3 years ago
Monday, March 28, 2011
Big News!!
Jacob got a job in Las Vegas!!! We can't wait to start this next phase of life. Employment!!
Washington DC
While Jacob was in Washington DC for his Jessup moot court competition, I was able to fly over for the end of the week and see the sights. It was so amazing. It was a first for both of us and since neither of had ever been there and we didn't have our kids we really tried to see as much as we could.
The cherry blossoms were blooming everywhere. Words can not describe the beauty. It really has to seen because pictures just don't do them justice.
I am really glad that the school was paying for the Jessup team to be there. They stayed in the Capitol Hilton, just a few blocks from the white house. Seriously nice hotel. I caught a glimpse of the bill for just the room that Jacob was in and it was over $2,500. He was there for 8 nights, and it was even a special rate. They also paid for all his travel and eating expenses. GLORIOUS! I figured I should go since it was over our anniversary. I had such a great time.
Who knew Brigham Young was in the Capitol building?
All of the pictures are on FB
The cherry blossoms were blooming everywhere. Words can not describe the beauty. It really has to seen because pictures just don't do them justice.
I am really glad that the school was paying for the Jessup team to be there. They stayed in the Capitol Hilton, just a few blocks from the white house. Seriously nice hotel. I caught a glimpse of the bill for just the room that Jacob was in and it was over $2,500. He was there for 8 nights, and it was even a special rate. They also paid for all his travel and eating expenses. GLORIOUS! I figured I should go since it was over our anniversary. I had such a great time.
Who knew Brigham Young was in the Capitol building?
All of the pictures are on FB
Thursday, January 6, 2011
October, November, December
I know it is the worst part of the year to slack off on the blog posts.
Halloween happened. It was fun, but I really think it is a stupid holiday. I can't stand all of the candy that comes home and most of it ends up in the trash. I know, I'm terrible. The ward did a trunk or treat and it was just perfect for the kids.
I made Katie's entire costume. Without a pattern I might add. She was Cleopatra. Did I get a picture? No. My bad. Zach was batman. My sister had a cape, he wore all black, and we bought him a mask, gloves, and a belt. He thought it was the coolest thing ever. Marshall was a cowboy. It was darling. To small, but darling just the same.
The beginning of November seems like such a long time ago. Jakes little brother Jordan got married!!! HOORAY! We all love Rachel. She is simply wonderful. Such a great addition to the family.
Thanksgiving was great as always. It is Jake's favorite holiday and he really looks forward to it every year. Again, I took zero pictures. Everyone ate a lot except me. I was not feeling very well that day. Everyone thought I was pregnant. That is the first thing anyone thinks when I say I don't feel very well. Why is that?
From Thanksgiving to Christmas I was very busy. I was sewing like a mad woman. I made.....
*Giant checkers game for nephew Porter (quilted blanket to look like a checkers board, and thank you Layne for the superb wooden pieces. They were awesome)
*The cutest apron ever for niece Jessica
*Fabric hair flowers and bracelets for niece Megan
*2 crayon bags for nieces Aubrie and Ashlie
*a quilt for my Mom and
*15 quilted stockings for my mother-in-law Tina. These were especially lovely after she took them to get names embroidered on the cuffs. I do have pictures of these but they are still on my camera.
I must say that everything turned out super duper!!!! Everyone loved the things I made. I also made tamales, cheesecake, and all the rest of the baking you do during the holidays.
Besides the holidays, nothing really happened. The kids are still going to school and loving it. Marshall is a giant, and Jake is still in law school. He has finally started his last semester. Just it time too, because he is ready to be done.
Halloween happened. It was fun, but I really think it is a stupid holiday. I can't stand all of the candy that comes home and most of it ends up in the trash. I know, I'm terrible. The ward did a trunk or treat and it was just perfect for the kids.
I made Katie's entire costume. Without a pattern I might add. She was Cleopatra. Did I get a picture? No. My bad. Zach was batman. My sister had a cape, he wore all black, and we bought him a mask, gloves, and a belt. He thought it was the coolest thing ever. Marshall was a cowboy. It was darling. To small, but darling just the same.
The beginning of November seems like such a long time ago. Jakes little brother Jordan got married!!! HOORAY! We all love Rachel. She is simply wonderful. Such a great addition to the family.
Thanksgiving was great as always. It is Jake's favorite holiday and he really looks forward to it every year. Again, I took zero pictures. Everyone ate a lot except me. I was not feeling very well that day. Everyone thought I was pregnant. That is the first thing anyone thinks when I say I don't feel very well. Why is that?
From Thanksgiving to Christmas I was very busy. I was sewing like a mad woman. I made.....
*Giant checkers game for nephew Porter (quilted blanket to look like a checkers board, and thank you Layne for the superb wooden pieces. They were awesome)
*The cutest apron ever for niece Jessica
*Fabric hair flowers and bracelets for niece Megan
*2 crayon bags for nieces Aubrie and Ashlie
*a quilt for my Mom and
*15 quilted stockings for my mother-in-law Tina. These were especially lovely after she took them to get names embroidered on the cuffs. I do have pictures of these but they are still on my camera.
I must say that everything turned out super duper!!!! Everyone loved the things I made. I also made tamales, cheesecake, and all the rest of the baking you do during the holidays.
Besides the holidays, nothing really happened. The kids are still going to school and loving it. Marshall is a giant, and Jake is still in law school. He has finally started his last semester. Just it time too, because he is ready to be done.
Monday, August 23, 2010
My Brother-in-law
My brother-in-law will occasionally write an update on his current situation. This is his most recent letter that he put on FB.
Hello Everyone,
This letter is to update everyone on my current situationand how I am doing. There have been a lot of people who have asked us what they can do to help us. There are a few things that you could do if you wanted to help. What we need help with is making meals, cleaning the house, taking care of the yards and helping keep an eye on the kids. I'd also like you to visit me and talk to me since I am losing the ability to speak. I am usually out of bed and in my wheelchair before 12pm. Anyone who wants to come visit, talk or help out could come at that time. Liz is my full-time caregiver and so she will be taking care of any of my needs. We would just like you to come visit and have a good time. My fellow officers could come visit me anytime on or off duty. If you are in the area and want to drop by for a random visit that would be fine as long as it is after 12pm.
Now to talk about my current physical condition. I can no longer move my body or limbs. I can only move my head to look around and control my wheelchair. My wheelchair is controlled by a special head rest that lets me drive around the house. My hands have curled up and are stiff and sensitive. In a sitting position I am having pain in my tailbone, since I am sitting 24/7. I sleep sitting up because I have a hard time breathing on my own on my back and side. I am using a bi-pap machine 12 hours a day to help give me the oxygen I need and to expel carbon dioxide. I can only talk in a whisper without my bi-pap machine. So when you come over and I need to talk I will be wearing a facial mask that attaches to my nose. This forces air down my nose, fills up my lungs with air and gives me the lung capacity to talk louder. So don't be alarmed if I look like Darth Vader or a storm trooper. My ankles swell up and my feet go numb frequently. My mother, sisters and a massage therapist comes over weekly to massage me to keep my blood flowing and to reduce pain. It is getting harder to chew and swallow and sometimes I will choke on food or water. So that is what's going on with my physically. The next step in the process will include a feeding tube and a ventilator, but that is not for awhile.
I am no longer working full-time for the City of Mesa as a Police Officer because I can no longer perform a service to the city. Since I am unable to talk clearly, my voice recognition software no longer works on my patrol laptop. So I can no longer work. I have about five months of donated time, so I will be collecting a paycheck for the next five months to support my family. The City of Mesa has done a great job looking after us and taking care of us. I have so many great friends who work for the Mesa Police Department and I am proud to call myself one of them. After my donated time runs out, we have not yet figured out what we will be doing for income. So naturally I am concerned about how I will be supporting my family and it constantly weighs on my mind. Since we are living in a rental house, we don't know how we will make the payment or where we will be living if we can't afford to live here anymore.
The kids just started school and have adjusted well to a new school, new ward and new house. They are making new friends every day. Bryce also just started pop warner football and plays offensive and defensive line, because he is 105 lbs. Bryce just started 4th grade and is starting to develop a strong type-A personality where he wants to be in charge of everything. Hyrum just started 2nd grade and has a unique personality and is very creative. He is a peacemaker and easily makes friends. Harley is 4 years old and we have a hard time keeping him quiet. He asks a hundred questions every day and is constantly on the move and teasing Bryan. Bryan is 2 years old and needs constant attention all the time because he does so well in getting into everything, making messes and causing problems. Mary is a very good baby. She sleeps through the night, is easy to take care of. Which is a great blessing because Liz has to put her down to help me and she is content to wait for her turn. She is very beautiful. She looks at me, smiles and coos at me all the time. Liz puts a pillow on my lap and I hold her in my arms this way. She has beautiful blue eyes which I believe will turn green as she gets older like her daddy. She has long strawberry blonde hair which stands up on the top of her head. The boys have adjusted to her very well and love to hold her. We have to keep an eye on Bryan because he loves to lay on her and kiss her face and point at her eyes and nose. Which is cute, but also scary because he doesn't understand that he is smashing her. She doesn't cry though. Maybe she doesn't mind. Liz's mom, Barbara, has been living with us on and off and comes to help when we need her. The kids love her and she keeps everybody in line and taken care of when we can't. We are so grateful for her. Our dogs are not as happy about the move because they were used to running around on 1.25 acres. They bark at everything that moves and it's driving me crazy.
That's pretty much the update on everything and now I'd just like to thank my family, relatives and friends who come over all the time to help us. We are very grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. We really appreciate everything that you do for us and we cherish your friendships. It is my goal to fight this disease and with the Lord's help, beat it. I want to be around as long as I can to be there for my wife, kids and family. It is my wish and dream just to be healthy and normal again. Never take that for granted. I hope to see you all soon and talk with you before my voice goes. God be with you till we meet again. And as my brother Mitchell would say, "God is my tower of strength." Take care.
Respectfully,
Mark D. Kelly
Hello Everyone,
This letter is to update everyone on my current situationand how I am doing. There have been a lot of people who have asked us what they can do to help us. There are a few things that you could do if you wanted to help. What we need help with is making meals, cleaning the house, taking care of the yards and helping keep an eye on the kids. I'd also like you to visit me and talk to me since I am losing the ability to speak. I am usually out of bed and in my wheelchair before 12pm. Anyone who wants to come visit, talk or help out could come at that time. Liz is my full-time caregiver and so she will be taking care of any of my needs. We would just like you to come visit and have a good time. My fellow officers could come visit me anytime on or off duty. If you are in the area and want to drop by for a random visit that would be fine as long as it is after 12pm.
Now to talk about my current physical condition. I can no longer move my body or limbs. I can only move my head to look around and control my wheelchair. My wheelchair is controlled by a special head rest that lets me drive around the house. My hands have curled up and are stiff and sensitive. In a sitting position I am having pain in my tailbone, since I am sitting 24/7. I sleep sitting up because I have a hard time breathing on my own on my back and side. I am using a bi-pap machine 12 hours a day to help give me the oxygen I need and to expel carbon dioxide. I can only talk in a whisper without my bi-pap machine. So when you come over and I need to talk I will be wearing a facial mask that attaches to my nose. This forces air down my nose, fills up my lungs with air and gives me the lung capacity to talk louder. So don't be alarmed if I look like Darth Vader or a storm trooper. My ankles swell up and my feet go numb frequently. My mother, sisters and a massage therapist comes over weekly to massage me to keep my blood flowing and to reduce pain. It is getting harder to chew and swallow and sometimes I will choke on food or water. So that is what's going on with my physically. The next step in the process will include a feeding tube and a ventilator, but that is not for awhile.
I am no longer working full-time for the City of Mesa as a Police Officer because I can no longer perform a service to the city. Since I am unable to talk clearly, my voice recognition software no longer works on my patrol laptop. So I can no longer work. I have about five months of donated time, so I will be collecting a paycheck for the next five months to support my family. The City of Mesa has done a great job looking after us and taking care of us. I have so many great friends who work for the Mesa Police Department and I am proud to call myself one of them. After my donated time runs out, we have not yet figured out what we will be doing for income. So naturally I am concerned about how I will be supporting my family and it constantly weighs on my mind. Since we are living in a rental house, we don't know how we will make the payment or where we will be living if we can't afford to live here anymore.
The kids just started school and have adjusted well to a new school, new ward and new house. They are making new friends every day. Bryce also just started pop warner football and plays offensive and defensive line, because he is 105 lbs. Bryce just started 4th grade and is starting to develop a strong type-A personality where he wants to be in charge of everything. Hyrum just started 2nd grade and has a unique personality and is very creative. He is a peacemaker and easily makes friends. Harley is 4 years old and we have a hard time keeping him quiet. He asks a hundred questions every day and is constantly on the move and teasing Bryan. Bryan is 2 years old and needs constant attention all the time because he does so well in getting into everything, making messes and causing problems. Mary is a very good baby. She sleeps through the night, is easy to take care of. Which is a great blessing because Liz has to put her down to help me and she is content to wait for her turn. She is very beautiful. She looks at me, smiles and coos at me all the time. Liz puts a pillow on my lap and I hold her in my arms this way. She has beautiful blue eyes which I believe will turn green as she gets older like her daddy. She has long strawberry blonde hair which stands up on the top of her head. The boys have adjusted to her very well and love to hold her. We have to keep an eye on Bryan because he loves to lay on her and kiss her face and point at her eyes and nose. Which is cute, but also scary because he doesn't understand that he is smashing her. She doesn't cry though. Maybe she doesn't mind. Liz's mom, Barbara, has been living with us on and off and comes to help when we need her. The kids love her and she keeps everybody in line and taken care of when we can't. We are so grateful for her. Our dogs are not as happy about the move because they were used to running around on 1.25 acres. They bark at everything that moves and it's driving me crazy.
That's pretty much the update on everything and now I'd just like to thank my family, relatives and friends who come over all the time to help us. We are very grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. We really appreciate everything that you do for us and we cherish your friendships. It is my goal to fight this disease and with the Lord's help, beat it. I want to be around as long as I can to be there for my wife, kids and family. It is my wish and dream just to be healthy and normal again. Never take that for granted. I hope to see you all soon and talk with you before my voice goes. God be with you till we meet again. And as my brother Mitchell would say, "God is my tower of strength." Take care.
Respectfully,
Mark D. Kelly
Thursday, August 19, 2010
First Day of School
Katie And Zach started school last week. They were so excited. Katie was super pumped to see all her friends and Zach was just happy to start going to school. We love Mrs. Abbott. She was such a great kindergarden teacher for Katie last year. Zach was very much looking forward to being in her class.
Katie has such a wonderful 1st grade teacher. She came home from school the other day and told me that the stem of plants is like a straw that takes water up to the leaves where there is a kitchen. Apparently in the "kitchen" is where the plant makes use of the water. She then compared a plant to the human body. I was telling her that when you donate blood your body can make more so that you will always have enough. she said "How does it make more? Is there a little kitchen in there?" She makes me laugh.
Zach is learning letters and numbers. He didn't know them all like Katie did but he seems to be picking them up pretty quickly. His handwriting is a lot better than I expected.
With both of them gone, it is just me and Marshall at home. I thought this would be cake to only have one kid at home but I have come to realize it is still hard. Marshall doesn't have anyone to play with. Nap time is great because I am all be my self, but when he is awake I have to watch him like a hawk. He can be very destructive when he is alone and a little bored. It will be nice when the weather cools off and we can walk Sabino Canyon again. I am also going to kid swap with a friend starting the end of this month so that will be good as well.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tucson Children's Museum
This is how Marshall was the whole time, plus really loud yelling. He loved it.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Gila Valley Temple
There is now a Temple in the Gila Valley. It makes me really happy when I think about it.
Every Boy Likes Toy Story
Marshall really likes Toy Story. He sat and watched Toy Story 3 through the whole movie. I didn't have to leave with him once.
Zach is 5
Zach turned 5 on June 10th. (I know I'm late with posting about it) He is so happy to be 5. He starts kindergarten in August and I think he will do well. He had a good birthday with a few presents. We got him this Lightsaber duels game, he likes it but he like Super Mario Bros. better and is getting pretty good. He is such a sweet boy and is I love having him around. He will be missed at home when he goes to school.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)