There really is never a boring moment around here - well, during the day when it's really quiet maybe sometimes. Nevertheless, we have had a few momentous happenings lately. Last week I went downstairs to get a toy for Mason and stepped ankle deep into soggy carpet. It was everywhere! The rain that had poured non-stop for the previous week had overwhelmed our sump pump and unbeknownst to us, the motor had burned out. As a result water was pouring into our basement through the pump for a few hours before we realized. It's a good thing Mason wanted to play with the choo-choo that was downstairs! We knew it was beyond our capabilitie to manage so Jim called a Flood Restoration company and they came to our rescue. We also called a plumber. The Flood guys came and were in our house until 4 am pumping out water and pulling up the carpet to try and dry it out with big fans. The basement looked very interesting with all the big humps of carpet with huge industrial fans underneath them blowing them dry. The water hadn't been there long enough to ruin anything but the carpet and most of the baseboards, it hadn't started seeping into the drywall yet - yeah! (I think). Our insurance has a sump pump rider. Heave a big sigh of relief here. Jim ascertained this at approximately 2 am on the morning of the flood when he was checking over our policy to see if we were covered. A silent prayer of gratitude went forth for the little rider that will cover this big old mess!! The plumber came the next morning and installed a new sump pump. I have learned more about sump pumps the last week then I ever thought I would, or would want to if we're being honest.
So, the silly little dance studio that was in one corner of the basement will have all the warped hardwood pulled up and the wall of mirrors removed and we will put carpet there with all the other new carpet being put down. Now we will have two bedrooms down there - yeah!! Poor Preston is sleeping on the couch upstairs, showering in Karly's bathroom, brushing his teeth in the kitchen and getting his clothes out of the garage, where all the contents of his bedroom currently reside. Just two short weeks and we will be good as new. The Flood guy even brought me a donut today, he has my heart forever.
In other news, Mason got accepted for treatment at Shriners' Hospital!!! The treament there is free and they deal only with orthopedic issues and burns for children under the age of 18. We are so happy and blessed. We love Gillette Children's, but even with our deductible, the expenses were substantial. He has his first appt next week. I'm so glad a friend of mine told me about Shriners', I researched them and they give top-notch care, the best!! The application process was simple, and we heard back within a few weeks. Honestly, after applying to adopt a baby from China, no application or paperwork will ever intimidate me. Really. He continues to do so well, his progress is amazing. Once his knee bends and he has that increased mobility, it will be fun to watch him progress.
Mason's transition to daycare has gone well, though he still cries when I drop him off. I still feel very good about that decision, though the requisite guilt is still lingering. He has learned to do so much more by himself, as Marilyn (the daycare provider) pointed out, I did everything for him. I didn't really realize it, but I did. He now is so much more independent, eats so much better, sleeps better, and is more obedient. Who knew? I slave away at the computer all day while he is there, and I try not to touch schoolwork after I pick him up. I am getting more used to my days, though it was certainly a huge adjustment for me. I still go to bed every night feeling like I've been hit by a truck. How can doing schoolwork make someone so tired??? I still get a little scared each morning that I won't be up to the challenge and the my professors will e-mail me that I am too stupid to be in the program, but so far that hasn't happened. I drive up to the University about once a week, and enjoy the face-to-face time with other students and the professors. I hope I make it through this program. 21 months to go!!!
Jim left today to go to DJ's graduation from basic training. My heart is aching at not being able to be there. He also took my camera which is why this post has no pictures! There was no way I could leave - with a two-year-old and lots of schoolwork it just wasn't possible. Jim promised to take lots of pictures and to give him lots of hugs from me. I miss that kid. I'm glad that he is making grown-up decisions and is becoming an adult, but there sure is a empty spot in the house without him. After graduation he is off to Ft. Leonard Wood and specialty training until December first. I can't wait! He will be home until school starts at Utah State in January. There will finally be someone to eat all the food that I am used to cooking. With Jim's diet and everyone's busy schedules, the meals that I cook never get eaten anymore! I suppose I should be glad that I don't have to cook as much.
That is a sum-up of the latest at the Hansens'. General Conference was great, as was the RS General Broadcast. I am so grateful for a prophet to give us counsel - we are so blessed!
