Christmas 2008

Our Christmas was filled with wonderful times...family, warmth of home and love of one another. We hope yours was just a memorable!

A Medical Miracle!

I can't help but think what would have happened to Cameron had we gone through this experience with his eye 100 years ago. He was shot in the eye with a BB gun 3 months ago, and the remarkable change that has taken place is absolutely stunning!

The last time I updated on Cameron's eye, the news wasn't great, nor was the prognosis. Basically, he had developed cataracts, had pretty much NO vision, was light sensitive...the list goes on. When we went to see the surgeon at the Moran Eye Center, Dr. Crandall was actually very optomistic. I've been told that Dr. Crandall is the BEST in the nation at eye repair, and so we put our son in his very capable hands.

December 23rd, we had to be at the U of U for surgery at 6am, so Cameron, Taylor and I stayed the night at mom and dad's. We were in the middle of a HUGE snow storm, 2 days before Christmas, and I was worried we wouldn't get to the hospital on time if we came all the way from Eagle Mountain. Anyway, we got there and he was obviously afraid. He tried so hard to be brave, but I could see the tears brimming in his eyes. I kept holding his hand right up until they took him to surgery and then held back my own tears as they wheeled him away. All I could do was pray over and over to help Cameron not be afraid and for the Dr to be able to fix his eye as he had hoped.

Taylor came to keep me company while I waited for the 2 hour surgery, and it was a nice thing she came. We rode the elevator, got a donut at the cafeteria, drank hot chocolate, watched it snow, listened to my ipod, and took a short nap.

The nurse came to get us when Cameron was in recovery, and I didn't know exactly what to expect. I didn't know if his eye was gonna look bad or better or what. His eye, after a 2 hour surgery, looked AWESOME! The cataract had made his eye all cloudy...and it was gone! The tear in the iris/pupil in the corner of his eye...was gone! He has a near perfect looking eye!! His pupil will never dialate correctly again, so it always is open, however, it looks so good! I can see the green of his eye again, and it looks SO GOOD!!

I can't get over how amazing modern medicine is! Cameron's vision has gone from 20/400+ to 20/25 overnight! It is an absolute miracle to me, and I'm SO grateful!

From this point on, Cameron has to keep having exams at the Moran Eye Center to observe the healing process (for about a year) and watch for glaucoma. Apparantly, after a serious eye injury, glaucoma is very, VERY common. We'll have to be very careful about that. The Dr. also says that as of now, Cameron doesn't need any corrective eyewear, so no glasses YET! Dr. Crandal says it will happen eventually.

I thank everyone for your thoughts, your prayers and your kind words since this whole ordeal started. It's great to have such caring friends and family! Remember this lesson: No Red Rider BB Guns cuz "you'll shoot yer eye out!"

Let it FREAKING snow!

Okay, when I said I wanted snow for Christmas, I did not mean THIS! The past week it has been snowing, and snowing and snowing! School is out for the holidays, so when we woke up to over a FOOT of new snow, I got my boys together and we went out to start shoveling. What a disaster! No, not because there was so much snow, but because my retarded teenager thought it would be MORE fun to throw snow at me...on me...around me...you get the idea. Soooo, the already shoveled areas got snow AGAIN, thanks to the knucke-head he is!

Yes, he's a chump and Scrooge at this time of year, but he can make even the crappiest job (like shoveling snow) fun! I love you Timmy!

PS. I had taken some super cute pics of Tim and Cameron shoveling, but of COURSE they got lost! Dagnabbit!

...our little christmas elf...

Dane (one of the cute kids I babysit) came today dressed up as Santa! I couldn't help taking his picture because he looked so cute! Not to mention Taylor had "little orphan Annie" curls when she woke up in her Christmas jammies. I had to take some pics cuz they are just too cute!!

The Reason For The Season...

Since it's 4 days until Christmas, I thought that it may be a good idea to slip in a reminder of what this time of year is all about. It's not that any of us forget, it's just we get too busy to remember. I found this video on YouTube. It combines the song "Breath of Heaven" and the movie Luke II. It's a wonderful video and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. I love this time of year and the added emphasis I feel to reflect and remember that our Savior was born...that He came here to die, and provide a way for me to be forgiven of my sins, and live with Him again one day. I have a testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ and I am so very grateful for Him. Take a moment this week to remember our Savior and the reason for the season. I love you guys! Merry Christmas!

Fruitcake and POO!

Yes, I said poo!

Tonight, we went to our annual Jespersen Christmas Party and had a great time. Wonderful food, lots of fun family, and of course, the white elephant gift exchange! Every year it seems we try to "outdo" one another with crazy gifts, but THIS year, one gift REALLY hit the spot!

Granty received a fantastic book called, "What's Your Poo Telling You?" Obviously the members of our family know Granty rather well, because this book is EXACTLY the kind of thing he gets a giggle out of! We came home tonight and laughed at all the different names of poo there were listed in this book. I HAVE to share some of them with you...they are hilarious!!

We'll call this list "The Top 5 Poo's At The Sutton House":

#5: The Deja Poo: This poo can inculde a potpourri of colors, often containing pieces of vegetables and other items that looks as though they do not belong in the mass of poo in which they are entrenched. (We usually call this one "poop with corn day")

#4: The Sneak Attack: Thinking that a quick realse of gas will usher in much needed relief, you prepare for an airy evacuation only to find that the anticipated fart contains more than just gas and is accompanied by a liquid smear of poo. (Otherwise known as a shart!)

#3: The Streak: The Streak is a relic of a prior poo usually appearing as a thin brown stain down the center of the toilet bowl. The appearance of a racing stripe at the bottom of the bowl is a most unwelcome sight for all would-be poopers, especially guests at a friend's dinner party!

#2: Rotten Poo: This poo can vary in shape and size, but its distinguishing feature is its atrocious and unbearable smell. A rotten poo's odor is so powerful that anyone entering the vicinity within the next several hours is affected. (In otherwords, THE BOYS)

and finally, the #1 poo in our house is...

#1: The Gift Poo: Gift poos are turds that people leave behind in toilets without flushing. (We call this one "Poop Soup" and it is most commonly found in TAYLOR'S bathroom. Apparantly she's just too lady-like to have to flush!)

Now, perhaps this entry was a bit crass, but let's face it: poop is funny! Hopefully from reading this, everyone will now feel the freedom to talk about the results of tonight's dinner without shame and just have a good giggle!

My Grandma sent us home with some fruit cake, which is Granty's favorite! We can't wait to find out what kinda poo THAT produces!!

Thanks and more thanks...

Sunday in Relief Society, our instructor, Amy, reminded us that LAST month she had challenged us to make a journal entry about our families. Since I use my blog as a kind of journal, I thought that perhaps I should do that! I really do have a great family and one of my favorite things to do is talk about them.

TIMOTHY was my first child. We got him when he was almost 5 years old, and he has had a special place in my heart ever since. The first time I met him, he grinned at me and said, "Hi! I'm Timmy-Bo-Bimmy!" My heart melted and I fell completely in love with him! He isn't perfect, but he is a sweet boy. He's 14 now and a pretty typical teenager. He gets crabby when things don't go his way, can be a bit snotty about things he doesn't feel are important, and is rather impatient with his younger siblings. However, he has a kind spirit about him and is very aware of me and my feelings. He is the one that tries to look out for me, and I dearly love that about him. I love you so very much my Timothy Applejack!

KALEB had the cutest chubby cheeks when I first met him. He was 5 and a total ham! He has an amazing sense of humor and creativity. There are times I find him drawing and sketching for hours and the results are rather impressive! He has a tender spirit and yearns to do the right thing. Sometimes mistakes are made, but of all my kids, he is the first to feel guilt and the need to repent. He is kind to children younger than him, and for the most part, very cooperative at home. When asked to do something, he always answers, "Yes mom!" and gets started right away. He may not do the job perfectly, but he tries which makes all the difference! I love ya Squonkie!

CAMERON is my challenging child. From the first time I met him, I knew he and I would have our differences. Even at 5 years old, his leadership skills were shinning through. He can be stubborn at times, but in the long run, it will be a blessing. When it comes time to stand his ground and make the unpopular choice, his determination will help him during those hard times. He can be charming and sweet, even on his worst days. He is my boy that wants hugs and kisses and cuddles and more hugs. He is constantly asking me to scratch his back, and with his big green eyes (even though one is broken) how can I resist? Love ya, Blind Kid!

TAYLOR is my little princess. She can be sweet as pie, or an enormous pain in the butt! There really is no gray area for her. She was 3 when I became her mom, and she hasn't left my side since. I've complained that she has such an attachement issue with me, but I've decided why worry? If she wants to be with me, so be it! I'd rather she like being with me than decide she doesn't like me anymore! She has a helpful nature about her and likes to be the "little mother" to everyone. Her brothers don't always appreciate that, but her heart is in the right place. She is talented, giggly, and honestly a delight to be around. She tells me all the time that I'm her best friend. I hope she always feels that way! I love you sweet Taylor Mae!

GRANTY I have talked a lot about on my blog. He is a wonderful husband and father and I love him deeply. He is the reason I am who I am today. Without him, I would be in terrible darkness. He keeps me going, even when it's tough, and I treasure him. Together, we are raising our family to be the kind of people our Heavenly Father wants them to be. I am so grateful for my amazing kids, and my wonderful husband. I can't think of any other people I'd like to spend the rest of eternity with. I love you Sutton Family!

Taylor, our rising star...

Well, auditions were Saturday and Taylor was PUMPED to perform for the teachers. This was her first audition EVER, and she really did a great job. When I went to pick her up from school today, she came running to the car screaming, "I got a part! I got a part! I'm a jungle creature! Isn't that cool?" She didn't care WHAT the part was, she's just thrilled to be in it. I'm really proud of her for not only accepting a small role, but being happy about it. I know some kids would be heartbroken, but she is absolutely thrilled, and we are too. I told her the only important thing was that she had fun and she said, "Oh mom, I'm so excited! It WILL be fun!" I'm so happy for her and all the other kids that are in the musical. What a great opportunity for them! Congrats kids!

Trees, Lights and Grizzlies...OH MY!

We have been having a lot of fun getting ready for Christmas. It's always been important to me that we do a lot of "family things" in preparation for the holidays. I want my kids to have sweet memories to look back on and remember the good times we've had. I want them to remember the feeling. Anyway...

The beginning of December, we went to the Festival of Trees. I haven't been there since I was a little girl, so I was really excited. We walked through all the beautiful trees and I said to Taylor, "How much do you wanna bet there is a Twilight tree here?" She agreed that there probably WAS one somewhere, and wouldn't you know it, around the next corner...there it was! In fact, there ended up being THREE Twilight trees. I thought it was kinda funny, but awesome! GO EDWARD!

Our Christmas fesivities continued when we attended Cameron & Taylor's School Choir performance. They had a cute, yet typical Elementary School program. They both love being in the choir and I'm so glad they do! It's great when kids can find something they enjoy doing, especially when it coincides with school! The really fun part however, was the school choir got to sing at a GRIZZLIES game! The Grizzlies are Utah's hockey team, and the kids were thrilled that they not only got to sing for everyone, but attend a hockey game...for free!!

We invited Grandpa & Grandma to attend the game with us, and in all honesty we all had a blast! Now, I don't really know ANYTHING about hockey, but I know when the puck has gotten where it needs to go! I'm not dumb, so I knew when to cheer! We all had a great time, especially since Grandma is SUCH an AWESOME Grandma and packed us all a picnic dinner to eat on the road.

And then tonight, we braved the cold and went to see the lights at Temple Square. Granty's sister Shona and her husband Geoff were here visiting for Christmas, so of COURSE they wanted to see the lights! Granty and Tim were party poopers and stayed home, but the rest of us enjoyed the snow, the cold, the lights and the spirit of Christmas. I haven't done that since I was little too, so a lot of memories have come flooding back, stirring up that little girl in me and my love for this time of year!

Presents truly DON'T matter. I don't know why I got so upset about not being able to get gifts this year, because truly, the last few weeks have been so great! We've been spending time together as a family, reading Christmas books, talking about the birth of the Savior, drinking hot chocolate, watching Christmas movies...THIS is what it's all about. THIS is the reason for the season. I love my family, the memories we have made, and the memories to come. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Ohhh, tHe NauGhtiNesS of NeiGhborS!

This post is a little bit AFTER the fact, but I had to add it regardless. Anyway...

Everyone who resides in Utah is aware of the amazingly HUGE rivalry between BYU and the U of U. It's crazy how fans get! I suppose I just don't understand it. I mean come ON! It's just a stupid football game...isn't it??

The day of the "big game" Taylor came into my bedroom and asked me why there was red stuff in our trees and on the lawn? Since it was still early on Saturday morning and I wasn't even coherent, I didn't pay much attention. A bit later, Kaleb came in asking the same thing, and I again, being the wonderful mother I am, didn't really listen. Finally, when Cameron came in babbling about red stuff outside, I got out of bed and growled, "What the crap are you guys talking about?"

We went outside and the front of our door had a U of U banner on it, our trees were covered in red streamers, and there was a U in my front lawn made with plastc forks and knives. I knew IMMEDIATELY who had done this dirty deed and started plotting my revenge. Well, not really.

Our funny neighbors, the Johnsons, are BIG U of U fans and we always tease each other about who will win. Granty of course is a big BYU fan, so as soon as he got home from work that afternoon, the streamers, the banner and the cutlery were quickly cleaned up!

Truth be told, I don't really care who won the game. I'm just glad we have cool neighbors that we can have good times with. GO BYU!! Hee hee...

Me...just the way I am!

You know, I've been a big, fat, fattie my entire life. Since I was small, all I remember is being concerned with my weight. I've been on diet after diet, exercise programs, deprived of things I really wanted to eat and I've been miserable the whole time.

Yes, I do have moments of absolute joy when I discover I've lost a significant amount of weight, but the problem is I get OBSESSED. I weigh myself multiple times a day, refuse to eat almost anything but salad, get crabby and downright mean, and it's AWFUL!

YES, I know being overweight is VERY unhealthy. YES, I know it's unattractive. YES, I know I would feel better (aches & pains-wise) but you know what?? I'M HAPPIER RIGHT NOW than I have ever been in my entire life. Wanna know why??

Because I have finally decided that THIS is who I am. I'm a fattie and it's awesome! Every time a kids asks me "How come you have two chins?" or "How come you're so fat?" I just say, "It's cuz I'm cool!" and the kid laughs. I don't need to look beautiful, or attractive to ANYONE but my sweet husband and he DOES think I'm pretty. And he loves me. I have decided that I like who I am. I like how I look and I don't care what anyone else thinks. Basically, this is me, and if you don't like it, I won't miss you. Know what I mean?

So yes, I'm fat and it's awesome...cuz I'm cool!!

My daughter, the famous actress to be...

My daughter, the drama queen, is preparing to audition for her elementary school's production of "Seussical". In high school and college, I was in a plethora of productions and I have always hoped I'd have ONE kid with the same interests. Well woot! My Taylor Mae is quite interested in singing and acting!

The school is taking the audition process rather seriously and they have had "musical workshops" after school to help the kids understand how it all works. She has learned some tips about chosing a song to sing and how to present her monologue. The past few nights we've been working on her song and I'm trying REALLY hard not to be a stage mother! It's her thing, and she needs to do it her way, but I can't help but want to make suggestions and such. Fortunately, she has natural "flare" for acting and her voice really is pretty good for a 10 yr old.

After a bit of coaxing, I got her to sing "Fabulous" from HSM2. You should see her sing it. If I can figure out how to video it and post it on my blog I will. She is awesome! She gets all snotty and has major attitude which is why I thought she should sing it. Not only does it show she can stay on key, but that she can ACT with her facial expressions and such. Ida know, maybe I'm bragging, but I think she's a natural...and she's GOOD!

Anyway, auditions are next Saturday, the 13th so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. She's auditioning for the part of Mayzie La Bird, a snotty, vain character who tricks Horton (the elephant that sits on HER egg). Keep your fingers crossed for my little actress!

A Christmas Tag...

My cousin Heather emailed this to me, and I thought it was kinda cute, so I put it on my blog. If'n you think it's cute too, then add it to yours!! Anyway, here are my answers (in no particular order I might add!)...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper. I use gift bags occasionally when something is too obvious to just wrap, like a CD.
1A. Ribbons or bows? Bows. There are just too many cute bows and embelishments I like to use. Ribbon is too plain for me.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love real trees. My parents always had a real tree when I was growing up, but artificial ones are more practical...for me at least.
3. When do you put up the tree? It's our family tradition to put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day
5. Do you like eggnog? BLECH...no!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My dollhouse that my dad built & made the furniture for. My mom painted it and decorated the furniture. My parents keep it at their house now for Taylor to play with.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad, hands down!!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Taylor & Baby Eve
9. Do you have a nativity scene? I have a bunch...I collect 'em.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Christmas cards in the mail are the best. I actually mailed mine out this year! It's a miracle!!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A nasty cold!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Ideally I start in September, but it depends on the money situation!!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Only white elephant Christmas presents.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's apple/sausage stuffing, candy cane dessert, Santa Claus shaped cookies (decorated at my mom's house!) cheeseball & crackers, my Aunt Shelly's pumpkin pie, carmel corn & english toffee. Crap, now I'm hungry!!
16. Lights on the tree? Definitely, but not the blinking kind. I hate those!
17. Favorite Christmas songs? "Oh Holy Night" will always be my favorite Christmas Carol.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home ? I'd love to just stay home in my jammies all day, but we go to my parents, which is just about the same thing. They live only 30 minutes away.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...is that it? Oh and Rudolph and Olive the other reindeer. How was that?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open all our Christmas presents from New Zealand (since it's already Christmas there) and have a NZ Christmas Eve. The rest wait until morning and when we get to Gma & Gpas.
22. Hardest thing about this time of the year? Money (the lack of it that is) and the rush, rush, rush! There is so much to cram into the month, I feel exhausted by the time Christmas arrives. However, I love it!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? The theme of my tree is red and gold. We do throw the kids' ornaments on there too, as well as my ornaments from when I was growing up. Oddly enough, a lot of them are red & gold!
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Again, my mom's awesome apple/sausage stuffing and yams! We MUST have yams! And honey baked ham...MUCH better than turkey!!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I want my kids to have a lot of memories stored away so they can look back and remember the fun things we did as a family...not the presents.
26. Favorite Christmas Movies? "Elf" and "A Christmas Story"
27. Your favorite Christmas elf or Secret Santa treat to give a neighbor? Just something delicious out of my gourmet kitchen!
28. White or green Christmas? WHITE! I have been lamenting the fact we have no snow! It just feels weird to be listening to Christmas Carols and sipping hot chocolate when it's over 50 degrees outside. Where am I, Arizona?

Our very own "Ralphie"...

I haven't said much regarding Cameron's eye injury...basically because there was nothing to say. Well, next week we head to the Moran Eye Clinic. I got some information in the mail today regarding said appointment and it says that the visit at the clinic could take up to FOUR hours! What the deuce?? Sheesh! Like I have 4 extra hours to sit in a waiting room for a doctor to tell me what I already know: Cameron can't see, he has a serious eye injury, he needs surgery. *sigh*

As of right now, his surgery is scheduled for December 23. Uhhhh, what? 2 days before Christmas I'll be at the U of U Hospital while my kid's eye is cut open? Blahhh!! I suppose I'll need to be TOTALLY ready for Christmas by then. POOP! It's not a major surgery, so I'm sure he'll heal quickly and feel just fine. It just sucks...the timing that is. Why couldn't it be AFTER Christmas?? Ohhhhhhhhhhhh well. I guess Santa will be bringing our Ralphie (Cam's nickname as of late) an eye patch! WOOT!

Maybe I oughta hurry and make him some pink bunny jammies!