Jensen turned 3!!!

It took me while, but I finally got the pictures of Jensens birthday!   He turned three on January 31.   We had a spiderman party, roasted hot dogs, and went sledding at grandma's sledding hill.   He was so excited to finally be three.  Thanks to Kiley and her amazing cake making skills, he had the coolest birthday cake ever.  He had lots of fun... and maybe, just maybe the terrible two's are over.

some cute pictures

Hillarious in Hindsight

There are some things in this life that ARE NOT funny as they happen.  Looking back on them we realize they were VERY FUNNY!   I have an experience like that.  I was talking to my neighbor.  He's a great guy, and I have known him forever.  He  asked me how I was feeling, and I said...        " better than ever!!!" That was true.  Until the moment I said it.  As soon as I said it, I started feeling the world slip away. Wouldn't you know it.  I lost consciousness.   He didn't realize and went on talking  to me and getting his mail.  When I didn't respond, he saw me on the ground and ran across the street to call 911.  I woke up, and he was holding me on the ground.  I had NO idea who he was, but I knew I didn't want to be on the ground with some guys arms around me.    I was not nice to him.  I feel bad, but I was pretty far gone.  Long story short, we figured it out. I switched medicine and realized that the medicine I had been on was the root of everything evil.  Really.  I have energy everyday!   i am so glad we figured this out.  I just find this story to be funny.  It didn't seem funny then, but it really is super funny now.   Just one of those things I guess that are hillarious in hindsight.  

Spring Fever

All of the Casey's are getting  spring fever.  Bad.  Jensen told me yesterday he wanted to play with rolly -polly bugs.  I want to too.  I would give anything to mow the lawn, or have a picnic.  Spring will come soon enough, but I feel like it's taking a long time this year.  Don't you? 

Holiday Action of Plenty

I have yet to actually contribute to this blog other than suggestions that I have given my wife, however since I've been taking the computer to work with me for the last month. I feel obligated to update the world on our little family. We had a great Christmas season with parties and activities of plenty. Most importantly Jensen and Israel had a blast with cousins and friends. We had the chance to have Santa come to Grandpa Casey's. Israel tried to feed his candy cane to Santa and Jensen was so excited to sing jingle bells with Santa. Jensen also got to see his cousins from Colorado, especially Josh who he really relates too, they got matching batman jammers and had to were them constantly. They would tell everyone, "look were twiners."  and his cousin Amanda from St. George who he missed greatly. As Amanda was leaving to go back to St. George, she said to Jensen, "I love you like a million bucks!" and he said to her as she was leaving, "I love you like five bucks!" Nicole and I were rolling on the ground laughing at him. So of course in typical 2 year old comedic fashion he starts repeating it over and over to get a few more laughs. other than a great Holiday Season we are still doing great. Nicole is feeling  better on her new medication, she is so tough, but anything to ease her burden is great. We both are starting new diets to re coupe from all the Holiday goodies we ate. We also had two birthday cakes for Israel since he was born on Christmas day last year. and his friend Kiley made him a very special cake that took many hours. Thank you! it tasted amazing too. Most importantly, we want to thank everyone for their continued love, prayers and support and we wish you all a fruitful new year. 

siblings

Nicole, pouring water on Troy's head as he sleeps...

Growing up, we have to put up with our siblings.  We have to endure whatever form of torture they feel like submitting us to.  I was teased relentlessley, left out, manipulated... Just like every other kid.  I sometimes thought that I must have been adopted, and that the real family that loved me, would show up any day to get me and we would live happily ever after.   I am sure every single one of my siblings felt the same way at one time.   We had fun together too.  I loook back on some of the chores that were done together as the best times of my life.   Now that all of us are grown up, and I get to see who my siblings really are, I am amazed at the amazing people I grew up with.  I know Jared feels the same way.  Some of our brothers and sisters are fighting off huge dragons everyday.  We watch them go through what is happening to them, and what has happened to them with awe.  Each of them have great courage, and strength, and it is amazing to see people that we already thought were great become even better through their hard times.  I am so glad for each one of mine and Jared's sibblings, and want them to know that we do notice your courage and admire your ability to smile against the odds.  Thank you for being our family!  

Questionable Therapy

As a preface...  I am posting this at the urging of Jared, it is not my idea. 

We have alot of therapists come to our home.  Today the vision specialist who comes three times a month needed to bring her professor for an evaluation  to get her Master's degree.  Usually these vision therapy sessions include stories, looking in the mirror, and playing with different textures, sizes, shapes colors at different distances to help strengthen Israel's eyes.   Today's session was much the same, except for the addition of the visiting proffessor.    The therapist and professor each, in turn brought different toys out of their bags, let Izzy play with them , wrote down the response.  The therapist pulls out metallic tissue paper, Izzy loved it....  Blah Blah... Until.... the professor pulls out... a vibrator.  I don't mean a toy that vibrates.  I mean a full blown adult novelty toy.  She says to my baby... "this is a vibrator!"   Then she turns it on, and hands it to him.  I was so shocked.  The therapist eyes about popped out of her head.  She kept trying to look at me to see my reaction, but I was fluctuating between asking if I was on candid camera, asking her what in the world she was thinking, and laughing my head off.  I just focused on Izzy's face, and hoped she would put it away soon.   As my son played with it she asked me, " do you ever let him play with a vibrator?  You should! "   What on earth!  NO! I just said... no, not really.    After a minute or so... I got my wish because it stopped working.   She said, " oh, it should be working, it was working just a little while ago!"  Once again.  I just looked straight forward.