A few updates

Well Quint and I had a great time in Oregon, I didn't take a whole lot of pictures unfortunately... These are a few of my kids updates, they are all taken with my cell phone but at least you know I have been thinking about documenting their growth right? Otherwise we have been doing the usual, except now we are also getting James ready for his mission, kids have school, Sicily plays her clarinet, and Quint loves his job. I am still writing, and I love it. Started 2 more stories, and a much needed revision (lol) is underway. Enjoy the pics and keep in touch, s.

Sicily

Grandma Stearns and Myself

Button hanging her nose out the car window, she might have sighed a few times. :)

Calvin and chocolate Ice cream ... need I say more?

This "Tatoo" was inspired while Quint fell asleep during conference. LOL, I think he will be more carefull next time. :)

A rare photo of Rannon. Noitce the slight curl to his hair and the grey that he already had on his forhead... nope it is natural.

James was another Conference Sleeper... guess what he left exposed :)

JAden wearing her Easter shirt... Dresses get caught in her wheels so we found the next best thing.

Well Ya... you can see for yourself.

Quint playing with two nephews, they were pretty interested for several minutes... :)

pictures

Sicily
Jonah and Calvin
Rannon's secret chest of presents
James secret chest of presents
Key to secret chest :)
James luggage
Jonah's derby car is number 08

Jaden finally sleepy and breathing on her own after recent surgery.

OK so I have been a little lax in my efforts to keep everyone current on the pictures of the kids and all. :) I will get out more later.

Bringing everyone up to speed...

So that last while I have been down with a few ailments, I feel better at long last. I ended up getting the flu and sharing it with half the family.

I got my first paycheck from the publisher... LOL... let's just say that Quint is keeping his job ... for now :)I am still learning so much about how it all works, but know that sooner or later I will understand everything.

Kids are doing well in school, Sicily is in a talent show this month, she will be playing her Clarinet. She is working very hard everyday to do a good job.

Jaden is getting strong and healthy. She is also getting sized for her next set of wheels. POWER is the operative word people, she is gonna be FAST. Her school and therapy is all going well. The aid comes in 5 days a week to help her bathe and prepare her own food. Jaden feels like she is getting more independant, now she just needs a bigger room for all her BIG toys :)

James is still helping out with the kids for me so I can get my writing done :) He is a real champ actually doing much of the kids hands on school stuff for me. It is all so time consuming, (gradeing papers, attendance, ect)

Rannon is all over this half of the school year, finally understanding all the little rules and ways each teacher has of doing things. (sometimes he reminds me a lot of his dad that way) :)

Jonah is rocketing up through the second grade this year, so far it is too easy, so the man is moving on.

Quint is enjoying work and being near family (as am I)

I look forward to being in Oregon April 9th-14th if anyone wants their book signed that will be the time :) Take care and please keep in touch :) S

Jaden

Jaden is looking much better today :) Closer to her normal some what pesky self even :) Her breathing is much improved, and she looks like she will get to go home tonight or tommorrow at the latest. We are all very happy. right now Jaden is painting and enjoying her out of bed time in the play room :) Mom has taken this rare chance to check her emails and get more writing done. thanks everyone for your emails, calls, and prayers they really help. take care and see ya around. s

Jaden

I am happy to report that Jaden is doing better even though she is currently in the I.C.U. she had some trouble with her breathing last night because she had a little to much morphine in her bloodstream. (build up is BAAAD) crisis is now averted and she is being watched over by really great nurses so I can come home and have a shower, and sleep in my own bed... sigh.

Jaden should still be in house for another 3 to 4 days. I'll keep in touch, take care, s

book signing

I am very happy to report that my book signing went well :) several people approached me, and asked great questions, one woman bought it for her son :) i thought that was great. teri, and amelia got signed copies :) (thanks girls you are the greatest) all in all it was a good day. the store wanted several copies signed, they were impressed with the amount of people that came to talk to me, said i was welcome back anytime. The are interested in having me come in for the next book even :) well thanks everyone for the encouragment, really. It means a lot :) s

Family News

Well all of you have pretty patient with us... but it is time to let you know our news :)

Quint's eye is NOT improving unfortunately, he is still fighting the progressive growth of whatever this is. The doctor say that he is to use a different eyedrop as well as the medication and to continue for another 2 months. It has still managed to grow while he has been treating himself so they are definately researching for more information about it. She says though that it is still not scarying her yet... like when he came in at first, but she is VERY aware or his eye and concerned he may need medication for several years... (It is my idea that this strange fluke catcher is the sourch of Jaden's ability to attach herself to strange illness as well, lol)

Jaden is having surgery on Feb 5th. She will be using her galebladder as a shunt drain from then on. This surgery is slightly odd, and if it does not work there are no fast safe options for her in the future so some prayers are in order for the surgeons that are going to take care of her.

Jonah had his first cub scout cerby last night and his care was the coolest :) It was also the slowest... (someone got a little excited with the glue I suspect) But he was thrilled to participate in his fist scouting function, (the whole thing was 20minutes) :)

My book signing is in a couple hours... I have to tell you all that I am really nervous... a couple more hours and I'll know I suppose :)

See ya around. Stacey