Bee in my Bonnet

Okay, so I thought I would share a little secret. I don't know why I have been hesitant to share. I guess shying away from tooting my own horn, so to speak.
I have a craft blog. I guess it isn't THAT much of a secret, but I have rarely mentioned it on this blog. So, let's be friends and share. On the sidebar, under FAMILY, is a link called Bee in my Bonnet, which is my craft blog. Keeping up with my cliche titles, I chose Bee in my Bonnet, because it means, "a bit daft, particularly on some one subject; idiosyncratic about something". I guess that sums up my relationship with crafting or as I prefer, creating. Also, once I get an idea for a project I am a bit daft until I am able to realize my vision :)
Above pictured with my latest post and project a rather large pool bag.
Thanks for letting me toot.

Bright as a Button

 Well, we have a tween on our hands. Zoe is getting so grown up. It is amazing to me how much she has grown over the last year (heck! last 6 months!). I refuse to use the word "blossom" but really, this child has changed into a delightful (most of the time) young lady. I know I shouldn't get ahead of myself, she is still only 10! But we have glimpses of what she might be like when she is a young woman.

 Things that are different about Zoe:
1.She uses her words. She is so good about expressing how she feels. While still irrational at times (aren't we all) she has started verbalizing it instead of blowing up or breaking down.
2. She is a huge help with Felix. She has been "babysitting" quite a bit. This summer is a dream when I can run for an item at our nearby grocery store. Instead of having to load up all the kids for a 15 minute trip, I can leave them. She is greatly helped by the television, but still, very responsible.

3. Doesn't feel a need to argue about EVERYTHING!! She can let some things pass, and also see when it would not be helpful to continue the discussion.
4. She is fun! She enjoys a lot of the same things we do. She loves to laugh (okay, that isn't always a good thing). She loves to have a good time, and she has the same sence of humor that we do. It makes things really fun. Although, I have realized that I am more serious minded than I used to be. I have to stop her singing church songs in an opera voice when I was always being repremanded for that growing up.
5. She got side bangs. She is pretty excited.
6. She can exercise patience, when absolutely necessary.
7. We signed her up for a dance camp. We have never done anything like that before. She is counting down the days!

Don't get me wrong. We have a ways to go. It is nice to get a sneek peek of the maturity that she might have at some point. She is really great. She is resilient, and strong, and kind.

bite the bullet

We turned Felix's bed into a toddler bed. He doesn't do too bad at bedtimes....due to the fact that he is no longer taking naps and is exhausted by 6:30. Good and bad.
Considering I wouldn't even think about a big boy bed a month ago, we are doing good. Now I have to bite the bullet and starting thinking about potty training. Blech!

Proof of the pudding is in the eating

I am so madly in love with this little guy. I guess like with anything that is especially difficult, or something you have to work hard for, it makes you value it more.
We have had some tough times. I am so grateful for Felix and for all of his strengths and weaknesses. We have learned so much.
Felix is a delight. I think all of the kids say, "Oh, he is so cute (funny, adorable)" several times a day. I guess we are all crazy about him. The latest thing that he has started to do just kills us every time. He started wanting to say prayers. Here is what is sounds like:  ^ this symbol will represent mumbling:
H^^^^^^^^ Fodder. ^^^^^^^^day. ^^^^^^^^^ Soe. ^^^^^^^^Daddy. ^^^^^^^^Moma. ^^^^^^^^^Miam. ^^^^^^^^^^^Lala. ^^^^^^^^^Fifi. ^^^^^^^^^^t.v. ^^^^^^^^^trampoline. ^^^^^^^^food. J^^^^^^^ Christ. Amen.
I realize that there are 18 month olds that are saying the same prayer. It is such a huge step for him verbally!
Speaking of schedule. Felix loves his schedule. One thing that has been very helpful is the picture schedule we have on the fridge. It helps with transitions and helps him know what to expect.
"First, eat breakfast. Second, get dressed. Third, play puzzle." Whatever it may be.

Actually, our day has started like this for the last couple weeks. I get Felix out of his bed. He is still zipped into his crib tent. He lists, "Exercise, then Just Dance. Three songs." So, he helps me exercise for 20 minutes (30 day Shred, Jillian Michael's, LOVE it!) then we let him play Just Dance on the Wii for a bit. Okay, this is the other cutest thing. He LOVES to dance. It is all he wants to do. If we aren't playing Just Dance, we have Felix's Dance Mix playing on the ipod, in the car, or on the computer. I am glad that this has replaced his constant need for Veggietales, but it is a little excessive.
Also, he is in a gymnastics class that he absolutely loves. He looks forward to it every week. It is a class for kids with special needs, so it is great to have that support system as well. He is doing really well. I think the best thing he is learning is how to wait your turn and be aware of your friends. These things are reinforced in Nursery, which he also loves.

Felix is also loving books. Every night we read, Tarzan, Pete's a Pizza, Goodnight Moon, and Chicka chicka Boom Boom. Those are his favorites right now.

Felix is such a little lover. He is always giving hugs and kisses. He loves to hold hands. He loves to snuggle on the couch. He loves each of his siblings for different reasons. He and Zoe love to laugh together, be silly. He likes to play with Liam or watch Liam play games. He and Lydia make up all sorts of games and play around for hours.

she's an open book

Lydia is going to Kindergarten, full day, every other day. She LOVES school. She loves her teacher. She loves her class. She loves the social aspect. The days she doesn't have school are long and painful at times. She asks first thing for a play date and when that doesn't happen (usually) she is really disappointed all day. She plays with Felix, which he LOVES. I hope this lasts. They play so well together that oftentimes she can get him to do things without a fight that I can't. She is a great big sister.

Lydia is learning how to read. It is so fun to have her read little books to me. She is "getting it". She is really excited about trying. She will read a verse of scripture during family reading time (with help), and is very proud.

 I am not sure if it is an attention ploy or a defense but she can be very cranky and pull some nasty faces. This drives Zoe crazy. Lydia has always had a million expressions, she is sure to tell you how she is feeling with the look on her face. She wouldn't be too bashful about expressing it in words either. She is very bold and I am often shaking my head when people repeat things she said. We are working on developing her filter of what not to say.
She lost one of her bottom center teeth and the other is soon to follow.
She has finally grown a little, after several years of barely growing. Felix is taller now (almost 3) than she was at 4 and she is an inch and half shorter now (at 6) than Liam was when he was 5!

 She says some funny things:
She often has bad dreams, but one morning she woke up, "I had the best dream last night! I dreamed that Justin Bieber was madly in love with me!" This is not my child.
"I want that Polly Pocket Pool set! That is sick!"

She is still madly in love with Travis. She is so happy to see him everyday when he comes home. She asks for him several times during the day and says, "why does he always have to go to work!" He recently took her on a date to the High School play, Cinderella. They had so much fun.

On the ball

 Liam is such an interesting combination of Travis and myself. His Travis attributes astound me. He is right on. His room is always tidy. His homework is finished within minutes of getting home. He cleans up after himself. I rarely have to remind him about anything (except taking a shower). He almost never argues. It seems that he is the one keeping me on task sometimes. He has it together.
That being said, he worries me. He is so non confrontational that I worry that he won't get his needs met because he doesn't want to put anyone out. He is in the middle of a diva sandwich, and he often gets lost. I guess I shouldn't worry, because he is enough like Travis that he is pretty relaxed and easy-going.
He came home from a birthday party the other day saying that his friend had the coolest room he had ever seen. I asked him to describe it for me. He started with, "it was so organized!"

 Liam shares a lot of my interests. He is reading Harry Potter 7 right now. He loves to talk HP to me because it is like a secret language in our house, because the others aren't really interested. We love talking about books in general.
Liam loves to write. He is always asking about "getting published". He really wants to be a published author. He has a typewriter where he starts many stories, then illustrates them.
Liam is a bit of a recluse. He loves being by himself. Sometimes he will stay in his room for hours just playing. He still loves his Legos and comes up with intricate story lines that he acts out with his minifigures.

This guy amazes me. He has a very serious mind. He asks very thoughtful questions. When we are doing scripture study he is often the only one listening and he is not only listening he is thinking, too. Last night I went into his room to say good night and he was reading his Book of Mormon. This is all him. We have never insinuated that that was expected of him. He just has a desire to do it.
He teaches me a lot. He is a special little spirit.

In the twinkling of an eye

 Have you ever looked at one of your children and it seems they have grown years in seconds? In the twinkling of an eye, they are changed from a child to a young person. Well, not only has Zoe had a major growth spurt (as in the clothes that we bought at the begining of the school year don't fit) she has grown so much emotionally.
Zoe has started showing interest in babysitting, which is huge. I didn't think she would ever be very interested. She watches Felix and Lydia at the church for me while Liam and I do Scouts. She has held down the fort at home several times while I ran to the store for an item, etc.
Zoe has put forth a lot of effort to work through her relationship problems. Mostly I am thinking about her relationship with Lydia. They have really been like water and oil for a few years, but Zoe is making efforts to work things out. Instead of running and tattling to me, she is using words to work it out. I have seen this same thing with friends, too. There have been a few times where I have asked her, "do you want me to get involved?" and she just says she will work it out. I am proud of her.

 I am proud of the efforts she has made in school. She has never loved reading and isn't super excited about putting a lot of effort into homework, but she is trying harder all the time. It's not like I could push her into it! She has to be self-motivated.
She has always been super observant, especially about people. She says things about people and I think, "how did she even know that?". Since she is getting more grown up, she often prefers adult company to that of the younger children. She is in that phase where she sits and listens to everything the adults talk about, then has questions about the conversation. We have to be careful.
I love that she is still relatively naive. I had a modified "TALK" with her the other day and loved seeing her innocence. She had a few questions that she asked unabashedly. She was a little weirded out, but not uncomfortable talking to me. Thank goodness, she still thinks that boys are gross.

Zoe LOVES to laugh. True, sometimes it is not at the most appropriate time. She just loves to be silly. I love to hear her spontaneaus laugh when something strikes her as funny. The other day she wasn't feeling well, so she was home from school. We turned on The Gods Must Be Crazy and had so much fun laughing together. I was so glad that she stayed home from school!
We are so amazed by all the huge changes in our little girl. I have to say I am happily surprised what a fun, engaging, funny, smart tween she is turning into.

Maui: Day seven, swimming in Lahaina, fish tacos, last day

Packed up the family and drove to Lahaina on this most beautiful day. Went to the Hyatt and swam in their awesome outdoor water park. Waterslide, pool, waterfalls. I wish I had taken pictures! It was really fabulous! I got 3 pictures of this lizard but failed to take any of the amazing pool. I guess I lost focus.

 We decided to go back for Fish Tacos.

 Then HAD to get some shaved ice. I got mango and coconut with a scoop of ice cream inside. It was so huge! Look at Kai'a trying to take down that rainbow one.

 This is the banyan tree on Front Street in Lahaina. Although it looks like a grove of trees it is just the way that this type of tree grows. This is only one tree. It sends down roots from the branches, making a new tree. Front street was really busy, because a cruise ship was in port.

 We ran some errands in Kahului. Bought pineapples and some chocolates to bring home for souvenirs, attended Kaia's Tae Kwon Do class. Long, wonderful day.

To finish it off, Kate took me to a nearby beach to watch as the turtles came up onto the sand to sleep. It is difficult to distinguish the turtles from the rocks in this picture, but there were about 15 large sea turtles climbing out of the sea. It was really cool. Fun to be so close to them. No one else was around.
I can't even begin to describe all the reasons this trip was so wonderful. Some of it is pretty obvious, and some reasons I have tried to explain. I feel like everything fell into place to make this a perfect trip. What a blessing to have that. I still find myself picturing the sights and feelings I had there, with so much gratitude.
Travis and the kids did great. They missed me and I missed them, but it was really good for both of us. I wasn't distracted by missing them.
Although this year is our 15 year anniversary and this probably should have been a couple visit, I am so grateful for Travis insisting I go. It was such a good thing for me. He assures me it was a good thing for him, too. It was invaluable discovering that I had a good friend (a sister, really) after all these years. So, everyone is happy!

Maui: Day Six, Bamboo forest, MASSAGE!, Shrimp Donuts

It was really rainy when I woke up. It was also warm. I went for a run in the rain. It was lovely. I have always loved being in the rain. As a full time Mom of 4 kids I rarely allow myself to cut loose and go play in the rain. It makes too much mess, sucks up too much time.

I think one of the things I loved most about this trip was the ability to get in touch with Melissa. I have been feeling for awhile that I have lost any personality I might once have had. That I am not fun anymore. That many interests get set aside. That I wouldn't know if I was interested in something because I dont' have time (or mental energy?) to find out what I like.

Being with Kate, who knew me as my personality was developing, was perfect because she knows Melissa and understands Melissa, and even LIKES Melissa!

 We went for another drive (love it! conversations and beautiful surroundings). We drove to the Bamboo Forest (I don't know if that is the proper name). While we were going to go for a hike, it was just raining too hard and was super muddy! So we just walked around for awhile.

 This big old metal shaft was in the middle of the forest. Weird.
I am kicking myself at this point for neglecting to take more pictures. I don't have very many for this day. Of course, there really wasn't a picture to take of our next outing. We went to Makawao for a massage. Makawao is upcountry, higher on the crater. The room where I got my massage was a second story corner room, so as I looked out I could see the ocean. The windows were open so I could hear the wind in the palm trees. Cedar wood Aromatherapy oils. Definitely one of my top five favorite memories of the trip.
Headed to Tiffany's for dinner. Kate had been telling me about the "shrimp donuts" on the menu. They were evil. Shrimp dipped in a heavy tempura and deep fat fried with some kind of syrup poured over the top with candied walnuts. I couldn't eat very many of them. Although delicious, they were filling. Actually the teryaki beef was really good too. I enjoyed getting to know Josh a little better, too.

Silly picture of me at Tiffany's, with Kaia's arm playing with my earring. Kate thought it looked so funny.
Speaking of funny. I may mention that despite my beginning paragraph about not feeling very fun as of late, that I do get very giggly when I am tired. A few people have witnessed this phenomenon. It is pretty embarrassing. I sometimes giggle until I cry. Let's just say that we all stayed up rather late this night. Josh was nice enough to agree not to post some ugly pictures of two 33+ year-old women making total fools of themselves. Also, top five favorite :)

re-focus

Okay, I am feeling that the blog is really lacking. I am wanting to write more about everyday goings on. Also about what the kids are doing, saying, and up to. It has been awhile since I have written more personal posts actually ABOUT my kids instead of the things we've done. Hope to have some more posts written soon. I have the craziest week ahead, but am excited about what we are busy with.
My parents are coming tomorrow and will be here just in time for a meeting we have where Travis and I have been asked to speak. Travis is speaking about strengthening relationships. I have been asked to talk about Strengthening Families Through Tradition and Activities. It is a fun topic and it has been really enjoyable to think about all of the traditions and activities my family did when we were little and also the ones that my family has continued and others we have created.
Also, I was asked to decorate for our church Valentine Dance. I am excited about what we have planned and hope to be able to post some pictures on my other blog featuring the fun decor we've been working on.
At some point I will reveal the Valentines Day gift that Travis got me, which will also be taking up a lot of my time. It may also be the best Valentines gift EVER. IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. REALLY. How about you leave a comment telling me what you think it is. Unless you already know, then don't spoil it!

Nicest things #2

Having had a very hurtful conversation with a close friend and not knowing how to remedy the situation as she was refusing to talk to me, I turned to another friend. This was a girl I hadn't known very long. As I went over all of the details of the argument, she listened. She gave good advice. She let me get mad and emotional.
Later that night, she called and told me not to make dinner. She sent over some pizzas. Not only was she a listening ear when I needed it, she anticipated my not wanting to make dinner that night.
So sweet.

Recent goings on in Felix's life

I wanted to update about Felix. The past three weeks have really great! It is hard to know if things are really changing (behavior, speech) or if I am just so happy to have answers and help that it feels better. When I last posted I was feeling really overwhelmed and discouraged. I felt like I needed a break. But even better than a break is taking control.
When his speech/behavioral therapist comes (about once a week) we set three goals to work on until we meet again. It is great for us to have specific things to work on, and then be accountable next time she comes. So, for instance one of the goals was to do some really physical things before a meal so that he wouldn't need the T.V. on during the meal for stimulation. I am seeing so much improvement with my tiny efforts. Some days I just don't have the emotional energy for the fight and I give in, but he does so well when I follow through.
He has seemed happy lately. I know some of this stems from being able to meet his Sensory needs often. It makes me so happy to see him like this. He is even quiet polite, saying, "no, thank you" or "you're welcome".
He is talking a lot more in the last few months, which also adds to less frustration and melt downs. Also, he is enjoying social settings a lot more.
He is also meeting with a Sensory specialist weekly, an Occupational Therapist.It is so great to learn how he is processing the world and how to help him adapt.
I know that there is a lot more work ahead. He is still very delayed in many areas and we are just beginning to TRY to understand all that his Sensory Dysfunction means to him and to our lives. But I am feeling very positive.
Thank you for the prayers and uplifting thoughts!

Ghost of Halloween Past

Halloween is significant to Travis and me.The first time we hung out together was at a Halloween Party at college. We have had many fun and happy Halloweens. We love to dress up. I thought I would take a little trip down Halloween Lane and show some pictures. Maybe not fun for anyone else, but we will enjoy it.

 Our first Halloween as a married couple. 1998

In the year 1999: We went out with our friends the Searcy's. Oh yes, we DID party because it was 1999. Look at this glorious picture. Travis's face and his pants are not to be believed! This picture is actually what started the idea for this post. A friend recently posted these pictures (and more!) on his blog and made me laugh at the memories.

 Same year, the whole gang. I guess and Amie and I liked to date gross truckers.

 2000: Brilliant costumes, Miss Universe (Travis) and the Runner-Up (Me). I had mascara dripping down my face.

 2002: Bob Barker (though he got mistaken for Johnny Carson) and contestant. "Bob, I drove 1297 miles for a KISS!"

2003: Liam was about 6 weeks old. He and I were cowfolk together. Travis an 80's golfer and Zoe a little Swedish maid (a real Swedish dress I wore for Halloween when I was her age).

Well, that was fun! We always like an excuse to dress up!

Felix's evaluation

Since last time I wrote about finding out that Felix had some sensory problems, we have had a couple of ladies come from the State Infants and Toddlers program. Today we had a Speech Pathologist and a Behavior Therapist come. They asked me lots of questions about Felix and asked him questions. It was a good meeting and I was able to ask some questions, too.

Turns out Felix is very speech delayed. I thought he was, but was surprised HOW delayed he tested. He has been learning new words every day and I see his steady progress. I am not worried and since he has been accepted into the program will be receiving speech therapy.

It doesn't take a expert to tell that he has behavior issues (the lady checking us out today at Claire's would've told you that. What was I thinking taking him into CLAIRE's!?). Also, the program will provide an Occupational Therapist or Behavior Specialist to work with him weekly. I think he will respond really well to the program and will be excited to make progress. We will be assigned a therapist who will come to work with Felix once a week with speech, behavior, and some of his sensory seeking tendencies.

Also, we finally broke down and purchased a crib tent. After having a very crazy weekend with little sleep (this kid NEEDS his sleep!) we felt it was necessary. He has done really well with it so far.

                                                       
Again, I appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and blessings coming our way. Also I appreciate people who are mindful of my situation and ask about his progress. It shows you care. Thanks.
I have my in-laws here this week and that has been really nice. They are so helpful. I have been able to get out a couple times and I couldn't believe how good it felt!

Thoughts from a quiet house

I usually don't do journaling type entries, but I am sitting in a quiet house thinking about some things I want to share. It is incredible that I have several hours some afternoons with peace and quiet  in which to do whatever I want. Today I want to blog about some events that have unfolded in the last couple weeks.
My dear, sweet, little Felix. My rascally, energetic, ball of destruction. I have felt for awhile that there is something different about him. Granted every child is different. Comparing him to my other kids and kids around his age, I kept feeling he is different. He has some crazy meltdowns, is very hard to redirect, has severe stranger anxiety (at times, even with less familiar family members), is destructive, and is very speech delayed. He is coming out of it a little, but he just seems really unhappy a lot of the time.
I feel we have adapted really well, and try to not do things that will be hard for him. I try to not take him shopping, to the library, and do not let him miss sleep or meals. When he gets overstimulated and can't self-soothe, we put him in his crib to settle down. Being away and unstimulated seems to help.
When my sister was in town we went to visit a friend of hers. I was a little worried taking Felix somewhere new (to a VERY nice house), I never know how he will respond. He started acting up from the beginning. Crying, throwing himself to the ground, not letting me hold him, throwing toys from the upper level stairs, etc. I was really embarrassed (which I am use to by now) but kept being reassured by the friend that she had a child just like Felix. As I asked her more about it she told me about her son's having been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. While she explained her son's behavior, light bulbs were going off. It sounded so familiar.
I'm sure this is a feeling you can respond to. The first time you learn that someone else's baby spits up all the time, or that their ten year old girl is acting like a crazed, menstruating teenager. When someone shares some information with you that sounds so familiar that it makes all your worry seem validated.
I have been doing research about this disorder and following up on some community resources she gave me. Some things fit, others don't. I don't know if this is what he has, but at least I have some ideas of where to go and who to talk to. I am able to look at his behavior as a difference in his processing instead of a desire to consume all of my time and energy. Not to mention destroying everything he comes in contact with. I meeting with some specialists and feel so good about working with people who understand him and want to help him and help educate us to know what is best for him.
It has been so good for me and an answer to our prayers. I appreciate the friends and family that I have been able to talk to about this. People that have been excited for us to get answers and have been patient with his behavior. I am so excited about where this will take us. I am excited to learn more about what makes him who he is and how he processes the world.

The gift of giving good gifts

I have never been a very good gift giver. I LIKE to give gifts, but I am afraid that I am too practical, too cheap, and second guess myself too much. I wish I had the gift of giving good gifts. I am trying to learn. Fortunately, I have some friends, family, and a husband who are very good at giving good gifts.
Recently, I have received some packages in the mail (the kids are so disappointed they aren't for them). Two of my AMAZING friends sent me gifts for no reason. As if that wasn't good enough, to get a package out of the blue. The best part is: I LOVE these gifts. I mean, if I were to go to the store to get myself something, I wouldn't ever buy these things, but I would want them. Isn't that the best gift? Something you wouldn't (due to your cheapness or practicality) buy for yourself but is something that brings you SO much joy?
So, as you can see for yourself: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing a Fabric Crafts! Are you kidding me? Too cool. Hours of enjoyment! AND miscellaneous Clinique make up and skin care products! So crazy awesome!
If my gregarious use of exclamation points and capitalization has offended you, I am sorry. I guess you need to get a good gift to know how good it feels.
I have the best friends ever.

Second hand bliss

We have had many clothes given to us over the years. Just recently we have had several friends give us clothes. We are so grateful for those who share. I think a large percentage of our wardrobes are made up of previously owned clothing.
On Saturday Zoe was saying that she needed a jacket. She started rooting around in the bins we have of clothes for her to grow into, that have been given to us. In no time she had found 3 jackets that fit and several summer outfits including dresses which she also needed.
We are grateful for those who think of us and generously give us such nice clothes!

We feel very blessed!

Good for what ails you

Well, we had to wait for a long time to have this girls weekend.
Last April my friend Amie and I had a lovely weekend planned. We were going to Portland for the weekend. We had our flights and hotel booked. We were going to do it all! We were so excited. A couple days before we were to leave, Amie called to tell me she wouldn't be able to go because she had been diagnosed with cancer.
Needless to say, I couldn't mourn the cancellation of the trip, I was too upset about the cause.
Amie put up an amazing fight. She has always been strong, but taking a look all her family has been through this last year is crazy! It would make anyone cry, "Uncle!"
Well, the time was right. So we decided to stay closeby and go to my sisters house in Park City.
I could detail everything we did over the weekend, but it wouldn't matter. You wouldn't understand how needful, theraputic, wonderful, and relaxing it was for me.

2 sisters by birth, 1 honorary sister

Coming out of Whole Foods, Amie looks like a flippin' model!

Reading is gooooooood!

Amie is THE MOST AMAZING guitar player!

Temple, shopping, singing, dancing, shopping, eating, chick flicks, reading, talking, laughing, playing, hot tubbing, enjoying the lack of responsibility.

I have been feeling for awhile that I am not fun anymore. I am so busy being "Mom" that I forget sometimes that I am also, "Melissa". It was so fun to be Melissa this weekend, and be with amazingly fun people!

Why is it always the other person that is being defensive?

NO! I DON'T EVER USE THE TELEVISION AS A BABYSITTER!!

Our Miracle

I feel like I need to recognize the tender mercies given to us in our lives. We have had so many. Some bigger than others. All are amazing.

I love to journal, to blog, to document our lives and the childrens accomplishments and growth. I was so happy when Travis (with others' help) got me a camera for my birthday a couple years ago. I have loved having it and loved using it to blog, etc.

About a month ago, I was running to the pond with my camera in my pocket (I had seen our Blue Heron and wanted a picture). The camera fell out of my pocket onto the concrete. It didn't look hurt, but upon further inspection the button that switched it from video mode to picture mode was broken. My camera was stuck on video mode. No more pictures.

I can't even express how sick I was. I knew there was no way I could replace the camera, or even get it fixed.

My sister encouraged me to check and see how much it would cost, and not wait too long ("it may be a quick fix"). I took it in for a free estimate but my hopes were soon dispelled when they told me that repairs run from $70-$150. I knew the camera wouldn't be fixed anytime soon. But I figured I would get the estimate so that I knew what it would entail to fix it.

A few days later, I received a call from the camera shop:

Guy: "Your camera is ready to pick up."

Me: "I brought it in for a free estimate, what was the amount needed to repair the camera?"

Guy: "The repair guy said there wasn't anything wrong with the camera."

I explained what was broken.

Guy: "I know, I was the one who took the camera from you."

Me: "Would you check it and see if it is working."

Guy: "It is working fine. There is nothing wrong with it. It is kind of strange."

Sure enough, we went and picked it up and the button was fine.

The guy said it was strange, and it may be. I don't think so though. It really means so much to me.