What was I thinking?

"Life is pain! Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something." -- Wesley from "Princess Bride"

Hopefully that quote is accurate, but it's certainly true for me right now. I've been working out at the gym the past couple of months and decided to shake things up by enrolling in a boot camp M-Th, 6-7 a.m through the rec center. On Monday morning, as I was running with my group under the dark, star-filled sky, I wondered "What the heck am I doing?" Actually, I confess, I really wasn't thinking of the word "heck" (the other "H" word). The sentiment grew stronger while doing various lunges, squats, crunches, push-ups, and any other pain-inducing exercise you can imagine. As the week has gone on, my perplexity at why I keep going increases. My muscles are so sore I can barely move. I'm exhausted because of the time change and wakeful nights with the kids. I leave when it's pitch black and everyone else is asleep. Why aren't I sleeping, too?

Anyway, something keeps me going. Maybe it's the tone body I envision in my head. Maybe it's the need to feel strong and able as I chase my toddlers around the house all day. Maybe I enjoy suffering, in a way. Maybe it's a combination of things . . . not sure.

If you notice me hobbling, wincing in pain as I pick up my baby, or making strained expressions as I make any sort of movement, now you know my secret pain. Just, please, no hugs, slaps on the back, or even high fives. I don't think I could handle that right now.

Gratitude!

Last week I took Alyssa to see the cardiologist for her EKG and ultrasound. The previous visit had seemed pretty bleak . . . according to the doc, the hole in her atria would probably not close and we'd need to be prepared for surgery and all the other risks associated with her heart defect. Even though I knew she'd be fine, I had this underlying worry. With Jayce being so sickly the first two years of his life, I was used to the stress, but I was kind of tired of it, too.


Alyssa at six months

During a wellness check two weeks ago, her pediatrician detected the murmur. I was pretty dejected because at that point I figured the hole was still there. As I trudged to the cardiologist's office a week later, I expected that the news would be the same . . . hole, surgery, no improvement. I also dreaded the whole procedure wondering how Alyssa would possibly sit still. Surprisingly, she did wonderfully! She certainly wasn't happy, but she fussed quiety and was still during the ultrasound. Thankfully, the doc had wonderful news . . . her heart was perfect!!!! I was in complete shock. She reiterated that the hole was closed and that Alyssa would never need to come back for a repeat appointment . . . because her heart was perfect. I've been focused on her imperfect heart for so long I couldn't quite believe it. Immediately this huge weight lifted and I was filled with relief. I was bracing for bad news and didn't get it. I have a healthy child, and I couldn't be more grateful or appreciative. We had lots of prayers in hopes that her heart would get better, and now we have lots of prayers of thankfulness!

Called to Serve

Mom, Dad, Elder Meyer, Bryan & Scott at the MTC. As far as I know, Elder Meyer (Steven) hasn't escaped, yet. It's hard for the Provo boys . . . so close to home, yet so far from reality.

Disneyland post #10,000!

Okay, I failed to mention that when I went up to Utah with Alyssa, Jer took Jayce to Disneyland. Again, so many Disneyland posts, but seriously, Jer got some cute shots of my son. By the way, even though I was really glad to see my brother off, I was a bit jealous of my boys. Jer had a blast because the whole day was about what Jayce wanted. He didn't have to worry about Alyssa, Alyssa's nap times, carrying all the toddler gear, being so quiet in the hotel after 7 because she goes to bed so early, etc. The boys just did their own thing. As much as I love my little girl, she is definitely difficult when we go. She has fun, but only in doses (like a typical 16 month-old). Jayce can enjoy the whole day but is usually hampered by his sister. I'm glad the boys had a chance to bond. I just want to know when Jayce and I can go together. Jer? Want a weekend with Alyssa? :)


Seriously, I think Jayce is looking more like his dad everyday. Very Jeremy-like pose as well.


Jayce loves the Haunted Mansion. He especially loves the line, "I am your host . . . your ghost host. Waa ha ha."


Chillin' on the California "C." Very appropriate for that casual California lifestyle.


Jayce loves chocolate milk, so that's his special treat when he goes.

No passenger seat?

Improvise! :)


Jayce really wanted to ride his truck, but he was nice enough to share with our neighbor, Devyn. When he couldn't handle the separation from his vehicle, he jumped on the hood to ride. I think he had more fun that way!

Steven, watch this!

Okay, so maybe I fed him the lines, but he was sincere. He was sad that he wasn't in Utah to say goodbye, so here's the next best thing. Translation -- "Goodbye, Steven. Have a good mission. I'll miss you!"

Bowling . . . is it worth it?

Well, we playgroup gals were so excited to try bowling with our toddlers last Wednesday. What were we thinking? :) Grumpy management, distracted kids, crazy babies, the slow-moving balls inching down the lanes . . . hysteria! Actually, it was fun, but I think we'll try a different strategy next time: bring the spouses for help with the kids, and don't let the kids bowl all 10 frames (they get bored after three).


They were more enamored with the nachos than the actual game.


Alyssa . . . also loving the nachos.

During a stressful, competitive game, Jayce found solace with the fan.

. . . the reason the game took so long. :) He definitely lacked finesse -- his drop made everyone nervous. So cute, though!

Final Score: Jayce, 51 (with bumpers); Lisa, 70 (without bumpers AND holding a toddler the whole time).