Good Luck Jacob!

Sunday was Jacob's (Todd's baby brother) missionary farewell. He is headed off to Guadalajara, Mexico. He leaves today. Jacob gave a great talk and bore a strong testimony of his desire to share the gospel. He'll be a great missionary. Good luck, Jacob!
And, since Todd was dressed up in his suit for the occasion, I couldn't pass up my photo-op.

Now, I just gotta get one of him in his cycle gear:). He's so hot!

Horse Training 101

So, our new horse, Storm, hasn't been too keen on getting into the water. In fact, he down right refuses to. Try playing tug-o-war with a thousand pound animal. One trail ride (a couple of weeks ago), we really worked on getting him into a puddle of water that we came across. Boy, was he stubborn.

Eventually, he ran through it...but he was still very nervous about it. When we got back to the trailer, we saw an even bigger puddle in front of the car and so we worked on it there again. We even got him to stand in it for a little bit. Well, last Sat. Sierra and I went out on another ride. We went down to the river bottom and he wouldn't get near the edge of the water. Stubborn horse. We even used the crop on his hind end, but he refused. It was bad because we let him get his way and gave in to him. We didn't know what else to do.
So, I get his bright idea. Next time we irrigate, we won't stall him up on the high ground with the other horses. We'll leave him out in the pasture where he can't avoid the irrigation. And so this morning, the irrigation came. Here he is, trying to stay on the high ground around the pasture.
But, then, he steps into it. "HEY - it's not that bad. In fact, it's kind of fun to play around in."

Yea!!! Hopefully, he'll just remember this next time we go to the river or come across a puddle in the middle of the trail.
We also had some visitors with our irrigation....five ducks! Boy, was Cash dying to get out there with them, but we didn't let him.

Here's a short clip - showing our successful horse training 101 - session 1 - on water:)

The devil vs The exorcist

The devil
vs. the exorcist

and the victim.

Or I could title this post "Nightmare on Harwell Rd."

Yesterday morning, Weston decided to take a bath as I was getting Zane and Sierra out the door for school. I told him to wait a minute as I tried to get the big kids going. I hear the bath water turn on....he can't wait, so he's doing it himself.

Next thing we hear, was a high pitched, horrible scream. Zane and I went running back in to Wes. He was standing outside of the tub, crying that a scorpian got him. Sure enough, there was a big bark scorpian swimming around in his tub water. Now, Wes has been stung THREE previous times so I wasn't stressing too much. I mean ....I knew it hurt, but I didn't think it was a big deal. So, I comforted him. I sent the bigs kids on their way. I got Wes dressed and put on some cartoons. He even stopped crying....just fussing a little. I tried to get his mind off it and I thought everything was okay now.

Well, twenty or so minutes later, he comes to me drooling, crying, and gagging like he was going to throw up. I asked him if he took a vitamin (pill?), but he said no. He continued to get worse. He was foaming out this slimy, bubbly saliva. Finally, it dawned on me....was this from the scorpain sting?! He wasn't calming down...it was getting worse by the minute.

I threw some clothes on, threw Wes in the car, and drove to the Urgent Care around the corner. I called Todd on the way and he met me there. It was getting worse by the second now. Wes' eyes started rolling and he was really crying now. I was so scared. I couldn't drive there fast enough.

I ran into Urgent Care and they immediately let us into the back as soon as they heard me say what was happening. Within a minute, they had called 911 and had informed me that an ambulance was coming to take him to the ER. Boy, was I losing it at this point. Wes was flailing and thrashing all around. He was crying and screaming. His eyes were rolling and he was foaming at the mouth. I couldn't believe what was happening.

Todd arrived at Urgent Care shortly after I did. Then, the paramedics arrived. Both the Urgent Care staff and the paramedics tried to put an IV in, but Wes was thrashing about way too much. Wes wanted Todd as they were getting him ready for the ambulance, so Todd drove with Wes in the ambulance. During the drive, they almost thought he was going to have a siezure because he was flailing about so much, but luckily he didn't. The ambulance took him to Gilbert Mercy Hospital for the "exorcism". It really did look like the poor kid was possessed. This is not an exaggeration!!! He was at stage four - the worse/highest reaction to the venom. The ER Dr. said this was one of the worst cases he had seen. After the longest TWO HOURS of our lives, he started calming down and coming back to us - after having recieved FIVE vials of anti-venom. (First, it took a while for them to do the paperwork and to get approval to use the anti-venom - since it's a study and not approved by the FDA yet...and then it also took a while for the stuff to start making a difference.) Poor Todd held him for the whole time...trying to contain Wes so he wouldn't hurt himself or pull out the IV. Todd said it was like wrestling with an alligator that was constantly trying to roll. Weston was just drenched in sweat. Those couple of hours seemed to last forever. Finally, by about 11:00am we were moved into another area because Wes was getting over it and the anit-venom was doing it's work. Cartoons were put on for Wes. It took a little while more for his eyes to stop fluttering... to even be able to work together and focus on the cartoons, but he eventually just laid there, exhausted as he watched Bob the Builder. We headed home about 12:15.

Talk about the worst experience that I have ever had!

All because this scorpian just put in more venom than the others. Wes could get stung tomorrow with a "normal" sting and be just fine...like his previous stings. It all depends on how much venom was put in.

What a nightmare!

On the way home, he said he wanted pizza though. Wes ate a slice and then we headed home. He then took a two hour nap at home. It was over and we were relieved.

Thanks to Gilbert Mercy Hospital. They were wonderful. Thanks to my parents who came and offered support. Thanks to my Dad and Todd for being able to give Wes a priesthood blessing during all of it. Thanks for the investigational study going on with this new anti-venom. It worked like a charm....well, it could've worked a little faster:). But, the other option is waiting it out in a hospital for a COUPLE OF DAYS with tons of drugs helping you to survive the pain. It really is supposed to be excruciating pain. Poor Wes. I'm glad it's over and I'm thrilled to have my happy boy back. May it NEVER happen again. I'll be real nervous, holding by breath, if one of my kids gets stung again...wondering how much venom was put in. And, thanks to Kelly and Megan for bringing in dinner. It was delicious!

**Note to anyone out there - make sure you get to a hospital that has anti-venom if such a thing happens to you or someone you're with. Not all hospitals have it! Of course, it's used for the more extreme cases - not just the pain and tingly one can get with the typical sting. But, I would hate for anyone to be "snowed" (as they call it) with a bunch of drugs as the patient just has to endure through the experience for a couple of days.

More tidbits from the Elks Youth Camp

How could I forget this one? Weston found the hose at the youth camp. Here we go again.... And, yes, Cash was involved in it also.

Anybody that knows my family, knows that we have some addicts in our family closet. Caffiene addicts that is. Whether it be Coke, Diet Coke, or Dr. Pepper, we gotta have it at EVERY family get together. Most of the men love to go get a "cool one" together. So, above, are Jackson, Jonathan, and Weston following in their fathers' footsteps (we were good and gave them non-caffienated pop though:) but don't tell the kids there's a difference. They were pretty excited to have pop.

And, since I was posting a couple more pics from the reunion, I thought I'd throw this one in of the popped tetherball after Cash had his fun with it:). He did NOT want to let go of it once he finally "caught" it.

What's for dinner, Lance?

Okay, so I am totalling ignoring my kids while I sit here at the computer and try to catch up on my blog. It's been a crazy week. So, Lance, now taking "Life Skills" (aka Home Ec) at the junior high, decides to start cooking. So, this is what we had for dinner tonight. YUMMY! His own version of a Skookie. (Lance must've missed the 5 food group lesson, but we don't have to tell him:)
I know the above picture isn't that great of Lance. I think he was in the middle of talking (saying something about not posting this:). But, you gotta love the little hand in the corner sneaking in. How cute is that?! Weston couldn't wait for his.
Zane and Sierra love to use cookie cutters on "flat eggs". Zane decides to use them on his cookie bar. Above, he is helping Weston cut out a bell. Below, Zane is showing off his Snowman.
Such a fun and tasty dinner! Thanks Lance!

Happy Birthday Todd!

Last Tuesday, Todd turned 38. WOOHOO. That's 38 years of being wonderful:)

I married a wonderful man. A man that treats me respecfully. A man that loves to hang out with me. A man that loves me. I'm so glad he's mine.

And, as one can see in the picture above, the kids adore him as well. Sierra took a clay class at the Mesa Arts Center this summer. She knew her Dad's bday was coming up and so she made him a couple of clay pieces. We are getting quite the collection over here at our house with all the different clay classes that the children have taken over the years. And the pieces are all priceless, of course:).

When Zane found out it was going to be his Dad's bday, he immediately went to work - to our craft drawers. And, this is what he made for Todd. I think the color looks good on him, don't you? Too cute! Our Dad is numero uno!

We can't forget the cute note on the underside of the visor. Way to pay attention to detail, Zane.

Todd's feelin' the love!!!

Then, this wasn't a bday gift, but I thought I'd include it in this post since it was made for Todd also. By whom you ask? Lance. That's what makes it even more special. This summer the kids were making things with those plastic beads that you melt together with the iron. They make these cool designs and patterns. Sierra and Zane started making their names, etc. So, then Lance joins in and makes this one for his Dad. He gave it to Todd "just cause." Now, that's a tear jerker. When a 13 year old tells you your number one "just cause". Kudos to Todd for being the best dad around.

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Pick My Jaw Up Off The Floor

Last Monday night, I wasn't prepared with a Family Home Evening lesson. As we all gathered around, I asked who had a spur of the moment lesson to share, since I didn't have one. Todd shrugged his shoulders. Hmmm. I looked at Lance. "Lance, do you have a lesson you could share?" "Yea". (Jaw dropped to the floor). He popped up, ran to his room, and grabbed his scriptures. Todd and I exchanged looks of absolute amazement. What had we just witnessed here??? Lance came back and shared a thought from his Deacon's Presidency Planning Meeting that he had had the day before. WOW. He's really growing up! I'm so proud!!!

Elks Youth Camp

Last weekend, we had a reunion for my side of the family. We went to a place up past Roosevelt Lake. We had a great time. Here are three of our kids out in front of our cabin. Each family had a little bunkhouse....and it was simply that....just bunkbeds for sleeping. Then, there was a one big bathroom/shower facility to share and one lodge for us to cook in and play games in.

This is the cool lizard (skink?) that I, Catherine, caught. Yea, I am pretty proud of myself. I've still got it....even if I had to use a cup cause I was afraid it would bite me:).

The place was beautiful. So green! Here's a group of us taking a walk down to the apple trees and berry bushes.
Zane and Weston were side-tracked with a stink bug.


Zane and Wes again - two wilderness boys. These two boys were in heaven. They played so long and so well together....just having fun out in the wilderness. Diggin' in the dirt and exploring is what it was all about.



Cousins = Best Friends. The big girls in our family.
Sierra, McKenna, Hannah, (and Maddie, not shown - she wasn't in the mood for picture taking)


We played quite a few games of Koob.

Grandpa and Grandma gave out lots of love.

The kids played so nicely together. It was a great weekend. We are so grateful to have so many cousins for our children to play with and to be best friends with.

Above is Paige, Jordan, Zane, and Rachel. Below, Sierra and Zane are showing off a cool moth that Sierra caught.





The camp had two tetherball poles. Here, Hannah and Lance are playing a game.
Even Jackson wanted in on the action.

And, then, you know who, couldn't resist a swinging ball. Cash went crazy over those tetherballs. Unfortunately, he ended up popping one so we got to pay to replace it:).

Help Weston solve the mystery of where Jackson and Tim found their rocks. :) He might have a future in acting the way he pretends that he doesn't know where the rocks are from.

And, last but not least, is the main attraction for all the kids - the tree swing. Gotta love it! They spent HOURS on this swing.

Overall, we had a great time. We played games....like Koob, Quarto, and cards. We ate delicious food including chorizo tostados, egg burritos, gourmet hotdogs, hambugers cooked above the coals, pancakes covered in berries and whipcream, and turkey wraps. I think I gained 5 lbs....at least. Ooooh, and who can forget the yummy homemade deer jerky that Debbie and Sterling so graciously shared. It was a beautiful place. The kids loved to hike around and play in the creek. Some of the family even took a trip to the waterfalls and to the watch tower at the top of the mountain. Absolutely breathtaking! (Sorry, I didn't get pics of these things. I tried to get some pics from my sister-in-law but now the blogger won't upload them....go figure!)

Zane's big question - Mom, how come we only get to come every other year?

Yea, he wants to come EVERY year. It was that great:). With a beautiful location and great family...what else do you expect.

Me Do It!!!

So, after playing in the hose, Wes came in and took a bath. Afterwards, we went to get him dressed. He INSISTED that he do it. "ME DO IT." He even started jumping up and down to throw a fit when I tried to suggest that I might help with his shirt because it was going on BACKWARDS. But, he didn't care. He wanted to do it all by himself! Here's the proud boy - he did it all by himself. By the way, is the jumping up and down a natural instinct for throwing a fit when one is frustrated? I mean, if not, who did he learn it from? Well, either way, it was pretty funny. Should have gotten a movie clip of that one!

Can't Resist the Call of the Hose

There are some days when I hear the hose running out back and I know....I know what it means and I just want to wring his neck.... Wes is out playing in the hose and getting soaked! (Usually it's at the most inconvenient times....when you're just about to walk out the door somewhere.) But, this morning, since we weren't in a rush to go somewhere and he wasn't ready for the day anyways, it was cute and so it quickly became a photo-op. Weston loves to turn on the hose and play!!!

And, of course, Cash can't resist the call of the hose anymore than Weston can. And so the fun begins. They had so much fun this morning. OH, to be a kid.

Cash loves to jump up and try to catch the water in his mouth. Wes thinks it is soooo funny.


They just couldn't seem to get enough.

Forgotten News

How could I forget?!....the other exciting story about our new horse, Storm. I took him to my horseback riding lesson yesterday. I was glad to hear that my teacher thought he was a good horse and very well started. After riding Storm home from my horsebackriding lesson, I stopped in our front yard at our horse trailer to put my tack in it. I should have been more careful, but I wasn't expecting it. As I took off the bridle and reins and went to put on the halter and leadrope, Storm took off! Imagine my panic. I'm yelling "whoa," "easy," and whatever else I could think of. He just keeps heading off. Maybe it made it worse as I chased him from behind? I hoped he'd stop in a neighbor's yard to eat grass, but NOOOOO....he just kept on jogging down the middle of our street. We live on a dead end street, but of course, I couldn't be fortunate enough to have him head towards the dead end. He was headed to the main street - a four lane city street (five if you count the middle lane, do you?). I started praying that a car wouldn't hit him as I realized that he wasn't going to stop. He went right into the road and took a right. Whew....no car hit him. He just kept jogging and even loping down the middle of the road. What was I going to do??!! I kept chasing him, but there was no hope in catching him. I kept hoping he'd stop, but he didn't. All the traffic both directions stopped. It must've been a sight to see. He went a good block and a half down the main road and was still going strong and I was getting farther and farther back. Luckily, a man drove up in his car, saw what was happening, passed me, and then passed in front of the *(&^##*&%^* horse and jumped out of his car and caught him. He just opened up his arms and said Whoa. The horse gave in. Whew. How embarrassing. How I wanted to beat that *&$#@#* horse, but I was too tired to do anything....and the onlookers might have called Sherriff Joe Arpaio on me for animal cruelty. I thought I was going to collapse. I just walked him home on the sidewalk. Both of our heads hung down. Dumb Horse. I still love him though. But, I won't make that mistake again. (sorry, no pic of that one....actually, I bet you'd love a movie clip of that....me... trying to chase down a horse. I think I can almost laugh about it now.)

On another note, the kids got home from school today and immediately jumped in the pool to go catch the toads. I hope they all don't end up covered in warts!

Our "Storm"

Almost forget - two posts ago - I mentioned I'd tell about Storm. We have a new horse. WooHoo. Sierra and I are soooo excited:). This is Storm. He's a four year old paint. Todd's horse, Trigger, isn't doing so well....unfortunately, he's probably going lame. I have been trying to talk Todd into a new horse so that he could still come out on rides with me, but he has been really hesitant. He said that he was the ONLY one that had not fallen off a horse (cause his horse is soooo good...can you see me rolling my eyes?....even if it's probably true....I love my SPUNKY, SPIRITED baby even if I've fallen off three times). Anyways. I get him to go look at a couple of horses. We fell in love with the second horse. Of course, he's a paint (my fav). He knows his cues really well and is very easy going. Todd, Sierra, and I all rode him and were impressed how well he did.
But, then that changed out on the trail....he's still a four year old which means he's less experienced. I had said I was going to buy an 8-10 year old. But, that all went out the window, when I saw Storm. Anyways. We all go out on our first trail ride with Storm last Tuesday.

The horse just hasn't been out on the hard trails....wasn't too good with his footing and going SLOW down steep hills. It was kind of scary. A couple of times, it looked like he was going to crash going too fast down the steep hill. And, then when we were loping down the riverbed, I took a sharp turn knowing Cherokee could do it. Unfortunately, I didn't think about Storm. Todd and Storm were right behind me. The horse lost his footing and slipped. Todd fell off and Storm landed on him. Todd is okay....just very, very sore, and has gravel -rash on his back and behind. OUCH. I felt so bad. So much for "BEING THE ONLY ONE THAT HASN'T FALLEN OFF HIS HORSE". (I am trying to convince Todd that that makes him a real cowboy now:). This probably wouldn't have happened if we had bought an older horse. Maybe we need to turn around and sell him and get an older horse. ??? But, Todd, says no....he's defending him....lets give him some more time and experience out there first. The horse didn't do it on purpose. So, we're hoping that he'll get better....as long as he doesn't fall again on somebody else. :(

Do I get the loser wife award for buying a paint cause I love the color on the horse and not going with the rule of buying an older horse for the safety of my husband? hmmm. I hope Todd still loves me. He really is more important to me than my horses....I think:)

We've Been Invaded!

We went swimming yesterday after school with Megan and her kids. Weston spotted a baby toad. So, Gianna quickly snatched it up and the fun began. The kids had lots of fun with it. Poor baby toad.
The problem is we've been invaded by a whole family of them! I guess most of them hide during the day. And during the night, the adults come out and like to croak. Although, I wouldn't even call it "croaking". It's more like some animal making noises while it's dying. The first night we heard them, we thought it was actually some baby screaming. I believe that the toads are coming in with the irrigation. But, they are ending up in our pool which is fun for the kids, but horrible when the pool is right by our bedroom. During the night, Todd and I are woken up by croaking toads. It's horrible. They are soooo loud and obnoxious! Last night, Todd went out and caught FIVE of them. This morning, I went out to feed the horses. Oops. He missed one. There was that familiar and dreadful cry. The kids were sooooo excited to go out and see it. What do you do? The big question is what is Todd doing with the toads after he catches them? Anybody eaten toad legs before? jk!
On another note, the big kids are back to school. I'm a bad mom. I didn't get any back-to-school pics. The first day seemed long to them, but they are adjusting and starting to enjoy it. Lance is in eighth grade, Sierra is in sixth, and Zane is in second.

School will keep them busy and back on a routine now. I think it will do the same for me also. I somehow got roped into being the PTRO Vice Pres. at the junior high (thanks to my sweet friend, Kelly, who insisted it was a piece of cake). Although before school even started, I spent two mornings there for Bookstore Days and put on a teacher breakfast another day. It's starting to look like a BIG piece of cake:). Oh, I'm teasing. I do enjoy getting involved, but I don't think Lance is too thrilled about having me down at his school. Then, I am also in charge of the school fundraiser at the elementary school this month. It's back to "work" for me. It's a good thing I finished reading "Breaking Dawn" yesterday, so I can start getting some stuff done. :) LOVED the book! I tried to have some self control by limiting my reading time and getting some work done. Todd still couldn't believe how fast I read it....five days. Wait till he hears my sister, Michelle, read it in two days! (700+ pages) I bet her house is even still clean....she can do it all. In fact, she probably made homemade salsa and bread the same day:).