Crazy weekend at the Butler's

So as you can see we had a fun filled craziness at the Butler's this weekend.  Thursday night I went to the allergy doctor and had to have an epi shot which was not as bad as I thought it would be.  But it was not fun to say the least!  My allergies have been horrible and the doctor is debating whether I should be having allergy shots on a regular basis or not.

Then on Friday night Dan was riding his scooter, fell and bit through his bottom lip. . .Yup that sent us to the urgent care.  We had to get stitches!  Dan was a champ though he really didn't even cry, just growled at the doctor.  Yes I said GROWLED. . .The doctor said that was a first for her, not for me. . .He seems to be his regular Danimal back to wrestling and jumping around with no problem.  He actually was more upset because he wasn't able to play outside because we had to go to the doctor!

Yes, that was the first of many I'm sure he is my fearless, crazy one!

Yes I'm still here!!

 

So this is my catch up post, we have been having so much fun that I have not had time to blog :( I know so sad. The pictures of the boys that you are looking at and no doubt thinking "Wow arn't those cute kids!"  These were taking on our family vacation to Colorado, in Pagosa Springs.  We stayed at a resort there on Ryan's bosses time share points.  He graciously gave us five day and four nights for one of Ryan's bonuses!  It was wonderful, cold but beautiful all at the same time.

 The boys enjoyed fishing multiple times a day and I got to read a ton!  Yes that was my perfect vacation!!

 When we got home I had a baby shower for my niece that will be coming in January.  Her name is top secret but I can tell you that I am so excited to have a little one around and even better to have a girl.  Bethany is doing well and keeping Jeremy busy with the painting and decorating of the baby girls room.  My family and I will be going to Colorado for Christmas since Beth is not able to travel so I will get to see the room then and maybe if the baby decides to grace us with her presence early I might get to see her then too.  But more likely I will be going back to Colorado in January and helping when the baby comes!  So very excited!! I think that is a good summary of the most important things the last few months.  I will be working on keeping the blog updated better(but don't hold me to it too much:)

Dad's Gone Day 8(last day)

Well tonight will be my finally "Dad's gone" post because my honey will be home in the morning!!!(hopefully) If he makes all of his planes and everything is on time then he will be home tomorrow morning at 10ish. I am so excited I can hardly wait and will probably not sleep at all tonight!

Dad's Gone Day 7

Today's been a good day. We went to work as usual, the boys going to school. When I picked Dan up he was so excited to tell me that he went to the treasure box!! This is a huge deal because that means that he had three excited faces(this is going above and beyond the classroom expectations for the day) this week, that alone should be amazing but he was out of school Tuesday which means that he got three of four days with an excited face this week!!!! He has really been working on it and he was glowing when I picked him up today. His teacher is wonderful she is really working with him and we are seeing some great progress. I am so thankful for the move to Litchfield Elementary!

His teacher even took this adorable picture today during art class, of Daniel having fun at school I know most kids do this all the time but this has not been Daniel most of the year this year. So this brought tears to my eyes when she sent it to me today!
Then we were off to dinner with our close friends, the Sanders. They had us over for dinner so that I didn't have to cook, isn't that amazing! I know they are so thoughtful, the kids played and we were able to socialize as adults(with kids running around and playing of course). Nicole made an amazing dinner of tacos and Darius cleaned up(what a good hubby). We were hanging out Steven's highlight of the night was beating Darius at mariokart on his game system(not sure which one, I don't know things like that). Although my night was really made just getting to hang with these wonderful amazing friends. My highlight of the night was when Tyshawn came running up and hugged and kissed me before leaving, I just love these kiddos!

Thanks Sanders for an amazing night and only one more day and a wake up until my honey is home!!!!!
Love,
Ang

Dad's Gone Day 6

Today was a good day, we are missing our Daddy big time today! Daniel is convinced that his dad is still floating in a plane somewhere and doesn't understand why he won't come down. Steven just seems sad at times. But overall, it was a good day Daniel got an excited face on his chart and Steven got green. I had my bible study for the first night tonight and although the attendances was lower then expected I am so excited about what God had planned for this semester. Other then that it was a fairly uneventful day, tomorrow we are going to the Sanders for dinner and the boys can't wait! Frankly I can't either, really looking forward to some time with friends. My mom will be on her way to California, thus leaving me to fend for myself Saturday and Sunday until we pick Ryan up from the airport. Hopefully in time to see the Steelers win the Superbowl!!

I miss you tons honey can't wait for you to be home,
Love
Ang

Dad's Gone Day 4/5

So as you can see I am a day behind on my blogging. Yesterday was kinda crazy. I had my first full staff meeting at the church and so I stayed at work until 5 yes 5 and then came home to an amazing dinner made by my sis. Just to leave again at 6:30, I didn't get home until after 9.

Ryan yesterday was hard without you. Everyone at the leadership meeting asked about you! Greg and Mark are expecting you in your leadership class next Wednesday and I got all the notes for you that you are missing while your gone.

Daniel got an excited face yesterday and Steven had another great day!

Now for today. Today I was at another school doing some training. The scary part was at the end of the day I had to take a test to prove that I was good enough to do this stuff on my own. The instructor told us that she had several people who scored very low (between 44% and 88%) and that she was hoping that today would be better. I was very nervous because throughout the day I was challenging a lot of what the other girls said. More because I was curious, but still we were not all thinking the same way and I wasn't sure who was right.

Well at the end of the day I took the test, which was very hard and even more difficult for me because of the reading and words(I struggle with dyslexic tendency at best). I tried really hard and prayed a lot. Sure enough when the instructor was done grading my test she said "We have a celebration today in this group!, Angela you have just scored a 98% on this test, that is the highest in your whole district!!!" I was so surprised!! and excited all at the same time. But I really was lost when I didn't have my best friend to call or to tell later. . .I miss you tons Ryan!

Daniel stayed home from school today, he was a mess. Steven had a great day but seemed to be really tried tonight. I am praying that you call tonight and we can talk again. I love you and miss you tons, honey!! Can't wait for you to come home.
Love ya,
Ang

Dad's Gone Day 3

Today started a little rough. We got up and did the normal morning routine, which of course did not go as easily as it does with our Daddy around. But then I was thrown for a loop when I got to Daniel's school. Daniel moved schools in October for many reasons, the speech program at Litchfield was amazing, but in addition to that there was some personality problems with a few people at his previous school. Today when I walked in to drop Daniel off there sat the "personality problem." I have never seen Daniel act very timid around other children but this other child had bullied my son so much that he immediately asked to leave. "Mommy I don't want to stay here with him." Yes, it was then and there that I had a decision to make. For the first time ever I told my child he didn't have to be friends with someone. Normally we talk about being nice and trying to always include everyone. But I told him that he did not have to talk to him or play with him. I can't go back to my child crying everyday when I drop him off at school, we were just now beginning to come home and talk about things that he liked about school and friends he was making.

So my prayer request begin, they are not in the same class and the only time that they will have interaction is in the morning. So I am just praying that Daniel can stay away from him, and when Ryan returns we are going to discuss Daniel not going to extended day in the morning anymore.

We did have a break through though, after Daniel asked to leave his next comment "Mommy can we just pray before you go," Yes that is my boy and I was very proud. He then said his verse that we have been working on "Don't be afraid for God is with me" and proceed into the room to begin his day.

Ryan we are missing you more and more, both boys got good marks on their folders today. Steven brought home his letter about the class book and he is very excited. Steven also has pictures on Friday so we can still get some school pictures of Steven this year(we missed the first set). I loved your email this morning and I look forward to another one tomorrow. I love you and miss you tons. I hope you have another awesome day!
Love you,
Ang

Dad's Gone Day 2

So Ryan is gone in Israel, yes Israel. He is traveling with my father and will be gone for 10 days. So I did not forget to blog, I have just had a crazy week or so getting him off and going. So I am going to blog everyday(hopefully, this single mom stuff is not all that its cracked up to be) so that if he cannot call us he can check my blog and see what we did that day. He is 9 hours ahead and connecting has been difficult so far.

So to begin the boys and I made Ryan one card for everyday that he was gone. Now my card friends, please remember this is my hubs and he does not want or need all the beautifulness that I usually do on my cards so these cards will be "manified."

So because yesterday I was in training for work all day I did not post so here goes. First, Friday night we picked up Beth (my sis) from the airport. She did not come in until 10:00pm, but the boys were so excited they stayed up to see her. They were both out before we were even to the freeway from the airport, but they were awake to say hi when she got in the car.

Then Saturday came way to earlier I had training and left the house about 8am. Beth woke up sick and so she got up and took the boys to urgent care with her. Steven then had a birthday party at Desert Ridge, which proved to be a problem because the freeway was closed.

We then went to church last night and then out to dinner (I see this happening a lot while Dad is gone). Overall, I feel like it was a pretty good day, of course Beth would say that was because I was not home most of the day.

I did hear from Ryan(kinda) He has the ipod and is able to skype, I was in training but he called his Dad and talked. He also emailed me(insert big smile).

This was the card that I should have posted yesterday, because this was his Saturday card.
This is the card for today, we have no real plans for today. I need to go grocery shopping and then the SPOT tonight. But other then that we are just laying around.

The cute saying so far today, the boys were laying in my bed(happens a lot while dad is gone). And they both looked at me and together said "Mommy were thankful for you" I almost cried they are so sweet, I didn't really know what to say.

Overall, we are doing pretty good. Missing our Daddy and hoping to talk to him today!
Love,
Ang

Update on Dan

Today I talked to Dan's immunologist. All of Daniel's labs came back normal, except one. Daniel's IgG levels are still low, almost 200 points lower then normal for a child his age. The doctor is not super concerned about this, his thought is that this may be Daniel's normal. . .Which means that he is going to have a life time of infection. Although this is not a good things this is a lot better then a disease or disorder. His only other concern is that his IgG level is lower then it was the last time that they took his blood. We will be doing another set of blood work and labs 3-6 months from now and we will pray that his levels are higher, if they are not then we will be opening some new doors and tests.

So where do we go from here? Daniel still has psoriasis, this could be one of the reasons his IgG levels are low. . .but its not likely. So we are watching him very closely and staying clear of sick kids(as much as that is possible) and we will be keeping in very close contact with his immunologist.

We are so thankful for all of the prayers and support that we have been given in the last few weeks. If you would keep Daniel in your prayers, that would be wonderful. . .but for now I think we are over the hump! Praise the Lord!!
Love you all,
Ang

Just a Note

Just a quick thank you note tonight. I have pictures coming out my ears from a senior shot that I am trying to finish and a wedding tomorrow. I thought I better get a card in before I am editing pictures for the next few weeks.

The Lord is my shepard. . .(2ndpost today) and update on Dan

This is my most recent card. I am going to call it "The Lord is my Shepard" As we have been struggling with the medical issues with Daniel we have seen God's provision almost weekly. A few weeks ago we had some financial help come in right when we needed it most. Co pays and antibiotics are killing our check book. But God always provides. So I made this card as a thank you note to one of those lovely angels that provided the much needed help a few weeks ago.
On the background I did a water mark stamp with the words "The Lord is my Shepard,"with cute little sheep. This is also my first card with flowers. My mom and I went to crown florist the day after Christmas. For those that don't know or don't live in Phoenix. Crown florist is one of the biggest flower/decor store in Phoenix and the day after Christmas EVERYTHING, yes everything is 50% off. I found so many awesome little flowers that I was just itching to get on a card. These little flowers remind me of the flowers that I had in my wedding and that makes me smile.

Also I know that some of you are praying and hoping for answers on Dan tomorrow. Unfortunately, we had to move our appointment to Tuesday. So please keep praying and hopefully by Tuesday night I will have some more information on Dan and his medical situation. I am still praying for wisdom and strength to know what to ask and when to push, as only mothers do.

Again thank you for much for your prays and support during this time, words cannot describe how much love we have felt.
Love,
Ang

All My Love

Today is my anniversary to the most amazing man I know! Ryan and I have been married for 9 years now. . .And I am more in love with him then the day I married him, if that is even possible. Every day I thank God for the blessing of my husband and marriage, I know that I am a very blessed women and I can't wait to spend the next 70 years with this amazing man!

Happy New Year! (with an update on Dan in the middle)

I know it has been a long two weeks since I have blogged. With family in town, us going out of town and then of course trying to get ready for school on Monday the two weeks have gone so fast. I have tried to give a short run down of the last two weeks and our wonderful events. Hope you have a cup of hot chocolate and some time because this is my "short" run down:)

We began our two week break with a stop at Albertson's to our surprise Santa was there and we were able to get this wonderful picture of the boys.

We then had our Christmas on the 21st with Ryan's family. It has become a tradition to make pancakes and let the boys cook, I know dangerous but that's how we roll at the Butlers. We were able to get some wonderful pictures of the family. This is one of my favorite, Brad and Cathy and their boys!
I haven't gotten to do much editing but here are the raw photos I can't wait to edit them and put them up, came out pretty good huh?


I do love this one. During this two weeks we have had many doctors appointments and trials with Dan. I know that you are all waiting to here an update so here it what I have, not much but what I have.

He has been officially diagnosed with psoriasis, although the dermatologist is sure this is just a skin disorder(auto-immune disorder, but none the less it effects the skin), the immunologist does not agree. He has been doing blood work all week, which has been an absolute nightmare, to see if the psoriasis is the disorder or the cause of something bigger. We are still dealing with the strep infection, although another trip to the pediatric doctor, they are beginning to believe he is just a carrier of strep rather then having an actual infection.

He got a cold last week so we have been trying to get him better and of course it turned into croup and now he is on the devil drug (prednisolone) which has made him just lovely to be around! He is beginning to sound better at night and hopefully by Monday when he goes back to school we are cold/croup free.

I feel like we may be getting closer to an answer though, we have another appointment on Jan 6th with the immunologist. So big prayers at 5:00pm on the 6th.
Now back to our two weeks. On December 22nd we had a party with the youth, I made a bunch of cookies and we all decorated cookies. Well most of the youth just ate cookies, but fun was had by all and I am considering making it an annual party! Here is a picture of Daniel making his cookies.
On the 23rd we go to Aunt Mary Sue's every year. This is another Butler tradition and the best part is that Santa comes and brings toys for all the kids. The best part for a mom is watching their faces when he walks through the back door. This year was really fun because Steven is doubting and he had a heck of a time figuring out who Santa was and and where he had come from! He never figured it out so I think we still have him confused.



On Christmas Eve we served at church and then came home to my Papa being here from Ca. We then loaded up the car and went to Ryan's Aunt and Uncle's house for a wonderful evening with his extended family. We did a white elephant gift exchange and Papa got fart puddy, which was very funny! Papa left Christmas morning before any of us were awake, but as you can see from the picture he left me something to remember he was there! Papa and I have had a on going war since I was a kid, he would make my dolls do mean things to me and I would turn his pictures upside down at his house. Almost made me cry on Christmas, just reminded me how much I miss my family being around. . .Especially Papa and Grandma.




So to end it all, which of course is really just the end of my "short" summary, we had a great Christmas and New Year. My sister and brother in law Jeremy left today and my parents leave Tuesday. I don't know what we will do with our house it will feel very empty after all the company the last two weeks. Looking forward to the adventures that 2011 has to bring!
Ang