Triumphant, pure and strong...

I realized that it was kind of teasing to talk about trials without specifics. This is not a new trial, it started February 14, 2005. Matt suffered a stroke caused by arrhythmia in his heart. We first realized there was a problem when Matt couldn't say the word "shoes" to the kids as we were trying to leave my parents house. After an MRI and several other tests we were admitted at UVRMC, the cardiology unit. Matt was told that his heart was enlarged and out of rhythm, and he needed surgery and possibly a heart transplant. Scariest day of my life...
After the surgery, priesthood blessings, and a lot of praying, and the right medication, Matt has regained his strength, his speech, and the ability to do what he wants in life. It has been four years to the date of healthy happy Matt.
This weekend our world was rocked and memories of that scariest day came flooding back. Matt's heart went out of rhythm again. It's hard to describe the feelings of helplessness as you watch your big strong husband cry in fear of his life, fear to leave his family too early. It's so frustrating when the medication's fail and nothing seems to help. Again we rely on faith in priesthood blessings, and power in prayer. Today prayers were answered after a long day in the hospital, with talented doctors and nurses who cared about this 32 year old family man with three little kids and one on the way. It was such a comfort to know that we were in the best possible care. Like Magic Matt's heart is back in rhythm tonight and I couldn't be happier. Thank you friends and family who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers.

Thru test and trials...

As Matt and I are struggling with some real trials this week, I have searched for some comfort, and assurance from my Heavenly Father. An answer came last night during the opening exercises of our mutual activity. We sang this song and it brought me the comfort that I have been seeking.

"As Zion's Youth in Latter Days."
verse 3

Thru test and trial we'll have our fears, But we will not despair.
We're here to serve a rightous cause; Truth gives us strength to dare.
We'll love, and learn, and over come; We'll sing a joyful song,
As Zion's youth in latter days Triumphant, pure and strong.

Fun with the Boys...

It's been awhile since we have all felt good enough to get out of the house and do something fun. so this past week we have done a few fun things to make up for it. Monday I took the boys to the children's discovery museum in Salt Lake. They loved it. I really thought it was going to be too old for James, but I think he had the most fun, playing with the water table and cars. We ended up buying a year pass, so we will be visiting it often.

Tuesday afternoon Grandma Cindy took us to the BYU art museum where the boys were able to wear these smashing costumes. The game was to see if they could find that painting that looked like them. I was really impressed with our tour guide who made it fun and interesting for the kids.

It is a fee activity, so I would recommend it to anyone with kids ages 5 and up. We stopped by the wilk center for some ice cream after which topped if off nicely. Hunter was thirlled with his painting. It was called the Hunter...

I'm in Heaven...

Look at what my sisters brought me last night...
Can't you just see the Joy in my eyes.
Oh there is nothing like a giant Smartie.

Funny Craving...

For some reason I can't get enough of these Sour, Sweet, Dusty Candies. Wonder what this craving means... They sure make a pregnant girl Happy.

My Grandma...

I've been thinking a lot about my Grandparents lately... I feel so lucky to have all four Grandparents living close by. We get to visit them and learn from them often. The other night my Grandma Haymond came and watched my boys so Matt and I could have a much needed night out. She is in her early 70's and still full of energy and fun as if she were in her 20's. When I was little she would take me ice skating with my friends and she would skate with us. Grandma would jump and twirl on the ice and we all thought she was wonderful. That night with my boys she brought them balloons, a simple little thing, and again they thought she was wonderful. I was told yesterday that Grandma had found a cancerous spot on her ear which needed to be removed. It's a worry. I feel like my time with these wonderful people is quickly fading, and all I want to do is capture every moment I have with them. I never though my children would have relationships with my Grandparents, but they do and It has meant the world to me, the kindness and love that they have shown my boys.

Dinner with the Knudsen Boys...

Last night at the dinner table I witnessed a total boy fest.
James was putting food in his mouth and showing everyone... Grant was laughing hysterically. Hunter was showing us the new trick he learned at school, pulling his finger and farting, which Matt thought was hysterical. All four boys were laughing and being silly and I was left feeling grossed out all by myself. What am I doing here with all these silly stinky boys... Ella better be on her way so I have someone on my side of the table.