Slices of Life - November

ORGANIZING
November 13, 2014

I have completely procrastinated from organizing my downstairs coat closet.  Overrun by mostly cleaning supplies this closet quickly became a broom closet instead of a coat closet.  I had enough of the clutter so I quickly came up with something that would help me regain order in this closet.  I bought the hanging organizer at Target and it has worked out really well.

The closet wasn't the only thing that bothered me about downstairs.  Every time the kids walked in from school they would scatter gloves, hats, and scarfs all over the floor in the laundry room.  I was tired of everyone not being able to find their gloves and hats so I bought an over the door shoe organizer to be used as a place where all of those things were kept.  With six rows everyone got to claim one row for all their cold weather gear.  When the weather warms up we will put things like sunglasses, swimming goggles and sunscreen in the pockets.  

PIANO LESSONS WITH DAD
November 13, 2014

It was a big decision to do piano lessons on our own with all 4 of our kids this year. Super grateful that Mike has been in charge of lessons every week. He is such a natural teacher and knows how to motivate each of the kids. It helps that he has the patience as well. Now, if some of them will listen to me when I tell them to practice that would be awesome!!

PETER'S INFUSION TEST
November 19, 2014

Well, we are getting a bit closer to ruling out what is causing Peter's delayed growth.  Since his blood work showed a low growth hormone level the Endocrinologist decided that it would be best to do an infusion test to get a more accurate reading of his growth hormone levels.  Peter was a trooper and did so well with the IV this time.  The entire test took about 5 hours.  The nurse said that it would only be about 30min until the medication in his IV would make him sleepy.  With the Xbox as a distraction it took  1 1/2 hours for Peter to finally fall asleep.  It was nice that we were in our own private room.  I sat and watched a movie on my iPad while Peter slept.  Every 30 minutes the nurse came in to draw his blood from the IV.  It went a lot smoother than I had anticipated.  When the test was over and they removed his IV he needed to use the rest room.  I helped him out of bed but quickly realized that he got up way too fast.  He passed out right in the middle of the hallway.  It's a good thing he is light because I was able to catch him and then carry him back to the room.  After getting some fluids and some food in him we were finally able to go home.  Back at home he slept for another couple of hours.  The results of his test came back the next day.  It turns out that his growth hormone levels were in the normal range...barely normal.  I am happy for him that he is producing enough growth hormone but the question remains...why isn't he growing?  So, to prayer we head as we continue to help Peter grow at a more normal rate.  If there is anyone who could handle this challenge it is Peter.  He is an amazing kid and no matter how tall he ends up being I know he will be live a happy life if his attitude continues to be the way it is now.  

NEW RECIPE - PANANG CURRY
November 25, 2014

Mike has really been on the lookout for some good new recipes to try.  While we were at my parent's house for Thanksgiving he spent a better portion of the morning going to different stores to find all the ingredients to make Panang Curry.  It was absolutely delicious and one recipe we will be adding to our mix.

BEST ROOTBEER EVER
November 24, 2014

Hands down the best root beer you can get at a restaurant is at the Brick Oven.  I was shocked to see this restaurant all the way down in St. George.  I have so many fond memories of going to the Brick Oven with Mike while we were attending BYU in Provo.  

DRIVING HOME
November 29, 2014

The drive to and from St. George wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  With 11+ hours in the car it sure is nice to have good scenery.  I think my favorite part of the drive is on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon.  It is definitely prettier in the summertime when everything is green but even in the winter with snow on the mountains it is still breathtaking.