Our Christmases

We had a crazy Christmas this year, but we were still able to celebrate with our family. Twice in fact. Once on Christmas Day and then again with DJ last Saturday.Mackenzie cleaned up on Twilight merchandise, Savannah got the new book she had been wanting, and DJ received plenty of toys to keep him busy. Santa Claus managed to find a Wii and deliver it Christmas Eve. The girls have been playing every chance they get, and DJ even gets into the action with the help of mom or dad! Dallas was happy when he opened his gift . It was a picture of Troy, Emmitt, and Michael with tickets from the three super bowls. And I finally got a new digital camera along with a couple of movies I had been oh so subtly hinting about.DJ needed some help opening his presents, but he enjoyed it and has been playing with his toys everyday. After all of the excitement with the family on Saturday he fell right to sleep and slept through the night! There's nothing like a little Christmas to exhaust a person!

A Timeline in Pictures

I thought I would put up a few pictures of DJ from his first day in the hospital to his release yesterday. Last night was a bit rough. He is having some problems with mucus build up, and when he can finally cough it up it makes him sick. Unfortunately this tends to happen around three a.m. and then he wants to stay up and watch cartoons. Just know that if I am talking to you and kind phase out it is nothing personal, just a lack of sleep!

Very Tired, but Happy

Okay, so I know I have not written in a week, but we had a couple of snowstorms which meant no Internet for me. I will start with last Thursday and work my way up.

Thursday morning they put DJ's ventilator on standby to see how he would do. They did not expect him to breathe on his own for more than ten minutes, but he surprised them all and after an hour and a half they decided to bring in the ENT doc. They looked at his airway and said he could be extubated so that is what they did! He was still on quite a bit of morphine, but he was awake and looking marvelous in my opinion. They did not go in for a scope on Friday, but they did move him up to the surgical floor, which was wonderful. We had more privacy and Dallas and I were better able to spend the night with him. They weaned him off most of his meds over the weekend except for the morphine since he had surgery scheduled for Monday and he would just be put right back on it. Monday the went in and put what they call a G-tube into his stomach where he can receive his nutrition. Also they did another camera scope and placed the string from the g-tube up through the esophagus and out his nose. This will be used for his treatment later.Dr. Black said that he healing wonderfully and that he has never seen anyone with the severity of DJ's injuries heal so quickly. We were all very excited with the news. DJ, however, was not thrilled about the surgery at all and shot at his nurse with a Nerf dart gun! Tuesday was rough, but he did sleep through the night Tuesday night which made Wednesday much better. Dallas and I had alot of training for the G-tube so that we would be able to feed and medicate him ourselves which will come in handy since we were able to bring him home today!!!! That is right! We have our very own cranky three year old sitting in the living room! He will have to go back to Primary Children's for treatment, but whether or not he will have to be hospitalized again is not known yet. I would just like to thank everyone for all of their prayers. Dallas and I both know that every one's faith and prayers is why he is able to come home at this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

More News

Today was the Esophogram and things went well. They shot dye into his esophagus and there were no holes in his esophagus and things are open as far as they can tell. They are taking him completely off the paralytic tonight so that his lungs can strengthen up some and see if they can extubate on Friday. If they can then they will do the camera scope again to check the esophagus from the inside and also place a feeding tube in his stomach. If they can't, he will go back onto the paralytic and we will wait another week or so. We are hoping that all goes well and he is out of PICU and in a regular room by this time next week. Happy New Year to everyone, and may you all have fun tonight!!

News

Tomorrow is the big day where we might possibly get some new info!! Dallas and I will be at the hospital by 7 am and plan on being there all day. I talked to the doc today and there is an issue with his right lung. He is having fluid build up and while they don't believe that it is an infection they may still go ahead and put in a chest tube. That decision will also be made tomorrow after his scope. His mouth is looking great though. It is nice and pink and his lips are actually starting to look like lips again!

DJ's Boots

As I said earlier DJ has to wear boots of some sort to support his feet so that he does not have problems later. Last night my mother in law and Dennis bought him some cowboy boots to wear while in the hospital. I think he will like them very much when he wakes up.(Savannah picked them out)

They started oral care today, so his mouth was very raw and sore. He cried a couple of times because of pain, and that was heart breaking, but all in all he seems to be doing alright. They are switching around some of his medications so that hopefully it won't be as hard and traumatic to bring him out of the coma when they need to. We are hoping to have him awake by this weekend, but it could still be several more weeks. The doctors say to hope for the best but expect the worst and that is what we are doing. The Lord has blessed us and we feel that although this may be a long trial all will be well in the end and DJ will be healthy and active again.

The Lighter Side of Life

Many of you have asked how we as a family are doing. We are all coping as best we can. Dallas and I are trying to keep things normal for the girls and let them have some fun. Friday we went sledding with Larry and Angie and these are a few pictures from that. We have learned through other experiences that if you want to survive the trials you must learn to laugh in all types of situations. That is how you keep sane. We want to have good stories to tell DJ when he wakes up, and this will be one of them.

Larry getting ready to go down the hill.


Kenzie jumped on with Dallas and Savannah at the last minute.

She then fell off going down the hill.

Sunday Update

Things are about the same. We are still waiting for Wednesday to roll around. They have reduced the paralytic so that he has a bit more movement in his hands and legs now, and his mouth is looking much better. He did have a small issue with his heart rhythm last night, but they adjusted his medication which stopped the issue. He is going to be wearing cowboy boots part of the time to help prevent drop foot and keep his muscles in his ankles in good shape. He will be happy about the new boots. That is it for now. I will hopefully have new pictures for you tomorrow. Thank you all.

Update

Hello every one. We have just gotten back from the hospital so I thought I would let everyone know what is up. The doc has decided to do another scope on Wednesday for sure. They are trying to get all the way down to the stomach to see if things are good enough to put in the feeding tube. He has had a low grade temp, but nothing out of the ordinary for his type of injury. His lungs were a bit junky last night, but the respiratory tech came in and suctioned everything out really well and he is sounding clear again. They have put him on Lasix to help move some of the fluids he has been holding onto. His hands have been pretty swollen, so I am hoping that it helps. Dallas and I will be heading up again tomorrow to hang out with him. We are looking forward to the time when they can wake him up, but it will be a few weeks before that happens, and the process will not be fun. Thank you all again for your support and prayers!

Pictures of DJ

The top picture is from yesterday and the bottom one is from today. He is resting comfortably and even breathed a few breaths without the ventilator last night. His mouth seems to be healing quickly and the swelling there has gone down quite a bit.

DJ

Some of you may have already heard what has happened to DJ, but for those who haven't here is the news. Tuesday DJ swallowed some drain cleaner while we were fixing the sink and was life flighted to Children's Primary Hospital. He has severe burns to his mouth and esophagus and has been put into a drug induced coma. He is stable and although he is on a ventilator, his lungs sound clear and he will hopefully be able to breath on his own once the swelling has subsided. They will do another scope next week to see how he is healing and to see if any restorative surgery is necessary. I will keep everyone updated via the blog. We appreciate every one's support and prayers. Thank you.

A Little Sanity Please!!

Okay, so today has been a little nuttier than usual. Everyone woke up just a little cranky this morning, which did not bode well, but I got every one off to school or work with very little complaining. The snow started coming down at about ten and at ten thirty Dallas called for me to come and pick him up. HE felt miserable and could not see out of his right eye. So I pick him up and we call the doc and set up an appointment for three o'clock. Meanwhile, my mom callas and says that she is coming by to pick up Ramos because, Surprise ,Surprise, my brother did not come home when he said he would and doesn't know when he will be back. So, I get Ramos ready to go with mom and pray that she doesn't get into an accident on the icy roads. She makes and takes Mos with her, which leaves just me and DJ to ourselves.(Dallas is trying to sleep in the bedroom) I do some dishes and some laundry and then go shovel the drive so that I can get out. I take Dallas to the doctor and it turns out he has strep, and ear infection, and a severe migraine. Several shots and a couple of pills later they send him home with. Now I am taking Savannah over to her Nana's house, where Mackenzie already is, so they can spend the night and the house can be kept fairly quiet. Wish me luck with my sick husband, may his grumpiness be minimal and my compassion be great!

Christmas Lights at Temple Square

Last night Sam (Dallas' dad) and I took all the kids to Temple Square to see the lights. Nena was not feeling well and Dallas had to work. The weather was pretty nice, not to cold, and pretty clear. It was extremely crowded though and it took awhile to find parking. Once we got onto Temple square there was a much calmer feeling and we were able to enjoy ourselves. The girls even got along for the most part. One of my favorite things to see was the nativity scene they have place on the viewing pond in front of the Temple. It reflects back perfectly, and it takes a second to really take in the scene. The kids loved the big Christmas trees made of light at two of the entrances and the pathway of lighted trees. I am so grateful that we are able to be in Utah at this time of year and see such beauty and be reminded of our Saviour at this wonderful place.

Mackenzie's Birthday Party

Last night we had Mackenzie's 13th birthday party. The theme was Twilight, of course, and the result was a group of screaming and drooling teenage girls. We played Twilight Trivia and Guess what Character you are. I picked up some movie trading cards and gave those out as prizes along with some little buttons with sayings from the books on them. Mackenzie loved it.

I on the other hand was sick with the stomach flu, so it wasn't as much fun for me. The decorating wasn't as great as I had wanted to do, but the girls didn't seem to mind. Today is a much better day, mainly because I feel better, but also because the party is over and I have one less thing to do. We are heading up to Temple Square tonight to look at the lights. Hopefully I can get some good pictures to post. I will try my best.TTFN

All the grils gathering around Edward and munching on treats.

Kenzie and Alyssa with the Twilight bag.

Mackenzie got a new Ipod from her Abuela, Grandpa Geoff, and Aunt Amber.

The girls made sure Kenzie got a good taste of her cake!

Thanksgiving

We held Thanksgiving at our house again this year. It was nice to have all the family together and enjoy a good meal and watch a few football games. The women played Scattegories while the football games were on and much fun was had by all.Nena and I went shopping together on Black Friday and I was able to pretty much finish my Christmas shopping. I only have one or two more gifts to buy and of course stocking stuffers. Saturday we went to the light parade and the lighting of the Christmas Village. They had fireworks also, which the little boys just love. Sunday we celebrated Ramos' birthday and spent a little more time with my side of the family. Monday night Dallas, the girls and I went to see the Forgotten Carols at the events center here. I love going every year and even Dallas enjoys himself, although he won't admit it in public. Now we are closing in on my favorite time of year, Christmas. The lights are up and we are going to go to Temple Square on Saturday. We are practicing for the Christmas program, treats will be made and fun will be had! It really is a magical time of year!

More Reception Pics

The Reception

Autumn had her wedding reception in November, and it was beautiful! The reception hall is a large house that they have turned into a hall and they decorated with pictures of Autumn and Evan and with their colors which were Fall colors. I made the cake and it turned out pretty nice. I have know idea how it tasted, but no one fell over and died, so I figure it was decent. Mackenzie was in charge of the guest book, and the rest of us got to visit for awhile. They had a money dance and some of Autumn's dance students performed a routine. It really was a gorgeous night. I am so happy for her and I hope they have a long and happy life together.

ATC Banquet

We spent the weekend for Dallas' ATC in Park City, and it actually turned out to be a really nice trip. Dallas had classes to go to, but I slept in and then went and got my hair done and did a little shopping at the outlet mall. The started at about 5:30 with the reception line and we started dinner about an hour or so later. The food was good this year, and Dallas' office and company won quite a few awards. Dallas won Top GA recruiter in the Battalion which surprised him a great deal, but no one else seemed too shocked. Sunday we hung out at the hotel for a little while, went to breakfast, and then headed into Salt Lake for a few hours. It was so wonderful to get away from everything for just a couple of days, and I felt much better afterward.

Halloween

Halloween was a crazy day. I drove Dallas up to Park City for the ATC. I thought I would be able to check in with him, get my room key and then hurry back to Ogden. Unfortunatly they didn't have our room ready yet, so I had to wait around for a couple of hours. I did make it back before the girls got out of school, and I was able to shop for some shoes for the banquet before we went Trick or treating. We went around our neighborhood and then stopped by Bill and Nena's for some picture opportunities. Afterwards I dropped the kids off at Martha's for the weekend and headed back to Park City.

Savannah was a vampire and DJ was a Red Power Ranger

DJ and Ramos

We went and saw Papa at Aunt Nena' s and Uncle Bill's