Todd's birthday

The kids and I barely had time to get home before Todd's birthday the very next day. It was nice to be together again. We managed to make a cake and go to Red Robin. Luckily, we did the birthday shopping before and in Utah.

Happy Birthday Todd! We Love You!

Band season starts for Todd

Todds first concert of the summer was over Memorial day weekend. They have a new leader and they are playing some cool new songs (when we go to all of his concerts year after year it is nice to hear some new stuff.) He had a concert today too. He is trying to convince Brandon to join him this summer in the town band. We will see. Anyway, it has been a great outlet for Todd.

Big ouch!

Todd had his shoulder surgery on Thursday. From a tear in the rotator cuff on the right, ski accident. Everything went well -- especially that first day and night when he was on a nerve block - like an epideral. Saturday night and Sunday were not so good when all of the pain pills did a number on his stomach. The ultimate was when we took the bandages off today. Have you ever seen America's Funniest Videos when they have people wax off chesthair? Oh my -- I though he was really going into shock for a bit there. It was almost funny - but not then for him at least. He has been saying that his shoulder pain has been at about a 2 or 3 out of 10 even without meds now - but when I ripped off the tape off his hairy chest the pain was at a 10! I actually had to remind him to breath through his nose and out his mouth! - and keep talking to me!! Poor Guy! He hopes to go back to work on Wed.

Not just a regular Tuesday

This past Tuesday Todd and the boys skipped work and school and went skiing. They had a great day and it was beautiful outside. Trevor has a free pass this year for being a 5th grader and the others had gem pass discounts. Anyhow, they all did really well.

Christen didnt go this time but I did take her out for lunch during school and then she and I went to a 4:30 showing of Tale of Despereau. It was a cute movie. Afterwards we called they boys to see if they were on their way home. Well, they were on their way home alright - via Sky Ridge - the local hospital!!

I really thought that they were joking at first when they said that. But appaerently Todd only had one fall at the end of the day (hit a rock) and dislocated his right shoulder! This happens every once in awhile to him. It actually hasn't happened since his fall off the roof. I guess when he falls it is hard! Usually he can actually pop it back in himself , but not this time. The ski patrol was not too helpful and Todd ended up driving 2 plus hrs to get home - with his arm very still. Christen and I met him at the ER and we had our home teacher, Carl came to pick up one of the cars.

Crazy. At least he doesnt need emergency surgery, however he will be having surgery in the next few months to have the ligaments tightened. This will be after Christen's baptism March 7th - because he will need that arm and handfor that! The last baptism we had - Trevor's - Todd had a broken arm wrapped in a plastic bag!!

So there you go!

ER Visit

not a great pic - they had a disposible camera. Anyhow there was a life flight helecopter back there. He didnt use it but it looked cool.

A Joyful Noise!!

He is way in the back middle.

Another concert for Todd. -- and a good noise coming from him!! see post below. It was a great Christmas concert and was just down the road at a local church - which is good because the snow has been really coming down! The kids think it may be a snow day - or at least a late start.
Anyway, It was just Todd and I for this one. It has been fun to watch him enjoy himself so much as he has picked up his trombone again. He has been in the band for 2 years now and it has been a great stress reliever and "out" for him.
If you are interested in listening scroll down to my blue playlist and pause before listening to the concert.

noises at night.

Before I even start I would like to say how much I dearly love my husband.

OK - A few months ago my friend Suzette wrote in her blog about having a fire alarm chirper go off in the middle of the night. We had just recently had one too so I could totally relate. Why is it always in the middle of the night anyway? There are other noises that you just wake up to hear - like an ambulance or your kids being sick in the bathroom, babies crying etc.

So last night, I woke up multiple times to Todd SNORING --LOUDLY. I would tap him or make him roll over but it never really stopped and he could not hear himself. Just as I was drifitng off again at 3 am I heard him get up. Unbelievable. I had not heard it - nor do I EVER hear Misty, our dog whimper ever so quietly to go out. She is all the way downstairs in the family room in her kennel.

We have gone through this alot lately because he always says he hears her and cant ignore her until he goes down to let her out. Go figure - he sure does sleep through all of his noise. Then sometimes he even says that the noise he thinks is Misty wimpering is actually me snoring. - It is possible.

I took a nap today. We will see how tonight goes.

Todd - the man of the hour

Sunday Todd was ordained a High Priest by his father. It was very exciting and special for him to have his parents there. Todd has and shows such deep respect and love for both his father and mother. I couldnt ask for better in laws!! Todd has been in the HP group leadership as a secretary - but has still been an Elder -which apparently is acceptable.

There were several changes in the ward and stake last week -one being that one of the assistants is now a High Councellor so we thought that Todd may be an assistant and thus be ordained as a HP. However, there were other plans I guess and he was just called yesterday as second Counsellor in the Young Mens presidency. We weren't super shocked becuse he has been very involved with those boys ever since cubs. He will love it. The funny thing that Brandon said was " Hey Dad, since I am the Deacons Quorum President and you are the Advisor over Deacons does that make me your boss?"

And then I quickly said, "no, I am still the boss!!" Todd just grinned knowingly!! I love that man!!

Their First 14er!

A few weeks ago Brandon and his scout group and Todd and Trevor climbed Mt. Sherman. Todd has been wanting to climb a 14er for a long time so he want about to pass up a chance to volunteer as a dad helper. They had a great time and made it just fine. Brandon and Trevor were troopers getting up. I will have to get Todd to fill in some of the details. Anyhow, it was a success!

Todd's aspirations!

Here is Todd's newest hero! You HAVE to check this out!! Let us know if you think he has a chance!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z0-slteflA

Here is Brandons version. Sorry it is sideways!

Trombone Choir

Another of Todd's performances - this one included the Trombone choir. There are 5 of them. Todd is second to the left. That same night they had some salsa music from another band and dance instruction --until it started to downpour! Then it cleared enought for Todd's band to play and we learned a little waltz. The town does this every month during the summer.

Todd is one year older and wiser too . . .

Look at ALL that Smoke!! and that was just a few candles!!

The kids were rubbing Todd's head for good luck.

Happy Birthday to you!! We were able to visit Todd's parents the day before Todd's birthday on Sunday the 3rd. His mom was feeling better and they had alot of leftovers from the reunion so we were happy tp help out! We had yummy lasagna and fruit salad and pie. Thanks mom and dad! We had a great time. We actually had a couple of the boys' friends with us - Andrew and Josh. Their parents were a on a trip and we had them staying with us. It was fun to show them the deer that come into the yard at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

On Monday night Todd had band practice but we did all have dinner together, FHE, and have Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cake -a family traditional favorite. He got his few presents early - again more camping stuff. -That has been his thing for awhile. Tuesday Todd and I went out together for dinner and that was nice.

Also, a quick birthday shout out for several others in this past week - Andi, Shannon, Ralph, Quinton and KeriLyn!!

Happy Father's Day!

The shirt for Grandpa said, "property of my Grandkids" He was on the phone with Todd's sister at the time we were leaving -

We had a great day today. Actually we also were thinking about the fact that 2 years ago yesterday Todd had his accident and we are so grateful that he is still with us! That whole thing really changed our perspective on life and how thankful we are that we are an eternal family. We really have been closer as a couple and a family since then and the experience definately made us stronger. Enjoy each moment!

Backing up a bit --- After going to the temple yesterday we hung out as a family and saw Kung Fu Panda together. I must be superstitious because I wanted things safe and all of us together.

Today we let Todd sleep in, made his breakfast and had decorated the house for the occasion. He had bought himself several practical gifts -camping gear, new weed whacker so there wernt any surprises other than a cool Dad fishing t shirt - Dad - my best fishing buddy. After church we went to see Todd's folks and have dinner there and visit. It was nice.