Halloween Preschool Party

Today in preschool Ashley had a Halloween party. I was lucky enough to teach so that I could take lots of wonderful pictures. It was a lot of fun. Three year old's are so smart. We read stories, sang songs and talked about the fun of Halloween. Today they all dressed up in their costumes. They were all so cute. These kids have so much fun together. I just love this age. At snack time they are always talking under the table. Today they were all doing it and I thought it was so cute so I took a picture. Ashley always has so much fun with her friends. It is fun to watch her play and learn. It is going to be such a fun year for her in preschool.

Our Beautiful Little Girls

As I have posted before, Kevin got me a really nice camera for Christmas so I have decided to do all of my kids pictures now. One day I would like this to be my job but I still have so much to learn before I would feel comfortable to take people's money for pictures. Right now it is a way to learn and a great way to save us money. Here is what I was able to get yesterday.On this one I kept on telling Allison to get closer to Madison but she wasn't cooperating. I like it but wish Allison was closer. Also isn't Madison's haircut cute. We just got it done yesterday. All the girls have been wanting their hair shorter for awhile. I told Allison, next time will be her turn. I need it to be long for Disney world. It will be easier. This was my favorite pose but I don't like Allison's hair that much. I changed it later on and I liked it better. Allison's hair isn't fixed yet so I like this one except that. The girls wanted to set their own pose. Madison and Allison ok not so much Ashley. Ashley had lost interest by this point so she wouldn't do what I wanted anymore but I still think it turned out ok. This was the last picture because Ashley was done. When I told the girls that we were done they ask why and I told them it was because Ashley had lost her patience. She jumps up and says oh no help me find it please. We all laughed so hard. Then she said oh wait, it is in my mouth. What would we do without her. I love her so much and love what she brings to our family.

A long exhausting weekend

Our long weekend started Thursday morning at about one in the morning. Madison came in and told us that her stomach hurt. We gave her some medicine and made her comfortable on the couch. It didn't take long for her to get sick so I decided it was best for me to stay with her in the living room. She was tossing and turning and couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep in. After a while we called our pediatrician's after hours line and the nurse told us that if it was her appendix we would know. Well the night went on and things just kept getting worse. Finally Kevin and I looked at each other and said lets take her to the emergency room. Kevin stayed home with the girls and I took her in. We got there around 4. I am so grateful to live in a small area like we do because there was no waiting and we saw a doctor within a half hour of being there. He was pretty certain it was her appendix so he ran some tests and called in a surgeon. The surgeon had had along night so it took him a little while to get there but with pain medications Madison was finally able to get some sleep. Unfortunately I only had a chair so I was not able to sleep but I knew there would be time for that later. The surgeon came in and said he had a few more tests for her but wanted her transported to downtown Boise so they called for the ambulance to come and get her. Meanwhile Kevin was holding the fort down at home. He got Allison and Ashley off to school and thought he would run up to the hospital to bring me some food before he ran to a meeting at work. While we were on the phone deciding what to get the ambulance came so no breakfast. Kevin still ran to the hospital and got to see her before we took off. It really boosted Madison's spirits to see him.

We got settled downtown and they did an ultrasound to make sure there wasn't anything else causing the problems. I was very grateful that he was being so cautious because of my history with ovarian cysts. Unfortunately the doctors weren't that thorough when I was young and it took 2 years to find my problem. I feel very grateful that Dr. Curnow checked everything before cutting her open. The ultrasound came back normal so he came and told me that we could monitor or go for surgery. He felt that surgery was the best option so I took his advise and gave the "ok". After making that decision I hoped that Kevin wouldn't be mad that I didn't consult with him but he understood and agreed with my decision. After getting the news Kevin stopped to get us some lunch and headed to the hospital. Dr Curnow was leaving town so things moved very quickly getting Madison into surgery. Kevin did get there before they wheeled her back which I know really helped him and her.

The surgery went very well and her appendix was very infected. It was really cool Dr. Curnow brought out pictures to show us it. We got to keep them too. They are pretty cool.

She was in recovery for about an hour before they took her back to her room where we finally got to see her. She was in good spirits after everything that she had been through but tired.

After Madison was settled Kevin sent me home so that I could shower and hopefully catch a nap. Unfortunately my mind was too busy so I didn't get the nap but I did get some quality time with Allison and Ashley before I went up to the hospital to spend the night with Madison.

We had a pretty quiet night the first night. The nurses were amazing and did there best not disturb Madison unless it was absolutely necessary. Her only complaint was that her IV beeped every 2 hours but the nurses came in quickly to get it shut off for her.

On Friday she had a little more energy and I had brought a few things from home to keep her busy. She thought it was pretty cool that she could get on the internet and play. I am so grateful for our friends that were there to help with Allison and Ashley so I could stay at the hospital with Madison and Kevin was able to work since we have a vacation planned in November and he needs his time for that. I don't know what we would have done with out you. One of the most exciting parts of the day for Madison was when she got flowers from her Nana and Grandpa.

Both her and Allison have been saying that they want flowers since I got some on my birthday. I told Madison that I would have gotten her some she didn't have to go through all this to get some. She also got a card from her class at school and gift bag full of things to do from a good friend.

Meanwhile we had Kevin's family coming into town for his cousins wedding so Kevin had to get the girls and head down for that. Madison and I were bummed to miss it but Kevin took pictures and recorded video for us.

Danica and Brandon Croy's Wedding from Kevin Scharnhorst on Vimeo.

The girls really had a great time and loved that they could be with their grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins. It couldn't have worked out better. It was nice that they were here to help with the girls too.

After the wedding Nana and Grandpa came to visit Madison. The peds ward was under lock down for flu season and only parents or grandparents could visit. I think Kevin and I were getting boring so grandparents were a welcome site. It was killing Allison that she couldn't see Madison and it was killing Madison that her sisters couldn't' come visit. I love to see that they really do deep down love each other. Sometimes it is hard to tell.

I wish I could say that Friday night went as well as the night before but it didn't. She was in alot of pain from all the air in her tummy. We were up alot during the night and walking the halls to help relieve some of the pressure. I think all the pain was making her sick so we almost weren't going to be able to go home like planned on Saturday. She had to be able to keep food down before they would release her from the hospital. On Friday night Kevin had ask her if she would like a blessing while grandpa was at the hospital but she didn't. Saturday morning when she found out she might not be able to go home and she was feeling so bad she ask for dad and grandpa to come. I am grateful for Kevin and that he is a worthy priesthood holder so he can be there when we need him. I am happy to report that we did come last night.

We could not hold Allison back when she finally got to see Madison. She was so happy to finally get to see her.

Things have been good for the most part since we got home. Madison wasn't the most cooperative in the middle of the night when we had to wake her for her pain meds but we made it through. This morning she is in a much better mood and more cooperative when we wake her up for her meds. I am very happy to be home and that Madison is doing well. I am thankful for all the nurses and doctors that helped us while in the hospital. I am so thankful for all the wonderful friends and family and for all the help and prayers in our time of need. I don't know what we would do without you. I am especially grateful for the power of the priesthood and that we have Heavenly Father watching over us and looking out for us.

Right now we are just enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon recovering from our ordeal. The girls are being just awesome and very helpful to make this as easy as possible. I think they are a little worn out.



Sorry for such along post. I am using this blog as our family journal and am going to make it into a book at the end of year. Thanks for anyone that reads it and made it to the end.

Weekend in Twin

Kevin decided to go to his moms this last weekend. Madison had plans with some friends so I offered to stay home with her. Ashley was getting over a cold so she stayed home with us too. Looking back I am really glad that we decided to just have Allison go. She has been having a hard time adjusting to school so this time was good for her. She had a lot of fun and got a lot of attention that was needed. Kevin posted earlier about carving a pumpkin but I thought it would be nice to include some of their other photo's.

Kevin took his dutch oven with him and really spoiled them all with yummy food.From what I hear Grandpa was in heaven. They invited Grandma Struchen out and then took some into Nana's since she had to work. Allison really enjoyed herself. Wow and look at her hair. I am impressed that she looked so presentable. Kevin and Allison get two thumbs up for that. Thank you Aunt Karen for the tip on her hair. I love it and it is so easy to do on those days that I don't have time to straighten it.They were very shocked to wake up to snow on the ground and it was still coming down. Kevin was concerned about driving home because he needs new tires but he made it and I guess it is time to stop putting it off. Les Schwab here we come.

Pumpkin carving with Grandpa Scharnhorst

Over the weekend of October 2nd, Kevin and Allison went down to his parents house to watch the general conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints. On Saturday, Allison convinced Grandpa to get a pumpkin while they were out running errands in the afternoon. They come home and carved it that afternoon. Here is a video of it.

Allison and Grandpa Scharnhorst carving a pumpkin from Kevin Scharnhorst on Vimeo.

Below are some pictures of the process as it progressed. First they cut out a pattern to be used on the pumpkin. The pattern Allison picked was "Oogie Boogie" from "The Night Before Christmas".Transferring the pattern to the pumpkin:Boy...Grandpa grew grey with the attention given to cutting on the pattern. :)Looking good.... Putting the fine tuning and wrapping up.... And the final product!