Weekend Getaway

Last Friday, Dad (Nate) came up with this impulsive decision to go to the Dells for the weekend.  All of us were in need of a getaway and spend time having fun together.  Thankfully, the Wilderness Resort had a perfect room for a great price for us.  We quickly booked the tickets, packed that night and were off Saturday.  The Wilderness was new for us and we all had a blast.  While there we tried out all three of their water parks, played in the indoor play area and ate some delicious food.    Nothing more than a perfect weekend!

Ear Tubes Successfully Put In

Today was Kallen's surgery to get tubes put in his ears in order to remove excess fluid and improve his hearing loss.  The entire process has been an up and down roller coaster to say the least, the surgery was the easy part of it all.  I spent the last few days inside with the kiddos and constantly monitoring germs and staying clean.  I thought we were in the clear as he woke up fine on Sunday morning.  Then coming home from church he began complaining his stomach hurt and quickly began a low grade fever.  His temp never hit 101 and we called the surgeon to get his opinion.  He said since the surgery is such a minor one and he was not vomiting, having diarrhea or temps over 102, we should proceed.  Kallen woke up twice last night in pain and still with the low grade fever.  We still decided to take him in with the expectation we may have to reschedule.  Although thankfully the surgery went very smoothly and super fast.  We arrived on time at 6 AM, with the surgery scheduled for 7:35 AM.  He went in promptly at 7:35 and was done by 7:45.  The staff all said he did great and was a champ.  He still continued having a low grade fever throughout the day, so I just hope the boy feels 100% healthy in the next few days with two ears that now can successfully hear.

Just got changed and waiting in pre-op.  Temp at 99.9

 Poor boy, not feeling good and super tired

 Right after surgery, still tired but Tylenol has helped lift his spirits as well as a new Sven the nurses all gave him

 Feeling a lot better with meds and his juice

 Ride home, exhausted and snuggling his favorites.

Elyse's School's Showcase

Last night, Elyse's school put on their annual showcase.  It's such a fun thing to attend.  The school is packed with families looking at all the projects displayed or watching the talent show done by the staff and students.  This was Elyse's painting she decided to display, very proud of her!  
(Special thanks to all those that wrote such sweet comments too.)

Water, Vinegar and a Squirt-bottle

The boys see me fill my squirt-bottle with water and vinegar they know that I'm about to clean something.  As I remove the chairs from the table, they soon discovered it was the floor and they joyfully asked to help.  I filled their bottles and within minutes I had half dressed boys (pants and socks were drenched), and a floor as well as table with chairs beyond wet and hopefully somewhat clean.  At least I know I did create some great memories and happy boys.  

Is it Really February?!?

Today we set a new record for the warmest February 27th in Minnesota, 57 degrees with sun.  It was such a tease of spring but we'll take it.  We were outside every minute possible.  We even filled tires and let the kiddos enjoy their bikes and scooters they have missed so much.  With temps back in the thirties this week I am beyond thankful for this perfect Saturday.

Music to My Ears

Ian loves music and singing; it's a rare occurrence for it to be quiet in the van, but it was, and then he started singing "Jesus Loves Me", so I quickly grabbed my phone and captured this beautiful moment.  Nothing brings Nate and I more joy than our children citing scripture, reading their bibles and/or worshiping God on their own.  I could listen to him sing this all day long, it really is music to my ears.

(Apologizes for grumpy Kallen who did not want me to videotape it)

Kallen Can't Hear

It all began in November when Kallen had his kindergarten screening.  He passed his cognitive and eye exams just fine but failed his hearing test.  We retested in January where sadly he failed again.  We were then sent to his pediatrician where she did some further exams and still he failed them all.  Finally we were recommended to an audiologist.  He had his appointment this morning and even though the nurse constantly complimented him on his listening and cognitive skills for his age, he failed again.  We were informed that his ears are so bad that his ear drum looks to be a little pulled as well.  He was diagnosed with extreme conductive hearing loss of both ears.  If it wasn't for his screening we may have never known since he doesn't get ear infections or complain of any ear pain.  Does explain his talking so loudly all the time, some pronunciation issues and a common response of, "What?".  

His surgery is scheduled for Monday, March 7th.  Even though I hate the thought of surgery, it's better than hearing aids.  We have been told it's a very quick and easy procedures with such a small percentage of anything going wrong, but we still ask that you keep him in your prayers that day.  Thanks.