Erik, Jenn, Tyler & Mason

Well Tyler had his first Christmas. Things are kind of strange around here because Grandpa is missing from his usual spot at the head of the table. He is back in the ICU (has been for a week or two) and we've been visiting him twice a day. We got spoiled by all three grandmas (that includes one great-grandma), and we've had a great time playing with our cousins Neal and Jeffrey. Grandpa has been improving but so far is still in the ICU. It's been a little over a month now. He did get a Priesthood blessing telling him he would rise up and walk out of the hospital. So we certainly have faith in that. Here are some cute pictures from our Christmas: This one is for you, Jaime: Tyler is not afraid of white cats. Here he is sitting on Grandma Miles' lap with Kitty Boy in Idaho. Here is Tyler still in Idaho eating his first bite of chocolate. Chocolate flavoring anyway. I don't think they put real chocolate in boxed pudding. Here we are opening presents at Aunt Denise...

Tyler finally crawls! Ten months old and the kid finally figured out that rolling is NOT where it's at! And grandpa is out of the ICU--they said he'd never make it, and today they transported him to a residential rehab facility to get stronger before they send him home!! We are going to visit him next week and I am so excited! Thank you all for your prayers. Also, you should know I totally prayed that Tyler would crawl and then HE DID! That, my friends is a miracle. I am trying to post a video but it won't load. So use your imagination.

I know a lot of you have been following the story of my grandpa and his miraculous struggle to fight one million ailments at once out of nowhere. Well, Grandpa is doing a lot better. He is still in the ICU but is no longer in critical condition. He is using the bathroom on his own, standing up with help and talking a little bit. He is still on a feeding tube and oxygen but is getting stronger every day. His pnumonia is gone, his ulcers are healed and his heart is beating well and normally. I can't wait to go see him next week! I will have pictures!!!!! Yay!

You may have noticed that I was not at church this week. I have had this awesome rash on my face for 5 days now. My whole face is swollen, at least one of my eyes has been swollen shut each day throughout the week and my cheeks are bright red and scaly. I look like an oversized lizard on crack. I went and got blood tests on Friday because this is the fifth time I've had this in a year (though this is the worst it's ever been). I should know on Tuesday or Wednesday if I have anything serious. Most likely it's just some dumb thing meant to keep me from ever leaving my house again with no title, no treatment and no reason behind it. Yay. Anyway it has made me really grateful for the things I have and for my health and my family. I know a lot of people have real health problems that keep them home and make them suffer and I am very grateful that so far I have not been one of them. This has also made me think there are some things I need to improve on (really? you're n...

I love being a mom, it is so much fun. But it sure is hard work! Tyler has decided in the past month or so that he would like to whine his head off for no apparent reason, almost 24/7. All those of you who know Tyler know that he is a very happy child and is always smiling. I get comments from people every day at the store or wherever I go that he is so happy! But at home, he is a different animal! He whines allllll day long. I try to ignore it so he knows it doesn't get him what he wants but then I think maybe he wants something so after a while I try to give him things he may be whining for. I just can't figure it out. So much for consistency in parenting! Is this just a phase? Do all 9 slash 10 month olds whine like this? What am I doing wrong??? What can I do? Please help!! Sincerely, Frustrated Tacoma, WA

Grandpa is doing a lot better. They are probably going to take him off the ventilator today so he can breathe on his own. Turns out his pnumonia was due to a fungal infection in his lungs so they are treating that now with anti fungal meds. Once that is gone (which it will be soon) he will be good as new! At the temple last night I was praying for Grandpa and I was overcome with gratitude for the blessing he is in our lives and for the opportunity we'll have to go see him again in a few weeks. The Lord is so good to our family and we are very grateful for His blessings.