So Long Ol' Buddy...

I just attended a funeral for one of Cody's toads, a.k.a. "Chicken Noodle". Cody's had these toads for just over four years now. They are called fire bellied toads because of the neon coloring on their stomach. His are bright orange with black webbing throughout. They are really neat. Jared had some when he was younger and always wanted our kids to have some. So four years Cody got two toads. He named them "Chicken Noodle" and "Freckles".

It was fun to watch them over the years. At times we'd walk in their bedroom and find the toads climbing up the wall of their aquarium. That's when you can really see their color. They have been so easy to take care of. Just make sure they have water and feed them crickets a couple times a week and that's it.

Lately though we haven't been feeding them as often. And when we did, "Freckles" took all the food. At times we'd find "Freckles" trying to eat "Chicken Noodle". I knew "Chicken Noodles" time was coming to a close. He was getting so skinny and couldn't jump like he used to. And with "Piggy", a.k.a. "Freckles", hogging all the food, there wasn't much we could do for him.

And so his time came. I found him the other night as the boys were going to bed. He was lying on his back, with his front legs crossed over his body like arms, and his legs lying outward, bending at the knees of course. He looked like he just lied down and died. Poor thing.

Cody buried him out by the chicks. Hunter and I attended the funeral. We sang "Taps" as he put the dirt over him, and then ended with a moment of silence. Despite this coming from the death of our friend, it was cute to watch my boys as we had a funeral for our toad. We kind of laughed together as we sang "Taps". It's funny to have a funeral over such a small thing as loosing a toad.

So long ol' friend. We'll miss ya but will be getting another one to take your place soon. "Freckles" is lonely now that you're gone. Maybe he should have thought about this before he stole your food and then tried eating you.

In the Mind of a Child...

We went to dinner with my family for Jamie's birthday to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. While we were waiting for Jim and Cherie to come, we noticed there were 3x5 index cards available with crayons to draw pictures to hang up on the wall. 

So once the boys table, including Jared and John, finished eating, they set to drawing pictures. Here's what Hunter surprised us with..                                                                                                                 
A story of Jesus' Life. (Narrated by Hunter himself.)

"There's no room at the Inn!"

"Jesus is born. See the bright star?"

"There's baby Jesus."

"The shepherds with their dog."

"Jesus growing up."

(Hunter with a huge smile on his face as he shows me this.)

How cute is that?!

He made sure everyone saw these.

Love that last one... "Jesus Christ Rocks."

All in the mind of a seven year old.

Hurray!!!

It's been 13 days since Cody's had any Claritin and I think it's safe to say he's over his weird strep/reactive arthritis thing!!!! 

Can I just have a moment to....
Happy Dance!!

It's such a relief to us to hear him say his legs and feet don't hurt. It's such a relief to not be dealing with strep over and over, pain in his legs and feet and swelling so bad it's extremely painful to walk on. And the unknown of what's causing this. 

It's such a relief!

I'm crying as I post this because it's such a relief.

We finally have our Cody back. Our happy go lucky kid who is content with life, who appreciates the little things, and is always there with a hug. I was talking with his teacher today - Mrs. Melton - who told me she was worried she'd never have the real Cody back. She, too, is so happy to hear he's doing better. She knows he's back by the way he acts everyday. Now that's a good teacher - someone who knows a child well enough that she knows when he's sick or some thing's wrong just by watching him.

I'm so thankful for prayer, and priesthood blessings, and modern day medicine. Ya, it took a little while to figure out what was wrong with him. Cody stumped the doctors with this, but we have to remember we're all human, too. And we learn day by day with the things that surround us. All we can do is try something, and if it doesn't work out, move on to something else. I'm so thankful for the doctors we were able to take him to. They figured it out and brought us our Cody back.

We're just working on building up his immune system now. He ended up contracting the 5th disease twice in the last month, which is unusual, but not serious. He's on vitamins, BCAA's, and eating right and exercising (training for the up coming football season. He's going to be able to play!! We weren't sure if that would happen this year, but I think it's safe to say it will!).

I know looking back now, this was a trial I'll be thankful we went through, but right now it's still such a relief we made it through. We appreciate our kids more. We appreciate good health more. And modern day medicine. Who knew it would only take something as simple as Claritin to cure this?!

It lasted 3 months. From January 20 to April 14th (the last day of claritin). A quarter of a year.

I feel like it should only be the beginning of April. Being so focused on this, this year has flown for us.

I feel like we can get back to normal now.

Whatever that is.