No Eggs

I found out just over a year ago that my 2-year-old is allergic to eggs. I had him tested on New Years' eve 2007 after he'd broken out in a rash a couple times after eating eggs. Turned out he was highly allergic to the yolk and white. I was told to avoid everything that has eggs in it for an entire year and then get him tested again. We also have to carry an epi-pen with us.
For the next year, he could not have cakes, most cookies, some pastas, stuff with breading, and many other things that contain eggs. It was difficult to explain to my then 1-year-old that he couldn't have those things he wanted. He didn't understand. I would tell him "You can't have this. It has eggs in it." Even though he didn't get it, I wanted him to know why. Especially since I wasn't sure how long he would have to avoid this stuff. I wanted him to learn that he can't have things with eggs in them. I also get flu shots for my kids each year. This year, he lucked out. The ingredients for the vaccine are grown inside eggs, so he didn't get one.
All that avoidance has paid off. I had him retested at the end of last year and he is now mildly allergic to egg whites and should no longer be allergic to the yolks. Hurray! We still have another year of avoiding things made with eggs and then we'll get him tested again. However, I can make my own stuff and just use the yolks. That's pretty exciting around here.
I also think he is starting to understand. Yesterday he had a pack of gum in his hands. I asked him if I could have some. This is how the conversation went.
Me: "Can mommy have a piece?"
Zach: "No, has eggs in it."

Back to School?

So, I got a letter today from the elementary school letting me know that it's almost time for Kindergarten Roundup for my almost 5-year-old. That means that come fall, 3 of my 4 kids will be in public school. That leaves just me and my baby during those two short hours that Kindergarten is in session.
I like the idea of some quality one-on-one time, but I also started thinking that maybe I should also go back to school. I got my associates degree a few weeks before I got married and have always wanted to go back and finish. Okay, so maybe not always. There are times when the thought of going back to school seems daunting. Plus, I love what I do now. I'm a mom. It's the best job I've ever had.
I called the University I got my associates degree from and had my account reactivated so I can return in the fall. So, between now and then I'll be doing a lot of thinking, praying, and of course, spending time with my kids.

Happy Birthday, Jacob

Yesterday, my "baby" turned 11. People say that time goes fast, but for me, that's one of those things I have to experience for myself to fully understand it. It's hard to believe I have been a parent for 11 years now.
Jacob is such a great kid. He is definitely a great example to me of unconditional love. It doesn't seem to matter what goes on during his day, even if he's been in trouble, he always finds moments to express his love to me. I truly love that about him.
He is also a big help. He helps me so much with his siblings. He'll play with them and take care of them and includes them in a lot of the stuff he does.
He tries new things. He's usually the first to try a new food or activity. He may not like it, but at least he gave it a try. Give him some time and he'll try again just to see if he likes it now.
He is very social. The boy loves to talk. He's not shy and wants to spend time talking to his friends. He'll also strike up a conversation with people he doesn't know. That was a bit of a problem when he was younger and he'd tell people all about him and his family-at age 4.
Jacob is a wonderful son and big brother. Our family is very blessed to have him. My first born.
I love you, Jacob!

Greater Appreciation

There are many people in my life whom I appreciate. I am grateful to them for the things they do and who they are. However, I must say, there are also people I take for granted. Not purposely, but I get caught up in day to day stuff and know certain people will be there to do the things they have always done.
Every once in a while, I am blessed with the opportunity to see just how much someone in my life truly means to me. It is usually when I am put into a similar position that other person has experienced. For example, my Mom. I love her so much-always have. However, I didn't fully appreciate all that she is or all that she does until I was blessed to have my first son, Jacob. When he was born, I started to comprehend all the emotions, effort, and sacrifice that come with being a parent. Notice that I said, "started," because I learn more each day as my family grows. I really love my Mom. More and more everyday.
Another example, I was given the call to serve as Primary president in our current ward. I had done it before in the ward we moved from and I was serving as 2nd counselor in this ward, so I thought, "yeah, I can do that." I always thought Mindy was awesome and I want to be like her when I grow up. However, I don't think I fully understood all the responsibility and hard work that was part of the calling. Maybe I still don't, but I am grateful to her. She still helps me today.
There are many men and women that help me so much and set a great example that I couldn't possibly list them all. I am grateful to them all.

New Year, New Blog

Call it peer preasure, insanity, jealousy. After nearly a year of prompting by some very good friends, I have jumped on board and started a blog. I thought, "What better way to start a new year than to start a blog." So, here I am.

We celebrated New Year's Eve just staying at home and hanging out with a few family members. We spent most of the evening playing karaoke and rock band and eating junk food. Pretty low key, but I had a lot of fun. Brandon and Jacob stayed up until around 1 AM. Zach crashed around 10:45 and Riley followed shortly.

One of the things I want to do this year is look for the positive side and I am hoping this blog will help me accomplish that goal. Even when there isn't something great to be found immediately I'll try and remember what President Hinckley said, "Oh, things will work out." I hope your year brings you great things and you can find the positive moments in your life.