Friday, June 12, 2009
The Birthday Princess
Keilani Mei had a magical princess birthday yesterday. She turned 3! Her big gift was a big girl bike- princess themed of course. She got piles of gifts from family and friends- I've never seen so much fru fru princess stuff in my life! I didn't like dresses, pink, or barbies when I was little, but as Kei Kei gathers more of these things, I've decided it's all pretty FUN! Keilani is such a bright and cheery girl - she's beautiful inside and out. Happy Birthday Princess!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
A great visit
A couple of weeks ago we had our good friends here for a visit. Their 2 oldest kiddos had a sleepover while Mommy Backlund took a little break. It was a busy day for sure, but I found out that I can hang with 5 kids- for a few days anyways! I took the kids to Bounceopolis in Folsom to get some of the energy out and later we had a movie night and then it was sleepover time. I sat in the room until they fell asleep and it worked! Check out all the cute pics. Can you tell who has a crush on who?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter
Hope you had a lovely Easter. We sure enjoyed the great weather! The kids woke up to a note from "E. Bunny." They found their baskets and then even more goodies from grandpa and grandpa. It was hard to hold them off from running out the door at 7am to hunt for eggs! We made it until about 8 and I finally gave in. We made it to church and celebrated Jesus' resurrection. Granny P. and Aunt Judy joined us for dinner (and brought the kids more goodies!) You have to know I brushed their teeth extra long tonight!!! Check out the cute pics!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter!!
We just watched this wonderful video that we've had sitting around for a month or so. We had no idea it was going to be about Easter!! It is awesome- you just have to watch it: "Fruitcake and Ice Cream" (http://www.northpointministries.org/player/player.jsp?occurrenceID=3109)
God bless your Easter!
God bless your Easter!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Meigan's a Toddler
No more babies around here- Meigan is now walking almost entirely now. She hardly crawls at all any more. Here's a video update. She really exhausts me- she is so curious and independent. I'll find her at the other end of the house opening things and finding new troubles. :) But boy is she cute. So she gets away with everything.!
Another Surgery
On Thursday Jeff finally had sinus surgery. This was after 3 years of chronic sinus infections and daily pain. He was seeing an ENT doctor for the last year who was reluctant to do surgery and who made him see a neuroligist, allergy doctor, and more. Finally, Jeff sought a second opinion and was sent to an ENT at Kaiser Roseville who was optimistic that surgery would help. Dr. Kirnon spoke with me after Jeff's surgery on Thursday and said his deviated septum was one of the worst she'd seen and his right sinus was very diseased. She was quite sure he will feel a lot of improvement after surgery. Thank you Dr. Kirnon!
Jeff's surgery went well. It took all day Thursday and has been a rough recovery so far. Because he was bleeding so much, the doctor had to put packing in his nose which added pressure and pain to an already painful procedure. This morning she removed that which helped a bit. He's had some trouble with the medications too- not being strong enouch and also some allergic reaction. He's slowly eating a bit more and watching some TV, but mostly he's sleeping (in a recliner chair because he has to stay at a 45 degree angle). He could definitely use your continued prayers and encouragement. Thanks for all the well wishes, I have been passing them on!
Jeff's surgery went well. It took all day Thursday and has been a rough recovery so far. Because he was bleeding so much, the doctor had to put packing in his nose which added pressure and pain to an already painful procedure. This morning she removed that which helped a bit. He's had some trouble with the medications too- not being strong enouch and also some allergic reaction. He's slowly eating a bit more and watching some TV, but mostly he's sleeping (in a recliner chair because he has to stay at a 45 degree angle). He could definitely use your continued prayers and encouragement. Thanks for all the well wishes, I have been passing them on!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
Meigan turned from baby to toddler today! I can't believe it's been a year already! We had a fun garden themed party at which Mei Mei's friends planted flowers in "Meigan's Garden" in the back yard. She enjoyed her first cupcake and left the party early for an overdue nap. We had a nice barbecue in the evening with Granny and Grandpa and Grandma.
We are so greatful for every day with our beautiful girl. She is so happy and fun and independent. Her curiosity leads her on new adventures every day. She is a blessing and a joy. Thank you God for Meigan Elaine!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
We love to read!
The kids love their books. Jacob is moving toward chapter books- he's reading a Magic Tree House book in this clip. Keilani knows about 6 letters and some of their sounds, but she likes to "read" books too- she has three or four books memorized. She's reading Eric Carl's "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" in her video.
Big steps for Mei Mei
Meigan has been working on walking more and more every day. Her record is 15 steps.
Friday, March 13, 2009
In and Out and then a pop. . .
Keilani's surgery went well this morning. We woke up at 4:50 so we could get ready and have a sip of juice before the 5am cut-off. Keilani snuggled with Grandma until we left at 5:30. 
We went into admitting where Keilani and her Snuggly Pup got wristbands. 
We were whizzed right in to pre-op where Keilani got dressed in her surgery pajamas and was given a small cup of Versed to help her relax.
She DID NOT want to drink it. She spit some out and then I had to give her the choice to drink it or be held down and forced to drink it. She finally chose to drink it (big sigh of relief for mommy). The medicine made her really loopy and happy. 
She waved a princess wave to mommy and said "Bye Mom!"
We were sent back to the waiting room and tried not worry. After not too long the surgeon came to us and said, "She's done. Come on back." Everything had gone prefectly. Keilani was sleeping peacefully.
She woke up after a while without tears. The nurse was amazed that she didn't try to pull anything off. She whispered to me a bit. And after a bit she was eating a popsicle and chugging juice. 
She recovered so well the sent us right home!
All was well at home and Kei Kei was pepping up and even playing outside a bit, though she was bearing a bit of an attitude about everything. But, hey she has some reason to be a bit cranky!
Then came the call for naptime. She was not having it at all. I picked her up and she started to flail around when we heard a sudden "pop." The sound was kind of like a shirt button popping loose, but louder. My stomach sank a bit. I looked at Keilani and asked her, "What was that?" She started crying "It didn't pop, it didn't pop." I asked her if it was her stomach and she wouldn't answer. I told her it was very important and to tell me. She nodded. At this point my stomach sank all the way to the floor. She could tell. She was crying and I started calling for Jeff. So, we hurried to the car and headed toward the ER. By halfway there, she was calm. At that point I started second guessing. Was it just her back cracking or her sternum popping? We knew we had to play it safe and go in. The surgeon met us in the ER room. He said he'd be suprised if the inner stitch broke, but even if it did, there wasn't anything to do about it now. (It wouldn't really cause much internal bleeding). He said worst case scenario would be that the stitch did break and the tissue could come back out the hole, but most likely scar tissue will build up blocking the 1mm opening and preventing that.
So, there's a small possibility that we just went through surgery and then undid it. But prayerfully, her tummy bump is fixed.
And regardless, our sweetie is Okay!
We went into admitting where Keilani and her Snuggly Pup got wristbands. 
We were whizzed right in to pre-op where Keilani got dressed in her surgery pajamas and was given a small cup of Versed to help her relax.
She DID NOT want to drink it. She spit some out and then I had to give her the choice to drink it or be held down and forced to drink it. She finally chose to drink it (big sigh of relief for mommy). The medicine made her really loopy and happy. 
She waved a princess wave to mommy and said "Bye Mom!"We were sent back to the waiting room and tried not worry. After not too long the surgeon came to us and said, "She's done. Come on back." Everything had gone prefectly. Keilani was sleeping peacefully.
She woke up after a while without tears. The nurse was amazed that she didn't try to pull anything off. She whispered to me a bit. And after a bit she was eating a popsicle and chugging juice. 
She recovered so well the sent us right home!
All was well at home and Kei Kei was pepping up and even playing outside a bit, though she was bearing a bit of an attitude about everything. But, hey she has some reason to be a bit cranky!
Then came the call for naptime. She was not having it at all. I picked her up and she started to flail around when we heard a sudden "pop." The sound was kind of like a shirt button popping loose, but louder. My stomach sank a bit. I looked at Keilani and asked her, "What was that?" She started crying "It didn't pop, it didn't pop." I asked her if it was her stomach and she wouldn't answer. I told her it was very important and to tell me. She nodded. At this point my stomach sank all the way to the floor. She could tell. She was crying and I started calling for Jeff. So, we hurried to the car and headed toward the ER. By halfway there, she was calm. At that point I started second guessing. Was it just her back cracking or her sternum popping? We knew we had to play it safe and go in. The surgeon met us in the ER room. He said he'd be suprised if the inner stitch broke, but even if it did, there wasn't anything to do about it now. (It wouldn't really cause much internal bleeding). He said worst case scenario would be that the stitch did break and the tissue could come back out the hole, but most likely scar tissue will build up blocking the 1mm opening and preventing that.
So, there's a small possibility that we just went through surgery and then undid it. But prayerfully, her tummy bump is fixed.
And regardless, our sweetie is Okay!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Just can't be mad at that face!
Check out Keilani's latest trouble- playfoam in the hair! This was after a week of coloring on the walls and lipsticking the carpet. Today's infraction had it's own natural consequence of getting the foam out of the hair. She was crying just talking about it.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Jakey!
It's hard to believe, but on Friday Jacob turned 5 years old!! He's officially a big kid now! What a wonderful blessing and joy he is. He brings us smiles every day. We love his sweet spirit and incredible mind. His energy amazes us (and exhausts us too!) Jacob enjoyed his birthday very much. Thanks to everyone who helped make it so special for him!
Here are some pictures of yesterday and his party today.My, how you've grown!
Here are some pictures of yesterday and his party today.My, how you've grown!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Ski School
We had a great time celebrating Faye's birthday up at Boreal last Friday. We took Jacob and put him in Ski School for the morning with his buddy, Eben. Jacob did really well and had a lot of fun. He learned to go up the chair lift and stop himself by "making a pizza slice." The boys had fun after their class throwing snowballs, making a snowman, and "sledding" on a snowboard.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Mei Mei on the Move and Growing Up!
Baby Meigan's little personality is really starting to come out now. She is very curious and she really loves music. She went from no crawling to speed crawling and she can even get up the stairs.
She pulls up on everything. She can say Ma Ma and she tries to say "all done." She never took to pureed food, but she loves all the food we eat chopped up (and oatmeal too).
Meigan graduated to big kid bath time with her sissy. Here's a cute picture of the girls in the tub together.
She pulls up on everything. She can say Ma Ma and she tries to say "all done." She never took to pureed food, but she loves all the food we eat chopped up (and oatmeal too).
Meigan graduated to big kid bath time with her sissy. Here's a cute picture of the girls in the tub together.
Sick of Being Sick!!
Our house has been plagued with illness. Before Christmas all 5 of us had a cold- the girls had fevers on Christmas Day. New years brought a stomach bug. Then, just when everyone was starting to feel better another cold hit. This round ended up causing Jeff a sinus infection and Jacob an ear infection. We haven't been able to do our normal activities, play with our buddies, or even run around much. The kids have a coughing fit just walking down the street. * * * sigh * * * I hope that we can have a nice long streak of health after all this ends!!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wii Wish You a Merry Christmas!
We had a nice quiet Christmas at home this year. All 3 kids were sick, but the presents helped them stay happy. We did miss Poppy (my Dad) very much though- he couldn't come down for the sake of his own health and safety. Since we couldn't attend a Christmas Eve service, Jeff played guitar and we used homemade drums to play Little Drummer Boy and other carols. We had a nice stew dinner and hurried the kids off to bed (so that Santa wouldn't pass us by!) The kids had a sleepover in our room and woke us up right at 7. Santa had filled their stockings and left a nice thank you note for the cookies.
After stockings, we opened our Santa gifts - a Nintendo Wii and games! This was a fun and popular gift for everyone. The kids like the Mario Kart game. Jeff loves the Wii Sports. Even grandpa played!
After breakfast and some Wii time, we opened a million more presents and then ate a delicious ham dinner. Jacob read the Christmas story from the book of Matthew(NIrV) to us:
After dinner we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and ate cake. We had a great time visiting with Granny and Aunt Judy and opening a million MORE presents this morning at Grandpa and Grandma's house.
At first it seemed strange not to travel this Christmas, but it was really WONDERFUL to have a slower paced holiday. It gave us more time to reflect on Jesus and to enjoy each other.
After stockings, we opened our Santa gifts - a Nintendo Wii and games! This was a fun and popular gift for everyone. The kids like the Mario Kart game. Jeff loves the Wii Sports. Even grandpa played!
After breakfast and some Wii time, we opened a million more presents and then ate a delicious ham dinner. Jacob read the Christmas story from the book of Matthew(NIrV) to us:
After dinner we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and ate cake. We had a great time visiting with Granny and Aunt Judy and opening a million MORE presents this morning at Grandpa and Grandma's house.
At first it seemed strange not to travel this Christmas, but it was really WONDERFUL to have a slower paced holiday. It gave us more time to reflect on Jesus and to enjoy each other.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Date Day
Jacob and Keilani filled their marble jars a couple of days ago - they get marbles from us when they have great behavior or are especially helpful. Their reward this time around was a date! Jacob and Mommy went on a date ice skating. Keilani went on a date with Daddy to the Folsom Zoo. We all had a lot of fun! (There are only pics from Jacob's date because we went at the same time and Mommy had the camera.)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Good News of Christmas
It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment.
As moments go, that one appeared no different from any other. If you could somehow pick it up off the timeline and examine it, it would look exactly like the ones that have passed while you have read these words. It came and it went. It was preceded and succeeded by others just like it. It was one of the countless moments that have marked time since eternity became measurable.
But in reality, that particular moment was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb.
The omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.
God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created. God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother.
God had come near.
He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.
No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.
Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts.
Angels watched as Mary changed God’s diaper. The universe watched with wonder as The Almighty learned to walk. Children played in the street with him. And had the synagogue leader in Nazareth known who was listening to his sermons...
Jesus may have had pimples. He may have been tone-deaf. Perhaps a girl down the street had a crush on him or vice-versa. It could be that his knees were bony. One thing’s for sure: He was, while completely divine, completely human.
For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. He felt weak. He grew weary. He was afraid of failure. He was susceptible to wooing women. He got colds, burped, and had body odor. His feelings got hurt. His feet got tired. And his head ached.
To think of Jesus in such a light is -- well, it seems almost irreverent, doesn’t it? It’s not something we like to do; it’s uncomfortable. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. Clean the manure from around the manger. Wipe the sweat out of his eyes. Pretend he never snored or blew his nose or hit his thumb with a hammer.
He’s easier to stomach that way. There is something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant, packaged, predictable.
But don’t do it. For heaven’s sake, don’t. Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out.
Listen to him.
“Love your neighbor” was spoken by a man whose neighbors tried to kill him.
The challenge to leave family for the gospel was issued by one who kissed his mother goodbye in the doorway.
“Pray for those who persecute you” came from the lips that would soon be begging God to forgive his murderers.
“I am with you always” are the words of a God who in one instant did the impossible to make it all possible for you and me.
It all happened in a moment. In one moment...a most remarkable moment. The Word became flesh.
There will be another. The world will see another instantaneous transformation. You see, in becoming man, God made it possible for man to see God. When Jesus went home he left the back door open. As a result, “we will all be changed -- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”
The first moment of transformation went unnoticed by the world. But you can bet your sweet September that the second one won’t. The next time you use the phrase “just a moment...,” remember that’s all the time it will take to change this world.
From "God Came Near" by Max Lucado
(available @ The Bible House, Target, Amazon, and christianbook.com for as low as $6.99)
You can read more of the story of Jesus in the book of Matthew
As moments go, that one appeared no different from any other. If you could somehow pick it up off the timeline and examine it, it would look exactly like the ones that have passed while you have read these words. It came and it went. It was preceded and succeeded by others just like it. It was one of the countless moments that have marked time since eternity became measurable.
But in reality, that particular moment was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb.
The omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.
God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created. God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother.
God had come near.
He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.
No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.
Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts.
Angels watched as Mary changed God’s diaper. The universe watched with wonder as The Almighty learned to walk. Children played in the street with him. And had the synagogue leader in Nazareth known who was listening to his sermons...
Jesus may have had pimples. He may have been tone-deaf. Perhaps a girl down the street had a crush on him or vice-versa. It could be that his knees were bony. One thing’s for sure: He was, while completely divine, completely human.
For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. He felt weak. He grew weary. He was afraid of failure. He was susceptible to wooing women. He got colds, burped, and had body odor. His feelings got hurt. His feet got tired. And his head ached.
To think of Jesus in such a light is -- well, it seems almost irreverent, doesn’t it? It’s not something we like to do; it’s uncomfortable. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. Clean the manure from around the manger. Wipe the sweat out of his eyes. Pretend he never snored or blew his nose or hit his thumb with a hammer.
He’s easier to stomach that way. There is something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant, packaged, predictable.
But don’t do it. For heaven’s sake, don’t. Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out.
Listen to him.
“Love your neighbor” was spoken by a man whose neighbors tried to kill him.
The challenge to leave family for the gospel was issued by one who kissed his mother goodbye in the doorway.
“Pray for those who persecute you” came from the lips that would soon be begging God to forgive his murderers.
“I am with you always” are the words of a God who in one instant did the impossible to make it all possible for you and me.
It all happened in a moment. In one moment...a most remarkable moment. The Word became flesh.
There will be another. The world will see another instantaneous transformation. You see, in becoming man, God made it possible for man to see God. When Jesus went home he left the back door open. As a result, “we will all be changed -- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”
The first moment of transformation went unnoticed by the world. But you can bet your sweet September that the second one won’t. The next time you use the phrase “just a moment...,” remember that’s all the time it will take to change this world.
From "God Came Near" by Max Lucado
(available @ The Bible House, Target, Amazon, and christianbook.com for as low as $6.99)
You can read more of the story of Jesus in the book of Matthew
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