CooP'S BaPTiSM!

Cooper got baptized on October 10, 2009. He was so excited and so were we. These are the cute invitations his cute aunt Kenzie made for him. He was lucky enough to be baptized by his dad and have his uncle Brady confirm him. I was amazed at how many people came to share this special day with him. I had to laugh because the primary president didn't know she was supposed to get a count of how many people would be coming and we were over-flowing the room we were in. This isn't a very good picture, but you get the idea. We were all supposed to be writing Coop a little note for this cute book the primary presidency put together for him. (Please note all the guys are just sitting there because they're making their wives write one for them. Just thought that was funny.)
(This is everyone after)

Cooper's cousin Trayven gave a great talk about baptism. I was so grateful he could make it since his mom had just had a baby a day or so before. (I missed the picture of him giving his talk)Mike then preformed the baptism.
After the baptism Cooper's cousin Mazie sang a beautiful song.

Then Riley gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. He shared a great story about listening to the Holy Ghost. I hope Cooper always remembers to do so.Brady then preformed the confirmation. The spirit was so strong. Brady was really nervous, but still did a great job, even if he did end abruptly when he became emotional. Hey that's how the Gordon's roll. We like to keep our emotions to ourselves.
Then Cooper's primary president, Faith Burk gave a talk about "finishing the race" She told him to know that baptism was the first step and to stay on the path and finish the race.
The Bishop Booth said some remarks mostly stating about how much Cooper was loved and to always listen to The Holy Ghost. He then asked Cooper if he would bare his testimony. Cooper quickly said he didn't have one. That got everyone laughing because obviously he had one or he wouldn't have wanted to be baptized.
We all went back to our home for some doughnuts and juice. I had to snap some quick pictures of him with his grand parents. Believe it or not he still had 3 sets of grandparents we missed getting pictures with. Wow, this kid is loved.

Grandma Randy & Grandpa Alan

Me & Mike

Grandma Sherri & Grandpa Butch

I just want to thank everyone for coming and sharing with Coop in this great day.

I love you Cooper. You are one great kid. I couldn't ask for a better one. I just hope you live up to all your greatness and one day teach your brother how to be as patient, loving and as kind as you are. Thank you Cooper for choosing me to be your mom!

uPDaTe oN PoP'S

My dad made it home yesterday. He was so glad to make it home. We all had a little lesson on changing his bandages. I mostly just stood on the side-lines and was the go-for for all their needs, as well as snapped a few pictures. His wounds aren't looking all that great still, but I guess that's just what they look like as they heal. The dressing change took a really long time and he was in a lot of pain by the time we were finished. My dad turned in not long after that and we left a little while later.
When I called my mom this morning she told me they had a really rough night with little sleep. I think the meds make my dad a little crazy. He was hallucinating and my mom was also a little worried about his breathing. We figure it was from the meds so he has cut back some today.
The dressing change this morning went a lot more smoothly. We had him all done and he wasn't even in pain or needing any pills so that was a real improvement.
We decided to start a fast tonight. We are fasting hoping that he will not need a skin graft. As of right now there is a 60% chance he will have to have one. I know he doesn't want one so we will do whatever it takes in order to help him not need one.
We are thankful for everyone who has stopped by or called offering help and prayers for him. We know we are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. We also know we are so blessed to just have my dad here let alone have him doing so well and progressing so nicely. We just want to say thanks to all of you. Keep on praying those prayer I know are what is getting us all through this.

aNoTHeR uPDaTe

Today is the third day since the accident. As many of us know the third and fourth day seem to be the worst. It has been true in his case as well. Today my dad is in more pain than the others and he just isn't feeling well. He is really tired and hasn't slept much and I think it's really starting to take it's toll. My siblings and I are not going up to visit tonight in hopes that he will be able to get some much needed rest.
As I was talking to him last night he was telling me of how he keeps asking the Dr. how soon until he can come home. He thinks it will be this weekend, so he can go visit with the Gordon's at our little get together over Labor Day. He just says he's going to be staying away from the camp fire.

uPDaTeS

I just got an update from my mom. The Dr. came in and checked out my dad. He said everything looks really good and most likely won't need any skin grafts. There is one part by his armpit they are still a little iffy about. He is really swollen, but can move everything still and that is awesome. His oxygen drops below 90% when he is off the oxygen, but only a nasal cannula. They say that is from all the trauma and maybe from the smoke, but definitly not from any burning in his airway. He just says how lucky he is and how it could have been much worse. He says the flames where blazing above his head. Could you imagine if he wouldn't have been thinking straight and ended up in the hay. That would have been bad. We are so happy with the way things are going and hope they continue to go well. Keep your prayers coming I know that is what is pulling us through.

BaKeD LiKe a ToaSTed CHeeSeR

Hey every body. I just thought this would probably be the easiest way to keep everyone updated on my dads accident. For those of you who don't already know, my dad was feeling a little sad that summer was coming to an end and he wouldn't be able to barbeque for a while so he decided to turn himself into one. No seriously, he was working on a car down at Grandmas. From the story I got this is how it happened. He was trying to prime the carburetor or something and tried a little gas to get it fired up. Well as expected it fired up and the gas splashed on him igniting him. He started to roll around on the ground, which was the black top at Grandmas, and when the flames just wouldn't go out he ran to the tomatoes and started rolling around in them. They started throwing dirt on him to get him out and thankfully that worked. He and Shanel jumped in the car and headed to Mountain View Hospital. Shanel called my mom and told her my dad had gotten burned. My mom and Shaylie flew out of the house and came and got me. Thankfully now I live close and have neighbors willing to help watch my kids so I went with my mom and Shay.
I went right in not really knowing what to expect. I knew his face, torso and arm were burnt, but did not know to what extent. I was really worried I was walking into a real mess and of course I was thinking the worst. I was worried I was going to walk in and not would not be able to recognize him because his face and ears were going to be melted off. Then what would he do with those new reading glasses he just got? I'm sure you all would love to know he looks the exact same. He face just looked a little red/black and was starting to blister. His left arm on the other hand looked like crap. All the skin was falling off. I'm not gonna lie, it looked just like an arm off a zombie in a horror movie. His left hand was by far the most badly burnt. I'll never forget seeing that. He still had his ring on, which I must say looked absolutely perfect. They had to get the ring off in a hurry which could have been a real chore, because it's Titanium there was no cutting it off. They just had to lube up his hand and slide it off. The tip of his ring finger was just hanging there. I just kept thinking about uncle Kim and his finger being cut off. I thought for sure he was losing/lost part of his finger. He was really shaking. I thought it was just from the pain, but I think he was really shaking because his body temp was falling and fast because of all the cold rags and ice they had on him. He said a few choice words to the Dr. when the Dr. told him he couldn't have any more cold rags or ice to help and also that he needed a catheter. After they got the dry raps on him and the good drugs in him he started to calm down. His blood pressure went back up and so did his sats. That was a real comfort. Another really good thing was his airway was not burned. If his airway would have been burned I know things would not be as they are now. They would have been much much worse.
My uncle and my dads friend, who's wife was working at the hospital at the time, hurried over and gave him a blessing. I know without a double that blessing really helped and is one of the reasons he is doing so well.

We had the choice of sending him by land or by air. In the end we decided to send him by helicopter for the main reason of pain control. The medication that was helping he couldn't have in the ambulance.

My mom, Darren and Jeff (both are my moms brothers) headed up to the hospital as soon as we decided how to get him up there. They hoped to be there as he arrived. The rest of us stayed to see him get on the chopper and head out. I was so overwhelmed with all the people who rushed down to make sure he was okay and to make sure we had all we needed. Seeing how people are when they see the helicopter at the hospital has always bothered be. They act like it's a little show and all exciting, but they never think about the person getting in there or their family. It really bothered me seeing all those people taking pictures and watching for a little excitement. I knew my dad was really hurting and everyone just stared. It was nice though some people were taking picture for me since I didn't have my camera so I'll post some later because to tell you the truth it was kinda cool watching the helicopter leave.
Even though my mom told us not to my brothers and I headed up there to take her some stuff and just to check on them. When we got there Darren and Jeff were just heading out and they waited for us so they could take us home and we could leave the car for my mom. When we went in there my dad was in the burn ICU, which scared me a little, but I figured it was just so they could keep a close eye on him and continue to monitor his airway and make sure nothing snuck up on them. When we got in there they had shaved him mustache and he was really swollen. Especially the left side of his face. When he talked his face was swollen so his side of his mouth didn't move too well so it looked like he was there for a stroke not for a burn. He was up and talking and making jokes. As we walked in he said to Mckayd "McKayd don't be stupid like me." McKayd says "what dad light myself on fire?" My dad's like "no McKayd text and drive." We all started laughing wondering if he knew why he was in there. Then he said something about watching a thing on texting and driving so then it all made sense. I'll have to get more of the story today.
After they had cleaned up his wounds. They found they were all only 2nd degree burn which is absolutely amazing to me after seeing what it actually looked like. They said the fact all his burns were pink and he was able to move them was really good.
My mom sent me a text today that said he wasn't in too much pain. He was doing as well as can be expected. His body is doing exactly what it should be and he was going to get up and shower soon and the Dr. would be in soon to check on him. I'll keep you all updated and I'm sure all of your comment, prayer and calls are all really help so keep them coming. I would love to read him comments if you'll leave them here that would be awesome. I know if anyone is like me they want to call but don't want to call because they don't want to bother them, so this is a way if you want to show your support you can and you will know you won't be interrupting anything, but please feel free to call or text or whatever you want to do. All of your support is much appreciated.

Pictures are really graphic.Consider yourself warned.


Dad says he looks dead in this picture.

TeRRiBLe TWo!!!!!!

Ryder turned two on July 7th. For his birthday we had all of his cousins over to Grandma Leslie's for a slip n slide party. The kids had a lot of fun. I told the adults to wear their suits as well, but non of them did. Boy did they miss out. We put the slip n slides at the top of the hill and we slid down. Mike and I along with McKayd and Shaylie had a lot of fun sliding down. We even let a few small kids go down. We actually took a few out while we went down too, but luckily no injuries. After the slip n slide we did presents and cake. Ryder's favorite part of the party was definitely the cake. That child loves his sweets. Really the only good pictures I got of Ryder at his party were when he was eating his cake. I must have been too busy the rest of the time.

He was so funny. He kept sneaking up to the cake and dipping his finger in the frosting. He just couldn't wait for the frosting. This year he had a cars theme he is really loving cars right now. To tell you the truth so am I. Playing with any and all types of cars is the only thing that can keep this kid out of trouble.

Here's a few fun facts about Ryder: (I'll keep it short. I could go on forever.)

• Ryder is the weirdest kid. He loves to bang his head on things. We always have to watch out because he will head butt us with no warning and it really hurts.
• Ryder poops and plays in it a couple times a week. I don't really love this, but I do think it's a little funny and I am going to love to be able to tell all the girls these stories when they start coming over when he's older.
• Ryder is the wildest child and doesn't ever cry when he gets hurt. He loves to climb and jump and do whatever he sees all the older kids doing. It's so funny to watch him when he gets ideas in his head and you can see he's coming up with something mischievous.
• Ryder is a little slow in the speech area, but totally ahead in his motor skills. I love that I know he can talk, but just chooses not to. That's just like his momma. I hate to just chat.
• At his 2 year check up Ryder got two shots. Watched the whole time and only cried for about one second and that was just because I wouldn't let him down. He is such a strong little boy. His doctor has commented on this on more than one occasion.
• At Ryder's 2 year check up he was in the 94% for his height and 85% in his weight. I don't know what his head was, but I'm sure it's huge too. He is a really big kid and here I thought everyone else was just little.
• Ryder cries and gets really scared for Cooper when he watches him wrestle. Now he tries to fight everyone just like his brother does.
• Ryder calls Mike mom or Mike never dad.
• His first words were "stop it". Does that make me a terrible mother?
• He loves to dance. He'll come grab my hand and say "my turn" and he'll want to dance with me. Isn't that just the cutest?

I could go on forever about this little guy, but I won't go on anymore. Ryder is the funnest kid. I love that I get to spend so much time with him. He really keeps me busy, but I love it that way.

CooP SiNGiNG iN THe TaLeNT SHoW

Coop was in a talent show at school. I was so proud of him. He wasn't nervous at all. I would have never done this at his age or even now. He did really well. Mike on the other hand didn't do so well with the video taping and this is the best we could find.

PHoTo CoNTeST!

Hey everybody! Rhielyn is in a "cutest backpack" contest and I'm asking all of you to please vote.Seriously, how can you look at this picture and not think it's the cutest.

Go to http://withwhimsy.blogspot.com/and vote.

DeNTiST FuN

Cooper and Rhielyn both had a very fun trip to the dentist. Rhielyn was so scared, so she had a "brave" pill (Valium and yes that was necessary to even get her in the door) and she did awesome. Not a peep. She is very scared of the dentist and the doctor and she will kick and scream like nothing I have ever seen before if the name is even mentioned. The only down side to the "brave" pill was she was a little drugged up and ran into the door before and fell off her shoe. *note to self don't put Rhielyn in high shoes next time she takes her "brave" pill and hold her hand.

Rhielyn starting to float. Can you see the "braveness" in her eyes ?!

Coop not worrying about a thing. He was playing Mario Kart after all. There can never be a worry when Mario Kart is on.

This is Coop's awesome prize he got out of the machine. He was so proud, especially after everyone couldn't help, but laugh when the saw him. He is the funniest kid ever. By the way, no he did not take up smoking he just has a little gauze from the procedure he had done, but yes he does have his arm off to his side like he is going to do a little jig. That was such a key part to the picture, but of course I cut it off. I suck at picture taking.

DaNCe ReCiTaL 2009!

Rhielyn got lots of flowes, which she reminded all of us to get. She was in heaven.

Rhielyn took dancing this year from Esprit De Corps Dance Co. She had a really good time. She did awesome and not a moment of nerves. What can I say she's a natural. I couldn't get any cute pictures of her dancing, but she had a lot of people come to watch and her are some of them.
Shaylie, Grandma Leslie and Grandpa Jed

Grandpa Alan and Grandma Randy

Grandma Myrl and Grandpa Kaye

Us

Kylie (Shaylie's BFF)

Good Job Rhielyn. We are so proud of you. Keep it up!

GRaDuaTioN!

Rhielyn graduated from My Little Friends Preschool. Her teacher was Leslie Jorgensen, who was also Cooper's preschool teacher and who was named "best teacher ever" by Coop and Rhielyn agrees. Leslie is such a sweet little lady, who I know loves each of her little preschoolers. I would recommend her to anyone. She is the best.

The day before she graduated I took her shopping and she picked out this cute little dress. I let her pick out her shoes. She of course chose some little sandals and made sure they had heels on them. She sure has grown up.

At the graduation the sang lots of songs and it was so cute. All the kids sang their hearts out and did all their dance moves perfectly. I loved it. They even dressed in cute little gowns and did the graduation march. Thanks Miss Leslie for taking care of my little girl and teaching her so much.

aLoHa!

When I was little I didn't always love having a brother who played in a baseball tournament on almost all the holiday. I have to admit all of those baseball tournaments really paid off. If Riley didn't play baseball I don't think I would ever get a vacation and this vacations tops them all. Hawaii was awesome. Here are some things we did while we were in Waikiki.

Walked out of our hotel and went to the beach everyday!

We got to see a real "live" trophy!
Some guy put Parrots on our heads.

Pearl Harbor was an amazing day. It gave me an even greater respect for all of our men and women in the military. Thanks to you all.

Our fruity drinks

waitress: "non-alcoholic, are you sure?"

(leaves and comes back without drinks)

waitress: "no alcohol? Right?"

Libby: "Yes, were just little Mormon girls from Utah, we really don't want alcohol!"

Sorry, I didn't add any pictures of the ball game. I think we all know what a ball park looks like. Right?

On our last few day we went up to the North Shore. This was my favorite part of the trip. It wasn't as busy as Honolulu and it just looked like what you dream Hawaii should look like. We had so much fun even though everywhere we went there we sign telling up to not leave anything of value in the car or it would get stolen. Luckily we listened and we didn't get anything stolen. The first day I ran to the beach and went snorkeling. It was my favorite thing by far, but I don't have any pictures to post of that until later. Here are some other things we did while we were at the North Shore.

Tahitian dancer at Polynesian Cultural Center

Luau at PCC

Samoan guy showing off his tree climbing skills. PCC

Mormon temple

Us about getting eaten by some waves

Waimea falls ( loved this)

We all had an unbelievable time. It was so awesome. I probably wouldn't have come home if Mike and the kids were there with me. We went shopping so many time, not my fav. , but we still had fun. We brought home so much stuff I didn't think we were going to get it all home. We even brought home a new addition to our family. We went with Riley's girlfriend and come home with his fiance. It was so fun to watch. Thanks Ry for letting us experience the whole thing. It was so much fun and we are so happy for you two. I just have to give a special thanks to my mom for taking me and a really special thanks to Mike for letting me go and watching the kids while I was gone. Also another special thanks to Brady for watching my kids and Randy also she helped with the kids too. I really appreciate all you do.

A perfect end to my trip was my beautiful sign my family had made to welcome me home. It was so sweet and made me tear up a bit. It was so sweet and I was so happy to be home. There is nothing better than getting home and seeing how happy everyone is to see you. Even Ryder dropped everything and ran to me yelling "moooooooom." It was the perfect end to my trip.

TuBeS

Ryder has had 3 or 4 ear infections since the end of January so his pediatrician suggested we go see the ear/nose/throat Dr. to see what he thought about tubes for his ears. We got right in. The Dr. suggested tubes and I agreed. We set the date and he got tubes a week and a half later. He was so cute. He was so brave. The only time he got nervous was when they had to put the SAT monitor on his finger. He jumped and was a little scared, but soon got over it. After they did his vital signs we went back to the chair and put on this cute little gown.

He was so funny. All he wanted to do was lay on the floor so he could look under the curtain. Lucky there were no neighbors changing their clothes. Soon they brought him a bear and before we knew it the wagon arrived. He jumped right in and tucked his bear under the blanket and off we went. While we were waiting for the Dr to come talk to us he got bored and was trying to jump out of the wagon. While we were waiting everyone would walk by and comment of his big brown eyes. He was loving all the attention. He wasn't in surgery long. It only took about 20 min and then we were called back to him. When we got back there he was crying. He wasn't crying because he was in pain, but because he hated the SAT monitor that was on his toe. He was grabbing that cord and trying to rip it off and he wasn't glad it wasn't coming off. After we got that thing off and the cartoons on he drank a couple of glasses of apple juice and we were out of there. I thought maybe this little procedure would slow him down a bit for at least the day, but I was wrong. You never would have know he had anything done. As a matter of fact he was his wild little self and gave himself a black eye by pulling a antenna box over on his face. I didn't even know he did it since he didn't cry. I found out when I went to put his ear drops in. Needless to say he didn't sleep very well that night. I figured it was because he was in pain, but your guess is as good as mine if it was because of his ears or eye. He is one wild child!

eaSTeR 2009

Easter is my favorite holiday. I'm not sure why I love it so much, but I just have so much fun. We started out at the Salem city Easter hunt. It was super cold, but we still had fun. I like the hunt in Salem, because every kid gets a prize and the candy they find. I think that is really great. On Sunday the kids checked out what the Easter bunny brought them, then Mike and Rhielyn got ready for church. Of course Cooper was up all night and threw up once so we didn't make it to church. Ryder also wasn't feeling well so he didn't make it to church either. The kids all got new church clothes, but since the boys didn't go to church I didn't get picture.

Later everyone was feeling fine so we went to Darren's for dinner and an egg hunt. Cooper went with the Scott's so he missed dinner and most of the egg hunt, but he still had fun.

Although we had a weekend full of Easter egg hunts, we did remember the real reason we celebrate Easter. I am so grateful for the real reason we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When I think of my family who has passed and knowing that we will all be able to be together again someday makes the loss a lot easier.

CooPeR's BuSY WeeK

Cooper had his first school play and he was awesome. He played the part of Ping's father. He remembered his part and said it so well "Ping, you did your best and your best is good enough to present to the emperor ." I must admit that even though he said his part well, my favorite thing was watching him sing the songs and do all the actions to the songs. I just think it is so cute to hear kids sing.

Cooper was also presented with an award this week. He is "scholar of the month" . He was so proud. He got out to the car and called all of his grandmas (which is a lot). Some of them even said they would give him a reward for being so awesome. He hasn't gotten that reward yet which he reminds me of everyday, which is getting a little old. So Grandma this is a little note is for you Please for the love get this kid his reward so he'll shut up about it.

Cooper is the best kid and we are so proud of him. I hope he never changes and is always so sweet and innocent.