The Dodge Family

Going to the Fire Station

2010-06-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Our friend Faye Dawn is a firefighter here in Utah. She let us come visit one the stations she works at last fall. My kids LOVED it and having been waiting to go back ever since. Chloe, in fact, was brave enough to go down the fire pole with Faye Dawn last time and has since been practicing on the pole on her kindergarten playground. She took us to a different station that had a firetruck with the ladder and bucket for my kids to ride in. First things first, we had to check out the fire truck.

Then, we had to climb inside and check out all the gear.

This was Jack's favorite toy. One of the firefighters even showed Jack how to make the
lights and sirens go! Somehow, his little toy cars just aren't as exciting anymore. :-)

Taking sister for a spin!

Next, they pulled the truck out of the station so we could go for a ride. Jack was excited! The girls...not so much. Cassie took Jack up for me so I could coax the girls (and myself) to go up. Heights are definitely NOT my thing.

Here we go! We climbed up the back of the truck and up the ladder,

into the bucket,

got strapped in,

and UP, UP, UP we went!!!!

We went up only half the length the ladder can go, which was 55 feet! The girls thought that was high enough. Then we did a full circle around the truck... what an awesome view!

That is the top of the fire station!

There was a baseball field next to the station.

Can you see our silver SUV? Looks pretty small!

Chloe was over her fear pretty fast. She figured out that she could use her belt as a swing.

This was the view with the ladder facing the back of the truck. If this were a real emergency, that is what I would be climbing down! WOW!

After the ladder came down, and we climbed out, Faye Dawn drove the truck back into the bay.

We climbed in too and Jayleih put on the radio to talk to her.

Jack, of course, wanted to as well.Chloe just enjoyed the ride!

Faye Dawn and the other firemen were awesome! Thanks guys!
We had to go to the original station she took us to last year for the full experience. What's a fire station without a pole? Faye Dawn took each of my kids down the three story pole. Jayleih was brave enough to try it this time!

Chloe showed Faye Dawn her new skills she had been practicing.

Jack, just like last time, couldn't get enough. Who knows, maybe I have some little firefighters in the making!

Joe's Open Heart Surgery

2010-06-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

May 26th came all too soon. We arrived at University of Utah Hospital at 7am with his parents and his brother, Ben and his wife, Sonja. Cassie, one of my closest friends, watched my kids. Joe was all jokes as the Dr.'s (2 heart surgeons, 4 anesthesiologists) each came in to talk with and examine Joe. Pretty soon he was on happy medicine and was wheeled away. The surgery was supposed to start at 8:30, but they had trouble starting an arterial line in his wrist. After many tries in his right wrist, they moved to his left wrist and eventually pulled out the ultrasound machine to get the line into the artery to monitor his bp. The surgery went smoothly, the nurse called me on a phone in the waiting room about every hour and a half and gave me the updates. I dreaded that time of sitting and waiting. I was so thankful for those calls and the support of Joe's family. The relief finally came at 2:15pm when Dr. Bull came out to give us the good news that all went well and that he did well. Now for the next hurdle, seeing Joe after surgery. This was the other moment I dreaded.
Ben and I went back to see Joe first. It was hard seeing him like this. The nurse was amazed at how strong he was. Just before we came in , the nurse said he opened his eyes and sat straight up (this was a big feat, seeing he was strapped down and his chest was just ripped open, so he shouldn't even sit up yet!) He had taken his first breath while the ventilator was trying to breathe for him and it woke him up for a brief second. After about a half an hour they had us leave so they could remove the intubation tube.
Joe was pretty out of it when he was intubated. He doesn't remember any of this, thank heavens. The nurse told me to talk to him to help him wake up enough so they could remove the tube. I was so overwhelmed all I could do was cry. Ben was amazing he jumped right in and calmly started talking to him.
Here is a pic of that arterial line they struggled with, the wrist restraints, and an IV line in his hand.
Ben was a huge strength through this. This is exactly how Ben was every minute he was there. What an amazing bond these brothers have. Ben was scheduled to leave the next day after his surgery, but it was obvious how much Joe needed him through this that Ben canceled his flight and stayed until Joe was well enough to go home. I look back on those 6 days and don't know how I would've survived without Ben. I am so grateful for him. I have always thought of him as an amazing guy, but now I know him as my brother and my friend. I now understand why Joe looks up to his little brother so much.
After they removed his tube, the rotations began. In the ICU only 2 visitors are allowed. I took a couple of pics when his parents each came in. It was a sweet moment to watch them with their son. David was smiling and so upbeat as he sweetly spoke to his son.
Gwen instinctively looked over her son. Checked every monitor, every line attached to him and quietly held his hand. I can't even imagine what she, as the mother, has gone through today. I am amazed at her strength.
I didn't get a pic of Sonja when she came in. The nausea had kicked in by the time she made it in. I also had been posting on facebook updates from the day and Joe's mission companion that lives in the area heard and tracked us down. Both were there when Joe was sick, not fun. Pretty painful to throw up after having your chest cracked!
Ben was all smiles and jokes. I loved the balloons he made. Never a dull moment with him!
One of Joe's first smiles. This was a few days later after he was out of ICU.
This was Joe's enemy. Every hour he was awake he had to suck in as much air into his lungs as he could to inflate the aveoli. Really uncomfortable, but much better than the alternative of catching pneumonia!!!
This was the kids first time seeing dad. This was day 3 since the surgery and just after he was off the ICU floor. When the girls first saw him they "moo"ed . They figured seeing he was part cow now, he must understand cow. Pretty funny. To anyone who hadn't heard, he went with a tissue valve. The Dr. chose to put in a valve that was made from the pericardium of a heart of a cow.

Dad got up for a walk and the girls climbed into dad's bed. Jack, of course had to follow.

New room and Joe awake means entertainment is needed. Here is the pic of the men hooking up the playstation for Joe.
Of course, gotta have the pic of what really was happening while Joe was recovering in the hospital. Got quite a bit of magazine reading in during this time!
Sonja spent the majority of her time watching my kids and keeping the house running with David. We of course, enjoyed it when she came to visit. Man, I don't know what I would have done without her either. She, too canceled her flight just to stay and help out an extra week. We are so blessed to have such an amazing family. Sonja and I are already close, but still, every time I am around her I am in awe at what an amazing person she is. She is definitely my idol!

Here is a pic of the war wounds. We don't know how many stitches, but the incision is about 8 inches long and the two horizontal incisions are from the chest tubes he had.
This was the last line to be removed. It was the central line to his heart that was stitched into his neck. All in all, he had a central line, an IV line, an arterial line, two wires stitched into his heart that the nurses called his " jumper cables" (you can see the two vials that have the wires inside in one of the first pics after surgery) and 2 chest tubes.
The nurse removed the central line and then laid it on Joe to show me how far it went into him. Earlier they had removed a monitor that was also in this line that actually went through all the chambers of his heart!

Our family pic. We LOVE you daddy!

The cabinet doors were whiteboards. The nurse gave the kids markers and they left daddy some notes.
Joe came home Monday, May 31st. 6 days after his surgery. What an emotional roller coaster. Glad that is over. Thank you everyone for all the thoughts and prayers, flowers, balloons, gifts, and phone calls. They all lifted us up and helped us through. I am so grateful for the support our family has had through all of this!...... Till the next time!

Dodge Family Photo's

2010-06-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

We came to Utah for Joe's surgery. Before he went into the hospital we had family pics done with Joe's family. There is this beautiful park right next to the Timpanogos Temple and a friend of Gwen's took these photos for us.

Grandparents picture. So adorable!!!
Love my hubby!
The girls pic.
So fun!

What angels!Can't forget Aunt Sonja and Uncle Ben and baby Will. The cutest family ever!!! Love you guys!
Posting

Cutest Boy Ever!

2010-03-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

18 MONTHS ALREADY!!!

Where has the time gone? He is such a little man!

He takes right after his sisters and starts posing as soon as he sees a camera.Pauline and I started this tradition of taking the kids pictures with a stuffed animal.
Jack's is this bear the girls picked at Build-A-Bear even before he was born. In the bear's right paw we put a recording of a special message from each of the girls. He has recently discovered how to push the button to hear his sisters. It is so adorable! I think this picture is so sweet!

Chloe wanted a picture with her brother...LOVE IT!I am so thankful for the wonderful blessings I have.
It sure makes it so much sweeter having the most adorable kids EVER!

2010-03-22T11:48:00.001-07:00

For all of you who have not heard, or if you have heard, I wanted to share with you Joe's recent diagnosis. We were pretty shocked to find that he has a heart defect. It is a congenital defect which means it was something he was born with, but unless it is very severe at birth, it is not detected until the heart starts to struggle to compensate. He had no major symptoms that had us running to a cardiologist, in fact, his primary doctor just about didn't refer us! He has been really low on energy and he has had some blood pressure issues. With a BP of 120/30, we went for an evaluation. Now, less than 1 month later, we find he is going to need valve replacement surgery for his aortic valve. As you read the information, it talks about 2 major valve problems... valve stenosis and valve regurgitation. Joe has valve regurgitation, or a very leaky valve. The doctors measure the amount of leakage on a scale of 1-4, 4 being the worst. Joe's valve is "definitely at a 4" said his cardiologist. So, for any of you who would like to read further, I found this information very insightful.

WHAT IS AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT?

Aortic valve replacement is an "open heart" procedure performed by cardithoracic surgeons for treatment of narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation) of the aortic valve.

WHAT IS THE AORTIC VALVE?

The location of the aortic valve is shown in the diagram to the left. The heart has two sets of pumping chambers: the right-sided chambers pump blood to the lungs, and the left side pumps blood to the rest of the body. The left side, therefore, has a harder job than the right side, and the left side does most of the work. The main pumping chambers of the heart are called the ventricles.

Because the ventricle is a pump, it must have both an inflow valve and an outflow valve. The aortic valve is on the left side of the heart and is the outflow valve. The aortic valve opens to allow blood to leave the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) and closes to prevent blood from leaking backwards into the ventricle from the rest of the body.

WHAT CAUSES AN AORTIC VALVE TO MALFUNCTION?

The aortic valve to malfunction for several reasons. For example, the aortic valve may be abnormal from birth (congenital aortic valve disease), or it could become diseased with age (acquired aortic valve disease).

The most common congenital abnormality is a bicuspid aortic valve. As shown below, the aortic valve normally has three leaflets, but a bicuspid aortic valve has only two. It may, therefore, not open or close completely.

A bicuspid aortic valve is a common abnormality and occurs in 1-2% of people. This is the second most common cause of aortic valve disease requiring surgery. Such valves may function normally for years before becoming stenotic, regurgitant, or both. People with a bicuspid aortic valve require antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures but generally no other special precautions are required other than regular follow up with a qualified cardiologist.

Tricuspid (left) and Bicuspid (right) Aortic Valves

The most common cause of aortic valve disease requiring surgery is called "senile aortic calcification," meaning that the valve has worn out with age. When a valve becomes worn, the body deposits calcium on it for reasons that are unknown. The calcium restricts or limits the motion of the valve leaflets. This may prevent the valve from opening (causing stenosis) or closing (causing leakage or regurgitation). Less common causes of aortic valve disease include diseases of the aorta, the main blood vessel coming out of the heart and carrying blood to the rest of the body, including ascending aortic aneurysms, aortic dissection, and Marfan's syndrome.

ARE THERE ANY WARNING SIGNS FOR A FAILING AORTIC VALVE?

A failing aortic valve may cause a variety of symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain (angina pectoris), and dizziness or loss of consciousness (passing out).

A narrow valve makes the heart work harder just to pump the blood through the valve to the body. A leaky valve lets blood back into the heart after it has been pumped out. The heart must therefore pump more blood forward to make up for the blood that is leaking backwards. Either way the extra work may cause symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath. Early on the shortness of breath may be noticeable only with exercise. Later, with the progression of valve disease, a patient could experience shortness of breath with even light activity or at rest. Some patients will be unable to sleep flat in bed or may awaken from sleep short of breath. Another sign of heart failure that may occasionally occur is swelling of your feet, particularly prominent later in the afternoon or evening although other conditions, such as varicose veins, can also cause this to occur.

The extra work the heart has to perform may also cause chest pain or angina pectoris similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. It may be difficult to tell the difference between heart valve disease and narrowing of the blood vessels to the heart itself (coronary arteries).

Aortic valve disease may also cause dizziness, light headedness or even fainting spells.

HOW DOES SOMEONE KNOW IF THEY SHOULD HAVE SURGERY TO REPAIR AN AORTIC VALVE?

The decision to proceed with surgery should be made with your medical care team which usually consists of a thoracic or cardiothoracic surgeon and a cardiologist. Your medical team will likely base their recommendations on your symptoms and on the results of several tests including an echocardiogram and sometimes cardiac catheterization. An echocardiogram may show enlargement of the heart, and can help to measure the degree of stenosis or regurgitation. A cardiac catheterization provides similar information, but can also identify any narrowings of the coronary arteries.

WHAT OPTIONS EXIST FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF ARTIFICIAL VALVES?

Unlike the mitral valve which can often be repaired, the aortic valve usually requires replacement. Once the decision is made to proceed with surgery, choices regarding the type of artificial valve (prosthesis) used should be considered. In broad terms there are two types of artificial valves or prostheses: mechanical valves and biological valves. Examples of the valves that your cardiothoracic surgeon might use are pictured below.


Mechanical Valves

ARE THERE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MECHANICAL AND BIOLOGICAL REPLACEMENT VALVES?

A number of excellent mechanical replacement valves or prostheses are available today. Most surgeons have a particular preference for one valve over another related to technical factors (how they are sewn into place), however from the patient's point of view there is little if any difference between valves. The principle advantage of mechanical valves is their excellent durability. From a practical standpoint, they do not wear out. The principle disadvantage is that there is a tendency for blood to clot on all mechanical valves. Therefore patients with artificial valves must take anticoagulants or "blood thinners" for the rest of their life. There is also a small but definite risk of blood clots causing stroke.


Biological Valves

There are a variety of natural or biological valves that can be used to replace an abnormal valve. They all share a reduced risk of blood clots forming but all are less durable than mechanical valves. Given enough time, they will probably all wear out. The options in this category include "xenograft" valves made from animal tissues (most often pig aortic valves), "homograft" or "allograft" valves retrieved from human cadavers, and "pulmonary autograft" valves moved from the patient's pulmonary artery on the right side of the heart to the aortic position on the left.

The decision on the type of valve used should be made in conjunction with your cardiothoracic surgeon and your cardiologist. Ultimately the choice will depend on a patient's preferences, lifestyle, and individual risks as determined by age and other medical conditions.

WHY IS SURGERY NECESSARY?

The aortic valve is the outflow valve of the left side of the heart, meaning that it opens during systole (when the ventricle contracts or squeezes blood out into the aorta and the rest of the body). When the aortic valve is too narrow or stenotic, the ventricle has to work harder to pump the blood out to the body. This extra work consumes significant energy and ultimately requires extra blood flow to the heart itself. If there is not enough blood flow, the heart becomes ischemic causing anginal chest pain. Aortic stenosis is often progressive, growing worse with time. As the valve gets tighter, the heart has to continue to work harder and harder to keep pumping blood out of the heart. At some point the heart can no longer compensate, resulting in episodes of low blood pressure or hypotension or even syncope. As the heart fails to compensate, fluid will build up in the lungs creating congestion.

When the aortic valve leaks, the heart has to work harder and similar problem occur. The ventricle must pump more blood with each contraction to produce the same forward output, creating a condition called volume overload. The heart can compensate for this volume overload for many months or years provided the leakage develops slowly. Eventually, the heart begins to fail producing shortness of breath and fatigue.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SURGERY?

Individual risks of surgery can be best estimated by your cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiologist. Risks generally depend on age, general health, specific medical conditions, and heart function.

WHAT WILL MY CONDITION BE LIKE AFTER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT?

After successful aortic valve replacement, patients can expect to return to their preoperative condition or better. Anticoagulation ("blood thinners") with a drug like Coumadin may be prescribed for 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery for those with biological valves, and for life for those with mechanical valves. Once the wounds have healed, most patients should experience few if any restrictions to activity. A patient will require preventative or prophylactic antibiotics whenever having dental work, and should always tell a doctor about their valve surgery before any surgical procedure.

I know it all sounds a bit scary, but we feel really blessed that it was found early enough that his heart is still very healthy and that we live in a day and age that this can be fixed. Our next decision... pig, cow, or machine. Decisions, decisions.

2010-02-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

I LOVE MY KIDS!

J almost 8!!!Coco 6 1/2 Busy Britches 17 mos.
Never a dull moment in our house!

Jack and Uncle Matt

2009-10-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Jack finally met Uncle Matt. Sad to think that distance separates us the way it does. I am so thankful that I have family I can't live with out! This is just as we were walking out the door to head back to the airport... Needless to say, Jack loves his Uncle! David and Gwen- thank you for making this special weekend happen! You are the best! Love you, Matt

Go Grizzlies!

2009-08-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

Jayleih at her first football game of the season! She is so excited! If you can't tell which one she is, she is in the middle of the picture with her leg bent.

Here she is with her squad... They practice 6 hours a week- rain or shine!!! (with weekly games!)
Of course, have to have the BFF picture.
Don't forget the kick at the end of the cheer!!
It was our turn to bring treats... Jayleih decorated all 16 bags, and we made Joanie's favorite cookies (the ones with chocolate cake mix-thanks Joanie!) with purple and yellow sprinkles as the treat.
Jayleih also made matching bracelets in the team colors with a football bead on them for all the girls too! What a fun day!.......It brings back LOTS of memories!
Below is the videos of the dance and cheer from thier half time routine...enjoy!

Ice cream and cakey-cake- I don't think a second goes by with out her singing this song!
This is definitley been a challenge for not only the family, but her. I am so proud of all of her hard work! GO JAYLEIH!!!

First Day of school!

2009-08-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Every year we do a pic out front of the house before school.
Yeah, Jayleih was so excited! I didn't even get a pic of her at her classroom-or a kiss!! She was ready to go!

Here is Chloe's pic in front of the house. She was so nervous she couldn't eat breakfast. (Her tummy had been upset all weekend)

She was a little nervous when we first arrived.She was trying to be so brave! She's trying to smile through her tears for a picture!
This is when it broke my heart, the moment the teacher tells the parents they have to leave, I couldn't help but cry too!
We waited outside her classroom at the end of the day.
She had to show me the drinking fouuntain.
Today was a great day for Chloe!

Kindergarten, here we come!!!

2009-08-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Friday before school started, the school posted the classes and had a meet and greet with the teachers for Kindergarten. Chloe was so excited she gets to have the same teacher as Jayleih did!!! She woke up tell all of us it was HER day and we had to do what she says ( which is not much different from any other day:)) We did her hair a special way, ate a special lunch and then went to the school.

Here she is in front of the school.
This is her new door to her new class....

and her new classroom!!!We all came to see her new class! Good luck Chloe! We love you!

Newport Beach, here we come!!!

2009-08-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

While visiting my family in So. Cal, my mom and I took the kids down to visit a friend and the BEACH!!! This was Jack's first time at the beach!! He sure loved it! He laughed every time the waves came up!

Grandma showing Jack how fun the beach can be! And Jack loving every minute!

Playing in the sand!
I had to post this video... it is Jack's first time in the sand!

Let the fireworks begin!

2009-08-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

We did our usual fireworks tradition again...down to the church lawn to watch the city fireworks!
Jason and Jandy and their boys (including new Max!), my mom and dad and the girls and I and Jack. This is definitely one of my favorite traditions we do!!!

Can you tell where Jandy and I get our looks!! Thanks for the good genes, mom!

Chloe always loving the fireworks!
Jacks first time watching the fireworks and he was amazed! It is always so fun to watch your children experience things for the first time!

Grandma doing what she does best... holding the grandkids! Yes, there is a baby in that camo blanket :)

Spending time with grandpa. We are so glad he feels so much better this year!!!The Dodge girls being silly waiting for the fireworks to start. I love my girls!!!!
I love my family...I do miss Joe :)

Jayleih's New Earrings

2009-07-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jason and Jayleih have always been best buddies. So, Uncle J wanted to do something special with her this summer. They decided to get her ears pierced! (Especially seeing Uncle J doesn't have any girls of his own.)
Uncle J held her hair and her while she had them done....He inspected to make sure they were acceptable....And she was thrilled!!!! Thanks Uncle J!

Sleeping Angels

2009-07-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love to go home and spend time with my family. In fact, I spend almost a month of our summer away from home so I can spend time with them. This picture shows exactly why. I love our new home, but I hate how far we are from Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles and (especially) cousins. I want my children to not only know their family, but to be a part of them.

Jack's First Haircut!

2009-06-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have been bugging Joe to cut Jack's hair. His bald spot has come in x 10!!! It looked really silly!
Not only was it longer than the rest of his hair, but it is also really thick too!

I was worried he was going to be like his cousins and HATE the clippers. He LOVED it. He laughed!
Still lovin' it!!
Much better!
WOW! I know this is gross, but I couldn't believe how much hair there was!

Our Yard in Full Bloom

2009-06-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

We haven't had to do much for the front. David came out and helped us lay the brick around the flower beds. It made such a difference! I love how my front yard looks! You can't really see all the flowers, but I have quite a few! The pie shaped bed by the driveway is where the girls planted their sweet peas from Grandma. They are already starting to bloom!!

Again, David to the rescue. He came out to visit and before I knew it, the kidney shaped mound of dirt in the center of my yard had disappeared. He and Joe also took about half the grass from our top level and filled in the kidney shape on our bottom level. I make it sound easy, but I know it wasn't!!! So, not only do we have a fully grassed lower level, we have a garden too!!! Joe is the gardener and is really enjoying planting. We have watermelon, pumpkin, jalepeno, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, beets, peas, peppers etc. We are really praying for the garden.Gardening has never been my thing, but I am definately learning to LOVE it. Luckily I have Amy by my side. She has spent countless hours teaching me about my new hobby. She is a wealth of knowledge. I was just impressed when she knew what was a weed and what wasn't. Then she shocked me even more knowing the actual names of each of the plants, when they bloom AND how big they would get! The lady we bought the house did an amazing job landscaping! I took some close ups of some of the flowers cause I know my pictures don't do my yard justice! These are the flowers next to my shed.The above pic is Gwen's favorite plant in my yard. I found out its called a Lupine. Its definately one of my favorites too!

I love all the different colors!
This view is from my deck off the master bedroom. Next to my shed is an apple tree! We moved in just in time for picking apples last year, so we are so excited to have them again. Time to learn how to make apple pie!!! (hint, hint Tricia)A few pics of some of the flowers on this side of the yard. I am in awe that this is my yard!!!
This is the view from off the kitchen. You can't really see, but its a grove of trees with ivy growing around the base. Our yard has quite a bit of shade for most of the day from these trees. It's our little heaven!

Jayleih's Ballet Recital

2009-06-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the recital! This year, the ballet was The Wizard of Oz. Jayleih's class were the Munchkins- and they were so cute!

Some kandid shots at dress rehearsal.

After the recital, Jayleih received lots of flowers from her biggest fans!Bompa and Stubbs even made it!
And even Mrs. Dunn, her 1st grade teacher!You were beautiful!

Our Little Graduate!

2009-06-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

This was Chloe's very last day, she was all smiles!
She is so excited for Kindergarten in the fall!
Jayleih and her bff were the door greeters!

The graduation was held in a little church. Here the graduates entered (so adoreable!)After singing some songs, doing a play, and receiving their diplomas, it was time for pictures. Chloe is on the bottom row, third from the left.
Chloe has been so excited to graduate! Yes, she's ready for kindergarten, but she has been waiting for her graduation present from Auntie P! When Jayleih graduated 2 years ago, Auntie P bought her a beautiful "graduation necklace". Chloe reminded me a few months ago that she was waiting for her "graduation necklace", so immediately I phoned Auntie P. Chloe amazes me all the time with her memory!!! This was definately the icing on the cake for Chloe! She loves her new necklace!!! Thank you Auntie P!

My First Blooming Flowers!

2009-04-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

I have always loved watching flowers bloom. This year these flowers blooming are even more magical to watch. They are MINE!!! Owning our first home has been such a scary, but exciting adventure. I am so amazed as I watch all the trees and flowers begin to bloom in MY yard. I have never been much of a gardener, but I am enjoying spending my afternoons getting my flower beds ready, and now I can sit back and watch the beauty as the colors emerge!!!

I can't help but sing, "I'm glad that I live in this wonderful world Heavenly Father created for me"!! (Bet you can't guess what my calling is right now!

Jack's First Visit To the Dentist!

2009-04-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

We love our biannual visits to the dentist. Jack just turned 6 mos and has just gotten his first two teeth! I couldn't wait to take him!! Here he is playing on the bus in the waiting room. We can't wait! (or mommy can't wait)
My big sis sat with me to show me it wasn't scary. See my two new teeth!!!
Jeannie cleaned my teeth,
and put flouride on them! I loved the taste of her bubblegum gloves!
Chloe was the photographer. She took lots of cute pics!!Including this one!! Thanks Chloe!

Bath Time!!

2009-04-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Bubble Boy!
Jack sneezed and his face went into a pile of bubbles. He laughed as they went everywhere! By the time Joe brought the camera, this was what was left of the bubbles all over his face!
As you can see, bath time is soo much fun! Thank you for the new bath toys Auntie P!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's about time we had a family pic taken!
The Girls! - Aren't we adoreable!
My men! I love them both so much!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Jack 3 months
Chloe 5 years

Jayleih 6 1/2 years

2008-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

Carving Pumpkins with Dad!
Getting ready to go trick-or-treating!

Jayleih showing her moves! Goooooooooooooooo Jayleih!Tinkerbell poses for the camera.
Riding with the headless horseman at the Carnival!

Jack and mom. Jack just loves Halloween!
My little JACK-o-lantern! Isn't he cute!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Painting our New House!

2008-10-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

London Coach

Think Pink in Eggshell & HiGloss

Jack's Blessing

2008-10-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

So excited for his BIG day! The tradition was kept, another amazing outfit made by Auntie P!

Father and son. Wrapped in his fathers blessing blanket.
Joanie even made it!

My side of the family.

Great Mama even made it from Canada!

Proud Grandma!

Proud Grandpa!

The Dodge side of the family. Proud Bompa and Stubbs!

Our new home?!

2008-09-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

From the front!!

The entry.

And the back yard!!

Baby Jack

2008-09-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Aunt Nan and I!

Grandma and me

Wow, its a mini Matt... and so alert!

Me and my big sisters.

2008-09-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

The newest Dodge angel!!

New arrival Jack Shelton Dodge!!

2008-09-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

The girls are thrilled to have a new baby to take care of... he is too precious!

Chloe's first day of Preschool!

2008-09-07T18:25:00.001-07:00

So excited for the first day!!

I found my cubbie...

Dad and I doing a puzzle

Hiding my stitches with Ms. Grace!!

Just before baby Jack!

2008-09-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Last pics before our new addition-

Gotta love the belly!

Chloe's first Ballet Class!

2008-08-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

I was so excited, I couldn't wait for mom! Down the path and up the stairs I went!

Posing with Natalie!
Learning left and right.
Definately ballerina feet!
Learning to skip
I even did tap!

Posing after my first class!
Aren't I so cute!

Such hard work! Good thing I've got my water!!!

Jayleih's 1st Day of 1st Grade

2008-08-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

1st Grade!

Showing off her new Hannah Montana backpack

Wow! Can't believe she's in 1st grade now! Jayleih has been so excited! Here she is outside her new classroom. Today was RED day. She had her clothes set out last night and was so excited to wear her new outfit from Auntie P! Thanks Auntie P!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2008-07-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Wow! Pretty amazing!

The boys watching fireworks with thier mom and dad (minus the noise!) Notice the tongue!

My girls with Grandma and Grandpa watching the fireworks!

Chloe and Grandma

Jayleih and Grandpa

Jayleih taking silly pics of Grandpa and Grandma waiting for the show!

This one is soo cute!

Our turn for silly pics!

The Kigers minus Nate:(

Grandpa and his girls! Always a blast!

Getting ready to watch the fireworks!

2008-06-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

Jayleih's first Ballet recital

2008-05-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

Our new furniture!

2008-05-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Chloe's Surgery

for her Right ear May 9, 2008

2008-05-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Jayleih at her Tball game

2008-05-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

School Pictures 2007-2008

Jayleih 6 & Chloe 4

The Dodge Family

2008-05-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I love sharing what is happening in our lives, but now that we all live so far away, it is really starting to become difficult keeping everyone updated and staying updated with everyone else! I'm ready to to join the real world and get on the web!
Joe is staying busy working lots, but finding time to still play. He's on 2 softball teams, loves his quading and hunting trips and of course loves to take the family camping a lot through the summer.
I am getting ready to have our third baby. We just found out its a boy and are thrilled with the news. I'm due on September 8th! I plan on trying to stay cool as much as I can this summer. Eagle Lake- here we come!
Jayleih just turned 6 and is getting ready to finish kindergarten and go to 1st grade!!!! She has recently learned to ride her bike without training wheels and is so excited! She is very excited about her new baby brother coming in the fall!
Chloe is 4 1/2 and is getting ready to start school this fall. With her birthday being so late in the year (November) we haven't decided weather she will start kindergarten or preschool. She is very excited about the new addition coming into our family, but quite disappointed it is going to be a boy. She recently had surgery on her ear and is doing really well.
We love you all and hope life is treating you as well as its treating us~!