Lights at Temple Square

Yesterday, Ben, Catie, Nathan (Ben's brother) and I went to Temple square and looked at all the lights. The entire 2 blocks were lite up. From December 1st to the 31st, the lights are on at night. There were hundreds of people there. It was so neat to walk around the temple grounds, sharing in each other's company.

December 2008

This past month has been so much fun. With my new job, I was fortunate to have Thanksgiving and Black Friday off for the first time in about 10 years. We had a Turkey dinner, which was so yummy. I coaxed Ben to put the Christmas tree up on Friday. Catie and I did a little bit of shopping that afternoon, while Ben was working. Catie and I found some great deals and stayed out of the Apple store - in fear of being trampled.
We counted down the days till Christmas, with the counting blocks that I made at a craft night. Catie loved the lights on the tree. She did very well with leaving the ornaments on. She played with a nativity set that I painted at the craft night as well. I completed knitting the sweater for Catie, on time for a Christmas present. It turned out so nice. I also made lots of flannel "heat/ice" packs for gifts for grandparents and my nursery class to give to their parents.
Christmas eve, we carried on the traditional Polish dinner that my family had every year at my Babci's house. We had haluska, pieroghi's, mashed potatoes, peas, a 7-up ham, and many more yummy foods. We shared our wonderful time with the Beagley family, and the Sarle family, my old roommates Cynthia and Tiffany and Tiff's hubby Alan. Cate loved all the foods and chowed down when her plate was given to her. When the party came to an end, Cate, Ben, Nathan (Ben's brother) and myself opened our one present (new jammies for everyone) on Christmas eve - a tradition that Ben and I started the first year we were married.
I, of course, didn't sleep very well. I was too excited for Christmas day. I was up at about 630am, and helped Santa fill everyone's stockings with goodies. Cate woke up about 830ish. The present unwrapping began. Cate wanted to unwrap everything. She would tear off a piece of paper, hand it to someone, then start clapping. She did this with almost every tear she made. Our families in North Carolina, Florida and New York all turned on their computers, logged onto out web camera site and watched Cate open all her presents. It was so much fun to be talking to everyone, and them watching us. Even though I thought this investment was silly years ago when Ben purchased the camera, I think it is the most wonderful gift to have received. We are able to share our life and family with our families even though we are across the country.
Later Christmas day, we went to visit Ben's grandparents and extended family up in Bountiful, Utah. It is fun to hear how everyone is doing, see the great-grandkids running around and getting bigger. We also visited with Andrea, Ben's sister, who was up from BYU Provo and going to San Fransisco the following day.
Saturday night, 12/27, we had a Pizza - Wii game night with Cynthia, Tiff, Alan, and Nate. Holy smokes did we have fun.

Happy Halloween

So I am a little backwards in my blogs, but oh well. I realized I didnt put anything in here about halloween. Our family participated in the annual neighborhood parade. It started about 530pm 2 street over from us at our Bishop's house. The South Sal Lake firetruck lead the way with police motorcycles and cars blocking off the main entrances to the streets so the familys could parade/trick or treat safely. We walk about 8 blocks and end back up at the Bishop's house where there is hotdogs, candy, popcorn, drinks and snacky stuff for everyone. It is so much fun. Cate was Winnie the Pooh this year. She was so dang cute, if I must say.

Turkey Gizzards anyone?

This thanksgiving I was so fortunate to be off on Thursday and Friday. I decided since Ben's sister-in-law made a huge Turkey dinner last year, I would attempt to tackle the task this year. It was so much fun. I had my cooking schedule all planned out by Thanksgiving day. I had never made/baked a turkey before and it scared the beegeebys out of me. I was up at 8am, prepping the bird. I was washing it out. I took what I thought was the neck of the bird out.....keep reading it gets funny. I put the flour in the bag and stuck the bird in. I tossed on some rosemary and thyme on top of the bird (which made the turkey taste and smell so nice.) I then began cooking all the other dishes. Ben's brother and sister-in-law came over. We also had the Beagley's from church and Dave Sarle over as well.
At 130, it was time to take the turkey out. We all sat down at 2, and pigged out. The turkey turned out great as well as the other foods. When dinner was done, I decided to cut the rest of the meat off the turkey for leftovers. As I was doing this, I noticed a plastic baggie in the middle of the turkey. I just realized that I didnt fully remove all the insides, that the baggie was the gizzards - so gross. Oh well, at least I am ready for next year :)

Now pronouncing Mr. and Mrs Ramirez

Catie and I flew to North Carolina the beginning of November for my sister's "elopement-wedding". It was so awesome to be there and see my family. Catie did super on the flight out. It was a direct flight. There were seats open, so I was able to put her in her car seat in the seat next to me. She slept most of the 4 hours out. Hanging out with my fam was so much fun. Catie was showing off her smiles and tricks, making everyone fall in love with her. The two of us shared an air mattress the first few nights then a queen sized bed the next few. Cate slept great. I had no sleep whatsoever. I either had feet in my face, a butt one night (not too pleasant) or various body parts flapping around. She loved it of course.
Paula's ceremony was small and wonderful. Josh's family made it there, except for Tim - who was protecting Logan, Utah (he is a police officer.) We all hung out hand had snacks at Paula's place afterwards, with dinner at a super nice Italian restaurant. Oh the food was sooooo good.
Sunday Cate and I had to travel back home. It was a crazy fun few days, that flew by way too fast. The flight home was not fun at all. The flights were booked. Cate had to sit on my lap. She did not want to sit still, constantly wanting to get down and move, hitting/kicking the seat in fron of her, poking the gal next to us and waking her up. I was glad to get to Salt Lake and hand her off to her Daddy. I think she was happy too!

Happy Birthday Barrie(Ben)

Yesterday was Ben's 31st birthday. Cate and I surprised him with a cake from Costco at work to share with his coworkers. We then took him to Bonsai - Japanese steakhouse/habachi (sp?) grill. Ben and I shared a dinner for two - filet migion (sp?), teriaki chicken, and shrimp, with fried rice, veggies, soup and salad. Cate ate handfuls of noodles, chicken, veggies and shrimp. Sooooo Yummy!! Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

Meet the Blind month

This month is Meet the Blind month. This weekend at the Gateway, the National Federation of the Blind will be having a booth set up with information and technology used/for the blind of visually impaired. It is Saturday 12-6pm by the water fountain and Barnes and Nobles. Barrie, Catie and myself will be there in the beginning with some things Catie uses and plays with for her Vision Therapy. Hope to see you there!!

Coxsackie anyone?

Another bummer for Cate. Starting this past Friday, Cate had a low grade fever that rose to 103 on Sunday morning. We called her Md's office and they got her in that morning. We thought she was having ear infections again. Nope. They then ran a Strep screen. Negative. The doctor looked a bit closer to her mouth - the results....Coxsackie Virus, aka Hand, foot, mouth disease. The poor peanut. We are thinking she got that from daycare. They said they haven't had anyone sick. Cate's fever is down with the help of Tylenol and Mortin. She now has little blisters in and outside her mouth, a few on her hands. I haven't seen her little feet today (I have been at work). I feel so bad for her. But classic Cate, she constantly has a smile and a giggle despite feeling crappy. Say some prayers for her to get over this super soon!! Thanks!!

Now Introducing to our Family.....

So we have a new addition to our family. Tonight Barrie and I bought a 2005 Toyota Sienna LE. We are super excited and majorly depressed. Our beloved 1997 Honda Civic was having transmission problems. It would be thousands of dollars to rebuid and put a new trans in. So we thought we would start shopping around. We wanted something that was roomie for potentially maybe more little Campbells (definitely non in the near future.... Cate is enough for now.) We also wanted the space so when family was in town, they could have a seat, be comfortable and not have to rent a car to get around. We looked at Used Honda Odesseys (super nice). Did research on Dodge Caravans - not too fond of. And more research on Toyota Siennas (sorry Amy and Ben for copying you). The ride is sp unbelievably smooth. The space is rediculous. Curtain side air bags all the way to the back. All wheel drive. Only 30,000 miles on it. We can now go to the zoo and put Cate's wagon in there instead of the stroller. I will post some pics as soon as I take some. The depressing part in all of this is we now have a car payment to make each month, where the beloved Honda was totally paid off. Bummer.

Poor Miss Cate

Little Miss Cate has had such a hard last few days. First she has been battling a cold for the last 2 weeks. She started daycare this past Wednesday which they said she did really well except for constantly taking off her glasses. Then that evening/early Thursday morning, she was vomiting, had a low grade fever. The vomiting stopped by late morning, but the fever continued till Friday. Barrie and I took her to the doctors, thinking they will send us home, saying she has a cold. Well to my surprise, she has bilateral ear infections. Poor peanut. She never tugged at her ears or made any kind fussy like they hurt her. We get home, with antibiotics in tow. After pj's were one, she guzzled the 6ml down like it was going out of style. When she opened her mouth, we realized that along with all this that has been going on, she has also cut a new tooth - one of the top front teeth. Amazing. Cate has gone through so much in her little life and has hardly, if any, made a complaint. Makes me take a look at myself and be thankful for my trials. I need to take her example and be happy with life more than complain about it.

New Job Report

What a wonderful change, to go to work and not have chest pains. I started working for Utah Imaging Associates at the Utah Vascular Clinic Tuesday. It was so nice yesterday ( and today) of course to come to work, to scan patients and not have someone backstabbing another coworker, or getting yelled at. I am now 8am-5pm, Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, no nights, weekends, or holidays. No more early 3am morning calls saying we have a scan in the ER for you. It was so nice to work the day, then come home and be with Ben and Catiebug (except for the hunt for the missing checkbook, which has still not been found and considered lost). It is nice to look a few days ahead to the weekend and see that I don't have to work. I get to be home and not skip out half way through church. I can have my afternoon Sunday nappie. Waahoooo!!!

Letter of Resignation

Ok folks, the day has come. I am turning in my letter or resignation to the hospital that I work at. I received a call yesterday for a clinic position. That means I wont have to work nights, weekend, holidays, call....any of that. Finally!!! I will be working 3 eight hour days, Monday thru Wednesday. I can not wait. I start next Tuesday, 2 September. So today at work I need to turn in my letter. I was going to see about staying on a few Sundays, or helping out with call. I chose otherwise due to the past few days' events working. Anyway, yea to answered prayers!!

CRAWLING!!!!

Yesterday and today, Cate has been doing a small bit of crawling. She would start out slowly on her hands and knees and move forward. If the object she was looking toward was too far away, she would drop down to her belly and army crawl like a crazy person. She is hands and knees crawling more and more every minute. It is so exciting!!! If she keeps this up, we may be finished with physical therapy for awhile, if not for good and putting up safety gates everywhere. YEAAAA, CATIE!!!! Keep up the good work kiddo!!!

Bridge Transplant = Watching Paint D

Today was a pretty cool day. I80 - the interstate that runs from the east coast to the west coast of the US runs right in our front yard. There has been construction on it to widen the interstate as it comes into the Salt Lake valley. Today was the day that the 500 East bridge on the north side of the interstate (our side) was being placed. It was constructed up in the bridge yard at 1300 East. It started it's journey from 1300 East to 500 East last night. It took a few hours to travel; it weighs 5 million pounds and traveled at the speed of 1 MPH. Crazy, I know. It was neat to see this huge structure be slid across steel Ibeams. Dish soap was used to lubricate the beam for the sliders to move it across. It is now over 500 East and will be lowered into place tomorrow. I have some really cool pics of the bridge moving.

Catching Up A Year

So this past year has been extremely busy. Catherine was born in May 07. She was diagnosed with spina bifida in August 07, with a corrective surgery in September 07, then another surgery in October 07 to deal with a massive infection from the first surgery. When she was done with her antibiotics, Andrea went in to have her gall bladder out (and is feeling much better with that gone.) A week later, she was in the hospital with blood clots in both lungs. Barrie was a superior multitasker by this point. He was (and still is) working for Attensity, Corp. in the QA department. He was Andrea's big time support when she was at rock bottom when Catherine was in and out of the hospital. He played Mommy and Daddy when Andrea was in and out of the hospital and became a limited register nurse (giving Andrea Lovenox shots 2-3x's daily over the next few months)

December was our first Christmas with Catherine. WE had so much fun. "Catherine" had purchased Barrie a Hamm/CB radio for christmas, wrapped it by "herself" and even wrote her name on it (you can substitute Barrie for all the " quote" areas. Catherine loved the paper ripping.


2008 has been pretty eventful. The beginning few months, Andrea was in and out of the hospital for continued chest pains and migraine headaches associated with the medicines she was on and the blood clots. Catherine started physical, occupation, and vision therapies in March 08 to help her with many things she was lagging behind in. As of now(July 08) she is army crawling everywhere, pulling herself up onto her hands and knees, and pulling herself up into a standing position all by herself. She is also sitting upright and will move from laying down to sittinng and visa versa. With sight-wise, she is seeing small objects (without her glasses), finger pinching to pick them up. What tremendous progress she has made!! We are so blessed with that. We also made a huge purchase since puchasing our house 3 years ago. We had to buy a new furnace.

In April, we went to Raleigh, NC to visit Andrea's family. Catherine did wonderfully on the airplane trips. Andrea's grandparent from Florida drove up along with Grandma Jane and Mugsy. Grandpa Johnny flew in from NY for the fun. Everyone met Paula's Josh and his adorable children. While in NC, Andrea found out she has a blood disorder - Methylenetetrahydrofolatereducase Deficiency. Her body does not process folic acid, thus letting her homocystine levels increase - making her blood thicker and easier to clot. Her doctors are also thinking this is relating to Catherine's Spina Bifida and Colobomas (eye abnormality).


Ok, then May 08 came and we celebrated Catherine's first birthday. What a hoot. It is amazing how much a little one grows in a year's time. We had a family birthday party in NC when we were with Andrea's family. On May 28th, we along with the Stuts' and the Baker's celebrated the realy day of birth, then had a "We-made-it-through-the first-year/Thank You/Birthday" BBq in our back yard that following Saturday. That was lots of fun, all the way down to the water gun fights.

June 08, brought on the warmer weather. We purchased a AC unit and let us tell you, it has been very cool!! We helped Cattherine's little best friend celebrate her first birthday. Andrea started Per Diem at an imaging clinic doing diagnostic and vascular ultrasounds in hopes to get a part time clinic position and give up working at St Mark's with call,nights, weekends, and holidays.
So far no day has been permently giving to her, but we are still hanging in there. Barrie celebrated his 2nd Father's day. Catherine (and Mommy) made Barrie a tie, with hand and feet prints all over it. It was proudly worn to church.
And that brings us up to July 08 - this month. Look for more blogs concerning this month!!

Blogging Beginner

I have decided to take Anna's advice and start blogging. I figure that I can keep track of things here and later print them out, and put them in my journal. Then I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone - keep family and friends updated and 2, have journal entries without handwriting them. ( No birds will be hurt in the process of blogging. Ok, well this is my first blog and the end of the blog. I definitely have more to write, I just dont have time right now - Cate needs a bath, I have a job interview at 10am, etc.