Gibran

Happy Birthday to the boy who has it all - a beautiful wife, daughter, optimistic outlook and incredible talent. We love you Gib! Happy climbing.

Amazing Missy

Happy birthday Miss. She has been one of our greatest examples of motherhood - sometimes I actually think to myself, "What would Missy do?" Her children are some of the most loving and happy kids - clearly a product of their mother. She has rolled with the trials that she has encountered with optimism, faith and perseverance. She always has a smile and a story to make you laugh. We are better off for having her in our lives. We love you Missy!

(Ted, Ben, Jenny, Kathy and Missy,early 70's).

April Fool's

Joey thought it would be humorous to wear the following to school on April Fool's Day:

Easter in Palm Springs

Our Spring Break was phenomenal. I was completely exhausted when we got home, and needed a vacation to recover, but it was wonderful to be in such a beautiful place, with the people I love. We ate at great restaurants, enjoyed beautiful walks on the hotel property, and Owen could not get enough of the warm weather which allowed to him to go swimming daily. I wish I could go back. Here we are at Easter brunch. This hotel's food and ambiance were amazing. They even had a "kid bar" with gourmet chicken strips, macaroni and cheese and fries. Kid and adult heaven. It was one of the few times Owen actually sat down to eat. Not for very long . . . but he did eat. Also worthy of note: for all you Saved By the Bell fans, this hotel was featured in the episode where Jesse's dad gets married. Fun trivia, right?

You can just tell these two are up to something. At least they look cute.

Clearly, Owen is explaining something very detailed to Sydney. 10 to 1 odds it doesn't make a bit of sense.

Here is what we saw outside our hotel room's window.

The view from our patio.

Swimming. Owen couldn't get enough. It was the first thing he asked for when he woke up (which was usually around 4 am . . . but by 5 or 6, he was back in bed thankfully).

In the pool's lazy river.

The pool also had a "beach." Owen was dirty, safe and happy.

Sammie, my sister's little girl.

Love this picture. Owen is waiting for the singer to look away so he can climb on stage and grab some electrical equipment. We spent half the time trying to keep him off of the stage and the other time trying to keep him out of the water fountains just up the stairs. Also, Sammie (wearing the pink bow in the lower right-hand corner) is dancing with the little girl in the yellow. They don't know each other, but fell in love dancing to the music. Priceless.

Now, I just need to convince my dad to take us all back down there next week. I'll let you know if I'm successful.

Best Pool Ever

Yet again, I am going to promote the South Davis rec center. It is the most amazing indoor swimming pool. An indoor playground in two feet of water - what can get better than that? Not a lot for a four-year old's birthday and her little cousin Owen. Heaven.

The amazing playground behind Joey and Owen. As you can tell, the O-ball is having a good time.


This slide is humongous - and they let you hold your child on your lap. I wish you could see Owen's face - he is giggling. Before he made it to the bottom, he screamed "AGAIN!"

The birthday girl dumping buckets of water onto unsuspecting victims.

Her Ariel cake. I love doing cakes for little girls - they fight over the funniest things: the tail, the sea shell bikinis, her lips . . .

Pucker up!

Give Thanks

Now that the Christmas season is officially underway, I think it is about time to wrap up the Thanksgiving holiday.

A little Craft project I made with my sister.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, my family headed up to the Silverado Lodge at the Canyons Resort to spend the night. It was fabulous if I do say so myself. My dad rented us each some fancy smanshy condos where we ate Chinese food, played games and hot-tubbed (it was more luke-warm than hot, but we still fun!).

Owen cried for 2 1/2 hours in the middle of the night, which was mildly reminiscent of last year. I remember waking sometime between 4 and 5 am to walk the hotel halls with that boy. We finally banned ourselves in the hotel gym where we slobbered on equipment while I prepared for the upcoming feast. This year, he slept until 7 am at least, but I was still tired from the middle of the night wake-up call.

Thanksgiving day we drove back down the canyon to Joey's mom's house for quiche, sweet rolls and ham with Joey's family. As you can see, it was a full house:


What was I thankful for on Thanksgiving?

Above all, my family. I love being with my siblings and parents. They are my greatest friends and support. Owen keeps me on my toes and is constantly reminding me I don't have it all figured out. I probably would become pretty complacent without that boy and he loves me in spite of my many shortcomings. Joey is the best - without his humility, hard work and love we wouldn't be a family today. Enough said.

This particular Thanksgiving, I was thankful to be up and about and no longer hobbling around like an old man. I had kidney surgery the week before and felt like an invalid. It wasn't really surgery in the sense that no needles were used, but that is how the hospital and docs refer to it - and with a $5000 price tag, I'm calling it surgery. I am no longer walking hunched over and most of the stone fragments have left my body. The procedure went relatively well. I was even greeted at the hospital by my medical student neighbor who ended up being the "physician" who checked me in.

The biggest setback of the experience was that I responded poorly to the anesthesia. I couldn't move, turn from one side to the other, stand up or walk without vomiting. I became dehydrated pretty quickly, so we had to stay at the hospital a little longer than I would have liked. If the nurse had been smarter, she would have given me anti-nausea medicine, or fixed the kink in my IV as Joey had suggested, but instead she discharged us and sent us on our way. Lucky for Joey - he got to see me throw up at least 10 times before we made it home.

After a late-night call to the doctor, one anti-nausea suppository, a wonderful nights rest at my parents house, life started to look up.

I am now doing great and am thankful that the human body is resilient. Our family certainly has had a few exciting weeks, but isn't that what the holidays are about?

Back Among the Living

Last Tuesday night was not a good night for the Wilson household for a number of reasons. Owen and I ate out with my parents before heading to Jenny's campaign party to wait for election results. After an hour of Owen jumping off the walls and trying to pop a million balloons, we returned home while the rest of the family watched the results slowly filter in.

After putting Owen to bed, I settled in front of the computer to watch for any election updates. My stomach began to feel queezy and I couldn't decide if it was indigestion or nerves.

By 2 am, it was clear the pain I was experiencing was not nerves and I found myself running to the bathroom. I spent most of the night throwing up and rolling on the floor in pain. By 8 am the pain became extremely intense and Joey left with Owen so I could be alone. I called my dad and Joey in tears at 10 unable to cope. Joey dropped Owen off with his mom and we headed for the hospital (fortunately we remembered a bucket which proved very useful).

We were quickly admitted and I have never felt such sweet relief which came by way of IV and morphine/phenergan drip. A CT scan was done that indicated I had several kidney stones which the ER doctor attributed to the pain. She said it was also possible I had food poisoning. I was discharged a few hours later with a handful of prescriptions and we returned home.

The next few days had many ups and downs and we returned to the hospital Sunday night where I was given another IV for dehydration. This doctor's visit was more successful - we brought our own doctor, a urologist who read over the x-rays and clarified the findings.

While it was possible I passed a kidney stone, the pain I was experiencing was most likely due to food poisoning and severe dehydration and the kidney stones were something I had yet to face (lucky me!). I still have three rather large stones in my left kidney and two smaller stones in my right kidney. I plan to have those babies blasted later this month.

One week later, I am up and about and finally getting back to much needed household duties. Owen finally has his mom back and Joey has a more pleasant spouse.

Family of Politicians

Last night we celebrated my birthday with the Wilson family. Most of the night's discussion centered on the mayoral race, the latest polls and what a lame mayor we have now (how did Rocky Anderson ever make it into office?). As the night drew to a close, Ted stood and gave a wonderful speech and tribute to Jenny (mayoral hopeful) as only a real politician could. He commended her hard work, tenacious spirit and dedication to her family. Most of the room was in tears by the end of his speech followed by a round of applause.

Shortly following Ted's speech, Joey stood and reminded everyone that the reason we had gathered was to honor his wife and celebrate her birthday. He then proceeded to pay tribute to me, while I quietly tried to withdraw to downplay his compliments. As much as Joey likes to think he isn't into politics, he has it in his blood.

Lastly, the night finished with a charming speech from Jenny's oldest son Zach. He said:
"I would like to make a speech: I hope my mom wins. But it will be okay if she doesn't - she'll still have her job at the county."

Spoken like a true Wilson. I guess we will see what the future holds tomorrow night. Get out and vote - the primary is tomorrow, September 11th.

Sleepless nights, a sick baby and sure signs of defeat

I am sure you have all just been dying to know how the triathlon training is going. For those of you who can't handle the suspense any longer and can't wait to the end of this post to find out, know that I will not be racing on Saturday. For those of you who are interested in an only mildly entertaining story, read on.

Last Tuesday, Owen woke up with a small cold - a slight runny nose. He played great during the day, ate and napped well. But, as 8:30 pm rolled around, this little kid would not fall asleep. He cried off and on for an hour until I could stand it no longer. I loaded him into the car and went for a drive. (Clearly my patience needs work, but I am not used to this kid crying when I put him down.) He fell asleep somewhere between 11th Ave and South Temple and I headed home. He slept for 20 minutes in his crib and the crying began again. By this time, he had really worked himself up and the phlegm had settled in his chest. He acted very much in pain and was only comforted by someone holding and rocking him. The minute he was placed in his crib, the crying began again, and again, and again . . . I felt like a new parent trying everything I could to convince this child to sleep.

Needless to say, the training program flew out the window last week due to my lack of sleep. I got a handful of runs in - mostly to appease my ailing baby, but I never touched my swimsuit or helmet. I am fully convinced I could show up at Yuba State Park this weekend and finish the race, even with a decent time. But for me to personally to find fulfillment, I would have to know that I trained to the best of my ability and gave everything I had. There is a huge difference in pushing your body when you are prepared and when you are not. So, to celebrate my big 2-6, I will be eating a Vegas Roll from Happy Sumo and mint-OREO milkshake from Dairy Queen instead of racing. How's that for a change?

I am a little disappointed, but also relieved, and eager to attempt again. I am grateful for people's willingness to help encourage me on - Joey who watched Owen while I trained, my friend Shy who explained the ins and outs of triathlons and Ted, who put up with my foolishness on a bike and was the master teacher.

So, when I am going to get a race in before the end of the year to meet my New Year's resolution? It may be on New Year's Eve Day and I may be hosting the event personally, but the good news is, you are all invited.

YESITWUZMEG

I recently came across a chat Joey had with his six-year-old niece Meg. I had to share it - it is hilarious.

(06:37:41 PM) Meg: wutdid.u.sa
(06:38:22 PM) Joey: is this meg?
(06:38:44 PM) Meg: yesitwuzmeg
(06:39:02 PM) Joey: how old are you?
(06:39:25 PM) Meg: 6
(06:39:56 PM) Joey: where did you learn to write?
(06:40:37 PM) Meg: wun.secit
(06:44:01 PM) Meg: i.justhafto.do.supten
(06:44:20 PM) Joey: what are you doing?
(06:47:50 PM) Meg: i.am.doingsupen
(06:51:09 PM) Joey: you are a good writer
(06:52:31 PM) Meg: no
(06:56:14 PM) Meg: i.learn.to.write.at.kidrgortin
(06:58:01 PM) Joey: yes… you are a good writer and reader.
(07:03:42 PM) Meg: :@
(07:04:22 PM) Meg: (A)
(07:04:37 PM) Meg: :)
(07:05:56 PM) Meg: are.u,goen.awt.to.dinr.
(07:08:13 PM) Joey: no. I already ate.
(07:09:03 PM) Meg: paige just peed her pance
(07:12:20 PM) Meg: can you kum over for duzrt
(07:13:26 PM) Joey: no I have to go to a meeting. Thanks for inviting me.

Don't you love how she was using periods for spaces at the beginning and how every word is written phonetically? Oh, to be six again . . .

Thankful

Today, I am feeling very grateful. First, I am grateful for good doctors, nurses and medical staff who cared for Owen today. Early this morning, we headed to Primary Children's Medical Staff to have tubes put into both of Owen's ears. The nurse practitioner, anesthesioligist and nurse all cared for Owen with an incredible amount of love and patience, as I am sure they do for all of the hundreds of patients they see each week. We felt cared for and that Owen was sincerely important to them. (He makes friends wherever he goes - with that crazy hair and two-teethed grin, who could resist falling in love with him?) Everything went extremely well and he was back to climbing on things and running around within 10 minutes of surgery.

That brings me to the next thing I am grateful for: Owen. He is my guy. He was so brave today. He wasn't able to eat anything after midnight last night and he tolerated being tested, examined and poked very well. He was remarkably patient for an 11-month old. As they wheeled him into the operating room, he was bouncing and giggling in his little red wagon. He is spunky and fun and is ray of sunshine on a stormy day. He was ready to run and explore as soon as they unhooked him from all of the machines. He has energy and so much excitement in his little body. I am glad he is mine and that he shares his little world with me.

I am also extremely grateful for good neighbors, family and friends. Our neighbor and home teacher came over last night and shared a tender moment with us in preparation for Owen's operation. I am continually amazed that there are so many people who have so much good to give this world and that we are often the recipient of such love. We are truly blessed.

I am also grateful for all those who are serving our country throughout the world. While sitting in the waiting room today, I read a magazine article honoring our soldiers. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sacrifice they give so that I can continue to live me life, relatively free of interruptions.

This list wouldn't be complete if I didn't express gratitude for my faith. I felt peace, comfort and calm today. My faith instills hope and optimism for things to come. It sustains me during trials and gives me perspective. For all of these things, I am truly thankful.