Update from the Durtschi's!!!

Here are a few things I've been meaning to blog...but I'm just now getting around to it.

Dylan

Here is Dylan getting ready to do the mile run with his class this last Wednesday (May 6th). He really did such an awesome job. I don't think he hardly walked at all. In fact he made it look really easy, just a simple jog for him. Jeff did the first lap with him, but then Dylan didn't want him to run with him anymore.

For each lap they did, they were handed a straw so they wouldn't forget their laps. This picture is Dylan showing his 3 straws, he only has about 150 meters left to go. So I snapped a quick picture then ran the last 100 with him. He did so AWESOME!!! Even though he started a little behind, he was the second one to finish with a time of 9:53. I'm pretty sure that I cannot do a ten minute mile in any circumstance. Perhaps it was just his super long legs!!!

Taylor

Taylor did her kindergarten program on April 30th and it was so cute. Sometimes it can be hard to endure such programs, but this one was so cute and she did a great job!!!

Sorry I couldn't figure how to get this flipped, but I had to post it anyway. It's a song called Tony Chestnut. I've had that song stuck in my head for weeks now. Yes...that's me laughing and I learned that my daughter can really get the moves on!!!!!

Jared

Jared rarely allows for rest, except for if you tire him enough. He loves the vacuum and thinks that socks should disappear regardless. He loves to feed the cat, (Pepper) pet the cat, chase the cat and insists the cat needs a Kleenex to wipe his nose. His favorite movie selection is moving from Kung Fu Panda and Cars to Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast for which Taylor greatly encourages. Jared LOVES to follow and imitate whatever Jeff is doing. That is all well and good except when Jeff has the rotor-tiller going and Jared keeps trying to throw stuff just in front of it so it will disappear.

Jeff

Jeff has taken off for the week. Since he is not working and I don't have to work until this weekend, we thought it might be a good idea for him to go visit his family. He left yesterday and told Taylor he would be gone 5 days. There are still no prospects for employment which really is getting to be frustrating after 6 months.

We are so thankful for every ones concern for us, and their willingness to help us in anyway that

they can...THANK YOU!!!!

As for me, I think I've kept you pretty well updated with my 'EYE DRAMA" and even though it really is not a big deal, it's just an inconvenience, I appreciate your concern. It really means a lot to know that others care.

Update to VISION....

I loved your responses, so I'll try to update you. Dr. Hatch (when I first went in) said that my corneas were swollen. That's why I initially had such a hard time. I went in on Wednesday (May 6th) for an appointment because it had become apparent that my vision was changing. But as I went in and began, my eyes were still so irritated that we were not able to accomplish anything. I've been using the O2 Optix contacts, and he gave me a pair of the Day & Night brand. Also, Dr. Mortensen had me try different solution. He suspects that I've gained an allergy to the preservatives in my contact solution, Alcon Opti Free. So now I'm trying the hydrogen peroxide with the disk that bubbles for 6 hrs. with saline to rinse. So we'll see. I hope something works soon, or else I'll be highly tempted to just boycott contacts altogether.
I have a follow up appointment this next Wednesday to see how things are going.

THANKS FOR ALL THE CONCERN! ! ! !

Vision

A week ago, Friday (April 24th), my eyes were hurting. This was nothing new. I went to take a nap to rest my eyes and to catch up on some lost sleep from the week. When I woke up, my eyes were worse. The light was too much and they wouldn't stop watering. I called my eye doctors office, (they have a super easy number to remember, that I could dial by feel). They said I could come right in and they would just work me in. I didn't not want to deal with not being able to see all weekend long!!!! I asked Jeff to drive me in to their office, and I called a babysitter, (whose number I have in my phone). She came right over. It was such a strange drive into town, because I couldn't see. I kept my eyes covered by my hands the whole time. I remember that we stopped so many times. I mentioned to Jeff that I didn't realize how many stop-lights there were because we must have stopped at every single one. As Jeff took my elbow and guided me into the office, I heard words of sympathy from the lady at the desk. "You must be Melissa..." Oh Yeah!!! That would be me. She handed the paper work to Jeff to fill out, then as fast as they could, they took me back to relief in the darkened room, for which there was still discomfort.

The eye Dr. man, put drops in my eye to numb them, then more drops to numb them some more. He looked thru his stuff to my eyes then put dye in my eyes and looked again. He began to ask questions about my contacts, how old were they, what solution did I use, did I take them out at night? I must have answered them all correctly because he was still baffled as he dilated my eyes and handed me a prescription and the cool plastic shades to keep on my eyes for awhile. We expressed our quick Thank Yous as we went to Walgreen's to fill the prescription.

I spent the whole next day without contacts, without glasses sitting in my dark living room listening to whatever movie was playing. I was so bummed because it was a beautiful day and I had made plans to accomplish so much outside. Burning weeds and ditches, cutting back trees, spraying the garden and such are still left for a better day where its not snowing or raining with the wind howling. I was able to wear my glasses on Sunday and stuck with them til I started with a new pair of contacts last Wednesday.

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father understands that I would not do well as a blind person. I LOVE watching my tulips open their sleepy heads and recover from freezing nights. I LOVE watching lighting and how it can light up the night sky. I LOVE the beautiful sunsets we have here. I especially look forward to purple sunsets. They are rare, but when they happen they are so memorable. I LOVE to watch my kids play, and run around in the back yard. I love to see them smile as they swing or slide or ride their bikes. I've also realized that I would not do well as a deaf person. I LOVE to listen to music. Anyone who spends very much time with me knows that I have to have something playing, as much as possible.

I LOVE to hear a newborn at work with its first cry. Its their call to world that they have arrived and message to those who helped them get here, that they will miss them during their journey here. I LOVE hearing my kids laugh. Its so innocent and its not forced.

When my kids laugh, they are happy, life is good and all is right in the world. I LOVE the sound of wind in the trees in my backyard and I LOVE the sound of waves of water that lap the sand.

Easter Eggs......

Saturday was the 3rd annual Salem Community Easter Egg Hunt. Some pretty fantastic people in our community get together and fill easter eggs and round up a bunch of prizes and put this whole show on. We each contribute a little bit of candy, but they do an awesome job. I salute them and extend many, many thanks to all who helped put this together!!!

Dylan being silly with his basket, in front of my brother Blake.

Taylor putting the HUSTLE on...

Jared, being focused, but getting the hang of it.

Jared's Birthday April 7, 2009

Jared ready for preschool.

Last Tuesday, Jared turned 3. As a result he was 'booted' from the Infant/Toddler Program and transitioned to the developmental preschool in our school district. Thus his birthday was also his 'First Day of School.' We drive him into school and he rides the bus home with Taylor. He'll only go on Tues. & Thurs.

When we got there, I experienced first hand, seperation anxiety. I've never had to deal with that before because Dylan & Taylor were always happy to get rid of me. Jared was crying and screaming. He was a little doubtful because we were in a strange place with different people. So one of the aide's scooped him up, told me he'd be just fine, and told me to have a great morning. So I walked all the way down the hall, listening to Jared screaming at the top of his bloodly lungs. But they called me a little while later to let me know that he had calmed down and was just fine. When we went on Thurs. morning, I just had Taylor walk him to his class. He never looked back and me and did great.

Everyone being curious at Jareds new 'Thomas the Train' laptop

Jared with all of his birthday loot.

Jared with his new bed set, Thank you Grandma Thurber!!!

Jared blowing out his candles.