So, summer should be full of fun and freedom, right? We are now, and always have been, parents who believe that children need to be children and have fun in doing so, while being provided with a safe environment in which to grow and learn how to make choices that lead to good consequences. We are blessed to live in a small town, and to be surrounded by small towns where our children can play safely and enjoy their childhood.
So, yesterday after Church, Connor and his friend, Tanner, went to my parent's house. They decided to go for a ride on their scooters, just like they had done the day before, only this time, they did not arrive home the same way they had the day before. I got the phone call from my mom at about 5 p.m., that Connor had taken a pretty good spill on the scooter and I better come take a look. I walked in and saw a swollen wrist and a clearly in pain Connor. I immediately knew we had to go to the ER. Off we went, with a banged up Connor. He had a pretty good scrape on his nose, his glasses had been destroyed, he had scraped his knee and both his arms, and he was not a happy boy. We were taken in immediately. When the doctor came in to do the exam, I thought that we would only have to X-Ray Connor's right arm, as it was pretty obvious that that arm was broken. The doctor said it would be best to take a picture of both. Connor asked me how he was going to eat with two broken arms. I assured him that only the right arm was going to be broken and he wouldn't have to worry about that. When the doctor came back, however, we quickly learned how wrong I was! Yep, they were both broken. And, the right arm was so badly broken that we would have to have it reset by an orthopedic doctor. How blessed we are to have so many people in our ward family who love us and sacrifice so much! Brother Harrison and Brother Anderson came to the hospital and Connor received a Priesthood blessing. And, the orthopedic doctor was also a member of our ward, who, though he was not on call, was willing to come in at the request of our regular Pediatrician. Doctor Jones came in and reset and casted both of Connor's arms. Connor was a trooper, with the good medication, he survived the resetting and the casting. We came home and finally crashed after just over 5 hours in the ER.
I have spent the day at home, with my Boo, giving him medication, feeding him, scratching his ears, nose and forehead, and providing for his every need. It is pretty difficult to do anything with two broken arms!!! We are sure hoping for a quick recovery and some creative fun for the remainder of the summer. If you have any good ideas for activities, send them our way!
Showing posts with label Connor-Boo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Connor-Boo. Show all posts
Monday, July 19, 2010
Summer Fun...New Experiences
So, I haven't blogged in awhile. I really think I need to try to be more like my friend, Cathy, who seems to get something on her blog everyday, at least a short something. I will try to get better...today I will post two things, because the two cannot go together.
We have been enjoying summer, the boys especially. The sun could have come out to stay sooner than the beginning of July, but ni modo, fun is to be had! While John and I are at work, the boys and Gaga get to play. Although, we did go camping over 4th of July weekend...that was a lot of fun!! But, with Gaga, they have fun trips to the river for swimming, visits to Mimi, and every Friday they have Friday night feast at Gaga's house. Friday night feast includes not only our boys, but Aidan's friend, Olivia and Connor's friend, Tanner. Gaga rotates the menu choice through each one of them, and they enjoy a variety of dinners each week. Our boys have one awesome grandma, let me tell you! We much appreciate her and all she does for us and the boys. And, we appreciate Pop for putting up with all the craziness too!
Part of the fun this summer has been a theater class that Connor and Aidan both participated in. During the school year, one of Connor's teachers suggested Connor might want to participate in the theater class that Ferndale Reparatory Theater offers each summer. Connor was really excited to be in the class. Aidan, on the other hand, originally asked if he could take a math class while Connor did the theater class. That would be our Aidan-Bug, he loves math!!! We did not find a math class, and Aidan decided, on the second day of class, that he wanted to take the theater class. Thanks to a scholarship, he was able to do so. They spent 3 days a week, 3 hours each day, for 4 weeks, developing two short plays. We got to see the results on Saturday night, and we absolutely loved it!!! We will most definitely be participating in the class again next summer. Connor is going to audition for Oliver in a couple of months and is fairly certain to go on to do great things on the stage! Aidan did a great job as a wizard and is a shining star as well.
We still want to go do some other things for the remaining 6 or so weeks of summer...maybe to Six Flags, maybe some more camping, maybe just relaxing....no matter what we do, we are certain to have lots of fun doing it!
We have been enjoying summer, the boys especially. The sun could have come out to stay sooner than the beginning of July, but ni modo, fun is to be had! While John and I are at work, the boys and Gaga get to play. Although, we did go camping over 4th of July weekend...that was a lot of fun!! But, with Gaga, they have fun trips to the river for swimming, visits to Mimi, and every Friday they have Friday night feast at Gaga's house. Friday night feast includes not only our boys, but Aidan's friend, Olivia and Connor's friend, Tanner. Gaga rotates the menu choice through each one of them, and they enjoy a variety of dinners each week. Our boys have one awesome grandma, let me tell you! We much appreciate her and all she does for us and the boys. And, we appreciate Pop for putting up with all the craziness too!
Part of the fun this summer has been a theater class that Connor and Aidan both participated in. During the school year, one of Connor's teachers suggested Connor might want to participate in the theater class that Ferndale Reparatory Theater offers each summer. Connor was really excited to be in the class. Aidan, on the other hand, originally asked if he could take a math class while Connor did the theater class. That would be our Aidan-Bug, he loves math!!! We did not find a math class, and Aidan decided, on the second day of class, that he wanted to take the theater class. Thanks to a scholarship, he was able to do so. They spent 3 days a week, 3 hours each day, for 4 weeks, developing two short plays. We got to see the results on Saturday night, and we absolutely loved it!!! We will most definitely be participating in the class again next summer. Connor is going to audition for Oliver in a couple of months and is fairly certain to go on to do great things on the stage! Aidan did a great job as a wizard and is a shining star as well.
We still want to go do some other things for the remaining 6 or so weeks of summer...maybe to Six Flags, maybe some more camping, maybe just relaxing....no matter what we do, we are certain to have lots of fun doing it!
Monday, March 15, 2010
A visit to the State Capitol
I am the President of the Scotia Union School District Board of Trustee. I am a trustee. I, along with four trustees, am entrusted with making decisions that affect more than 25 staff members and 218 students from K through 8th grades. I don't broadcast this information. I honestly enjoy serving on the Board of trustees, almost all of the time. I feel like I can make a difference. During the month of March, however, I don't really enjoy serving on the board. March is the month when we, as a board, have to decide if we will have to approve the recommendation of the Superintendent to lay staff off. This is the month in which we have to make tough decisions which truly take the lives and livelihood of individuals in our hands. Our small school district has fared much better than others have, and yet we are still hurting more than we should have to. We were unable to avoid giving "pink slips" to some teachers and programs this year. I cried when we did so last year, and I cried again this year. Last year we were able to retract those pink slips, but this year is not looking good. Close to 23,000 teachers in the state of California received "pink slips" this year. How sad is that? The consequences of this number is obvious, our children will be the ones who truly suffer in the end.
So why am I suddenly broadcasting this? Check this out:
Today was the last day of Connor's birthday trip. Before leaving Sacramento we went to the State Capitol building. We were standing in the hallway in front of the Governor's office when several members of California Teacher's Association and the Teacher's Coalition were gathering to present the Governor with a representative "pink slip" in the form of a memo asking him to please restore the funding we have lost over the last three or so years. Connor asked me what a "pink slip" was. I tried to explain simply the concept of budgeting for the school, and told him that unfortunately our own School Board had been forced to approve the issuing of "pink slips" this last week. One of the women in the group heard me and Connor talking and she approached us, saying she had heard my explanation. Connor immediately said "my mom is on the School Board." The woman asked if Connor and I would like to join with the group in delivering the "pink slip" to the Governor. We immediately said yes. Unfortunately, the Governor was booked and unable to see us, but his Press Secretary did come out and speak with the group. As is typical of many Politicians, he insisted that we had it wrong and that all was well with education funding. That is a discussion for another day. Connor presented him with the "pink slip" to give to the Governor. A Bay Area Superintendent also presented two large manila envelopes of letters written by her students to voice their concern as 20 of their teachers received "pink slips" today.
While it may or may not have any affect on what our State Government will do, Connor got to have a great experience today. He learned that he could be a part of something, big or small.
What a great experience for a 10 year old. I can only hope and pray that schools will not continue to lose funding, because all of the children deserve so much better than this!
So why am I suddenly broadcasting this? Check this out:
Today was the last day of Connor's birthday trip. Before leaving Sacramento we went to the State Capitol building. We were standing in the hallway in front of the Governor's office when several members of California Teacher's Association and the Teacher's Coalition were gathering to present the Governor with a representative "pink slip" in the form of a memo asking him to please restore the funding we have lost over the last three or so years. Connor asked me what a "pink slip" was. I tried to explain simply the concept of budgeting for the school, and told him that unfortunately our own School Board had been forced to approve the issuing of "pink slips" this last week. One of the women in the group heard me and Connor talking and she approached us, saying she had heard my explanation. Connor immediately said "my mom is on the School Board." The woman asked if Connor and I would like to join with the group in delivering the "pink slip" to the Governor. We immediately said yes. Unfortunately, the Governor was booked and unable to see us, but his Press Secretary did come out and speak with the group. As is typical of many Politicians, he insisted that we had it wrong and that all was well with education funding. That is a discussion for another day. Connor presented him with the "pink slip" to give to the Governor. A Bay Area Superintendent also presented two large manila envelopes of letters written by her students to voice their concern as 20 of their teachers received "pink slips" today.
While it may or may not have any affect on what our State Government will do, Connor got to have a great experience today. He learned that he could be a part of something, big or small.
What a great experience for a 10 year old. I can only hope and pray that schools will not continue to lose funding, because all of the children deserve so much better than this!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Good examples around us.
As I have said, our household is a crazy place to be. We are constantly busy, it seems. We have Church activities, Boys Scouts, mom's on the school board, homework...well, you get the picture. My mom gets to be just as busy with having the boys all day while John and I are at work and/or school, and we are grateful for all that she, my dad, and my Mimi do for our children and for us. While I do believe it is, first and foremost, the responsibility of John and I to teach our children and to raise them to be responsible adults, I also recognize the need for good examples all around. I am grateful to know many such people. Our kids are blessed with an extended family that many others do not have. They have wonderful teachers and support staff at both Scotia elementary and Prime Montessori. And, we have a great Church family. That is what I want to hit upon in this post.
Some of you, who read my blog, may not know that the LDS church is the largest group supporter of the Boy Scouts of America organization. Now you know. This year marks the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. Our boys start Boy Scouts at the age of 8, when they begin Cub Scouts, and we hope that they continue all the way through to become Eagle Scouts. We hope that each of our boys will do so. In fact, in order to get a driver's license in our house, our boys have to first achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. (nothing wrong with a little incentive, right?) So, Tuesday is Scout night. Connor started scouting almost 2 years ago now. He loves it. He looks adorably handsome in his Scout uniform. This past Tuesday was a very special Boy Scout meeting, our ward had an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for a young man in our ward, Cooper. What an experience!
Becoming an Eagle Scout is not easy. It requires hard work, dedication, sacrifice, service, integrity and trust worthiness exemplified, plus much more. As I watched the celebration of 100 years of Scouting and of Cooper's accomplishment, I could visualize my future. We had several special visitors that evening. Our Stake President, our Bishop, our Scout leaders, Fortuna City Mayor and Humboldt County 2nd district Supervisor all attended this Court of Honor to recognize Cooper. What a wonderful outpouring of love and support! I looked around the room and looked to the row of Cub Scouts sitting reverently in a row along the back wall. At that moment, I could see how impressionable those boys are. And I thought, how beautiful it is that they are seeing this great accomplishment recognized. How awesome that they have such an example as Cooper, in their lives! I looked around again, at all who showed up to honor Cooper. And you know what? I saw so many great examples of the Lord's chosen followers that reminded me just how blessed my boys really are. If they but follow the great examples they have surrounding them, they will be successful. I know that John and I cannot do it alone. I know that Heavenly Father doesn't expect us to. I am grateful for so many great examples.
Thank you, Cooper, and good job!
Some of you, who read my blog, may not know that the LDS church is the largest group supporter of the Boy Scouts of America organization. Now you know. This year marks the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. Our boys start Boy Scouts at the age of 8, when they begin Cub Scouts, and we hope that they continue all the way through to become Eagle Scouts. We hope that each of our boys will do so. In fact, in order to get a driver's license in our house, our boys have to first achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. (nothing wrong with a little incentive, right?) So, Tuesday is Scout night. Connor started scouting almost 2 years ago now. He loves it. He looks adorably handsome in his Scout uniform. This past Tuesday was a very special Boy Scout meeting, our ward had an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for a young man in our ward, Cooper. What an experience!
Becoming an Eagle Scout is not easy. It requires hard work, dedication, sacrifice, service, integrity and trust worthiness exemplified, plus much more. As I watched the celebration of 100 years of Scouting and of Cooper's accomplishment, I could visualize my future. We had several special visitors that evening. Our Stake President, our Bishop, our Scout leaders, Fortuna City Mayor and Humboldt County 2nd district Supervisor all attended this Court of Honor to recognize Cooper. What a wonderful outpouring of love and support! I looked around the room and looked to the row of Cub Scouts sitting reverently in a row along the back wall. At that moment, I could see how impressionable those boys are. And I thought, how beautiful it is that they are seeing this great accomplishment recognized. How awesome that they have such an example as Cooper, in their lives! I looked around again, at all who showed up to honor Cooper. And you know what? I saw so many great examples of the Lord's chosen followers that reminded me just how blessed my boys really are. If they but follow the great examples they have surrounding them, they will be successful. I know that John and I cannot do it alone. I know that Heavenly Father doesn't expect us to. I am grateful for so many great examples.
Thank you, Cooper, and good job!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A year in time makes nine???
You know that old saying; "A stitch in time saves nine...."? It doesn't work with years! Our first born son will turn nine tomorrow, and yet there are days when it really feels like only one, small, quick and unreal year has gone by.
When John and I got married, we were going to wait for a year or two before having children. Then, the month after we were married, I had this overwhelming feeling that we were supposed to start our family right away. Honestly, it did not take as much convincing as I expected for my husband. The month after that, I took a test one day at work...and it was positive! I remember calling my mom and Jay, who were pretty excited for grandchild #1 and John calling his mom who was thrilled at the thought of grandchild number 17. My dad and Rhonda were pretty excited, too. And of course my grandparents were very excited too! I was pretty sure that everything was perfect and would go perfect for the entire pregnancy...
At about 14 weeks into my pregnancy, not long after seeing my awesome OB/GYN, Ken Larsen (who I had nannied for prior to being married) for the first time, everything changed. I stood up at work and felt a weird gush, like I had just wet myself. Only it wasn't that I had wet myself, but that I was bleeding, A LOT! Good thing my best friend, Sarah K. worked with me because John was out of town (that's a story for another year) and my family was two states away in CA. So, Sarah K. took control and got me to Ken's office where he checked everything out. He showed me my perfect little baby with his very strong beating heart on the ultrasound machine...I was so glad to hear him say "the baby's fine, he is perfectly fine." Ken then told me that my cervix was incompetent and would have to be sewn closed if my baby was to stay where he obviously needed to be for awhile. My mom came out a week later and stayed with me while I was stuck on bed rest, cooking and cleaning and being mommy to me.
Fast forward 6 months and I was at the hospital, in labor, wishing that this sweet little boy would enter this world sooner rather than later! I had woken up in labor on March 14 at about 6 a.m. and had gone to work at the State of Utah. Since I had been to the hospital two times before, only to have my contractions stop, I was determined not to return until it was absolutely necessary! I made it through work until about 4 p.m., when I just couldn't do it anymore. I went home, called John and ordered pizza. Sarah K. and her then boyfriend (now husband) came over. I remember David made me the best ever grilled cheese sandwich! Then, at about 1 a.m. I was going to go to bed. I had two contractions in the first 5 minutes of laying in bed and John said we were going to the hospital no matter how I felt. Off we went...I was checked in and about an hour later I asked for the epidural...I was done with pain! Ken checked on me early, around 7:30 a.m. and he broke my water and placed a monitor on Connor's head. I remember him telling us that Connor had dark, curly hair...how could he know that? There, in that bed, I stayed all day long. At 5 p.m., I was finally completely dilated...but the baby wasn't really staying down where he should have been...we were both getting tired...Ken said I could try pushing but if the baby didn't move down by at least 1 cm, I was going to have a cesarean section. I could not make my baby budge! I was tired, I had a fever, I was ready for the baby to come out...I did not care how it happened at that moment! I barely remember having the doctor show me my little boy...the nurse asked me shortly after if I wanted to hold him and feed him...I said yes...my recovery nurse said that it was probably not going to happen...then I remember being wheeled into my room to see Sarah K. holding my baby....I slept that night, for the last full night in many months to come! The next morning, I held my baby for the first time...he did have brown, curly hair...he was beautiful...8 lbs. 3 oz. and 21.5 inches...clearly his height comes from his daddy, even today....he was perfect in every way!!! And to think, I could have lost him before I knew him....I have always been, and will always be, thankful to Ken for all that he did to save my baby, and for delivering my perfect little boy!
Today Connor is still quite tall...he will pass up my mom, grandma and me, probably within just a couple of years. He is still pretty near perfect...still beautiful...and darn it, he is still my baby! Connor amazes us each day with his knowledge, his love and his sweet, sweet spirit. He has a great love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lives up to the promises he made when he was baptized last year. Connor James Ireland...he is amazing...he is awesome...he is a great big brother...he is a great son...and he is loved!!!! From before he was born, he has been loved more than life itself...and forever he will be!
Happy birthday, Connor Boo! We love you!!!
When John and I got married, we were going to wait for a year or two before having children. Then, the month after we were married, I had this overwhelming feeling that we were supposed to start our family right away. Honestly, it did not take as much convincing as I expected for my husband. The month after that, I took a test one day at work...and it was positive! I remember calling my mom and Jay, who were pretty excited for grandchild #1 and John calling his mom who was thrilled at the thought of grandchild number 17. My dad and Rhonda were pretty excited, too. And of course my grandparents were very excited too! I was pretty sure that everything was perfect and would go perfect for the entire pregnancy...
At about 14 weeks into my pregnancy, not long after seeing my awesome OB/GYN, Ken Larsen (who I had nannied for prior to being married) for the first time, everything changed. I stood up at work and felt a weird gush, like I had just wet myself. Only it wasn't that I had wet myself, but that I was bleeding, A LOT! Good thing my best friend, Sarah K. worked with me because John was out of town (that's a story for another year) and my family was two states away in CA. So, Sarah K. took control and got me to Ken's office where he checked everything out. He showed me my perfect little baby with his very strong beating heart on the ultrasound machine...I was so glad to hear him say "the baby's fine, he is perfectly fine." Ken then told me that my cervix was incompetent and would have to be sewn closed if my baby was to stay where he obviously needed to be for awhile. My mom came out a week later and stayed with me while I was stuck on bed rest, cooking and cleaning and being mommy to me.
Fast forward 6 months and I was at the hospital, in labor, wishing that this sweet little boy would enter this world sooner rather than later! I had woken up in labor on March 14 at about 6 a.m. and had gone to work at the State of Utah. Since I had been to the hospital two times before, only to have my contractions stop, I was determined not to return until it was absolutely necessary! I made it through work until about 4 p.m., when I just couldn't do it anymore. I went home, called John and ordered pizza. Sarah K. and her then boyfriend (now husband) came over. I remember David made me the best ever grilled cheese sandwich! Then, at about 1 a.m. I was going to go to bed. I had two contractions in the first 5 minutes of laying in bed and John said we were going to the hospital no matter how I felt. Off we went...I was checked in and about an hour later I asked for the epidural...I was done with pain! Ken checked on me early, around 7:30 a.m. and he broke my water and placed a monitor on Connor's head. I remember him telling us that Connor had dark, curly hair...how could he know that? There, in that bed, I stayed all day long. At 5 p.m., I was finally completely dilated...but the baby wasn't really staying down where he should have been...we were both getting tired...Ken said I could try pushing but if the baby didn't move down by at least 1 cm, I was going to have a cesarean section. I could not make my baby budge! I was tired, I had a fever, I was ready for the baby to come out...I did not care how it happened at that moment! I barely remember having the doctor show me my little boy...the nurse asked me shortly after if I wanted to hold him and feed him...I said yes...my recovery nurse said that it was probably not going to happen...then I remember being wheeled into my room to see Sarah K. holding my baby....I slept that night, for the last full night in many months to come! The next morning, I held my baby for the first time...he did have brown, curly hair...he was beautiful...8 lbs. 3 oz. and 21.5 inches...clearly his height comes from his daddy, even today....he was perfect in every way!!! And to think, I could have lost him before I knew him....I have always been, and will always be, thankful to Ken for all that he did to save my baby, and for delivering my perfect little boy!
Today Connor is still quite tall...he will pass up my mom, grandma and me, probably within just a couple of years. He is still pretty near perfect...still beautiful...and darn it, he is still my baby! Connor amazes us each day with his knowledge, his love and his sweet, sweet spirit. He has a great love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lives up to the promises he made when he was baptized last year. Connor James Ireland...he is amazing...he is awesome...he is a great big brother...he is a great son...and he is loved!!!! From before he was born, he has been loved more than life itself...and forever he will be!
Happy birthday, Connor Boo! We love you!!!
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