March comes in like a lion....

OK that may be a lie. It's not that windy. But for Sara, the lion part means...
NEW JOB! She got a job at the Lion House. She is not thrilled about the pioneer garb, but hey, it will give her another chance to wear her lovely Trek outfit. She starts next week, so watch for her tripping with a tray at the next event you attend at the Lion House.

Tanner is happily working and serving in Indonesia. Luckily Breanne still claims us and we love her more every day.

Katie went to Rascal Flatts last night and had a grand time. She heads to Hawaii with the Mathesons in a month. Lucky girl!

Chloe, Meg, and Mati went to a little class at the NICU to help understand what is going on with Halle and why Mom is going there. Since we are mid-RSV season, no one under age 14 is allowed in the unit, so the littles haven't even been able to see her. Just photos. They loved the class, and wondered why they couldn't go again this Saturday.

CHLOE WAS BAPTIZED! She looked so pretty and was so excited and ready for her big day. We are so grateful to our awesome families and friends who made it special for her.

Meg is making big plans for her birthday, and has asked if we can take her whole class to Disneyland for her party. I said no. She said "Then can we take them to Magoon?" Yeah...let me think about that....

Mati is still busy as always. Nuff said. And Hooray for Halle...who weighs 4 lb 4 oz! She is taking 2 bottles a day (nearly 2 oz each time) and is more and more alert. She could be discharged in three weeks. Keep praying for her! All she has to do is learn to eat and hold her body temp. She is off oxygen and all medications. She is a trooper.

Last Home Game

Tonight was Sara's last home game at Olympus! She danced at half time and then the players gave each cheerleader a boquet. Sara was thrilled to receive hers from her favorite coach, Craig. They do get to go on to playoffs so it's not the last game she'll cheer at, but it's getting close.

Tanner is doing well in Indonesia. He gets to travel now he's a Zone Leader and he loves that. He is so good with people and loves being with them. It's amazing to see the growth in him in just 8+ mos. Katie gets to go to Sun Valley and spend some time with Grandpa and Grandma this weekend. She is a girl who gets around!

Chloe is doing great, Mati is doing great - they all love being outside a little with the slightly warmer weather. And Meg spent last night in the ER with asthma, poor kid. It just wipes her out. I knew we had to go get help when she said, at about 1am, "Mom, let's go outside. There's not enough air in our house". HELLO! Off to the hospital we go!

Halle is just amazing. She is just over 3 lbs and learning to suck and swallow. I drip little drops of milk from a syringe into her mouth while she sucks a binky. It's like feeding a kitten. So I hear. I haven't ever actually touched a feline, but I think that's how they would do it. She is so sweet and I am amazed at her will to live.

Today I we had a PTA meeting trying to set up a board for next year. Which is code for Ami Neff and I (the co presidents for next year) try to scrounge up names of people we can beg to help w/ PTA. We came up with some good names and I am prepared to do some serious baking as bribery. Mat goes to IA for a few days tomorrow, so I am on my own around the homestead. Which means McDonalds and nothing other than sweats to wear. And the good times just keep on coming!

CHLOE IS 8!

Eight is great! I can't believe it was 8 yrs ago that Chloe joined our little family. We had a little celebration yesterday -- Feb 10--- the real day. She got a new outfit and I made the favorite birthday dinner. Winegar's, Breanne, Jason, and Grandpa & Grandma came over for cake. Chloe is having a Lion House birthday party on the 28th so that will be the 'real' celebration. She will be baptized on March 1st. It will be a big weekend! Chloe is such a good girl and so helpful. We love Chloe!!

Saturday we had a nice evening out with Grandpa & Grandma, Kindall & Izzy, Whitey and Amy, and Joe. We ate at the lovely IMC food court and then took turns visiting Baby Halle. We are all in love with her. She weighs 2 lb 12 oz and is down to 1.5 litres of 02, so hopefully she can make the transition to a nasal cannula in the coming week. She is a fighter and doing so well. I haven't been to see her for a few days, since I have a nasty cold, and I am missing her. Please continue to pray for her. She is doing so well...(knock wood)

February 5

Just a little update...All is well on our homefront. Despite being pounded with snow, everyone is healthy and happy---and safe. Mati and Meg are loving it. They love going sledding and just playing in snow. Chloe is very busy inside doing art and writing. She is a girl after my own heart---no outdoorsy activities. Katie has a new favorite movie---"Juno" ---and had a great day skiing this weekend w/ Grandpa Marv and the cousins. Sara still crazy busy with cheer and trying to get her stuff together to go to China in August. Tanner is doing great---despite the outbreak of typhoid or some such disease. I am so glad that MTC immunizes. Halle is on high flow nasal cannula and doing great. She weighs 2 lb 7 oz and loves her binky. Good girl!

Baby Halle

We have temporary custody of this beautiful baby, Halle Jae. She was born at 24.5 weeks gestation. She was due April 10, but in the bustle of the season, decided to come on Christmas Day. She has tried breathing off the ventilator twice, but is just not quite strong enough to do it. She was reintubated this morning at 6 am and is stable. She weighs 2 lb 2 oz and is just beautiful.