Flu shots and more fun . . .

Every year we get our flu shots.  It's not a question or a maybe.  It's just that way around here.  Carson is more susceptible to complications from the flu, due to his heart surgery.  So, our Pediatrician has advised us that we all get flu shots every year to help protect him from some of the worse flu viruses going around. 

The other issue is that Dakota had H1N1 last year in October.  He endured three hellish weeks of illness and complete quarantine to our downstairs.  It's good there's a bathroom down there.  Carson, Micah, and I stood in line at the Health Department to get vaccinated and prayed no one else would get it, and we didn't.

Having said all of that:  last year, Micah had quite a large reaction on his arm to the regular flu shot.  It went away after a few days of Benadryl, and all was well.  This year (Saturday was shot day) it was worse.  We are grateful we got our shots, and that Micah's arm is on the mend.  He has taken lots of Benadryl, another doctor's visit, and has five more days of Cephalexin to go.  He is such a "rock" and never complains.  Even when the doctor pushed on it, he tried to act like it didn't hurt. 

Here are some pics taken as it started to look better.  He wanted to show off the "target" on his arm.  His Pediatrician and I both drew lines around the swollen red spot, to keep track of the size.  Poor little guy:(

Missing Dr. Pepper

Have a little sympathy for me on this one.  I have a long history with the good Dr.  He's almost family to me!  I actually can't remember when I first tasted the good stuff, and have no real memory of being without it. 

When my friend (Kim) and I were in Junior high, we would walk home from Dixon each day.  We would stop by Timpanogos Elementary, where my Dad worked, and sit in the teachers lounge with him and have a visit.  Of course, there was the standard soda machine there, and it had Mr. Pibb (a very closely related cousin to my main squeeze).  Dad would always buy us one.  One of my best memories.

Dr. Pepper has faithfully seen me through endless hours or homework, work, stress, etc.  Oh, how I love the stuff!!

Did I mention it runs in my family?  Well, it does.  No joke!  I'm constantly surprised at the number of cousins who come for a visit and sob with relief when they see it in my fridge.  Family heritage.

About two weeks ago, I just gave up the Dr. Pepper.  I haven't had a drink with caffeine since.  Weird, but true.  We will see how things go.  Thanks for listening:)

Quiet

There is no sarcasm intended when I say that I enjoy solitude.  In my world, it takes all of the stars being aligned to acheive it.  Today is the day.  With my family off to the Father and Son Camp-out,  I'm blissfully granted hours of my own time.  I plan to catch up on some writing, go out and fetch myself a large bowl of clam chowder for dinner (and perhaps a wee treat), and get some much needed rest.  Okay, left to my own devises, I probably won't go to bed early.  It sounds good, though.

In reality, in a few hours I'll be missing my children and their stories. 

Paleontology Museum

Friday we dug up some local dinosaur bones by visiting the museum.  It was a fun day for all involved.  The kids enjoyed "hamming it up" for photos.  Afterward . . . only because we were headed in that direction . . . we had fish n'chips at Ripple's.  Yum!

Things I Can't Resist

Old movies
Flowers
Cookie dough
Poetry (who knew?)
Micah's smile
The smell of rain
Books
Snow globes
Turtles
Purple
Carson's laugh
Watching the stars
Watermelon
Antique china
Romance novels (just kidding, people;)
Dakota's humor
Art shops
Seafood
Book stores
Lord of the Rings
Caramel apples
Time with friends
Staying up late
Writing
Being with family
Anything Finnish
Old houses and buildings
Colors and images in the sky
Water
Cannon beach
Watching fish swimming
Snow on tree branches
Taking pictures
The library (good I work there)

To be continued ...

Carson's creative carving

Mr. Po-ta-to Man... Mr. Po-ta-to Man... I need music for this.

Mom's Birthday

Lake Fork 1972

It is my Mom's birthday today.  She was born in 1926 and saw many things in her lifetime.  I love and miss her, but know she's watching over all we do.  Here are some pics of us.

Bear Lake 1974