Matt was sustained and set-apart as the Ward Clerk for the Brookhaven Ward. Matt is excited to serve, yet feels extremely overwhelmed. He has a lot to catch up on and will be learning much over the next few months. I fully support him in his call and will do all that I can to assist him. I know that Matt will do great. He is a quick learning, is extremely dedicated, and gives 100% percent to all that he does.
I am proud of him for accepting the call, even though he feels extremely under-qualified for the job. I truly believe that with faith in God and a humble-heart, you can accomplish anything! I am grateful that Matt has chosen to live worthily so that when asked he was willing, and able, to serve.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
Life Flight Celebration
A couple of weeks ago, Matt's mom, Karla sent us an invitation to a celebration honoring Life Flight for 35 years of service. On the invitation, it mentioned that as part of the event, we would be able to see a Life Flight helicopter, an airplane, and an ambulance. I immediately told Zachary about it and he was thrilled. So after counting down for a LONG couple of weeks, we were finally able to attend the event yesterday. We even got to bring Papa along!
As we made the final turn into the airport area, Zachary and Elizabeth "ooooed" and "aaahhed" at all of the small planes and helicopters parked along the route to the Life Flight hanger. Once inside the hanger, we were given a plate and directed to the dining area where they were serving an amazing BBQ meal.
Once our bellies were full, we walked around to get an up-close look at all of the vehicles. Zachary was drawn to the airplane and was giddy with excitement when he realized that he was allowed to go inside.
With their seat belts securely fastened, and their head sets on, Elizabeth and Zachary were ready to take off! Aren't they the cutest pilots that you have ever seen?
Next, we were off to the ambulance. Zachary and Elizabeth each had a turn laying on the stretcher before taking a turn behind the wheel.
At one point, Zachary picked up the walkie-talkie and said, "We are on our way, stat. Roger. Roger". I seriously have no idea where he comes up with this stuff!
We saved the helicopter for last...and it did not disappoint. Not only were we able to climb inside and have a look around, we were also able to watch one take off. Zachary was mesmerized by all of the buttons...and touched quite a few of them before the pilot caught him.
As we were leaving, we discovered a fire truck in the parking lot. Elizabeth and Zachary immediately headed over to take a look, like it was part of the event. I don't think it was...but we took advantage of it anyway. Zachary was on cloud 9...a helicopter, airplane, ambulance, and fire truck all in one day!
What a fun event! We have to say a big "Thank You" to Matt's mom for inviting us to this fun activity. Elizabeth and Zachary had such a great time. I love sharing these fun experiences with them...and my dad as an added bonus!
As we made the final turn into the airport area, Zachary and Elizabeth "ooooed" and "aaahhed" at all of the small planes and helicopters parked along the route to the Life Flight hanger. Once inside the hanger, we were given a plate and directed to the dining area where they were serving an amazing BBQ meal.
Once our bellies were full, we walked around to get an up-close look at all of the vehicles. Zachary was drawn to the airplane and was giddy with excitement when he realized that he was allowed to go inside.
With their seat belts securely fastened, and their head sets on, Elizabeth and Zachary were ready to take off! Aren't they the cutest pilots that you have ever seen?
Next, we were off to the ambulance. Zachary and Elizabeth each had a turn laying on the stretcher before taking a turn behind the wheel.
At one point, Zachary picked up the walkie-talkie and said, "We are on our way, stat. Roger. Roger". I seriously have no idea where he comes up with this stuff!
We saved the helicopter for last...and it did not disappoint. Not only were we able to climb inside and have a look around, we were also able to watch one take off. Zachary was mesmerized by all of the buttons...and touched quite a few of them before the pilot caught him.
As we were leaving, we discovered a fire truck in the parking lot. Elizabeth and Zachary immediately headed over to take a look, like it was part of the event. I don't think it was...but we took advantage of it anyway. Zachary was on cloud 9...a helicopter, airplane, ambulance, and fire truck all in one day!
What a fun event! We have to say a big "Thank You" to Matt's mom for inviting us to this fun activity. Elizabeth and Zachary had such a great time. I love sharing these fun experiences with them...and my dad as an added bonus!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Free Slurpees!
Today we headed down to our local 7-11 for FREE slurpee! We love this tradition and look forward to this day every year!
What a yummy way to celebrate July 11th...otherwise known as 07/11!
What a yummy way to celebrate July 11th...otherwise known as 07/11!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Oh Nuts!
Today could have been the most horrible day. Just as we were putting Zachary to bed, I noticed welts forming on his hands and face. Within what felt like seconds, Zachary was in distress. He was violently scratching all over his body and was groaning and coughing. When you looked into his eyes, you saw that he was absolutely miserable.
Then, my worst fear happened...Zachary's lips swelled and he was having difficulty breathing. He was in anaphylactic shock!
Matt and I jumped into action. Matt injected the Epi-Pen, while I gathered our things. Next, Zachary and I were in the van and off to Pioneer Valley Hospital's Emergency Room. I ran into the lobby carrying Zachary in my arms. I let the person at the desk know that my sweet boy was in anaphylactic shock and that we had injected the Epi-Pen less than 5 minutes ago. We were immediately rushed back to the trauma room. The man I was following kept yelling codes as we walked. When we arrived at the trauma room, there were already five or six people that had followed us and they immediately began hooking Zachary up to an IV and monitors. Zachary was given Benadryl, Solumedrol, Pepcid, and Prednisone.
Then the waiting game began. Waiting to see if the medicines were working. Waiting to see if his oxygen levels would improve. Waiting to see if he was going to be okay. Waiting to see if the swelling would go down. Seriously, minutes seemed like hours. Zachary was so lethargic. I was so scared.
The staff at Pioneer Valley Hospital were so great with my little man. They reacted so quickly and were so sweet to him as he recovered.
Zachary's stats returned to normal, and little-by-little, he regained his strength. Eventually, he was able to close his eyes and get some much needed sleep. At first, I was a little leery to let him sleep but the doctors and nurses assured me that they were monitoring all of his vitals and would be right in if anything happened.
As he slept, I just watched. I watched his chest go up-and-down with each breath. I watched his eyes twitch while he was in REM sleep. I watched his monitors. I watched the swelling go down and his face return to its' normal shape and size. I watched his lips get smaller. I just watched.
As I sat in the room, I was filled with gratitude. My sweet, little man was going to be okay. I thought about much I love him. How glad I am that he is my son. What a blessing he is to our family. What joy he brings to my life.
I am grateful for the knowledge of what to do when this happened. I am grateful for Matt and his ability to step in and get Zachary his Epi-Pen. I am grateful that we were able to get Zachary help. I am grateful that the help was fast. I am grateful for all of the medical personnel that watched over and assisted Zachary today. I am grateful for a sweet daughter who offered prayers on her little brothers behalf. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who answered those prayers.
I am so grateful that we were able to bring Zachary home.
Then, my worst fear happened...Zachary's lips swelled and he was having difficulty breathing. He was in anaphylactic shock!
Matt and I jumped into action. Matt injected the Epi-Pen, while I gathered our things. Next, Zachary and I were in the van and off to Pioneer Valley Hospital's Emergency Room. I ran into the lobby carrying Zachary in my arms. I let the person at the desk know that my sweet boy was in anaphylactic shock and that we had injected the Epi-Pen less than 5 minutes ago. We were immediately rushed back to the trauma room. The man I was following kept yelling codes as we walked. When we arrived at the trauma room, there were already five or six people that had followed us and they immediately began hooking Zachary up to an IV and monitors. Zachary was given Benadryl, Solumedrol, Pepcid, and Prednisone.
Then the waiting game began. Waiting to see if the medicines were working. Waiting to see if his oxygen levels would improve. Waiting to see if he was going to be okay. Waiting to see if the swelling would go down. Seriously, minutes seemed like hours. Zachary was so lethargic. I was so scared.
The staff at Pioneer Valley Hospital were so great with my little man. They reacted so quickly and were so sweet to him as he recovered.
Zachary's stats returned to normal, and little-by-little, he regained his strength. Eventually, he was able to close his eyes and get some much needed sleep. At first, I was a little leery to let him sleep but the doctors and nurses assured me that they were monitoring all of his vitals and would be right in if anything happened.
As he slept, I just watched. I watched his chest go up-and-down with each breath. I watched his eyes twitch while he was in REM sleep. I watched his monitors. I watched the swelling go down and his face return to its' normal shape and size. I watched his lips get smaller. I just watched.
As I sat in the room, I was filled with gratitude. My sweet, little man was going to be okay. I thought about much I love him. How glad I am that he is my son. What a blessing he is to our family. What joy he brings to my life.
I am grateful for the knowledge of what to do when this happened. I am grateful for Matt and his ability to step in and get Zachary his Epi-Pen. I am grateful that we were able to get Zachary help. I am grateful that the help was fast. I am grateful for all of the medical personnel that watched over and assisted Zachary today. I am grateful for a sweet daughter who offered prayers on her little brothers behalf. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who answered those prayers.
I am so grateful that we were able to bring Zachary home.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Elizabeth's End of Year Assessment
Today, Elizabeth and I met with Miss Yorke for Elizabeth's End of Year Assessment. I am so proud of my sweet, little girl. She has been working so hard throughout the school year. She has grown so much and learned so much. It amazes me to see how much she has changed in such a short amount of time. During her assessment, Elizabeth was able to name all of the letters and say all of their sounds. She knows all of her colors and her shapes. She is really good at blending 3-letter and 4-letter words. Plus, she was even able to count all the way from 1-100!
Elizabeth was filled with pride as she left her kindergarten classroom. I am so grateful for all of the time, effort, and love that Miss Yorke dedicated on Elizabeth's behalf. Miss Yorke gave Elizabeth confidence and taught her a love of learning.
As we walked to the car, Elizabeth looked up and me and said, "So, do I start first grade tomorrow?"
Elizabeth was filled with pride as she left her kindergarten classroom. I am so grateful for all of the time, effort, and love that Miss Yorke dedicated on Elizabeth's behalf. Miss Yorke gave Elizabeth confidence and taught her a love of learning.
As we walked to the car, Elizabeth looked up and me and said, "So, do I start first grade tomorrow?"
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