Water and more water

It may be time to think about building an ark.  It's raining again today.  We still have lots of snow in the mountains.

We just came home from the Provo City Cemetery.  We missed the Memorial Service because it was moved on account of the rain.  We did enjoy looking at my parents graves again (we decorated yesterday).  We also found a friend's grave. 

The Provo River is at it's highest level.  It has run over the bank and road in some places.  Utah Lake is already flooding.  The park and harbor are under water, and the farmer's fields are now ponds.  It is starting to look like the 1980's again.  I remember that.

Our next door neighbors have water in their storage room, and had to have help.  Others in our area are having the same problem.  We pray that it will not get too much worse.

Little confessions

I still . . .

like concert T-shirts of my own.

sneak cookie dough when no one is looking.

love a long drive all by myself.

get distracted by the sky.

love the smell of lilacs and English roses.

enjoy the smell and feel of a brand new book.

feel like I'm searching for something.

Healing and looking ahead

Maizy had her surgery on Tuesday afternoon, had a sleepover in Salt Lake at the surgeon's office, and we picked her up on Wednesday morning.  She has stitches, a shaved leg, three medicines, and a long recovery ahead of her.  She requires kennel resting, with a few short visits out with us, for 4 to 6 weeks.  Now she also has to wear a cone because she was licking her incision.  Poor little girl.  She thinks we are the meanest people on the planet, but still loves us somehow:)  We are glad she is on her way back to health, and thankful for those who helped us get her to this point.

In other news, I GOT A JOB!  I lost control for a minute there.  For months, I have been trying to find a good job to help us.  I received a call on Thursday night from Intermountain Healthcare, offering me a position as a Patient Service Representative at their Springville Instacare.  It is a part-time on call position, but the pay is good.  They actually offered me a better wage than the one they listed, because they said  I have good experience.  I will work about 25 hours each week, and plan to keep my library job also.  It will be difficult to do both, but we need the money so badly.  I must try.

Yesterday, I went to UVRMC and had my drug test, TB scratch test, blood draw, and filled out paperwork for the new job.  My orientation is on June 6th and then I can work.  Yay!  I am so thankful for this opportunity, and hope it grows into something really good.

U2!!!!

As you might recall from an earlier post, we gave Dakota tickets to the U2 360 tour for Christmas.  They are his favorite band in the world, and I wanted so bad for him to be able to see them perform live.  Of course,  part of this deal is that Katie and I got to go also :)) 

U2 is a band that I have known about and listened to for their entire career.  I remember the days of the mullets, boots, flags, and "Sunday Bloody Sunday."  I watched them perform at Live Aid when they stated they were just a band from Ireland.  I have always liked them and admired their vision and the causes they champion.  However, I was not prepared for the show we went to last night at Rice Eccles Stadium.  I had heard all the hype about the tour, "The Claw," and Bono's idea of providing an intimate show for 50,000 people.  Let me just say that all of that paled in comparison to seeing it.  Amazing is a word that even seems inadequate.  "The Fray" opened up for them and they were good.  Then U2 played for 2 and a 1/2 hours.  Spectacular!

Here are some highlights, which by the way, do not do justice to the show.  They are fun to look at though.

Getting seated and waiting for U2

Finally, U2!

Wow!

Concentrating on that light at the far off end of the tunnel

It's the old saying, "when it rains, it pours."  We are feeling that in a literal and well . . . financial way.  I'm not one to complain, but yesterday I resorted to asking Facebook friends to send good thoughts my way.  Maizy got hurt around 4:00 yesterday afternoon.  An emergency vet visit, and another loan to pay for it later, we were were told that her leg is badly fractured and she will probably need surgery.  Tomorrow we take her to Salt Lake to have a consult with the Orthopedic vet.  She may also have the surgery then. We have no way to pay for this, but no choice.  She is our little one, and our responsibility.  How can I let her be in pain?  Poor baby.
   

Micah's Bobcat badge

Micah received his Bobcat badge at Pack Meeting on Tuesday night.  I took an extended "lunch" from work to be there.  I'm so glad I did.  Micah was very proud to have earned his very first Cub Scout award.

A link

My mind has been on other more important things, as you have noticed.  Here is the link to Blood Lotus, where you can read my poem.  I like this online journal.
                                                                                      http://www.bloodlotusjournal.com/

Another Miracle

First things first:  Thanks to God.  I always thank him first and acknowledge his hand in all things.  In our newest blessing, I know that the power of prayer and faith helped us through.

I somehow feel that God won't mind me talking about Primary Children's Medical Center, a place we have come to know well.  Carson was life flighted there the night he was born, and we spent his first two weeks there. A nurse once told me, speaking of a Newborn Intensive Care Physician: "I think sometimes that he has a direct line to God."  Many experienced years later, I think she may have been right.  It is to me, a divine place.  A place where skilled and caring doctors, surgeons, nurses, etc. care for children every hour of every day.  A place where lives are saved on a daily basis.  I'm sure that God is close to them.

On two of Carson's stress tests, his Cardiologist saw a change that he was worried about.  He decided that Carson needed to have a Heart Catheter procedure to check the repairs that were made, in his surgery as an infant.  Specifically his Coronary arteries.  Dr. Gray did the procedure on the morning of the 10th at Primary.  He was in the Cath Lab for two hours, two of the longest hours ever.  When we were called into the Lab, he met us with a smile on his face.  He showed us the pictures and told us that Carson's heart is functioning fine.  His Coronary arteries are in great shape, and everything else as well.  There were some tears and hugs, and the best mother's day present ever.

After the test was over, Carson was moved to recovery, and then to his own room.  He had to lay completely flat and not move his legs at all, for six hours.  He was a trooper, as always.  He showed us about faith and about strength all the way through this.  We watched a lot of movies, and he even enjoyed a slushie and some fresh fruit and pancakes when his stomach calmed down.  This is Primary, after all.  They know how to treat kids:)  Dr. Gray released him at 4:00 in the afternoon, and did not make us stay over night. 

Since the procedure, Carson's days have been filled with an almost constant stream of visitors.  Many of them bringing toys, food, and dinners.  His Scout troop even did skits for him.  He is still a little sore but much better.

My heart is so full with gratitude to my Heavenly Father, for continuing to bless our miracle boy.  I am so grateful for the calls, e-mails, dinners, blessings, and most of all the prayers that have been offered for Carson.  Love to all of you!

Stress test

Carson is having a stress test at Primary Children's tomorrow morning.  I am very worried, but have faith that everything will be okay.  I keep hearing other moms talk about their flowers and wonderful gifts for Mother's Day.  The only thing I want is to know that Carson is healthy and his heart is functioning well.  He is such an amazing little boy:)

Another publication

Lightning does strike twice.  I've always said that being published requires hard work, Divine Intervention, and all the planets being in line.  Well, folks, another poem has been accepted for publication. This time by a journal called "Pirene's Fountain."  It won't be out until October, but I'm still excited.