Cell Phone Soap Box

I have a few things that I am very passionate about. By passionate, I mean opinionated. I love my cell phone. I'm sure you love your cell phone. If I ever leave my cell phone at home by accident and I'm running an errand (even if it consists of simply running to redbox to return a DVD), I feel as though I failed to put anything on and I'm completely naked. Cell phones have become the unnecessary necessity. There is nothing better than knowing that if you get a flat tire, your husband is just a phone call away. If your child's g-tube falls out, the sitter only need call your cell phone to find relief. If you can't find your shopping buddy, they are just a phone call away. If you are all alone, driving down the road and feel like you need a goodly conversation, simply pick up your cell phone. Right? Well, despite all the great points of owning a cell phone, I have a few issues. Let me share...

In purchasing a phone plan and in owning a cell phone I still have the right to CHOOSE to answer my phone when it's ringing. Granted, cell phones are for convenience and it may be inconvenient for the caller if I choose to not answer. I am sorry if you have been one of those callers who upon no answer takes my name in vain. With my appology though, I will own up to the fact that I will continue to make choices as to when and when not to answer my phone and the reasons for not answering are my own. I don't have to justify anything. My justification is that I choose to not answer. That's it.

My next irritation falls with text messaging. I absolutely LOVE texting. I think it's a great idea. However, with pros come cons. I get so irritated, and slightly enraged, when driving down the street (yes, in motion) and I glance to the side only to find some crazy person thinking they can text and drive at the same time. If you are one of those people... KNOCK IT OFF! I'm glad you have such great confidence in yourself. I don't have that kind of confidence in ANYONE. It's hard enough for most people to drive with another person actually sitting in the car with them (have you ever had the experience where you are talking or laughing and you fail to get off your exit?). Who in the world thinks they are genius enough to drive and TYPE at the same time? Urg.

So, to keep my irritations to a minimum, I think I better stop saying the same thing in various and sundry ways. Just know that I claim the right to answer my phone whenever I want to... and, if I see someone driving down the street while texting... you might get a quick reality check to prove you can't do these two seemingly important tasks at the same time... (try texting while you're being pulled over! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha (six "ha's" in texting lingo means I'm laughing my head off)).

So Grateful

To simply say thank you is not enough. We are overwhelmed with gratitude at how the fundraiser/yardsale went. It was absolutely amazing. We are humbled at how many "strangers" came to support us and Mercydez. We were moved to tears over and over and over. Thank you so much. I will do my best to post some pictures. Our hearts are forever changed. We now have a goal of paying it forward. We want to be like the many, many, MANY who came. Thank you so much.

It's been a long recovery process for all of us! There were about six who litterally stayed up all Friday night to set up and stayed through the whole yard sale PLUS stayed and cleaned up. Talk about amazing and devoted friends. You know who you are and I love you guys! Thank you so much! There has been a lot of time devoted to sleep, cleaning the house (my mom and I spent all day Friday baking and Crystal and I baked until 3:00am for the bake sale), putting lotion on our completely burned faces and bodies, etc. etc. etc. Once again, thanks to everyone who sacrificed so much. There are too many of you to list, but thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! (I kinda feel like I'm at an awards show... sorry).

On a much sadder note, my brother moved to Idaho this past weekend. He is Utah Helicopters newest instructor up there! Go Kade! He's living in Idaho Falls... I truly hope he has a good experience. It's sad to loose him, but I'm also very happy for him. He has always dreamed of being a helicopter pilot and he has worked like crazy to reach this dream. Megan, his wife, has supported him through all of it. I know it has been a sacrifice for both of them. It will pay off! It will be worth all the hard work! Kade has set an incredible example for all of my family. He doesn't ever settle for mediocre (I think I butchered that spelling). He will make such a great instructor. You can be sure that everyone in his classes will know their stuff... Kade is all about fairness and doing what's right. These students better work hard and gain the knowledge they need or Kade won't allow them to risk their lives... or anyone elses, for that matter. We love you Kade. We hope things are going well.

So, somethin' cute about Mercydez? Oh, how I love this little girl! She is such a delight! I gave her a bath today and she slept through the ENTIRE thing! She woke up when I took her out of the bath, but as soon as I put her down to lotion her up and dress her... yup! Her eyes were crossed and she was OUT! I couldn't take any pictures because I was the only one here bathing her and what kind of a mother would I be if I left her in the tub to get a camera? I would hate to ever be associated with the moron father who left his baby in the car (at 11:00pm, no less) so he could watch his batman movie. Urg. That's a soap box for another day though. Anyway, we'll leave it at that fact that Mercydez is the most adorable, sweet, hilarious li'l baby girl in the world. Oh how we love her!

Thanks again to everyone who came and supported us. Thanks to those who put it together and truly sacrificed a LOT of time in behalf of us and our little fudge brownie (in the words of Aunt Addy). Sending you our love!

Sending Our Love

Nic, Mercy and I had an interview with a very nice gentleman from The Daily Herald yesterday. It went very well. We are so excited that Mercydez's story is on the FRONT PAGE of todays paper (Friday, August 22nd)! Our goal in this interview and in allowing our story to be told is to help others who may be experiencing difficulty. Having a baby is so hard... emotionally, mentally, and physically. To have a baby who has "issues" only magnifies these hardships. BUT! Even through hardships there is much happiness and joy to be had! This message was our ultimate goal in allowing our story to be told and in putting out our blog for many to see. Family is what it's all about. Making it through hard times makes you stronger, if you allow it. If you are a Daily Herald reader coming to view our blog and ultimately coming to know our family, we welcome you. If you are a reader of the Daily Herald who is viewing our blog because you, too, are dealing with unknowns, we want you to know: there is hope. There is happiness. We don't claim to be perfect or all-knowing, so please don't misread our jumbled thoughts. We just want others to know they aren't alone.

We were so excited to read the article on our sweet angel baby! We want to thank, ahead of time, any who attend the yard sale and/or donate to Mercydez and her cause. We wanted to clarify that any donations will be used for Mercydez, whether it be medical bills or care needs. There have already been so many who have donated... and not just money. We appreciate anyone who has given financially, those who have given time, love, and support. Thank you so much.

Sending our love,

Nic, Ashley, and Mercy

PS For any family or friends who are reading this post and haven't read the article you can click on the link below and it will take you to it:

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/277632/

Partying Jack Johnson Style

La-da-da-da-da-da! La-da-da-da-da-da-da! La-da-da-da-da-da! La-da-da-da-da-da-da!

Nic suprised me with tickets to Jack Johnson!!! Wahoo!!! It was so much fun to get out and just chill! It was Travis' birthday so he and Adrienne came along and also Kacey and Crystal. It was such a blast! We were laughing like crazy, having a great time. The company made a great concert an incredible concert! So much happened that night that to write everything in would require me to sit here at the computer for hours on end. So, rather than type the day away, here is the TOP TEN great moments during the Jack Johnson concert:

Monday, 18 August: Crystal and Kacey. Yo.

Monday, 18 August: Travis and Adrienne. Happy birthday Trav! Addy, you are such a good wife to Trav!

10. Waited in a FOREVER long line for nachos and a burrito (Nic and I were STARVING) only to find out AFTER they made the food and it was right infront of me that they only accept cash. Lame. So, I had to go wait in another FOREVER long line for the ATM. Got back to my nachos and burrito, paid for it and headed back. My nachos were incredibly soggy. Nics beef burrito looked like it was made out of soggy dog food (in my opinion it tasted like it was made of soggy dog food, but he begs to differ. I think he was just really hungry).

9. I spilled my one and only drink (which was TINY and cost me $3.50) about five different times. I think I got ONE good swallow from it. Urg.

8. Watching Kacey, Travis and Nic spoon was fabulous! Who could expect anything else at a Jack Johnson concert?!? Oh, the best part of this (BY FAR) was the looks we got. Ah, ignorance is bliss sometimes.

Monday, 18 August: Kacey and Nic making a Travis sandwich! Yeeeeoooowwwww!

7. Sitting next to two men who used the "f-bomb" litterally every other word. Litterally. I've learned that bad language definitely does not make you cool. It makes you sound uneducated. However, I failed to inform them of this.

6. I wore a bright yellow shirt that has "New York City" written on it. A guy in the ATM line informed me that I looked like I worked at the event. I said, "no, my shirt says 'New York City'". To which he said, "I thought you worked here and you were going to pull out a stick and beat me." To which I said, "No, no. But I'll tazer you." He immediately left my side.

5. Back at home, Mercy's G-tube came out TWICE! My poor mother-in-law was watching Mercy and didn't know what to do. She was somewhat panicked when she called. Luckily, my brother, Kade was there and put it back in. GO KADE! Also, my brother-in-law, Kirt, is a nurse and he came over and made sure everything was okay... both times. Thanks so much Kirt!

4. Jack Johnson is fabulous... but his concerts aren't the type where you go and he interacts with the crowd. The most he said was, "It's good to be back in Salt Lake City." It was fun though! It was a mellow concert and we either laid down on our blankets, or we were dancing.

3. A guy in the band sang "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" (isn't that what it's called?) scottish style with an accordian. It rocked.

2. Playing steamroller. I bet you can't guess who initiated this? His name starts with a "K" and and rhymes with "racey". This kid has more energy than a two year old. I don't know how my mom survived him. By the time we were done playing steamroller (yes, we all played) we had big empty spaces ALL AROUND US. I'm sure people thought we were not only drinkin' stuff, but smokin' stuff too. To which I say, absolutely not! We had a good dose of Kacey. That'll do it for anyone!

Monday, 18 August: Getting ready to play steamroller... and enjoyin' the spoonin' time. Thanks Adrienne for taking the pictures! Wish you were in here snugglin'.

1. Parking. Talk about rediculous. But, of course, Kacey was there so things were comical rather than irritating. In the beginning I was driving, attempting to get out of the horribly unorganized parking lot. Kacey, Nic, and Travis were having a gay-ol' time barking at people as they passed (oh, these guys are soooo funny!) I had been trying to get out of the parking lot for nearly 40 minutes. Apparently, I wasn't being aggressive enough. So, I made Kacey drive and he got us outta there in under ten minutes. I'm so glad I have a big-little brother.

Oh! You want an encore? One more great moment... we were filling up with gas. Kacey thinks it's funny when you see someone and you pretend you know them. So, here is the dialog... oh, it was good.

Kacey (in drivers seat, looking at guy across from him filling his car up with gas): Mike! Mike!

Guy filling up turns and looks at Kacey, confused.

Kacey (in drivers seat, looking at guy filling up with gas):

Oh, sorry, I thought you were a guy I knew.

Nic (filling the car up with gas):

Sorry about that. What's your name?

Guy filling up:

Todd.

Nic (filling the car up with gas):

Sorry about that. He had a boyfriend named Mike and you look a lot like him.

WE WERE IN THE CAR LAUGHING OUR GUTS OUT!!! Oh! It was fabulous! And of course, this would only be funny if you have a big dose of Kacey.

This was one of the funnest nights I've had in a LONG time. Thanks so much to my thoughtful and oh-so-fun hubby!

You're Invited to a Fun Run/Walk!

15 August, 2008: Mercy was wiped out on Daddy's lap!


Hello family and friends! As you know, Nic and I have a beautiful little girl, Mercydez. We found out at our 20 week ultrasound (back on September 11th, 2007) that she would have some issues to deal with, the biggest issue being her heart. Since being born on January 3rd of this year, Mercydez has undergone sugeries, "small" procedures, complications from surgeries, etc. etc. Our little princess is the strongest girl we know. She is a fighter through and through. We are so grateful to have her in our lives and we cherish the time we have with her.

During these many difficult times, we have had the support of family and friends... but that's not all. We have had complete strangers (that I've still never met, but consider dear friends) express interest, concern, and love. Many of these "stranger-friends" belong to a group called "Intermountain Healing Hearts". This is a group of people who have one major thing in common: we have at least one child with a special heart. This group has been with us, has supported us, and has strengthened us. There is nothing more comforting than having someone who truly understands the hardships, struggles, joys, and heartache that comes with having a heart baby.

This group is having an "Olympic Gold Medal Mile Fun Run/Walk"! I would like to invite EVERYONE to join in the fun! It's a chance to enjoy your own heart through walking or running while helping others (and yourselves) gain awareness of Congenital Heart Disease! The run/walk is only a mile and it only costs $10.00 per person (this price is for the run/walk and also for a t-shirt). If you are interested, please click on the link below, print the form and mail it BY AUGUST 20TH, 2008 (that's NEXT WEDNESDAY). Instructions are on the form. Let me know if you have any questions!

link:
http://www.intermountainhealinghearts.org/runwalk.html

Here's the basic info:

When: Saturday, 6th of September

Time: Check-in at 8:30am, Race at 9:30am

Where: Riverview Park in Provo, Utah

Address: 4620 North 300 West

Cost: $10.00 for the race and it includes a t-shirt

All proceeds benefit Intermountain Healing Hearts.

Anyone, young and old, can join the race! Strollers are welcome too!

We are hoping to have our sweet Mercydez with us at the fun run/walk. We hope to see you there!

10 August, 2008: Uncle Trav and Mercy snugglin'

Swimming, Haws Olympics & Primary Childrens ER!

SWIMMING!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Wyatt being thrown around by Nic!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Nic and Wyatt swimming together!


Friday, 8 August, 2008: Sam sittin' by the poolside... pondering.

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Lindsay takin' a swim.

HAWS OLYMPICS!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Mercy chillin' with her sweet glasses!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Mandy explaining to the cousins how to play the olympic games.

Friday, 8 August, 2008: What would ever inspire a grown man to wear a nylon on his head??? Only the HAWS OLYMPICS! He's a true olympian!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Mandy and Natalie look so hot with nylons on their heads!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Lindsay and Sam lookin' oh-so-trendy for the Olympics!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Zacky and Benny goin' for the gold!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Wheelbarrow racing was awesome! Nic and I took first place! Wahoo!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: The kids had a foot race! It was soooo exciting!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Nic and me! He's stinkin' heavy!

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Yeah, that's right.

Friday, 8 August, 2008: Wheelbarrow racing gone wrong. Sam, it's okay. You know I'm better than you. ;)

PRIMARY CHILDREN'S ER...

Wow! Our family reunion was a BLAST! I'm posting a few more pictures of all 'o us havin' some good times. It was much needed time away from everything. It was a good thing Nic had time off, because our get-away went from absolutely perfect to a complete nightmare all within 24 hours.

Mercydez didn't sleep a wink on Thursday night, which means, either did I. I'm not one of those weird ones who can live off of zero hours of sleep. My idea of a good nights rest lies somewhere between, oh, eight to ten hours. Of course, since having Mercydez, my idea of a good nights rest has changed to four hours of uninterrupted sleep. Anyway, so both Mercy and I were on edge all day Friday. It was great to be with our family, but talk about exhaustion! I felt like something wasn't right with my princess, but I didn't think anything was terrifyingly bad. Little did I know...

Mercydez was extremely irritable all day Friday. She didn't like to eat, she didn't like to be held. She didn't like to lay in bed, she didn't like to snuggle (which is completely opposite of everything Mercy holds dear. She would rather snuggle then eat... seriously). Friday night, about 8:00pm I just felt like something wasn't right and we needed to figure it out. I had been holding her for about an hours time, so I didn't think her warm body was anything out of the ordinary. I thought I had just transfered heat. Well, we took her temp and she was at 102 degrees!!! We tried calling our doctor... and we tried calling our friend, Dr. Null. When we were able to get in touch with someone we were instructed to get Mercydez to an instacare ASAP. So, Nic, Zac (Nic's brother), and Drew (Nic's daddy) came with us. We saw a doctor at the childrens instacare at Altaview Hospital. The nurse took a rectal temp and Mercy was at 104 degrees! The doctor told us to get her to Primary Childrens ER as quickly as possible. This was hard for us to hear because neither Nic or I love Primary's. It was very difficult to hear from the instacare doc that Mercydez would definitely be admitted to PCMC. On our way out, Nic, Dad, and Zac gave Mercy a blessing. It was beautiful. It was powerful. Nic and I then took Mercydez to the ER. The doctor in the ER was rediculously arrogant. I wanted to throw something at her. She wouldn't hear us, and when she stopped for a moment to consider anything we said, she looked at us like we were moron parents. Urg. It was so frustrating. Our fabulous nurse, Moira, came up to be with us. Thank goodness she was there. She was a great support to us. We were very insistant that Mercydez not be admitted. We have made some very personal, difficult, and sacred decisions in regard to hospitals and procedures. We were okay with a blood draw, a UA, and a chest x-ray, but nothing else. Anyway, to make a long story short, we finally left the emergency room after nearly six and a half hours (by the way, NEVER expect an ER visit to be short) at about 5:45am. We went back to Snowbird, slept for about two hours, got ready and left for home. Mercydez is now home, on IV antibiotics to treat pneumonia, and actually doing very well. The lab results came back and lead us to believe that, yes, Mercydez is sick, but not NEARLY as sick as the ER doctor described. Sometimes Mom and Dad know best. I'm glad that night of true hell is over.

Unfortunately, I came down with something myself. I think the stress behind everything did me in. My beautiful Grandmother had an honorary birthday party on Saturday night that we couldn't attend because both Mercy and I were sick. I am so sad that we missed it. My Grandmother is one of the most influential women I know. She is absolutely amazing to me. She has taught me that standing up for what is right is never (EVER) easy and often very lonely, but it is soooo worth it. I'm going to post a poem I wrote for her birthday, but not until I'm able to give it to her in person. I want her to read it first. Anyone who has met my sweet Grandmother knows she is an angel. She is so strong. She has helped me through months and months of heartache, sorrow, happiness, fears, etc. She stayed with me at my Uncle Verl and Aunt Marilyn's place for about a month after Mercydez was born. Oh, how I love my Grandmother. We have talked and decided that we will be next door neighbors in heaven.

Needless to say, it has been a very hard and busy weekend. Things are finally starting to settle down, but slowly. I feel like I should have my RN by now. Nic is getting some good nursing experience too. We love our little girl more than anything. She is such a treasure. We would do anything to secure her happiness... even if it means going against a doctors demands. Heavenly Father talks to parents. He leads them. I have learned for myself that the correct answers lie not in medical books full of statistics and definitions. Correct answers lie in having faith, in truly listening to Heavenly Father. Knowing the correct answers doesn't make decisions any easier, in fact, with my experience it has made decisions harder. But there is such peace in succombing to what is RIGHT verses what is EASY. I love a quote that my good friend (and fabulous hair dresser) has on her wall. I might butcher it... but I'm sure you've heard it. "The time is coming when you will have to choose between what is easy or what is right." So true.
Saturday, 9 August, 2008: After a loooooooong night in the ER, Daddy and Mercy earned some good snuggle time.

Family Get Away

So, here we are, up here at Snowbird Resort in the beautiful mountains of Utah! We have been here since Tuesday night, and boy have we needed it! It has been so beautiful, so relaxing, and so much fun! We are here with all of us Haws'! There is NEVER a dull moment when the Haws' all get together! Last night we had a yummy potato bar, courtesy of the Kohler family. This morning we woke up to a delicious breakfast, provided by the Jon Haws family. And we just finished our lunch an hour or so ago, which Nic and I put together. It has been so wonderful to get away from the busy world! It's busy up here, but a different kind of busy, it's a GOOD busy! We took family pictures today too! That was a lot of fun! See below:

(7 August, 2008: All o' us Haws'!)

(7 August, 2008: Oh, we're just so silly!)

(7 August, 2008: Grandpa & Grandma with all the cute grandkids. Li'l Mercy is in Grandma's arms)

Last night was the annual Haws Family Talent Show. We had awesome guitar solos, dancing, singing, monologues, cheerleading, babies rolling over, etc. etc.! Nic and Mercy (along with Zac & li'l Millie and Kirt & chunky monkey Maxx) sang and did the actions to "Book of Mormon Stories".

(6 August, 2008: Zac & Amelia, Nic & Mercydez, Kirt & Maxx all singing and doing the motions to "Book of Mormon Stories")

(6 August, 2008: Nic & Mercydez singing "Book of Mormon Stories")

(6 August, 2008: Kirt & Maxx singing "Book of Mormon Stories")

(6 August, 2008: Zac & Amelia singing "Book of Mormon Stories")

(6 August, 2008: Zacky and Andrew doing their "Fashion Show" for the Talent Show!)

We also had a morningside devotional this morning put together by Grandpa and Grandma. It was so wonderful! We talked about, and had a special visit, by Captain Moroni! The children all loved it! The morningside devotional was complete after each child received a picture with Captain Moroni and each child also got a dogtag with Captain Moroni on it!

(7 August, 2008: Sweet, beautiful little Mercydez with handsome Captain Moroni)

(7 August, 2008: Captain Moroni, Grandpa, and all the Grandkids)

(7 August, 2008: Handsome, strong Captain Moroni)

This family get-away has been so needed! Nic doesn't have to work the whole time (which is rare), so it's truly a family vacation (thank you sooooo much Kacey)! It's also been great because I've been able to dedicate some time (not a lot, but more time than at home) to reading Breaking Dawn! Oh! It's killing me! I'm addicted and want to find out what's gonna happen! Sorry Ange... just have some patience. Soon we'll be able to chit-chat.

(7 August, 2008: Our cute sunglass-wearin' family)

(7 August, 2008: These two guys are handsome as can be and these gorgeous ladies love 'em!)

We have loved every minute of this reunion and the great thing is.... we have two more days to enjoy this sweet lovin'!