The beginning of summer started out with a little cold that turned into asthma. The last time I had an asthma attack was one year ago- the very same month. Before that, I avoided asthma for 5 1/2 years! Asthma medication is life saving, but it can also cause side-effects. In my case, one of the
meds caused hormonal imbalances that I'm still dealing with 3 months later! Whenever I get a cold, I take tons of infection fighting essential oils and vitamins to avoid bronchial/asthma problems. Even though I tried my best to fight it off, I couldn't this time. The only thing I can figure is that I was due for a trial, and a trial it was! I learned a lot though about myself and as always through our trials we become more dependent on Heavenly Father. We also grow to understand more of what the Savior did for us and how much he loves each of us. The scripture that kept coming to my mind during all of this was the one in Doctrine and Covenants where God is talking to Joseph Smith who is in Liberty Jail. Joseph prayed to him for help and God told him that his adversity and affliction would only be for a small moment. If he endured it well, he would have eternal life. Staying close to the Lord, especially when we experience trials, causes us to have greater faith and the desire to be more obedient. These are blessings because they help keep us on the path to return to our heavenly homes someday. So even though trials are never fun when we're in them, they are part of life and they make us stronger!
I made a bracelet that says "
Buteyko". This is the Russian breathing method I've used over the years to reverse asthma attacks. I decided I needed a refresher course, so I went through a series of
skype sessions with
Buteyko Center USA in Woodstock NY.
Now of course, I guess one can never say "never." However, with
Buteyko breathing, essential oils, vitamins, and trying to stay healthy, I really do hope I don't have to go through this again. Colin forwarded me this interesting water drinking study conducted by Japanese scientists which supposedly "cures" certain diseases- asthma/allergies being one of them. I will be incorporating that into my daily health routine as soon as I can go for more than an hour without eating! My metabolism is still too fast to wait a whole 2 hours to eat. What you do is drink three 8 oz glasses of water when you first wake up (even before brushing). Then after 45 minutes, you can eat food and drink liquid. Then after you've finished b-fast (this goes for lunch and dinner too), you wait 2 hours and don't eat or drink anything. After 2 hours you have your next meal then wait another 2 hours (no eating or drinking) and have your next meal, until your day is done. I know, it sounds a bit strange and maybe even
hoaky, but I don't see how it can hurt, and I'm all for trying anything I can to increase health and avoid sickness! Hand me some water, please!
We did a lot of hanging out in my room, playing around with different hair styles (this was all Tiffy) and the older kids did a lot of babysitting this summer while I tried to get better. It was an extremely busy time for Colin with
BDB, so it was stressful on everyone. We made it through though, somehow.
Mom came to visit and help out. We were at the park near our house and the twins decided to decorate our hair with weeds! I think it's a very attractive style!
Thanks for coming to help Mom! We both look a little wiped out here, don't we?!
The kids went on a scooter ride one night, and I guess the fact that it was dark out prevented them from seeing as well as normal. Nicky biffed it and got a pretty good gouge on her cheek. We took lots more graphic pictures before it was cleaned up and bandaged (we thought the Scoobie Doo band-aid was an excellent choice), but I thought it might be better to just show the conservative version!
All these years Colin and the boys have done scouting trips...now it's Emily and my turn! We went to a day camp for the Achievement Day Girl's group. It was a beautiful area a little ways up Hobble Creak Canyon. Emily had a blast and wished that it was longer than a day!
The girls made rockets then shot them off. Here's two of Em's really good friends- Macky and Sidney.
Making beaded key chain hearts.
Look at that form!
Can't wait until next year!
We love our roses!
Ally and Nicky- this beautiful picture needs to be framed!
The kids like to camp! They set up 2 tents (not sure if this one is the boys' or the girls') and they "camped" outside many times!
Rich and Margo and their kids came for a visit. We had a great time and as always, it was hard saying goodbye when they left! The Payton and Kelly kids love to be together!
Em and Whitney in their traditional family dinner pose- piggy back!
I asked if anyone would be interested in doing some temple sessions for our family names since we have lots! The response was great!
Steven, Kedra, and Jeremy
Jason and Kelli
Dev, Johnny, and Nicky
Not sure what card game this was, but it sure got noisy!
Lisa...Thanks everyone for helping us do our family names!
Margo and Kelli
Rebeca and Rebeca!
Jessica and Emily wearing the dresses they wore at their baptisms. Such beautiful young ladies!
We love you, Paytons!
The triplets and Johnny enjoying breakfast outside.
The beginning of summer started out with a little cold that turned into asthma. The last time I had an asthma attack was one year ago- the very same month. Before that, I avoided asthma for 5 1/2 years! Asthma medication is life saving, but it can also cause side-effects. In my case, one of the meds caused hormonal imbalances that I'm still dealing with 3 months later! Whenever I get a cold, I take tons of infection fighting essential oils and vitamins to avoid bronchial/asthma problems. Even though I tried my best to fight it off, I couldn't this time. The only thing I can figure is that I was due for a trial, and a trial it was! I learned a lot though about myself and as always through our trials we become more dependent on Heavenly Father. We also grow to understand more of what the Savior did for us and how much he loves each of us. The scripture that kept coming to my mind during all of this was the one in Doctrine and Covenants where God is talking to Joseph Smith who is in Liberty Jail. Joseph prayed to him for help and God told him that his adversity and affliction would only be for a small moment. If he endured it well, he would have eternal life. Staying close to the Lord, especially when we experience trials, causes us to have greater faith and the desire to be more obedient. These are blessings because they help keep us on the path to return to our heavenly homes someday. So even though trials are never fun when we're in them, they are part of life and they make us stronger!
I made a bracelet that says "Buteyko". This is the Russian breathing method I've used over the years to reverse asthma attacks. I decided I needed a refresher course, so I went through a series of skype sessions with Buteyko Center USA in Woodstock NY. 
We did a lot of hanging out in my room, playing around with different hair styles (this was all Tiffy) and the older kids did a lot of babysitting this summer while I tried to get better. It was an extremely busy time for Colin with BDB, so it was stressful on everyone. We made it through though, somehow. 
Mom came to visit and help out. We were at the park near our house and the twins decided to decorate our hair with weeds! I think it's a very attractive style!
Thanks for coming to help Mom! We both look a little wiped out here, don't we?!
