Soccer Maya

Maya had her first soccer practice. It was raining so it was a little less fun that it should have been but they had a good time. Here are a few pics of my little star.


Here is a group shot.. I think the coach in the red shirt is pretty hot :)

My baby is growing up.

She took the longest of all three but the process is finally under way.
She's really starting to get the hang of it! Wtg Melody!

A late night of gymnastics

We let our little gymnast stay up to watch the team finals. She was inpired by this talented group of young ladies.

Time to take it easy

My right hip is absolutely throbbing and I had to break out the darn Darvocet.

Pictures of this week..

Here are my girls getting ready for a swim.

And my favorite pictures of the week..
Maya refuses to use the toilet near her room. She prefers mine so she can nestle comfortably into the extended-height toilet seat and use the phone.

Breaking Dawn

All done reading. Wow. Can I have some of that creativity please? When you're ready to dish, I'm ready.

Just like riding a bike.....

I learned to ride a bike in a different way. It was never really comfortable. Basically I used from my knees down and swayed the bike from side to side. Stationary bikes were out because I was never able to keep a bike stationary and ride a full circle on the pedals. The seat was always extremely uncomfortable, painful even.

Just now I hopped on my husband's recumbent bike, just out of curiosity. He held my right leg and i put my left leg in the stirrup. Being careful to not make my hip go past 90 degrees (just in case you're reading Dr. Snoots!!) I rode a full circle without my knee turning a single degree inward. When I am completely healed I will be able to go on a family bike ride. I am so incredibly grateful and amazed at what lies ahead for me. I always knew that miracles existed (I do have children after all) but I never knew that I actually would BE a miracle. My cup runneth over.

Funny... I don't feel 34..

Yet here I am. I am going back and forth between feeling mentally like a teenager and physically like a senior citizen (which I know will pass). However, I count my many blessings and am so grateful.

Nathan splurged and got me a laptop for the hospital in July so I have already begun enjoying my birthday present. What a guy!

Just for a laugh, this morning I yearbooked myself.. this is what came up in the 1970s... i think i look like my mom..



Yearbook yourself here. It's a good laugh.

There's no place like home... (m)

and I'm going tomorrow!!!!! I can't believe my hospital days are almost over!? Can you believe they don't show all of the SOCCER GAMES here!!?? It's like PRISON!! Why oh why did FC Dallas have to beat LA 4-0 when I couldn't watch?!!! Oh the humanity!!

I did have the girls come to visit today and this is what happens when you let Maya play on your orthopedic bed. It's like the circus!! Wheee!!

Tales from the Hospital

The right hip is now as metal as the left one and I'm feeling like a robot. The first night was really hard as the nurse took her own sweet time giving me minimal pain meds. Needless to say, I am not very good at hiding my displeasure and above mentioned nurse is paranoid and trying to redeem herself tonight. So far so good.

Round 2

Surgery #2 is tomorrow bright and early. I'm looking forward to getting this over with and moving on to focusing on recovery.

Oh, Edward!!!

I am so addicted. My good friend Lori brought over Eclipse last night and I can assure you it will be read by tomorrow.

Catching Up

I have been so very blessed. I was released from the hospital on Monday. My mom had been here since the following monday so my sisters came and took over for her for this week. My mom is a lifesaver and my sisters have been so helpful... especially Rachel who has been my taxi driver everywhere!

I have wonderful family. I can't count the number of phone calls, emails and cards. My got flowers in the mail today (pictured above) from Nathan's parents. Aren't they beautiful? My brother and his family sent me a fresh fruit basket that was not only gorgeous but delicious as well. (I particularly loved the pineapple shaped flowers!)

My friends are amazing. They have offered to help with anything I need. They have brought over dinners and checked in on me. My friend and neighbor Lori sent a popcorn tin over and it is definitely being welcome with open mouths!

My church ward is incredible. We have had meals almost every night, sometimes unanticipated! They have been delicious and our fridge is overflowing!

I have a caring, experienced doctor. I had my checkup today and things are rolling along. My left hip is recovering nicely. I no longer have any staples and my bruising/swelling is slowly coming down). He is concerned that I don't overdo it but is keenly aware that i have little kids and instructs me accordingly. The surgery really wasn't as bad as i thought and even though i missed my kids terribly and it's not amazingly fun, I know it's do-able and will be ok to do it again on Wednesday. Still, prayers will be much appreciated.

Nathan's work has been so understanding. His boss sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers as well and it so so nice have something to brighten the hospital room.

Thank you to everyone. I know there have been plenty of thoughts and prayers and those are priceless beyond measure. I am so touched and humbled. Again, it's such a testimony of how mindful my Heavenly Father is of me and I am so grateful.

Update

I am up and walking with a walker today and already the difference in my gait is astounding. This is one seriously life changing surgery. I'll update more when the pain meds wear off some. I do have to say that I could never have made it this far without my husband, mom and nanny. God is surely mindful of me. I'm so grateful.

New Hips

Tomorrow's the day. Here goes nothing....

The Perfect Independence Day

Yes it's true. We made it back to the USA for Independence Day. Why, you ask? Well, there was an FC Dallas game and fireworks. It was a solemn occasion as the cowbell was passed to the new generation.... *sniff* *sniff*.... it makes a mother proud.

Diamond Anniversary

My grandparents are celebrating their 60th anniversary in August and practically the whole extended family will be there. Because I am having my surgery this month we opted to visit early. I am so glad we did... for many reasons. We got them all to ourselves! (We're so selfish!)


They are such an amazing example of what a marriage should be. I only hope that Nathan and I can follow their lead and try to be like them.
My grandparents are so generous. They even put us up in a wonderful hotel with a large suite and a waterpark for the kids! It was wonderful! Thanks so much!






We got to celebrate Canada Day in Canada!!


Did I mention my grandpa is a total ham and loved to play along with Maya? You just can't take us Ericksons/Kings anywhere. We love to play with our food.




Not to be left out... Melody had to join in the french fry fun too..


While the camera is on... Maya has to show her stuff!




We had such a wonderful time. We were able to spend some priceless time with some people we wish we got to see more. We wish we had taken more pictures and more video but we were enjoying out time too much to remember to take out the cameras. We enjoyed visiting with my mom's sisters and some of their families.

Thanks again Grandma and Grandpa for everything. You are such amazing people and we will never be able to thank you enough for all you did/continue to do for us. We love you all so much. This trip was priceless for all of us.

Happy Canada Day!

A Mother's Prayer

Dear Lord,

I know I have not practiced my sewing skills.
I know that I can do basic things with my sewing machine.
I know that I have turned to my mother to do all of my major projects.
Please forgive me.
May I someday please possess at least a fraction of the talent that my mother has with a sewing machine?

Amen.

How to freak your children out in a few easy steps....

1. Put them to bed on time.

2. Enjoy your moments of silence while watching adult TV.

3. Go to bed at a reasonable hour, checking all the doors and setting the house alarm.

4. Answer your mobile phone at 12:45 am to let your visiting sister in the house after she has driven over 5 hours to see you.

5. Open the door in a drunken-like stupor without remembering to turn off the house alarm.

Commence freak out.
Enjoy.

Milestone!!

My kids made it through an entire movie! We didn't have a potty break, a "chase-around-the-theater" break, a "we have to leave the movie and wait for Morgan in the hall" break... or ANYTHING! Wow.. and as long as we were stuffing our faces with popcorn we were in our seats and quiet. I think it was about 15 mins from the end before I had anything to do except feed them. Cool, right?!

Happy Father's Day Nathan..

Here's a slideshow I quickly threw together...

{deleted due to irritating music every time my blog starts up.}

Part of my world...

Thanks to Melissa for this cute link.

Headstrong and fiesty. You have a mind of your own that's full of romantic dreams about the world around you. Exploring exotic places is your ultimate dream, and although you can be a little naive you'll realize that there is something to be gained from your family's wisdom.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

The New Beds

The girls' beds finally came in at IKEA. Tell me what you think? Better than mattresses on the floor right?

Drawing a blank...

I'm wanting to blog but since surgery is weighing heavily on my mind lately, I'm out of topics. :) I'll think of something soon.

Taking Notice

I am feeling particularly thankful this morning. Here's why.

1. I am a child of God. He is mindful of me and ths week my testimony of the fact that he has a plan for each and every one of his children is obvious to me. He is mindful of each individual and loves us each so much. He knows what we can handle and what we need. He is there when we need him. We need only ask.

2. I married the man who I will be with forever and I am so grateful for that. He knew what was required with me when he married me and even with many surprises along the way he has been supportive and loving.

3. An orthopedic surgeon who truly cares about me and actually takes the time to be concerned about me. He actually talked on the phone with my childhood surgeons to familiarize himself with my condition and I know he is mindful of me. He actually thanked me for giving him something interesting to do.

4. My family is so supportive. My mom and sisters have offered to help when they can during my surgery/recovery and that is priceless.

5. We've found a nanny for the rest of the summer and not only can she drive but she is one of the kids' favorite babysitters. She is wonderful and now a potentially stressful situation has become something that the kids are looking forward to.

6. My kiddos. I feel like I some repenting to do, especially regarding Melody. When the Lord gives you a kid like her you don't freak out and cry for a trimester wondering how you can handle it. You thank your Heavenly Father and enjoy the amazing miracle that he has given you. I wouldn't trade her for all the condoms in China.

Just when you think you're plans are set....

something changes.

As long as we can locate a nanny for the girls for part of the summer, we've decided to go ahead with my surgery on July 9th for the left hip and July 23rd for the right. We're going to switch our plane tickets for Alberta for end of June/First week of July so we can at least see the grandparents. It's just becoming quite clear to me that it's time to go ahead with it. More details as they come.

Latest News - Catching Up

So here's the latest from our house...

1. I had a follow up with my surgeon who I am convinced is the best doctor on the planet. We're considering late spring next year for my surgery. He's answered every question we've thrown at him and after a second opinion, much prayer and thought, we are going to do a he suggests - a double hip replacement with the left side first and the right 2 weeks afterward. We would like to hire a full time nanny for at least 3 months, especially to help with the driving. How do you go about doing that?

2. Summer is looming and we are actually excited for the welcome break from a busy busy schedule. Morgan toured the 3rd grade classrooms in her school and has decided that another year in her school might be just fine with her. I have heard many good things about the 3rd grade team so I believe that is our plan of action for now.

3. Nathan and the kids have been really enjoying the Wii Fit. Someday I will join them. Next year perhaps?

4. We booked our flights to Alberta in August and we are beyond excited!

5. We visited our pool for the first time this past weekend and I think we are going to be spending a great deal of time there
That's about it.. just a quick post for now....

The Big Surprise

I surprised Morgan this weekend with an overnight trip to Houston to watch the Senior Women at the US Classic at the Visa Championships. We really enjoyed watching the higher level gymnastics. Morgan had no clue and was very confused when I picked her up from school at lunchtime.
I took this video shortly after..

You can't take us anywhere...

This is what happens when you decide to buy new trash cans at Lowe's with all of the kids.

Beware the fruits of evil

This cute little patoot has some personality! Melody frequently talks about the time the tornado sirens went off. "Is there a tomato coming Mommy?"

It's ok baby. Mommy will protect you from the nasty tomatoes. I promise.

Happy Birthday Mom!

This is a picture of the world's most amazing mom. Here is a list of things which make her amazing:

1. She has a testimony of Jesus Christ and is not afraid to share it.

2. She has made many sacrifices for her family and does not even bat an eyelash.

3. She sat by my beside in the hospital for what probably adds up to months of her life while her family was split into different households for weeks at a time.

4. She has never once told me that I was incapable of trying anything, even with my physical challenges. I remember her speech over and over - "Rebecca knows her own limits and can set them herself. Don't set them for her." I appreciate it so much and it has strengthened me.

5. She loves my family. She has been there for every important event. She has been there within hours, if not minutes of the birth of my three children.

6. She is an advocate of continuing education and leads by example. She earned her Bachelor and Masters degrees while raising 5 children and now works as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Make no mistake. She was always at the top of her class.

7. She has a great sense of humor. Her laughter is contagious.

8. She is not judgemental. She lets me make my own decisions and is sometimes even overly vague with her opinions as to not offend me.

9. She is talented. That woman can sew. The girls at gymnastics wish she was their grandma. My wedding dress was exactly what I wanted. I had custom made formals in high school. Priceless.

10. She's compassionate. She will listen to me and offer advice when I need it and is always understanding.

.... and there are so many more - too many to list.

I love you mom.

Want some cheese with your whine?

It's time to come clean. If you're not into reading "Debbie Downer" posts you might want to skip this one.

I'm not feeling great. My hips are hurting. That's not going to get better until surgery. When will that be, you ask? This side of never. I have no idea how to have surgery and be out of commission for three months. Not only that, but my oldest daughter is extremely emotional/anxious/attached right now and I don't think surgery would help that much. I don't want to miss her competitions. I don't want to miss the family gathering in Alberta in August... there is simply no good time.

I just started cymbalta. Some days I think it's helping. Some days I don't. I won't get in to the battle with the insurance just to get the prescription.

My weight is not dropping. I lost 4.5 pounds in two weeks and it came back after a weekend of not so great choices. I dropped out of Biggest Loser. I'm embarassed that I can't control that. What good is a tummy tuck if you can't keep your weight down?

My poor kids deserve a better mom. They need someone who can get on the floor and play with them. They need someone who isn't cranky and loses her temper easily. (especially when Daddy is traveling).

I'm sure that I will feel better tomorrow. I just needed a venue to vent. I'll count my blessings in the next one since there are many more of those than I can name...

Spppuuurrrrssssss

GO SPURS GO!! <--click here for scores/highlights
I'm so proud of this team for pulling out Game 7. What a game!
No negative Spurs comments welcome on this post.... I don't need ya to rain on my parade... I'm still having that after game feeling :)

Jungle Jam (video works this time)

Morgan performed in her school talent show last night and did a great job!
She picked her music and choreographed her routine.

Puzzling

This is Melody's latest craze and YES she did all of these all by herself. She won't let me pick them up right now either...

You know your husband loves his kids....

.......when he sits and designs "Mii's" with his middle daughter for over half an hour because "she wants to."

Oh.. and Mel always wants her pic taken when the camera is out. She wants you all to see her "big girl bed". Behold the wonder of it......

There were 3 in the bed....

Why is MY bed so much more fun???

Mr. Picassohead

Thanks Sarah for this cute idea.

This is why i love Saturday morning...

Morgan is reading to her sisters in the "clubhouse" with a flashlight while they have some snacks. The best part is that in order to make the clubhouse they had to clean the living room, upstairs toy room, and their bedrooms. Ah sweet child labor.

Honda Reliability!

This is not my car but it looks just like it...

I love my car. I really do. I don't care if it's a minivan. It's how I roll. I can get in, I can move around without hurting much. We can transport more kids than we have! It's been reliable. It's pretty good on gas. It broke down for the first time tonight... not bad for a 2003 and we're crossing our fingers for just a simple battery problem. Luckily we had some really great helpers. The husband of one of the other gym moms is a mechanic and got us on our way while Ron, one of our good friends and husband to my good friend Lori (who is always saving my bacon) helped Nathan with the dirty man-work in the garage. Tomorrow we'll know if it's the battery or the alternator. Good times... good times...

Can I please have one of these?

I'm not needing the whole thing... just enough to get Morgan into a school she actually likes. All kidding aside,.. what can I do to earn a little money each month to help out? Any ideas?

Should I be worried?

...that I will need to cough up enough money for another competitive gymnast?



"TaDaaaaaaa!!!!!"