I went to the hospital on Saturday. Christian continues to make good progress, though it looks like he will stay there another week because he needs a little more skin grafting, but is doing so well that he probably won't need to go to the rehab facility after all. He will have outpatient rehab instead. That will make it much easier for him to visit Stephanie. Hooray!
Stephanie's skin grafts seem to be doing pretty well. Thanks for all of your prayers! I know they are working!!! Her mom and sisters are here this weekend, which I know makes such a difference for her. They are so strong and amazing.
Saturday evening was the world-wide Relief Society meeting. I watched the broadcast at our stake center with my mom and 3 of my sisters. It was so good to be with them, along with my sisters in the gospel. The meeting was fantastic. If you missed it, you can watch it here. I know that Stephanie would have loved to have been there. I'm sure she will be anxious to watch it as soon as she can. I particularly loved Sister Beck's talk, and President Uchtdorf's talk. I thought the choir did a fantastic job too; not bad for a bunch of amateurs! :)
September 28, 2008
District
Friday night Jay and I had dinner at District, the restaurant at the new Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. The hotel and restaurant don't open to the public until Tuesday, but this was Jay's project so we were invited to have dinner there as part of a simulation... basically practice for the real thing. We ate with Jerry (a friend of Jay's from work) and his girlfriend.We had a lovely meal, including starters, entrees and dessert, with excellent service, and since it was just "practice" we didn't have to pay! Sweet! (This also meant we sort of had to order whatever was highlighted on our menu because they were trying to have everyone get different things and have a chance to practice on all of the menu items.)
The menu is sort of normal, but kind of unusual. I would describe it as "fancy comfort food." For example, my meal was short ribs with cheddar jalapeno grits (I don't think I've ever eaten grits before), and carrots... not something I normally would have ordered, but it was delicious! The presentations were all excellent as well. Jay had scallops with mushrooms, peppers and grilled Italian sausage, and fried calamari as a starter (with 2 different... and excellent... sauces; chimichurri and spicy garlic).
Some of the other entrees are things like fancy versions of other comfort foods, like fried chicken, fish and chips, chicken pot pie, cheese burgers, Memphis BBQ pork with apple sauce and mac & cheese, and even a casserole... Pumpkin Curry Casserole with wild rice and marinated tofu, so not your typical casserole. Other things, like the seared scallops, roasted salmon, and grilled ribeye, seem a bit more typical of this kind of restaurant.
My starter was a fabulous tomato soup with garlic croutons and fontina cheese on top, baked kind of like a french onion soup. It was absolutely fantastic! I would go back there just to have that (though I want to go back anyway to try more things... I hear the salmon is heavenly). For dessert, a fresh raspberry cobbler with pecan sandies. Delish! (Jay and I shared because we were so full by then.)
The bread was unusual too... sort of a combination of a dinner roll and cornbread, with chilis and whole black beans inside (it sounds odd, but it was really good), served with butter dizzled with guava nectar.
So, if you have a special occasion, or if you just want to have a nice meal in downtown Phoenix, check it out, and let me know what you think.
And if you like it, tell me what you had so I can order it next time.
September 26, 2008
A Day at Home
My foot is feeling much better today. Thanks for all your well-wishes. It seems so silly in comparison to everything else that has happened.... kind of embarrassing.
I have felt a little guilty.... well not really guilty because I know I'm doing a good thing... but kind of sad that I haven't spent as much time with Jack lately because I have been spending a good amount of time at the hospital. He loves to play at his friends' houses (thank you all for helping!), so it isn't really a big deal to him, but I have been missing him.
So, today was "Jack-and-Mommy-Stay-At-Home Day." (Besides, I needed to take it a bit easy on my foot.) Here is what we did:
Memory/Matching Game: Jack is pretty good
We put together a SpiderMan puzzle.
Jack needed some guidance, but did a lot of it himself.
So proud when it was complete.
Jack insisted on playing Scrabble, but since he can't read yet, he's not so good at that. But he enjoyed making patterns with the letters.
We finished the book I have been reading to him at night. (This one is better as a adult-real-aloud so you can leave at the swear words!)
We also played a game of Dominos, so of course we had to do this afterward.
I have felt a little guilty.... well not really guilty because I know I'm doing a good thing... but kind of sad that I haven't spent as much time with Jack lately because I have been spending a good amount of time at the hospital. He loves to play at his friends' houses (thank you all for helping!), so it isn't really a big deal to him, but I have been missing him.
So, today was "Jack-and-Mommy-Stay-At-Home Day." (Besides, I needed to take it a bit easy on my foot.) Here is what we did:
Memory/Matching Game: Jack is pretty good
We put together a SpiderMan puzzle.
Jack needed some guidance, but did a lot of it himself.
So proud when it was complete.
Jack insisted on playing Scrabble, but since he can't read yet, he's not so good at that. But he enjoyed making patterns with the letters. 
We finished the book I have been reading to him at night. (This one is better as a adult-real-aloud so you can leave at the swear words!)We also played a game of Dominos, so of course we had to do this afterward.
You asked for it.... here it is
Per your request, here is the recipe for the yummy pumpkin muffins I took Christian. By the way, this recipe comes from my sister (thanks, Helena!). These are my kids' favorite. Enjoy!
WHOLE WHEAT PUMPKIN MUFFINS
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. brown sugar (loosely packed)
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter, melted *
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add remaining and mix just until combined. Bake in muffin tins for 15 minutes. (8-10 minutes for mini-muffins) Makes about 3 dozen regular muffins. (Freeze some for after-school snacks.)
*I use 1/4 c. canola oil instead. I can't tell the difference.
WHOLE WHEAT PUMPKIN MUFFINS
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. brown sugar (loosely packed)
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter, melted *
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add remaining and mix just until combined. Bake in muffin tins for 15 minutes. (8-10 minutes for mini-muffins) Makes about 3 dozen regular muffins. (Freeze some for after-school snacks.)
*I use 1/4 c. canola oil instead. I can't tell the difference.
September 25, 2008
Pain is Relative
I went to the hospital yesterday and today. I came bearing gifts.... of food. (Hospital food is disgusting!) I brought Christian Jamba Juice and a peanut butter sandwich (with all-natural PB and fresh wholewheat bread I had made that morning), and he seemed to like that.
Today I brought him wholewheat pumpkin muffins I had made for breakfast. He gobbled them up, along with the other food I brought....peaches, string cheese, and hummus with crackers. It is so great to see him getting his appetite back.
He is getting stronger. Both days he walked from his room down the hall to Stephanie's room, using a walker. He goes into the OR tomorrow for a minor procedure, and will most likely be transferred to rehab on Monday.
Stephanie also goes to surgery tomorrow for grafting on her face. Please pray that those grafts will be successful!
P.S. I twisted my foot wrong as I stepped onto the curb at the hospital today. I thought it would go away when I walked it off. But it didn't. I limped around the hospital in pain all day.... I didn't want to complain... it seemed so petty in comparison. Finally, later this afternoon I was in so much pain that I asked Christian's physical therapist if he would look at it (actually, he's the OT so his focus is hands, but good enough!). It was pretty swollen by then. He said it is probably sprained and he wrapped it for me. I iced it and took Advil when I got home and I'm feeling much better tonight. I'm hoping it will be better in the morning.
Today I brought him wholewheat pumpkin muffins I had made for breakfast. He gobbled them up, along with the other food I brought....peaches, string cheese, and hummus with crackers. It is so great to see him getting his appetite back.
He is getting stronger. Both days he walked from his room down the hall to Stephanie's room, using a walker. He goes into the OR tomorrow for a minor procedure, and will most likely be transferred to rehab on Monday.
Stephanie also goes to surgery tomorrow for grafting on her face. Please pray that those grafts will be successful!
P.S. I twisted my foot wrong as I stepped onto the curb at the hospital today. I thought it would go away when I walked it off. But it didn't. I limped around the hospital in pain all day.... I didn't want to complain... it seemed so petty in comparison. Finally, later this afternoon I was in so much pain that I asked Christian's physical therapist if he would look at it (actually, he's the OT so his focus is hands, but good enough!). It was pretty swollen by then. He said it is probably sprained and he wrapped it for me. I iced it and took Advil when I got home and I'm feeling much better tonight. I'm hoping it will be better in the morning.
September 23, 2008
Weekend Visits to the Hospital
Jay and I went the hospital Saturday night. Christian was a sleep when we arrived. He woke up briefly, off and on, but we didn't get to talk to him much because he was having a hard time staying awake... probably because he hasn't been sleeping well at night.
We only got to poke our heads in Stephanie's room for a minute because she had several other visitors. Her sister Page was talking to her and Stephanie was very animated, even lifting her arms.
I went back on Sunday after church and spent about 5 hours with Christian. My mom was home taking a break, and my dad was taking Steph's dad and sister to the airport. I helped Christian eat the piece of LGO pizza that Mark and Sarah had left the night before... he gobbled it up (along with lots of ice chips and sips of vitamin water) and really enjoyed it! He is slowly getting his appetite back, which is good. He worked really hard to feed himself, even though it was slow-going.
I got the internet connection working on my mom's laptop she had left in Christian's room, and so I turned on Elder Holland's CES message which I referred to here. I also read to him sections 121, 122, and 123 from the Doctrine & Covenants that Elder Holland asked listeners to read. My dad was there for part of that time. And I told Christian about a talk in sacrament meeting that day, where the speaker told a version of this story, and related it to the struggles we have in life that make us stronger.
Then it was finally time to get Christian and up, and off to visit Stephanie. He was so positive and encouraging to her, which I know she needed.
I wish I could give you more news about Stephanie. But the recovery process for her is going to be very gradual. There will be lots and lots of waiting. But perhaps we can take that as "no news is good news."
I will be going back to the hospital tomorrow.... I will let you know how it goes.
P.S. Please know that I share with you everything that I feel is appropriate to share in such a public forum. Your love and concern are very touching, and I don't want to make this blog private or disallow comments, so please keep comments appropriate.
We only got to poke our heads in Stephanie's room for a minute because she had several other visitors. Her sister Page was talking to her and Stephanie was very animated, even lifting her arms.
I went back on Sunday after church and spent about 5 hours with Christian. My mom was home taking a break, and my dad was taking Steph's dad and sister to the airport. I helped Christian eat the piece of LGO pizza that Mark and Sarah had left the night before... he gobbled it up (along with lots of ice chips and sips of vitamin water) and really enjoyed it! He is slowly getting his appetite back, which is good. He worked really hard to feed himself, even though it was slow-going.
I got the internet connection working on my mom's laptop she had left in Christian's room, and so I turned on Elder Holland's CES message which I referred to here. I also read to him sections 121, 122, and 123 from the Doctrine & Covenants that Elder Holland asked listeners to read. My dad was there for part of that time. And I told Christian about a talk in sacrament meeting that day, where the speaker told a version of this story, and related it to the struggles we have in life that make us stronger.
Then it was finally time to get Christian and up, and off to visit Stephanie. He was so positive and encouraging to her, which I know she needed.
I wish I could give you more news about Stephanie. But the recovery process for her is going to be very gradual. There will be lots and lots of waiting. But perhaps we can take that as "no news is good news."
I will be going back to the hospital tomorrow.... I will let you know how it goes.
P.S. Please know that I share with you everything that I feel is appropriate to share in such a public forum. Your love and concern are very touching, and I don't want to make this blog private or disallow comments, so please keep comments appropriate.
September 21, 2008
On a lighter note....
On Friday, Collin gave his speech for Student Council elections. He did very well, though he forgot to bring his prop with him (giant plastic ears... he was supposed to put them on toward the end... watch the video and maybe you will get it... it has to do with being a good listener) so he had to drop one of the jokes and adapt on the fly, which he did well. I think he did a great job!
He didn't win the election, but it was a great experience for him, and we are proud of him for doing his best and being a good sport.
He didn't win the election, but it was a great experience for him, and we are proud of him for doing his best and being a good sport.
September 20, 2008
Friday's visit with Christian
When I arrived at the hospital yesterday, my mom was with Christian. He had been feeling lonely, but we fixed that. At one point there were 6 family members in the room at one time (which kind of goes against their 2-visitors-at-a-time rule, but no one said anything).
I had brought 2 CD's I made... both are all hymns, but one is instrumental and the other is choir. I left one in Christian's room and the other in Stephanie's. Christian was very appreciative.
While we talked, telling him about the "Hope Concert" again (because he didn't remember hearing about it the first time), the special fast and prayer, and other fundraisers and stuff going on, I did a little occupational therapy on him... moving and stretching his fingers... and I even clipped his finger nails (which were pretty dang long since they hadn't been cut for a month).
He hadn't eaten anything (lack of appetite, not to mention that hospital food is disgusting) so I went out to find the nearest Jamba Juice. I brought back a large "Orange Dream Machine" (per Christian's request) with a double dose of protein, which he needs lots of. He ate it all and felt much better.
Jay arrived and he and Christian talked lots about "work" kind of stuff, which was great to keep Christian's mind occupied. Good ol' Jay also made Christian laugh several times, which was great to see!!!!
Peter and Darin (my older brother and his wife) arrived with a piece of coconut cream pie, but Christian was too full of Jamba Juice to eat it. They were happy to enjoy it for him, but promised they would bring him some more another day. Peter said he would work on getting a webcam set up in Christian's room so he could talk with the kids, and he thought that would be good.
My dad and sister showed up just before they were getting ready to do a dressing change and we got kicked out. (But I turned on the CD before I left.) Christian was anxious to get his new back-brace so he could get out of bed and go see Stephanie.
All the while we talked, Christian was constantly expressing his gratitude for everyone, for the prayers and all the love... and he was so gracious about thanking every member of the hospital staff who came in. His voice is much stronger, and it is so nice to have him back!
I had brought 2 CD's I made... both are all hymns, but one is instrumental and the other is choir. I left one in Christian's room and the other in Stephanie's. Christian was very appreciative.
While we talked, telling him about the "Hope Concert" again (because he didn't remember hearing about it the first time), the special fast and prayer, and other fundraisers and stuff going on, I did a little occupational therapy on him... moving and stretching his fingers... and I even clipped his finger nails (which were pretty dang long since they hadn't been cut for a month).
He hadn't eaten anything (lack of appetite, not to mention that hospital food is disgusting) so I went out to find the nearest Jamba Juice. I brought back a large "Orange Dream Machine" (per Christian's request) with a double dose of protein, which he needs lots of. He ate it all and felt much better.
Jay arrived and he and Christian talked lots about "work" kind of stuff, which was great to keep Christian's mind occupied. Good ol' Jay also made Christian laugh several times, which was great to see!!!!
Peter and Darin (my older brother and his wife) arrived with a piece of coconut cream pie, but Christian was too full of Jamba Juice to eat it. They were happy to enjoy it for him, but promised they would bring him some more another day. Peter said he would work on getting a webcam set up in Christian's room so he could talk with the kids, and he thought that would be good.
My dad and sister showed up just before they were getting ready to do a dressing change and we got kicked out. (But I turned on the CD before I left.) Christian was anxious to get his new back-brace so he could get out of bed and go see Stephanie.
All the while we talked, Christian was constantly expressing his gratitude for everyone, for the prayers and all the love... and he was so gracious about thanking every member of the hospital staff who came in. His voice is much stronger, and it is so nice to have him back!
September 18, 2008
An Eventful Day at the Hospital
Christian got to visit Stephanie in her room today and express his love for her. It was very touching. Stephanie is still sedated, but she was incredibly responsive while Christian was talking to her! Christian said he would like to have a family prayer, and said he would offer it. He gave a beautiful prayer of gratitude and hope.
Afterward he needed to rest, but my mom and I went back later. He was awake and was glad to see us. After just a few minutes he asked me to sing again, which I did. He is always very peaceful when I sing, which in turns brings me a lot of peace.
I was so sad when I finally had to leave. I just wanted to stay, but I needed to get home to my family. Christian and Stephanie are both amazing people and I love them very much!
Christian said he feels all of your prayers. Thank you so much!
Afterward he needed to rest, but my mom and I went back later. He was awake and was glad to see us. After just a few minutes he asked me to sing again, which I did. He is always very peaceful when I sing, which in turns brings me a lot of peace.
I was so sad when I finally had to leave. I just wanted to stay, but I needed to get home to my family. Christian and Stephanie are both amazing people and I love them very much!
Christian said he feels all of your prayers. Thank you so much!
Hope vs. Worry vs. Faith
I love this quote given to my parents by a friend of the family:
My youngest brother is in Germany serving for 2 years as a missionary for our church. He gets home on October 1st! It has been difficult for him to not be here while all of this is going on in our family, but he is staying strong. Here is a quote from his letter of yesterday:
"This past week has been interesting for me. In my personal prayers, I think I only prayed once for myself. I found myself exerting all my efforts praying for Christian and Stephanie. I see now that not only have my and your prayers been answered, but I have been also blessed with greater peace and greater faith. I know with all my heart that our Father in Heaven hears and answers our prayers."
I'm off to the hospital later. I will tell you all about it.
Hope is the anticipation that the outcome will be good.
Worry is the anticipation that the outcome will be bad.
Faith is the anticipation that whatever the outcome, it will be for our good.My youngest brother is in Germany serving for 2 years as a missionary for our church. He gets home on October 1st! It has been difficult for him to not be here while all of this is going on in our family, but he is staying strong. Here is a quote from his letter of yesterday:
"This past week has been interesting for me. In my personal prayers, I think I only prayed once for myself. I found myself exerting all my efforts praying for Christian and Stephanie. I see now that not only have my and your prayers been answered, but I have been also blessed with greater peace and greater faith. I know with all my heart that our Father in Heaven hears and answers our prayers."
I'm off to the hospital later. I will tell you all about it.
September 16, 2008
White Teeth and Jamba Juice
Mom and I went the hospital again last night. (My dad is out of town and she didn't want to go by herself... and shouldn't at night because the hospital is not in a great part of town.) She wanted to go back because Christian was so loopy during the afternoon, and he was expected to be more lucid that night. He was, though he can still only just whisper.
I was quite pleased that we were allowed to give him small sips of water via a swap/sponge. You could just see the relief on his face! I told him his teeth were looking exceptionally white. He said, "Well, yeah, I haven't eaten anything for several weeks." I had to laugh. I know he is anxious to eat. He told my mom that the first thing he wanted to eat was "Mixed-berry Jamba Juice with extra protein." The doctors thought that was funny, and agreed that was probably a good place for him to start.... when the time comes.
Christian asked me to sing again. I asked if he had any requests, and he said, "Just hymns. I only want hymns." I sang for a while again, and had a request from one of the nurses, "My Redeemer Lives." I'm not sure exactly which song she was thinking of, but I sang, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."
After we said goodnight to Christian, we visited Stephanie again and I sang some more. I hope she knew we were there and could feel our love. We love her very much! She is in surgery right now getting her cultured skin. Please keep those prayers coming!
I was quite pleased that we were allowed to give him small sips of water via a swap/sponge. You could just see the relief on his face! I told him his teeth were looking exceptionally white. He said, "Well, yeah, I haven't eaten anything for several weeks." I had to laugh. I know he is anxious to eat. He told my mom that the first thing he wanted to eat was "Mixed-berry Jamba Juice with extra protein." The doctors thought that was funny, and agreed that was probably a good place for him to start.... when the time comes.
Christian asked me to sing again. I asked if he had any requests, and he said, "Just hymns. I only want hymns." I sang for a while again, and had a request from one of the nurses, "My Redeemer Lives." I'm not sure exactly which song she was thinking of, but I sang, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."
After we said goodnight to Christian, we visited Stephanie again and I sang some more. I hope she knew we were there and could feel our love. We love her very much! She is in surgery right now getting her cultured skin. Please keep those prayers coming!
September 15, 2008
Monday's Update
I went to the hospital with my mom today. Christian looks really good. He was extubated so he can talk, but barely a whisper. He was on a lot of medication because they were getting ready to do a dressing change (they drug him up just before to manage the pain) but then got called away for an emergency. That was a blessing in disguise, because otherwise we wouldn't have been able to see him because he would have been in the middle of a dressing change, which takes about 2 hours.
My mom asked Christian if he wanted me to sing. He nodded "yes." I asked, "Do you have any requests?" Without hesitating, he whispered, "Nearer, My God, To Thee." I obliged, and then sang the rest of my favorites too. He whispered a few times, but mostly that he wanted water (which he can't have yet because his swallowing isn't up to par). But he did say that he wanted more singing.
Stephanie was in surgery when we arrived (prepping her for her "lab-grown" skin grafts tomorrow) so I didn't think we would get to see her. But she was back in her room by the time we finished visiting with Christian, so we went in. She is stable (better than last week) and tolerated the surgery well today. We are praying for the same tomorrow. My mom suggested that I sing to her as well. I began with "Nearer, My God, To Thee" and sang some of the others that I sang for Christian, but not as many. The nurse had to kick us out while she did some stuff, but we had been there a while anyway.
We were also able to get a good update from the doctor, and he sounded really positive. Tomorrow we will all be fasting again for successful skin grafting for Stephanie. You are welcome to join us.
My mom asked Christian if he wanted me to sing. He nodded "yes." I asked, "Do you have any requests?" Without hesitating, he whispered, "Nearer, My God, To Thee." I obliged, and then sang the rest of my favorites too. He whispered a few times, but mostly that he wanted water (which he can't have yet because his swallowing isn't up to par). But he did say that he wanted more singing.
Stephanie was in surgery when we arrived (prepping her for her "lab-grown" skin grafts tomorrow) so I didn't think we would get to see her. But she was back in her room by the time we finished visiting with Christian, so we went in. She is stable (better than last week) and tolerated the surgery well today. We are praying for the same tomorrow. My mom suggested that I sing to her as well. I began with "Nearer, My God, To Thee" and sang some of the others that I sang for Christian, but not as many. The nurse had to kick us out while she did some stuff, but we had been there a while anyway.
We were also able to get a good update from the doctor, and he sounded really positive. Tomorrow we will all be fasting again for successful skin grafting for Stephanie. You are welcome to join us.
September 13, 2008
Afternoon Downtown
Yesterday Jay and I met at the hospital again. Once again, we did not get to see Stephanie... they had just started a procedure on her that was expected to take 3 hours.
Christian was looking pretty good. They had started weaning him off the sedation medications, moving toward extubating him in the next few days. He was still pretty sedated though. We told him about the concert, and I sang about 10 hymns to him... until my voice was too tired. The nurse said his skin grafts look really good.
Outside the grand ballroom
The spa pool
A cool chandelier representing rain
The restaurant bar
A standard room
We did get a tour of the governor's suite, but didn't get a photo, and I'm afraid we probably won't ever stay in it. It was still kind of "under construction" because they were making some changes to the decor. It was very impressive though.
Christian was looking pretty good. They had started weaning him off the sedation medications, moving toward extubating him in the next few days. He was still pretty sedated though. We told him about the concert, and I sang about 10 hymns to him... until my voice was too tired. The nurse said his skin grafts look really good.
After our visit, we went to lunch downtown, and then walked over to "Jay's Hotel" (otherwise known as "Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel"). We had a private tour of the nearly completed hotel that opens in just a few weeks. It is beautiful, and it was so fun to see the finished product of something that Jay put so much time and effort into. 
The reception area outside the junior ballroom
The reception area outside the junior ballroom
Outside the grand ballroom
The spa pool
A cool chandelier representing rain
The restaurant bar
A standard room
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