We went to a concert

On Friday, Jeff and I dropped the boys off with my sister Sharen and headed off to Salt Lake City for a chance to see George Strait in person. It was fun to be with Jeff while he sang along with his favorite artist. Jeff really does love George Strait and has since before we met. The trip was quick, but lots of fun. It was super hot and I worried how Maleena would do, but she did great. I loved it so much before the night was over I was plotting as to the next time we would be able to get away like that. Thanks Sharen and Memo, Mom and Dad and kids for taking such good care of the boys. We missed the boys and I know they would have loved to be with us, but it was nice to get away with Jeff, Maleena is attached pretty much, so she comes along to everything.

This is the line we had to wait in-
 

 







This was right after they started letting people in. By the time the concert started the grass was pretty much covered with people and blankets. It was so packed-but it made it more fun.
 

Sorry, our camera was not that great so our pictures didn't turn out that good, but they did have these big screens and that helped in being able to feel closer.
 

The whole thing was a lot of fun. Next time, Jeff says we will be in the seats, instead of the lawn seating and then we will get a hotel room. We had to hurry home for Jeff to get back to work so that part was not fun. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you Jeff that I had a great time. Thanks for getting the tickets and making it happen. Can't even explain in words how nice it was to get an ICEE and sit in the hot sun surrounded by thousands of strangers. I love you!!

some pictures

We finally got the pool up-sortof, it has a small hole, but it will have to do for another year. These are a couple pics of Miguel and Maleena while we were sitting outside enjoying the sunshine.

 

 

 

Traeton wanted his face painted during the festivities for the 4th of July. We don't usually go to the parade due to camping, but this year I woke up really wanting to go. I am glad we did because the Baptist Church had a whole bunch of free activities at a nearby park. We got free water, popsicles, and face painting. Miguel wasn't quite ready for that yet, a little more frightening than fun. The parade seemed unusually short, but still enjoyable.

 

The weekend went way to fast. I was dreading Monday Morning the whole time. Jeff got a new job with Swift Trucking and he left early this morning. Actually, he was supposed to go yesterday, but a mix up with the greyhound left him renting a car and going on his own. The boys are doing fine-they ask a lot when Dad is coming home, but with time we will all adjust. I am grateful Jeff is willing to do this. I know that he hates to leave us, and the first day is the hardest every time he goes, but then we get into our own routines and the days go by pretty quick. He will be gone about a week and a half for this first time out. Saying Goodbye is the hardest part, so Jeff left early this morning. He woke me up, we said our prayers, he kissed me goodbye and that was it. There were no tears, no prolonged hugs. I guess it is easier this way. We are grateful he was able to get this job and it will help our family in many ways. I have to remind myself that no situation is perfect. I hear of others stories and I thank the Lord for the blessings in my life.

Camping...what fun it is

Due to the Rainy season we have been having, we finally made it out for a camping trip. Jeff just wanted to get his tent set up for Father's Day, so we headed out despite the weather. It still ended up raining on us, but we all had fun regardless. Traeton wasn't feeling very well and Callie got sprayed by a skunk, but it was nice to get out of the house. The highlight for me was getting to go on a walk with my family. There was even a moment when I looked around and felt complete peace. Those moments have been few and far between lately. I love when my thoughts are clear and all around me is quiet. It was so green and smelled so clean. I love that just rained smell. Hopefully it will be the start of a great Summer for us.

 

The fun part-unloading

 

Traeton's up to something

 

Miguel loves to be with his Dog Callie

Maleena did pretty good for her first time out-what a trooper!

 

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I love having the boys, but it sure is fun to have another girl in the house. Isn't she getting to be so cute? Traeton even said that if she wasn't his sister he would want to marry her someday because she is the prettiest girl he has ever seen. I would have to agree.

tender mercy

My Father in law sent me this note from Elder Ronald Hammond that he had received after telling him of our situation with Traeton. My Father in law is a Stake President and communicates about the needs of his stake on a weekly basis and occasionally, the personal needs of those in his family.

Though this has been a very emotional time for our family, I am learning more about my faith, my strength and the power of the priesthood. You see, when I was watching Traeton struggle to raise his arm or walk without falling over, I looked to Jeff for a miracle. I whispered "Do something." Jeff immediately sat Trae down right where we were and layed his hands on his head to give him a blessing. In those moments I recall praying so fervently. We did not know what was going on or that Trae had had a stroke, but I knew the Lord could help him. I will be forever grateful that Jeff is a worthy priesthood holder. That he loves the Lord and is able to bless our family in times of need. He has been a tower of strength to me time after time. I am thankful for the example he is to our children, especially the boys. I wanted to share this experience more for myself than for anyone else, only because I do not want to forget the things the Lord has done for me. I know that the effects of a stroke can be devastating. I see Traeton as a miracle-blessed by our Heavenly Father who was looking out for him. It is humbling to read this note from Elder Hammond since we had not told anyone of that first, immediate blessing, nor have I shared how I felt during that time. I felt the power of the priesthood. There are no coincidences. So please read on and feel of Elder Hammond's love as he shares his insights about my families struggle.


Dear President and Sister Keller,

I shared with Sister Hammond the tender account of your grandson's miraculous recovery. It touched both of us deeply. Some might call it a "stroke of luck," but all who really understand know it to be a "stroke of mercy." How merciful is our God! How loving and infinitely mindful of His children is He, all the way down to the details of their lives.

It occurred to me that, since faith builds upon itself, your son's time unemployed had more to do with your grandson's recovery than many people may realize. As your unemployed son and his wife prayed for work, searched for work, and trusted in the Lord's love and power to help them - their faith in Him grew. They kept trying, kept believing, and their faith kept growing and was eventually confirmed when he found work.

Then...when the crisis hit with their little boy, their towering faith was sufficient to meet the demands of the moment and call forth a miracle. How often do today's seeming "set backs" prepare us for tomorrow's trials! "All these things (you are suffering today) shall be for thy good (tomorrow)" (D&C 122:7). Again, I say, "how merciful is our God" for He knoweth all things and He prepareth His children for tomorrow's trials by strengthening their faith through today's opposition.

Elder Ronald Hammond

It's been two weeks.

It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks since Trae's stroke. He is back to his old self, with a few more stories to add to his tale of adventure. He really is remarkable. I know every mom says that about her kids, but Trae is special in so many ways. We are grateful that he is here with us and that he is doing so well.

This picture shows Trae while at Primary Children's Hospital-he had to wear the brace until they made sure he did not have any brain stem/ spinal cord injuries. He hated it, but patiently waited for the ok to take it off.

 

This is Trae waiting for us to get ready to go home. He was tired of the hospital, but loved being able to order whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

 

Traeton turned six on the 1st. It feels like he was just a baby. Time really does go quick.

 

Though we didn't get him this box for his birthday, we probably should have. Sometimes I think the kids have more fun with the packaging, than they do with the toys.

 

why can't I stop crying?

I am finding that it is in my solitude that this whole ordeal seems so hard. When I look at Traeton I can't help but be grateful for his strength, but when I am alone I can't stop crying. Not crying because he is struggling, because he is doing amazing, but crying out of disbelief and gratitude. It seems unreal to me, I can imagine how he is confused by all of this. Traeton is doing wonderful. He is back to teasing his brother and getting into trouble. He is begging to get out and play. I think I will always be a bit over protective and worried about his well-being, but he is on the fast track to complete recovery. We are all so proud of him and what he is able to accomplish. There is one thing I have noticed- he is always smiling. I don't think he has frowned once since we have been home. Just looking at him brightens my day. Thanks for all of the support and love. We have felt an abundance of love through this and I know it has helped all of us.

Traeton's latest adventure

Jeff is bugging me about getting a few pictures on the blog about Traeton, but to be honest I don't know if I have formed my thoughts enough to say anything coherent. My sweet Traeton had a stroke on Wednesday night. We went to the Doctor and initially we were told that he had a head trauma-maybe a concusion because he said that he hit his head against the neighbor boys while jumping on the tramp. He came home and said that he was having a hard time walking. I watched him walk and he stumbled over to the left side. When I looked at him I knew immediately that something was not right. He could not smile his beautiful smile. The left side just frowned and his eye had no shape to it. As time progressed we realized that he had some slight paralysis all along his left side. The Doctor said it was probably Bell's palsy, ordered a CT and we were off to Radiology. The CT looked fine so we were sent home to see how it goes. Well, Thursday morning when he hadn't gotten any better the Doctor wanted to see him again. After checking him out he decided to call the Neurologist at Primary Children's Hospital. She wanted an MRI and to see him as soon as possible. It was at this point that I heard the words-it might be a stroke.

If you can imagine me sitting there in the doctor's office with Maleena in my arms, Miguel next to me and Traeton laying on my lap, I don't know if I fully heard the words. I didn't have time to process, because the Doctor stated that we would need to get an MRI as soon as possible. Immediately I said okay, what do we do. The doctor asked if I could get some help with the kids. Jeff was at work, because we didn't expect anything to this degree. I called my parents and Jeff and then things started moving pretty fast. We went over to Radiology and then found out that we were going to be life Flighted to Primary Children's. After a quick assessment we decided that I would fly with Traeton. That was not the most pleasant way to go, not at all what I expected. It was beautiful, but both Trae and I were getting sick. Unfortunately for Trae, he could not fight off the sickness and had a miserable ride.

Once in Salt Lake the MRI showed that he did indeed have a stroke deep in his brain on the right side. It was isolated to a small area so that was great news. Through consequent tests we have found out that everything looks normal and there is no real reason for the stroke. I still can't believe that my child, nearly just 6 years old had a stroke. Even saying the words tend to hurt. I keep thinking that I am going to look over at him and he is going to smile his big, beautiful smile and look at me with that twinkle in his eye. I am quickly growing to love the new, beautiful smile he shares with me. He is amazing!! I am so impressed with his fight for normalcy and his quick desire to do things on his own. It will be some time before he is back to normal, if ever, but he is on a great journey. We all are confident that he will do most all things as time progresses. We are thankful for all of the prayers and support. We have found that it could have been so much worse and for that we are so grateful. Trae is strong, stronger than I ever knew. Probably stronger than I am at this point. I know this is getting pretty long, but we wanted you all to know how he is doing. He is getting better every minute. He is walking and talking better and getting his sweet personality back. For that we are most grateful.

 
 
 
 

He hears me...

Today has been one of those days. As I try to stay positive through Jeff's job search and the highs and lows that come with that, I am also trying to show my faith in the Lord. I have faith that things will work out and I know that the Lord is looking out for our family, but it is still a daily struggle to make ends meet. Well, tonight I was at the grocery store because we were completely out of milk and Miguel and I were walking through the fruits and vegetables. Miguel LOVES most all fruit and vegetables and he was looking at a vegetable tray and begging for it. I was telling him that we just can't get it right now, he was saying that we don't have any broccoli so we need it. Well, usually I forget that there are others around when I am struggling with my kids. As we walked away from the vegetable tray a sweet old man asked if he really likes broccoli. I told him that it is one of his favorites. He then asked if he could buy the tray for Miguel. I wish you could see this man. Even his long, white beard looked Christ-like. I know it might have been something small, but it was a huge thing for me. Thank-you to the kind man at the store, I cried the whole way home. He stated to me that if Miguel will eat vegetables then he will buy them for him. The message I got was that the Lord loves me and blessed my family with the generosity of a person I don't even know. Carrots and dip will never be the same.

Be Still

Though I haven't been able to update my blog lately, there is always a lot going on with us. Sunday I was not really feeling up to 9 A.M. church, but despite all of my excuses, I got the kids ready and we made it by 9:15. Jeff was off in Seattle selling security systems so he was not able to help. As I sat down in Relief Society the scripture- "Be Still and know that I am God" was displayed on the table. I can't even recall half of the lesson-the scripture was all that I could think about.

I have been struggling with a lot of things lately and both Jeff and I are grasping at the lesson we are supposed to get out of our trials in life. I am discovering my weaknesses and some of my strengths. I have always been strong in the gospel,but even my faith has been tested this last year. I am thankful for my savior and as I endure, I am reminded of all that I am blessed with. I understand what it means to Be Still. I am working on just that. I am trying to understand my Heavenly Father's love for me and gain a more sure knowledge of his presence in my life. I hope to be able to teach my children how to recognize God's hand in their lives as well.

The Littlest Diva

I just had to share with you Maleena in her purple outfit, complete with the most adorable little jeans. We don't usually get her all glamorous, but I couldn't resist the big bow.

 
 
 

More Easter pictures

 

We did have a great time, though Traeton was upset that he did not get the egg with the golden dollar-he agreed that it was still fun. Growing up is hard sometimes. Thanks Grandma for an enjoyable Easter-we love you!! (Thanks to my sisters who did a lot of the work, you all are amazing!)

Easter time

Maleena's Easter dress-what a cutie! I just wish she could wear her cute clothes more than just a couple of times. She is growing way too quick.

 

Here are a few pictures of the annual Easter egg hunt at my parents house. The kids had fun, always a few broken hearts at the end, but overall everyone had a good time.

 

 

 

Baseball begins!!

Here is Traeton at his first game. It was so fun to watch him and feel of his excitement. Having played softball for years, I felt like I wanted to get out there again. This is Traeton's first year, but the kids start @ 2 or 3 years old. Miguel isn't playing this year, but will next year for sure. It was a little breezy, but we all enjoyed being able to watch Trae. He did great! The best part about kids this age is that they just love playing. It is cute because each child runs to wherever the ball is-usually colliding. Lots to learn. We are proud of Trae and his desire to do his best.

 

 

 

 

San Antonio and a birthday

Last week as I prepared to go to San Antonio to see my Grandmother for the last time I don't think the magnitude really hit me until I returned home to my own family. I am going to miss her. She passed away on Saturday, and though it was serene and peaceful as she passed, it was still one of the saddest things I have witnessed. It is amazing how since then I have thought about and remembered all these little experiences that have reminded me of her love. She always had cheese whiz and Ritz crackers for me when I would visit. I loved her home, her softness and her love of jewelry. I loved that she had a vanity in her bathroom where she could sit and put on her make-up. I always felt like a movie star when I would sit there with the mirrors and the lights. It meant a lot to me that I could see her again and I am thankful I was able to fly down with my mom and sister Tara. They helped with Maleena and made the trip fun. It was also nice to see all the family in San Antonio again. Though I wish Jeff and the boys could have gone, it was still good for me to be there.

This is the San Antonio temple-I didn't take very many pictures of the trip because Tara took a bunch, I will have to get copies though.

 

 

A couple of weeks ago my cousin Joey gave us a huge bag of the best potatoes so last night for my birthday we decided to try twice baked potatoes. They turned out pretty good.