Visit to the Bazaar & Stories from the ER

Jason finally found time to visit the bazaar. You can find all kinds of crazy things there -- from rugs and jewelry, to giant spiders and scorpions encased in plastic. Luckily for us, Jason didn't send us any area rugs, just the giant insects! The boys got a kick out of them, but I'm still creeped out and don't know where to put them!

Jase sounds good. I get to see him every day on the web cam, and talk to him on the phone every other day. He hasn't had a day off in 40 days! Here's some of his latest journal entry:

"The crew in the ER are a good group. Everyone is very diligent and works hard. We have been able to take care of everything that has come through the door, even the mini mass casualty two weekends ago. There are some people who make me laugh. Two of our techs are my favorites. They are very enthusiastic yet a bit on the slow side -- all at the same time. They are all military with high and tight hair and mustaches to boot. I can count on them to come and inform me on official information, like trauma coming in about 5 minutes after I have been officially informed. One of the sergeants has a knack for losing things, particularly important things like all the training records for the unit. He also comes by every night to let me know the coffee is ready even though I tell him every time that I don’t drink it. Very thoughtful nonetheless.

They other day we were examining a trauma patient and Sergeant B. was at the head of the bed. I asked him to hold c-spine so we could roll the patient and look at his back. It was his responsibility to count to three so that we could roll him simultaneously to maintain alignment of his spine. I said “Okay sergeant, on your count.” He gives me his professional look and barks out in his best drill sergeant voice,”On my three! Oone, Duu, Tree!!” I looked up at Dr Savage, our trauma surgeon, with a surprised look on my face. Did he really do that?? I said, “Sergeant, would you now please put the patient at parade rest?” That didn’t even phase him. I checked his back and then told him we were ready to roll him back. He barked it out the same way. We all were cracking up. I decided not to have that sergeant hold c-spine anymore after that.

One Happy Kid

Carson is the happiest guy. He smiles his huge smile at anyone and will talk to you as long as you look at him. He is cutting his second tooth, can almost sit up, and is trying to crawl!

Summer in October

Our weather is warm again! We celebrated by making Dallin's favorite "Wemen Swush" (lemon slush). Dal loves sipping his slush out in the sunshine. Dallin is such a sweetie. He loves to be cuddled and has such a tender heart. He also says some pretty funny things, such as calling Indiana Jones "Alien Banana Jones," and the transformer Optimus Prime, "Octapus Crime."



Cameron "Punkin Head" Taylor (Jason's nickname for Cam) was living up to his name. He kept running around with this pumpkin bucket on his head, falling on the trampoline and laughing. Cam apparently ate the Super Saturday Children's Class out of house and home. The leaders were amazed. They said, "He finished his plate, then went around and cleaned up the leftovers from the rest of the children!" We love our sturdy guy!

Love Those Visitors!

Jack Literally Loses His Tooth

A landmark day has occurred for the Taylor family: Our first lost tooth! Jack's tooth had been wiggly for a few weeks, then while brushing his teeth, he spit his tooth down the drain. He didn't even realize it was gone until I checked his mouth! So we wrote a little note to the Tooth Fairy. Jack: "I lost my tooth down the drain. May you get it for me? Love, Jack" Luckily Grandpa and Grandma Skidmore arrived that very night. Handy Grandpa took apart the drain and found the tiny tooth in the trap. The tooth fairy gave it back to Jack since it was his first lost tooth. He was thrilled!

Fore!

Here's Jason hard at work. One of the sergeants arranged to have this donated. Anything to break up the monotony!

Jason is doing well. Here's an exerpt from one of his latest journals:

It has been less overwhelming this past week and the trauma numbers are decreasing a bit. I have had time to watch a few movies while I have been at work which has been nice. I went to church today. The spirit is always really strong there. It is pretty amazing to be around so many good brothers and sisters serving in the military and working as contractors here. Today was testimony meeting. One private stood up and said he was so thankful because he was able to get married in the temple on his mid deployment leave. Another major stood up and spoke about how he got to watch his dad ordain his oldest son a teacher on web cam. These guys are here for 12 to 15 months. They and their families are making great sacrifices to do this. I will never feel sorry for myself as long as they are around and they will be.

Dal's New 'Do

So Dallin has a new haircut. I honestly didn't request a buzz, but didn't have time to stop the woman in time. Jack was in shock, "When is Dallin going to look like Dallin again?" Then, Dallin in tears: "I don't wook wike Dawin!" Yet, a week later, I think it's growing on me. After all, if David Beckham can pull it off, why not our Dal?

Cam's Antics

The Caminator strikes again. From sitting in the freezer eating ice cream, to sprinkling garlic salt and oregano on his toast, Cameron has a creative way of making mischief. He's figured out several ways of getting my attention. His favorite is to sit directly on Carson. (Luckily Carson is a sturdy 20 lbs. -- it hasn't phased him yet.)

Jason's Adventures in Afghanistan

We've survived one month without Jason! We miss him so much, but love Skype-ing with him. He is doing well and we've all gained a new perspective on what really matters in life. He frequently sends journal articles. Here's one of my favorite entries:

After my shift tonight I went back to my dorm and changed into my ABU’s. There was another fallen comrade ceremony on the flight line. This time it was for 7 soldiers. Another touching ceremony. I looked over and in the front of the line were a handful of their buddies who had been wounded standing at attention in their hospital pajamas. They had been allowed to attend the ceremony. It was really moving to see them there. When we were commanded to present arms as the coffins came by I saw casted and bandaged arms being raised to salute. It was one of the most moving things I have ever seen.

We have had a rough month with casualties. None of these men made it to our facility so they must have died in the field or at a forward operating base hospital. The sergeant playing the bagpipes played “Abide with Me” and “Amazing Grace” again. I kept thinking of the lines “O thou who chang-est not abide with me” and “Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord abide with me.” I thought of their families and the sorrow they are going through. The first verse ends with, “Help of the helpless, Lord abide with me.”

As the back of the massive C17 was being filled with these 7 flag draped coffins I thought of how helpless their loved ones must be feeling while they wait days or weeks until the bodies finally arrive and can be laid to rest. I prayed that the Lord and his comforting spirit would abide with them. I will never forget some of these images.

Almost 5 months old!

We just love our peaceful little Carson! He sleeps well, eats well, and loves hanging out with the boys. Carson is a chatterbox and will talk to you as long as you look at him. He can roll over, almost sits by himself, and can't get enough of the bath. He also enjoys playing in the saucer. (Our first child to actually enjoy the thing.)

Carson thinks Cameron is hilarious and will laugh out loud while watching him take a bath. He's almost started eating solid foods, thanks to a fruit snack courtesy of Jake Chugg!

At his last well-baby appointment, Carson took honors at 105% height, 98% weight and 60% head size. Sound familiar?