and post when I get a spare minute. I know you're all still in shock to see that I actually did post something. More to follow...

My baby is three!!!

2009-10-16T01:45:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

About Time...

2009-07-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well, that just about sums it up. It's about time I do a lot of things, beginning with a post. It seems as though things have been so busy, yet nothing has been accomplished. Summer is almost over, which doesn't hardly seem possible. It's strange to think that Cole will not be going back to teaching this fall. The reality of it has really hit home to me lately. But life goes on, prayers are not always answered how we want, and blessings come in hidden ways.

Brynlee begins all day kindergarten this year. I've waited for this, yet now feel as though our bubble of safety is being crowded by the realities of life. The older she gets the more her differences are apparent. As a parent, I can no longer be her protector from others or the challenges that life holds for her. It tears me up to think that others will not look at her as the perfect angel that I see. I know that she will be teased, hurt and ridiculed and I almost cannot bear it. Trust in the Lord I know, but my heart still aches. Every stage of this journey is difficult.

Haivyn will be three in October. Three. That is so crazy to think about. She is so independent and must do things her own way. She loves her thumb and her "lalie", but must have the two together. One is not without the other. We tried to break her of this but I quit. I suppose I'm holding on to the slightest bit of infancy that is left. She is my snuggle-bug, and loves her sister. I hope this never changes.

Since it has been so long, I will post a little bit of what we have been up to.

After school got out in May, we went camping. We had fun fishing and hiking.

The beginning of June my parents came over and we went four-wheeling down Eagle Canyon.

June 29th Cole turned 28. Holy cow, we're pushing 30. Yikes!

July 4th fun!

Haivyn was not so into the parade!

All the kids lined up.

Constance Marie Anderson

On July 10th we loaded up with my parents on a trip to Washington. We stopped half way in Idaho and arrived on Saturday. My brother Ladd blessed his baby Constance. She is such a beautiful baby. We stayed there until Tuesday then headed to Vancouver, WA to stay with Brian's kids while him and Liz went with my parents on vacation to Canada. We had such a good time.

Ladd is an Engineer. He is the project manager for this wind farm in Washington. They sure are huge!!!

Multnomah Falls and Bonneville Dam.

The kids loved watching the fish swim up the fish ladder.

In Astoria at the Meritime Museum

Wells loved playing in the sand

At Seaside playing in the beach

We stayed at this Oceanfront hotel at Cannon Beach. This is from our hotel window. Jill was pretty excited.

At the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I'm not going to lie, I thought this was much cooler than the kids did.

I wish these pictures could have captured all the fun we had. We all rode up together and I can honestly say that it was a blast. There wasn't one moment that was long or unenjoyable. It was fun to have nothing to do but enjoy one another, laugh, joke and have a good time. Life is good, we have been so blessed.

Until the next adventure.... Hopefully it's soon!

Just what have we been up to you ask???

2009-05-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's true. We have dropped from existence for a short time, but I will now grace you all with our presence! I cannot belive how time has flown. I realize everyone is just as or more so busy than us, but man, I just cannot seem to keep up! For any of you who don't already know, Cole was laid off teaching for next year. I joked that I hoped this would happen so we could move but when it really did we have been devastated. It just comes to show that there is no real job security anymore. There are very few other teaching openings for the subjects he is endorsed to teach so for now we're looking at other alternatives and possibly pursing a masters or other endorsements. If any of you have any advice or good ideas let us know!!!:) So to make a long story short, with the prospects of selling the house, all of the unfinished projects (mind you there are many!!!) are now trying to get completed. This has kept us busy, not to mention the yard and usual homeowner joys. I think that the biggest worry is making sure that Brynlee continues to have insurance, because you all know how expensive these kiddo's can be. Not to mention if she ever looses insurance than noone will pick her up again. Oh, did I mention she's on antibiotics again for another ear infection??? It truly never ends.

So enough about our whining, here's a bit of what we've been up to. I decided a slideshow was the best way to post a lot of pictures. Do enjoy!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Reflection

2009-03-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

With Brynlee's Birthday this month, I can't stop reflecting upon the last 5 years and the way in which our lives have changed by the words "Williams Syndrome". When you find out you're pregnant and even when they're placed in your arms for the first time, you have so many dreams and aspirations for your children. I think that one of the hardest parts of life with Williams is the everyday realization that Heavenly Father has a different plan for her.

But with so many of the challenges come the blessings. She has taught us a new meaning for the word "patience", as well and kindness. It's not always easy to celebrate life's small accomplishments, but when she first started walking at 18 months, counted to 20, or knew the date of her own birthday, I was so proud of her. Everyday I see changes and growth in her, and everyday of life with Brynlee is a celebration.

We have done, gone and accomplished many things both as a family and individually. We haven't done everything we would have liked, but our memories are endless. It's been a wonderful 5 years. Not always easy, but nonetheless wonderful. Now I have new dreams and aspirations for her, which is more self-fulfilling, becuse I also know they are His dreams for her. She is my sunshine.

Happy Birthday Brynlee!!

2009-03-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Season comes to an end!!!

2009-03-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

Wahoo!!! Yes, the basketball season has come to an end. I have waited four months for this, but in the end, it is kinda sad. They had a great year and alot of fun. It will be nice to have my husband back but I also realize that he is sad to have basketball over. He really enjoys being with the boys as well as the other coaches. Thanks Coach Jeffs for everything this season!

Brynlee has had bilateral ear infections and I thought Augmentin for 10 days would cut it, but she's coughing and has a runny nose again. Sigh. I'll ride it for a few days and see what happens. She also lost another tooth. It makes me nervous that she's already loosing teeth. Any of you other moms go through this??

We're going through an interesting transition at our house from babies to girls. We have no baby paraphenelia and it's nice but definately different. No crib, high chair, bottles, or even diapers. I see Haivyn passing Brynlee in some areas and pulling her along in others. They really are great buddines, I hope it continues.

I quit running for about 2 months and really can't get into it again. My treadmill died and that has made it even harder. I hate, let me repeat hate, running in the cold. Runny nose, tingly legs, burning lungs, need I continue? Anyone have any suggestiong? I plan on buying a new treadmill but we just had to buy a new T.V. and computer, so that puts my plans on the back burner for a bit. I'm trying to be positive, and give it a good effort. Now that Cole doesn't have basketball we're hoping to really hit the bikes hard. I love that we have something we can do together. The girls love the trailer so that makes it fun too. I have some pictures of what we've been up to but I'm at work, so hopefully soon! Until next time,....

Update!

2009-01-27T22:52:00.001-08:00

Ok, sorry that I haven't updated in a month, yes, a month, but I have really just not been much into it lately. Is it possible to be in such a whirlwind, yet boring at the same time? Seems like a double negative or something. HHhmmm.

Cole is busy with basketball and young mens, I continue working full-time graves and trying to see the glass half-full, Brynlee is tossed from the T.V. to preschool and back to the T.V., and this pretty much sums up Haivyn...

Need I say more?

Bowling Tournament 2008

2008-12-31T14:54:00.000-08:00

New Pictures

2008-12-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago when we were in St. George for one of Cole's basketball games we decided we had better get the girls updated pictures. Cole went with the basketball team and I would have been solo had it not been for my sister Jill saving me. The girls did so good! The first 6 shots! Perfect girls, what can I say? These are the cut and paste from the web site, so they're not the best, but you get the gist.

This one was sheer accident, but I love it!

"White Trash" Sledding

2008-12-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

Today after Brynlee got home from school, she wanted to build a snow man. We got them all dressed up and they had a blast. The snow wouldn't pack for a snowman, so we did some white trash sledding. Cole really wants to get into biking, so we went all out for Christmas and got us some bikes and a trailor for the girls. We hooked the sled up behind the bike and went sledding. Yes, official "white trash"!

How very bothersome.

2008-12-01T22:21:00.000-08:00

As I sit here reading various blogs from close friends and family, to my new found Williams buddies across the country I have never met, I become very disturbed. I realize very quickly how self-centered and shallow I really am. All these amazing mothers who are home for their children at all times I am amazed and inspired by. I have always worked. When Brynlee was born, I took 10 days off work and went back full time. Cole was going to school, so I worked to pay for his education. When Haivyn was born I took 6 weeks off then worked part time for 6 months and back to full-time.

Would I rather be home with my girls? Without a doubt! So why do I work you ask? Because we are selfish. I don't want to go back to the poor house! If I want to buy a pair of shoes, I love the liberty of knowing I can. I love the fact that Brynlee is the cutest girl at preschool, not to mention the best dressed. I love having a cute house, and not having to keep a checkbook. But at what sacrifice? Brynlee is 4.5, delayed, and full of special needs, yet how many times have we ever worked with her? Zero! No speech, no fine motor, no gross motor, nothing. It's sad that the most she gets is 8-10 hours a day of disney and sprout. She should learn something from that, right? All I can say is Thank You to amazing preschool teachers, because we all know it wasn't learned at home!

This is something that has been bothering me for quite some time, and I feel like it drags me into a constant state of depression. I have come to despise my job for the precious things it robs me of. But even more than that, it bothers me that I am not eagerly sacrificing the shackles which got me here in the first place. I will always have to work just to pay the basic bills. It's one of the perks of having an educator for a husband. Who really cares about the new trailor, truck, brand of clothes, etc? Me and only me! In the eternal perspective of life all that will matter is the time I have spent with my family and the relationships that I have created. So why do I have such a hard time having an attitude of gratitude? Why do I feel that my success as a mother and person is based on the things that I provide for my children, and not the time I spend with them? I would like to believe that if I will make the sacrifice I will be blessed, but I find it so difficult to make that leap of faith. I have a hard time surrendering all the things of life that I have worked so hard for. Why? Because I don't want to see my husband or kids ever have to go without! So instead I sacrifice that which is far more important. How very bothersome!

Another growing moment...

2008-11-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I took Brynlee to her first birthday party! She brought the invite home from school and I didn't think anything about it! The next day, with a serious face, she looked at me and said, "Mom, can I go to Logan's birthday party?" I honestly had no idea what she was talking about. Then I remembered the invite which was, to Logan's birthday party. For a week straight, she wouldn't quit talking about it! I was excited for her to experience this, but oh so nervous for her. So I decided that I was going to stay with her, but hide out in the background. Rediculous, I know, but I didn't know if his mom knew about Brynlee and her lack of social boundaries, or her ability to destroy EVERYTHING in a matter of seconds, etc.... Luckily, grandma came right before and took Haivyn, or I'd have been doomed! So we show up at the birthday party, and I go hide in the corner. There were about 15 kids, this kids mom and 8 year old brother. Can we say chaos? As I sat in the corner, I was immediately overwhelmed, once again, at the difference. I remembered this is why I don't allow her to go play at other kids houses or ever leave our comfortable bubble. In our own environment, life is bliss! I suppose I am still in denial. I sat there and fought back tears like I do everytime I see her with other kids. As they sat and listened to the book, she was staring off into space shouting out random thoughts. I couldn't handle it! I so bad wanted to pick her up, take her home and hold her. More for my benefit than for hers. As they broke up into groups I decided to leave and hope for the best. I try not to think about her and life's many challenges because ignorance is bliss, right? But for how long? As she gets older she wants to be involved and do things other kids do. She wants to go to dance and play with other kids, and I know that I am by no means helping her by restricting her. But it's how I handle it and I am losing my sense of control. I so bad want to protect her from ever being hurt or the butt end of a joke. I thought I had gone through all the stages of grieving and realized that it will never get easy, yet it seems like more now than ever I find myself at rock bottom. I know that there will be many more of these growing moments, so I must quit feeling sorry for myself, peel myself off the floor, brush off and wipe the tears and hope that tomorrow is a brighter day. I just wish it were that easy.

A few pictures!

2008-11-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Holiday Excitement!!!

2008-11-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have become so stinkin excited for the Holidays it's rediculous! Light FM 100 is all Christmas now, and pathetically, I am all tuned in! I can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving! I can hardly stand it!!!!!

Hey Brian, HAPPY BIRTHDAY big boy!!! Have a piece of cake for me!! Miss you guys!

There's No Place Like Home....

2008-10-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

For Halloween this year, I talked my mom, dad and sister into doing the entire Wizard of Oz cast! Ok, minus the wizard! We weren't out much, nor did we get much candy, but we had a good time making costumes and getting a few laughs! Thanks mom and dad, definately a memory!!! If any of you want to join the crew next year, give us a call!!

Isn't jill a great munchkin? She's such a goober!!!

The rest of the clan!

Mom made a very pretty Glinda!

I don't think they'd admit it, but we had a great time and any ideas for next year?

Happy Birthday Haivyn!

2008-10-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Since we were in the hospital for Haivyn's birthday, her and Grandpa Anderson shared a cake and pie!

I can't figure out how to post these as four different pictures, so you'll have to hit the arrow to view them all.

Grandma Laurie gave both the girls Cinderella princess dresses which they love!
While we were getting ready to have cake Brynlee started screaming and had used a fillet knife to cut open her finger under the wrap for her IV. Luckily it wasn't too bad. Wow, we thrive on drama!!!

Enjoyable chaos!

2008-10-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm a picture person, so endure the album!

Day #1... Pretty sad!
Brynnie is a champ with the nebulizer treatments! Wahoo!!!

Do ya think we're feeling better? Man she's cute!

Morning of Discharge killin' time waiting to fly the coop!

This was quite an adventure, and I'm so glad we're doing much better!

I finally got my Brynners back!

Not really our idea of fun!

2008-10-09T22:31:00.001-07:00

So last week Brynlee started getting sick. We were heading camping on Friday, so I decided I would take her to the local clinic so we didn't get into the mountains and have her get pneumonia or something. Well, what do you know, they say it's the stomach flu and she should be getting better. So off we go, and she just kept getting sicker and sicker. Cole's mom took her home Sunday night and got an appointment with our pediatrician(50 miles away) on Monday. So Cole and I come home on Monday, take a quick shower and hit the Dr. Monday night he calls us, and we have been in the hospital since with bilateral pneumonia. Not quite our idea of fun! And of course, he calls it "impressive pneumonia". Well of course it is, we put it off for a week! So I didn't get any pictures hunting because I was taking care of sick kids. I am such a slacker, and I haven't done any posts, because WE'RE STILL HERE!!!! We got the pneumonia to finally improve, then her potassium dropped, so we have been doing IV potassium. But discharge is scheduled for the morning. We now begin our journey of 10-14 days of IV and oral antibiotics. We were going to put in a PICC line, but our cardiologist wouldn't approve any sedation, so we're going to baby a peripheral, and restart it if needed. She's been such a trooper, I will post more pictures soon! Thank goodness for my parents who came and got Haivyn! Thanks a ton mom and dad!!!I miss her and am ready to be home again and be partially normal! To top it off, Tuesday was Haivyn's 2nd birthday. Oh man!!!

P.S. Tes, we really hunt Elk!

It's Huntin' Season!!!!

2008-10-02T03:15:00.001-07:00

So not much has been happening over our way here in Ferron, so I really don't have much to update. However, this weekend is the big Pitchforth elk hunt, so I will definately get pictures and have some excitement next week. We took our trailor down the other night and I didn't want to come home! And even though the girls do get filthy dirty, they love it, so it's worth it. We're hoping to get quite a bit of backpacking(with the girls) in if the weather will cooperate. However, it's quite funny, because usually I end up with Brynlee and Cole takes Haivyn. LOL!! Hey, who can argue with burnin' a few more calories? Not me! Hang tight, catch ya next week!

Melon Days!!!

2008-09-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

So this last weekend, we made the trip to Green River, Ut., for the final campaign parade of the year! No offense Grandma, but YEAH!!! It has actually been quite fun. We all put on our "Grandma shirts" and Brynlee calls them and have a blast!

Now, for those of you who have never experienced Green River, mark your calendars for next year! Not because it's a great amazing event, but because it's like Colorado City, AZ., (pologamist city) just something you have to see! I have never in all my adventures smelled so much cigarette smoke. EVER! (Including Vegas!!! LOL) Nor have I ever seen so many bellies, butt cracks, etc.... The people watching is absolutely amazing! I should have taken some pictures!!! They give out free melon all day, so everyone is just stuffing their faces with melons! It really is quite pathetic. Classic white trash gathering. I'm just so sad that none of you were able to fully experience it!

This is funny, because Brynlee doesn't like watermelon! We handed it to her, she gave a courtesy bite and threw it on the ground and said "I don't like watermelon"! But I wanted a picture, so I handed it to her and said "just smile for one picture"! She humors me well! LOL!!!

They had one of those train kiddie rides and the girls had a blast!

Until we had to get off, of course!

And ultimately, without fail, the way the hour ends! Yep, we only lasted one hour!!!

The many blessings!

Bad haircut!

2008-09-17T03:03:00.001-07:00

So in the last five years that Cole and I have been married, other than a few times, I have always cut his hair! So I had to work again tonight and when Cole came home from school he asked me if I wanted to cut his hair before I left. No, not really, but sure, why not! So I had it all done, and was doing the final inspection, when I seen a few hairs on top. I extended the blade, and thinking the guard was on the clippers, went to town. I instantly realized what I had done, and you see the damage! Ever since we've been married, Cole's always threatened me with shaving his head. Needless to say, I ended up doing the job and ruining my beautician career. I guess it's a good thing I'm a nurse! He's been so embarassed, I feel awful! On a lighter note, it's not as bad as I was expecting, but yikes!!!

Slackin'!

2008-09-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's a good thing that I have to go to work every so often, or I would never update. Ok, I will get my tags done as soon as I can! Promise! We went to Salt Lake over the weekend to visit Cole's Grandparents and get some shopping done, so I packed the camera and left it in the truck! Man, I amaze myself! Seriously! But, we had a good time, was able to find the girls a new bed, and a toilet that fits the basement! Yes everyone, I finally have 2 functioning toilets. I never thought I would be so excited! It's all about the small stuff!!!

Peach Days!

2008-09-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

So here in Ferron, they have this wonderful things called "Peach Days"! This event is bigger than the 4th of July or any other celebration in Ferron. So, Cole's mom is running for County Comissioner, and all summer we've been doing the parade thing, so this event was no different. So we got up early, got the girls all cute and we all dressed up in our "Vote for Grandma" shirts and hit the festivities! Ok, really, we hit the parade and went to the park! We lasted about 10 minutes before we had to leave or there was going to be a public thrashing! They had those big blow up slides and bouncy things that we thought the kids would like. There is one big problem though, Haivyn is a fearless dare devil. She will do anything, go anywhere without reservation! But hey, she's almost two and has no sense of other people or taking turns, so it's a battle to get her off them. Brynlee would like to think it's fun, gets there, can't climb the little makeshift stairs, other kids are pushing and bouncing her, and before we know it, there is a public outburst that won't quit! Not to mention that anytime we go out in public where many people are, like church, the mall, Cole's basketball games, anything, she is awful! The stimulation is too much or something, and she acts out with a WS meltdown. We leave with both girls screaming, kicking, man it sounds like fun! Ok, so back to Peach Days, the funny thing about the whole thing is, there aren't any peaches! I haven't even seen a peach tree in Ferron since I married Cole. Hhhmmm. So I got the camera and everything so I would have pictures to post, but surprise, surprise, running late and left it in the car. Oh man!

No Internet!

2008-09-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I haven't posted in forever because my stinkin internet is MIA!!! I just love unreliable internet, but we don't have a home phone line(and I really don't want one), so Clear Sky Wireless is our only option without selling our firstborn to pay for it! Oh well! I will try to get more up when I can! Until then, hang tight!

Duh!

2008-08-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry, duh moment, it's late! I tag Joni, DeAnna and Ashlie!

Picture Tag!

2008-08-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, sorry I'm slow! My internet went on vacation for 3 days, unpaid that's for sure!Picture Tag! First warning, I'm computer stupid...

My Name...If it's Janis, they always spell it Janice. If I say Jan, then I end up being called Jen. Hhhmmm, which do I prefer?

Where was I born???
Big surprise!

FAVORITE COLOR...

Perhaps because I have girls! Hmm!

FAVORITE CITY...

I haven't been out much, but I really like

PLACE I WANT TO VISIT...

I've never really been anywhere, so I would LOVE ANYWHERE! Possibly when the kids are gone! That gives me 30 years to look forward to!

BAD HABIT...

My worst habit is opening my mouth before I think. I love to talk and have a hard time shutting up! Has gotten me in trouble more than once!

FAVORITE ANIMAL...
I'm not a huge animal lover, but I like my dog Nala who stays out of the way in her pen! She's also a great running companion!

PAST LOVE...

At the time, I sure didn't think it a priority, but man I miss sluffing Accapella with Ali, Liz and Shai and listening to the Dixie Chics in the old brown car and getting McDonalds 26 cent ice cream cones! Man what I wouldn't give to be in High School for one week again. (No more though!) I sure would have done lots of things different! Sorry guys, I was a slug and one heck of a crappy friend! Wait, I wasn't a friend. I had priorities all backwards! Sorry!

FIRST JOB...

If I could get paid what I make now, I would go back to Lynndyl Amoco in a heartbeat! I loved this job!

CURRENT JOB...

Registered Nurse at Castle View Hospital...Honestly, I aspired to bigger and better!

So much to be grateful for!

2008-08-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Cole, sorry I just barked at you! I love you!

So as I have this new found circle of support, I am really feeling so humbled and grateful for my challenges. Brynlee is doing so well considering how she could be doing, and often times it is hard to look at it that way! I have never had any other WS children to compare her to so it was always poor me. But once again I am reminded to enjoy this phase of life before the next one comes. As I commented on one of their blogs, wallow in the tantrums, give them the best life has to give and celebrate every day we have them! We really are the luckiest family in the world. I sure don't deserve her, but Haivyn really loves her "siser", so she had to come be with us! Brynlee, I love you!!!

Williams Syndrome!!!

2008-08-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

http://littlejohnfam.blogspot.com/
Ok, Brynlee was diagnosed in June 2005. I have never met another kid with this, only heard of a few. I have tried to find different groups, or links, or anything, but have never been able to! I discovered this tonight while I was at work!!! I have been so stinkin excited! I'm not the only crazy frustrated mom out there! Wahoo!!!! She has links to lots of Williams Syndrome kids! I love it!!!

Best Grandma Ever!

2008-08-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

So we're over at Grandma Pitchforth's to visit. The grown-ups are in playing a game when we hear some funny noise! A look around the corner beholds this....story time!!!

She lulled Haivyn right to sleep!
Isn't she the best Grandma ever!

My mom is awesome!

2008-08-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

You know, it's interesting how as we get older...we change! I have a hour commute to work everyday which gives me time to think...and think and then I start to think!

The other day I was cruising along listening to my ipod, jammin out...literally, then this song Everybody's Hero came on!(click on it...to the right mom!lol) I have listened to it at least a thousand times, but for some reason when I listened to it this time it hit home. It reminded me so much of my mom and I couldn't help the tears. Until you're a mom you don't realize how much time and money is sacrificed for your children. (Let alone 7 of them!) My mom is truly amazing! She was always and still is an excellent example to me of the person I should be. Now that all of us are gone she dedicates all her time and money either to driving cross country for one of us, doing her stake calling(Releif Society Pres.), or helping someone in the ward. She always has an agenda! The only problem is that I don't thank her near enough! She was one of those who went everyday to the nursing home when my grandma was in there. She's just awesome! So mom, thanks for everything that you sacrificed not ony for me, but also for the rest of us. Times were often hard, but as children we never realized it. I Love You so much! Thanks for always being there for me, and for being my hero!

Just Keep Chuggin!!!

2008-08-11T22:02:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I haven't updated because some things never change, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. No complaints. Cole was at a Utah Geography class in Logan all last week and is working his last week at the Forest Service for his summer job. I will be so glad to have school start and life slow down a bit. I work every weekend through Labor Day, and have since Memorial Day, so it seems like we just pass and trade the kids! In any spare time we are adding a bathroom/laundry room to our basement which also has been keeping us busy. Needless to say, I feel quite dizzy, but hey, look at the bright side...it's August. Holy cow, where did the year go. Just over 4 months until Christmas...oh my, best get shopping! No, kidding! Anyway, this picture pretty much sums up any excitement from our direction! Brynlee spends all day banging on this drum. She loves music in any form, thanks to her Williams Syndrome, and will tap out tunes on this little thing for as long as I will let her. Imagine the headache! Haivyn is Miss Independant and thought she did a pretty good job with this macaroni salad. It's too bad the picture doesn't begin to show the damage! Any of you with kids will understand this one. (Girls anyway!) They think this is the absolute funnest thing to do, and will play for hours. It's quite comical, since Cole wears a 14. They look like orphans, but I sure do love them!

Wells Dallas Anderson

2008-08-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of my brother Brian's baby. Wells was born June 12th(ish??) but had had a stroke one week before he was born. They didn't know about it until well after he was born and having complications. To make a long story short, it affected the left side of his brain, thus the right side of his body. He was not expected to make it out of the hospital and it was a very difficult time. Brian and his family was getting ready to move to Vancouver Washington to attend Med School and the thoughts of burying a child was overwhelming and life stopping. Life sure gets put into perspective when things like this happen, and suddenly nothing else really matters. As difficult as it was, it was an awesome and humbling experience for the entire family to pull together. I am so proud of Brian and Liz and the awesome parents they are. Wells is now almost two months old, beginning to smile, and beating all odds. I am so lucky and have been given endless blessings to be thankful for. I have such an awesome family, they're all the best! Brian, I love you and Liz so much!!!!! Give Wells and Kayley hugs for us!

Does this look familiar to anyone???

2008-08-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Princess Cake!

2008-08-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is the awesomest cake ever, so I had to post it. For the girls birthdays each year, I make their cake and try to be as extravagant as my pathetic talent will allow. We've had an easter egg, elmo, pumpkin and the absolute best, this princess cake. I found it online and bought the kit. It took me hours to make the cake and assemble, and these pictures do it no justice! No, kidding, but it was cute as heck. Brynlee loved it and that was worth it.

School Begins!!!

2008-07-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is Brynlee on her first day of pre-school last year!!! She loves to go to school with the "big" kids. She is trying to show you that she is 3! Man she's cute, and the best part is that she'll be with me forever!!!

Trying to catch up!!!

2008-07-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

So I decided that I'm going to get better at this blogging stuff, and perhaps someday I may figure out how to do something with my template. But for now, I'll focus on the pictures and posts because I struggle with just that! Since it's been so long, I'm going to do new posts for each event. Since we went to Disneyland, here is what we've done.....

Haivyn's first trip to the ER

2008-06-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

May 12, 2008, I was at work and Cole was

at home with the girls. Cole had been busy mowing the lawn and doing other daddy tasks. The girls had been playing with the front door, and Haivyn went outside. When Haivyn started screaming, Cole ran to find her walking up the sidewalk with blood on her hand. It looked pretty nasty, so he wrapped it in a towel and called me. Brynlee had a sleepover at Grandma Laulie's while Haivyn took her first trip to the ER. What you see in the picture is what her finger looked like when she got to me at the hospital. To make a long story short, it

ended up being broken and required 5

sutures. Since it was broken, it was considered an open fracture. She received one dose of IV antibiotics in the ER and we brought her home with the IV and I did 2 doses the next day. We then had to take her back for them to look at it and we switched her to oral antibiotics. It looks great now, yeah the fingernail fell off, but it took her quite a while to use it again. She's such a nut!!!!

Disneyland!!

2008-05-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Last August we took Brynlee on her first trip to Disneyland. I wish these pictures could adequately describe how much fun we all enjoyed. Uncle Chet and Aunt Tracy came with us! Brynlee had a blast!!!

Our Story

2008-05-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is just a little bit about us......

Cole and Jan were married May 16, 2003, and have since been blessed with two beautiful daughters. Cole is a History and Geography teacher at San Rafael Jr. High in Ferron, Ut., and Jan is a Registered Nurse at Castleview Hospital in Price, Ut.
Brynlee has Williams Syndrome and brings us much joy and happiness. She attends pre-school at Ferron Elementary and loves to ride the bus.
Haivyn is our little spit-fire full of spice and vinegar. She loves to run with her dad and tease her big sister.
The four of us make up "Our Amazing Family"!