LA Zoo

For Kiera's 5TH Birthday, we went to the LA Zoo. It is well priced and not too big. The weather was on the chilly side but that is so much better than the hot side.

Can't believe she's 5.

Picture with new cousin Lexi.

The monkey on the bottom left hand an extra large rear end. He kept pressing it on the other monkeys and then he would take their food. The Monkey on the top of the rock threw his tomato at him.

Bubba had his finger in his nose for almost every picture.

The Hippo was almost as wide as our mini van. She was huge. Her name was Bella.

Uncle Ryan bit Cambria hard enough to leave a welt.

For some reason she still likes him.

Kai wanted me to take this picture to prove that he stayed happy the whole day. It was a fun little excursion, though I do wish the animals performed a little more like they do on Madagasgar.

California- Part One

Open House:
"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."
~ Germaine Greer~

Sean and Shannon

I only had one reception reception even thought Kai and I are from different states. Kai's family had moved from Idaho to Nevada while he was on his mission. He knew no one in their new residence and so having a reception catering to his location and side of the family was never even a thought.

Now that I think about it (though we would have scored on gifts and money) I am really glad that we didn't. It would have been really stressful to meet the people that Kai grew up with, putting on a smile and accepting congratulations, listening to old childhood stories from best buddies, maybe meeting old girlfriends who mourned the loss of your new husbands bachelorhood. Part of it would be fun, unless you wondered how they were sizing you up. Of course I am much to mature now to let anything like that bother me:) I love meeting new people, but when I was 21, it might have been a different story.

We had the last of a series of wedding events for my brother Sean and new sister in law Shannon this last weekend. For me it was a blast. I enjoyed visiting with family and long lost friends, for Shannon it was pretty stressful. One woman was even outright rude to her. Shannon braved it like a champion though. Her smile never faltered as she warmly greeted stranger after stranger- she even remembered names. I can't remember if they say you do marry families or you don't, but YOU DO.

My Aunt Lisa made all these decorative flowers by hand!

Matt and Katie

-next in line to tie the knott-
Aunt Wendy taking pictures for Aunt Libbie

My wonderful Grandma- I love her soooo much!

Not a flattering picture, but still nice to have the two of us together.

Sean says this picture in quite indicative of their relationship.

Refer to quote above you two!

Family

Cousins and spouses

My mom worked really hard to put this together. It was wonderful and I am so glad that so many of you came to support my brother and his new wife. We know some of you were there in spirit as well:)

I know I promised no more pictures of myself, so cover your eyes if you are sensitive- p.s. my nose is way bigger today.

Got Me A Workout Today!

"I will not sit down unless I can throw rocks at you!" This is his evil-happy face. Don't worry, I still love him.

Why do moms not have as much energy as their little tots? We really need too.
This little boy, whom my son lovingly refers to as "Yuh-Yuh" (Justus) is the very definition of motion. Most of the time I could hardly get him to stay in the frame of my lense, but if you look here, I did manage a few.

Big things happening next week:

1. A trip to California
2. My brother's wedding reception- open House
3. Kiera's Birthday
4. Cambria's Birthday.

I am tired already.

Chick in a nest

It was crazy hair day at school. I deal with a lot of crazy hair already so I prefer to get creative. It make for a much nicer clean up.

So we did a chick in a nest.

I won!

I am so excited! I won the give away from Honeybear Lane.
This is what I won:
The Malia Apron Skirt. Reg. $20- a mighty fine price might I add.

And I am buying his for my other girl so we can avoid any jealous rages- Their birthdays are both next week anyway.
The Izzie Party Skirt for $23. So cute!

There are so many cute things on Honeybear Lane for girls and boys from birth on up.! Plus my cousin's wife Heidi is the designer/ seamstress who creates all these wonderful little items.

You can check out her blog here or her etsy site by clicking on the words "Honeybear Lane" in this post.

Racial Identitiy Confusion

Me: Cambria, I need you to help me clean up this room.
C: Nope, thanks to Abraham Lincoln, I don't have to be a servant.
Me: Uh . . . only black people were slaves in those days.
C: I'm black.
me: No, you're not.
C: Look at my skin, it's blackish whitish.
me: You're Hawaiian and . . .
C: (cuts me off) Well, anyway, if it wasn't for Abraham Lincoln, I wouldn't get to be in the same class as my friend, Rainee. And here I am!
Our family and skins of many colors:

I did a fun little photo shoot with Baby Donovan. He is the son of my sweet friend Toshia. He was so goo- slept the whole time.

I wish I was as good as the girl on Peekaboo photos. She is my hero.

Look here to see a few more:

Oh, Boy!!

Sorry, Bubba. I guess you aren't getting a brother:)

Enter Today!

My cousin's cute wife is having a give away from her boutique, HoneyBear Lane, featured on etsy . . . I shouldn't tell you because it will hurt my chances to win . . . but oh, well.

The Long,and Short of it (and Everything in Between)

There is no end to goodness. If you turn on the 5:00 news you may not think so, but it is true. There is no doubt in my mind that in a dark and self- serving world, there is still love, goodness, kindness and those who help others both publicly and in secret.

I knew this before Kai got sick, but every time we received an act of kindness from someone my eyes welled with tears as this truth was confirmed. We have never felt more loved or cared for. Our Family, friends, church and community wrapped us in their arms of love.

What did surprise me was this letter I received near the end of January. It traveled all the way from New York- no where near Mesquite. If you are interested in reading this card you may have to click on the picture to enlarge the print.

In side the card was a check for a significant amount of money- which I won't lie to you- we needed desperately. We have got doctor bills for the rest of our lives.

Once again I broke down into tears at the kindness showed by an anonymous someone half a world away.

It took a little CSI work before I was able to find out that my best friend in high school, Nicole had a hand in this- bless her heart.

Kai and I will never be able to repay the kindness and generosity that we were shown time and time again, but believe me we hope to pay it forward when we are able. I know with a certainty that the opportunity will arise.

A Prayer For My Aunt Libbie

We spent a good chunk of time in Utah this summer, visiting with family and friends. Our home base was my Aunt Libbie and Uncle John's house. As always they were wonderful hosts and made us feel so welcomed and loved. My children had such a great time with them. Kiera had an especially good time playing with dolls that my Aunt Libbie had stuffed in various drawers. She has spoken of them often since our summer trip.

My Aunt Libbie has started a battle with breast cancer for the second time. We, of course were all devastated to learn of this news and have been fasting and praying for her ever since. My children remember her in every prayer.

The other night this is what Kiera (age 4) said in her prayer:

. . . and please bless Aunt Libbie that she will be safe tonight in her home and that no harm will come to her while she is sleeping, or when she wakes up, or when she is in her house or in the afternoon, and PLEASE bless that she doesn't have a yard sale and sell her toys!

We all got a kick out of that one.

Any of you who are willing to remember my Aunt Libbie in your prayers, we would be honored for your prayers on her behalf.

Portrait of a One Year Old

To say Justus was a moving target would be an understatement. Full of wiggles and energy this little dude proved to make a photo shoot a thing of difficulty. We just love this little boy though, wiggles and all. Bubba affectionately refers to him as "Yuh-Yuh"

*

The Long and Short of it

Despite protests from my Grandma and my husband . . . I did it anyway. The thought of washing, blow drying, straightening or curling my hair one more time was enough to push me over the edge. So, I said good-bye to 14 inches.

Good-bye long locks! I'll miss how you looked when you were styled perfectly, but without a live-in hair stylist, I'm afraid our relationship must end.

Hello, easy short hair. How I have missed you. My head feels weightless and free. Instead of 4o minutes to style, you take 15! Welcome back short hair!

(my nose is already starting to get bigger- did I tell you that happens when I am pregnant??)

*

Gender Identification

Two more days until the gender of out little Hershey is discovered. Wednesday morning at 10:00 if all goes well, we should know what we are having.

Did I tell you the story of Hershey? We started calling the baby "HeShe" because of the unknown gender ( he or she- we do not know). Kiera changed it to Hershey and of course it was cuter than HeShe so it stuck.

For me I want a girl, but I really want a brother for Bubba! So I am glad I don't get to choose the gender. What is meant to be will be.

So, check in on Wednesday night if you would like to know if Davis #4 will be male or female.

Go To This Place Mesquite!

You are truly missing out if you don't pay a visit to Danielle's Chocolate Factory here in Mesquite. It's location is some what hidden behind Ace Hardware on Mesquite Blvd, but it is far from difficult to get to.

For years my taste buds have been dazzled by Danielle's wonderful white chocolate pop corn that I have received as gifts; little did I know that Danielle's had so much more to offer until I entered the small locally owned place of business this afternoon.

My oldest daughter's school class went on a field trip to Danielle's two weeks ago and she has been raving about it ever since. The class was taken on a tour of the factory and shown how different types of candy were made.

Once a week my girl's have piano class. When I pick them up I take them for an ice cream as a treat. Cambria, however begged for a change of venue and I reluctantly obliged.

Like an candy shop from the 50's with temptingly delicious displays of all types of chocolates protected behind rounded glass, Danielle's has rows of candy stored in glass jars on top of the counter as well. Danielle's owner, Fronda, seems to be as sweet as her wares. The service was warm and friendly and was very refreshing. We spent a $1.05 and came away with two sheets of dots, one jaw breaker, one large gummy whale and one gummy turtle. Our total was way less than we would spend on ice cream and just as satisfying. I was so glad that I let Cambria talk me into going.

From gourmet flavored pop corn, to decadent chocolates to all kinds of sugar candy, Danielle's should surely be on your list of places to go for an occasional treat. Danielle's Chocolate factory exudes a sense a small town charm and while it may not have the power to transport you to a simpler time, you are sure to leave the candy shop with a sense of sweet satisfaction.

Look out Mesquite!

Check your calendars . . . it has been three months since Kai's last horrific seizure.
This has a great amount of signifigance because it means one thing . . .
Kai is back behind the wheel!

(He is still on his meds.)


It is so good to have more than one driver back in the house again!

It's official

I've completely lost my mind.
My house wreeks of burnt pop corn.
Why?
Because I put it in the microwave for 20 minutes and 5 seconds.
I took it out when I came back from the bathroom at 15 minutes and 59 seconds.

Febreeze has been no match for the stench.

Who's that girl?

Blond?
Brunette?
Red head?
Who did Sean marry?
He has searched the world over. Dated girl after girl after girl after girl. Would he ever settle down? Some of us weren't so sure.
But find true love, he did.
Marry a girl, he did.
Gain a seven year old daughter, he did.

Formerly known as Shannon Goss, the new Shannon Carrillo was found In Las Vegas, Nv. She has a seven year old named Lexi.
Lexi can be seen in the black sweater over her red dress sitting on Sean's lap.

Chris wasn't here to pose with Ryan- so I did it as proxy.

We hope it is a good ride.

They are having an open house on March 27 for family and friends.

No epiphanies or creative writing today.

Such a big weekend! Part One

27 comments! Never in my whole life have I ever received 27 comments! Wow! I could die a happy woman!
Love was in the air this Valentine's weekend. There was music and dancing and two people said "I do!"
But first there was this:

Deep in the heart of every senior citizen lies the overwhelming need for adventure and freedom and maybe, just maybe a little desire for a walk on the wild side. My brave Grandma busted out her knee pads and elbow pads but decided to forgoe the helmet when she took a little ride on the rhino down by th Mesquite river. I'm not going to lie, I was scared. I was scared she would come back unable to move because of a twist in her back from hurdling over to many bumps , but you know what this old lady yelled into the wind as her graying curls danced upon her temples????? "You can go faster, Kai!"

Proving once again that age is just a number.

Some things will never cease to amaze. And thankfully, she came home in one piece. Her famouse quote "I've ridden a camel, but I don't know if I can ride a rhino."

Well, you did Grandma- you'd rode that rhino like it had never been ridden before.

Never underestimate a senior citizen!

For those inquiring minds who want to know: Here I am 16 weeks and already as big as a house, and I know what your thinking: You wish your girlfriend was hot like me. Don't be afraid to admit it.

I don't just get pregnant in the belly, I also get pregnant in my arms, neck and face. It's a joy to be sure. Who doesn't want to look like a whale. It's always been a life long ambition of mine.

I am starting to feel better which leads me to believe that this baby will be a boy. Girls seem to make me sicker. This most likely will be the last picture you see of me (after I finish the wedding posts that is) 

And finally, who is the mysterious girl that one Sean Carrillo married this weekend???

You'll have to stay tuned for more info.

Here he is singing an upbeat love song that he wrote for his sweethear that was both touching an humorous.

Wish I had it recorded. He's got talent.

Changing Shapes

Have you heard the whispers in the hall?
Have you heard the rumors on the streets?
Have you taken a side ways glance and wondered to yourself . . ."well is she or isn't she?"

Well, let me lay all rumor and doubt to rest. As some of you very well know already . . .she is.
Or rather, I am.

I have been in the family way for 14 long nauseating weeks.
We found out the second day that Kai had a seizure(s). He was so excited to hear
"good news on such a bad day."

And since his brain wasn't working . . .
He found out again three days later. He was just as excited as the first time.

Thankfully, I have had none of the same problems that I had while I was carrying my son. It seems we have been blessed with another miracle.

Now that we no longer have to worry about Kai's health we can turn our faces to the future with nothing but joy.

Who is looking?

I know we are all guilty of it. At least once. Maybe more. Sometimes the urge to "blog-stock" is irresistible. There are so many other reasons as well: boredom, genuine interest/concern, clever ideas, posts or recipes. The list goes on and on.

If you are a reputable person who intends no ill will and you blog stock The Davis Details, it doesn't bother me. I mean of course who doesn't want to have their posts overflowing with comments as reinforcement to their heartfelt gibber jabber. I'd be lying if I said I didn't glow with joy when my post hits double-digit comments status-which is rare. But if you wish to remain anonymous, that is okay, too.

What is killing me are the visits from other countries. My curiosity is at an all time high and I wonder; who are you nameless stockers? I know your country but I don't know you. How did you stumble upon The Davis Details? Was it intentional or did you find me though a search gone wrong?

These are the countries that have visited me lately. (My Widget is a very good tracker.)
Australia
Germany
United Arab Emirates
The United Kingdom
India
Greece
Algeria
France
Italy
Sweden
Wouldn't you be curious to know what countries are looking at your blog?

Miracle

I can't even believe that I am about to type these words. I feel like at any moment I will wake up and find that the phone call I just answered was only a dream.

Miracles do happen.
God exists and is aware of us and all of our situations.
God allows us to go through trials to grow and stretch and think and evaluate our priorities.
Trials can be stumbling blocks that ruin our lives or stepping stones that lead us to a new level of life.

Kai met with his doctor today.
She said it looks like his brain reset itself. It looks 99% better that the last MRI.
The blood vessels are beautiful.
The only thing she can see in his brain is a slight scar from Kai's seizures.

His brain is fine and the doctor has no idea as to why.

I know why though and so do you.
Because God hears and answers prayers.

Thank you to all of you who prayed and fasted and put Kai's name in the temple. Thank you to all of you who supported us in so many different ways through this difficult time.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

New Info

Kai had two additional MRI's added to hi schedule tomorrow.
Agenda:
Sleep deprived EEG
Blood Work
3 MRI's

We are hoping that he can arrange to have the EEG and MRI's dictated by Friday because so far the plan is for them to have their follow up appt on Monday- this looks like it will take awhile.

This is baby Charlie- he is our good news for the day!

Update three

Kai finally got his insurance and the Mayo clinic to work together- unfortunately the soonest he can begin testing is tomorrow.

That means two days in AZ doing nothing but waiting. Frustrating for the wife in NV. But at least things are getting done.

Tomorrow's agenda:
EEG
Blood work
MRI

Just so you know, even though Kai's condition is quite serious he feels just fine and is in good spirits as well as good hands. To look at him you'd never know he had a problem.

I am okay, too. Through all of this I have learned not to speculate or guess at causes because we don't know until we know. I have also learned to save my worry for when it can actually do some good- if worry can ever do any good. Once we get a diagnosis, then We'll know what direction to take. Being close to my Heavenly Father has helped tremendously.

Thank you to all of you wonderful people who offered your AZ homes to us. Thank you to John and Jayme Dosdall who wanted to see their names specifically thanked in my blog. Kai is having a great time reliving his college days with his old roomie Bobo. Thank you to Lana for talking to the insurance co. Thank you to all of the people who have donated their time and money and prayers to help us.

In happy news: Kai and I got a new nephew today.
Little Charlie was born to Ben and Amanda Davis this morning.
I can't wait to meet him and hold him.

Update Numero Dos

Well, really there isn't anything to update. Our insurance hasn't called the Mayo clinic back to pre- auth the MRI's. Don't you love insurance?

The Mayo clinic called them yesterday- no call was returned.

Kai called them three times this morning- no luck.

Kai is upset thinking he might spend a whole day in Arizona doing nothing because his insurance won't call the Mayo clinic back. Looks like because of them he may be in Arizona longer than 5 days.

THANK YOU for the kind posts and words of support and love. You have no idea how comforting it is to hear and know that you guys are thinking about us and praying for us. You are all great!

Update Numero Uno

Mayo Clinic. Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Noe says Kai's MRI is very abnormal and says time is not on our side. The swelling in Kai's brain is of serious concern. At any moment Kai could have a stroke that alters his health quite severely.

If our insurance approves three new MRI's they will happen as early as this afternoon.

Tests to follow- for lack of the scientific name- a catheter test that pushes dye (and electrodes?) up near his heart. Dr. Noe says this is the gold standard of tests and should tell them what they need to know. If this is unsuccessful, a brain tissue biopsy is not off the table.

Other tests to be performed: EEG, spinal tap, blood work.

We are thankful to finally have a doctor that seems as concerned about Kai's health as we are.

I was unable to go with Kai on his journey for various reasons. His Dad went with him. I feel helpless here. I hope to join him later on in the week.

MAYO

Last minute.
That describes our trip tomorrow morning. This appointment has been on the calendar for months, but mostly as a precaution. As a last resort. As a "its there just in case we need it."

Thursday Kai decided that we did indeed need to keep our appointment at the Scottsdale, Arizona Mayo Clinic. It is a top notch neurology center and we pray that it will give us answers.

I have spent the last two days scrambling to get everything in order. Our sweet little babies will not be going with us. My parents were kind enough to schedule a trip to the great desert to tend them while we are away. I've never been away from them before so this feels kind of weird. I think when I return my mother may have a new appreciation for my skill with My eldest daughter's hair.

We have been told to expect to be there "no less than five days." I hope (if there was a stronger word I would use it- what is stronger than hope?) they can figure out what is going on with Kai so we can treat it or cure it and move on with our lives.

This has been so taxing. Thank you to all of you who have helped us through thus far.

Where is love lurking . . .

Despite What Hollywood may say, I don't think on one's death bed one would pridefully pull a tally card out of their pocket about how many one night stands they may have had. Many may claim they enjoy the freedom of being a bachelor or bachelorette or the thrill of the chase, but deep down I think it is human nature to not only desire to be loved but to love something in return. Feminists may hate me, but for a man and a woman to belong to each other, to form something unbreakable and solid; to create a family that only they can claim- now that is something special. I am not saying that marriage is never hard, but when love is nourished in the bounds of matrimony magic begins to unfold.

Now where is love lurking these days and how do you find "the one?" Is it in college or a bar? At church or at a club? At the grocery store or the gym? Or could it be on the Internet . . .? Every time I open my email there is a picture in the left hand corner asking me if I want to find hot singles in my area. They must not know that I have already found "my one." Nevertheless, I have known an increasing number of people who have found their match on an Internet dating site.

My brother, Sean, is such a one. He has met his match. A blond named, Shannon. She is everything he never knew he always wanted. She completes him in away that we didn't think was possible. As their love story plays out, we are sure that marriage is on the horizon and we have an Internet dating site to thank.

Does this mean that old fashioned meet Mr. Right at a friend's party has flown out the window? No, it just means the big old world has gotten a lot smaller and your next date may be just a key stroke away.

More blood

Kai had a Doctor's appointment with the neurologist yesterday. No new news it seems. We still have to see a rheumetologist to decide if Lupus is his condition. A whole new round of blood work has been ordered and a brain tissue biopsy is inching itself closer and closer into the picture. He will need an MRI in March to see if his brain looks any different ans we are scheduled for the Mayo clinic for later this month.

Many of you have spoiled us with more than we deserve and I don't know how to say thank you. So much of you have given and blessed our lives. I hope you know how much your kindness and gifts of all kinds have meant to us. Some was given in secret and some was given with kind greetings and well wishes. We just hope that someday we can pay it all forward.

We didn't send out any Christmas cards but I want you to know how much we loved getting yours. It was one of the high lights of our holiday to get exciting mail. Thank you so, so, so much. For all we have been given those words don't seem adequate enough.

Another Sad Day

Before I explain the following heartbreak, breathe a sigh of relief because it has nothing to do with my dear husband's health.

This morning welcomed me with heartbreak and heavy sadness. I have had my suspicions for a few days now and today my fears were realized. Good-bye imagined youth. Good-bye 20 year old image of myself. I must lay you to rest with a final farewell. It is time . . . that I . . .embrace the full maturity of adulthood. I don't even know if I can say it . . .(big sigh) . . . I found a grey hair. Four of them. I plucked them all out so that I could get a closer look to confirm their ghastly color. If any of you tell me that two will grow back for every strand I pulled you might loose an eye. I blame it on Kai and his medical crisis for causing such complete stress in my life . . .but it doesn't make me feel any better.


The whole day wasn't a total loss however. In fact just as I was about to despair Kai called me and told me their was a gift waiting outside my front door. I asked if it was from him and he said no.
This is what I saw:
Several white plastic forks sticking out of my lawn with a note saying "You've just been forked!" Now, I have been toilet papered and heart attacked, but being forked was a first for me. And surprisingly, it made my day. I teach the young women in my ward on Sundays at church- ages 12-18. This little lovely gift was from them and this is the note the left "forked" to the grass.

I don't think the girls know I have a blog so this second thank you will fall on deaf virtual ears, but this sweet note really touched my heart. The fact that they would take the time to be all sneaky and stick plastic forks into the hard earth really was such a nice message to send. I love them!