I got a new theme song... and rheumatoid arthritis at the same time!

(to the tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes)

Hands, shoulders knees and toes,

Snap! Crackle! Pop! they go.

Wrists, elbows, ankles, feet,

I'm my own rice crispy treat!

added by Taryn:

Crinkle, Pop, Crispy, Snap!

I'm more fun than bubble wrap!

Isn't it great? You love it right? I'm working on further verses, or variations of other tunes. Ideas are accepted, but if I break a big arthritis record deal/ retirement community tour, or something else amazing off of your genius, i'm claiming it as my own and you're out! (This means YOU, Taryn!)

Diagnosis

So as you probably read in the title, I very recently learned that I have acquired rheumatoid arthritis. A nasty case of it too, which is actually a relief since i've had symptoms since December and they have progressed rapidly over relatively few months as i've been in doctor limbo, waiting to see a specialist (What can I say, I've always been a little advanced) . I was in emotional limbo too. Waiting for answers, and nervous there wouldn't be any. Nervous there would be answers, answers I wasn't willing/able to deal with. Supremely nervous of what would become of my family in the meantime since i'm so much less capable than ever. I thought of all the parenting scenarios where you must act quickly to avert crisis, and agonized over the possible outcomes of me being powerless to get there in time. Tornados, fires, busy streets, stairs, bodies of water, my inability to hold anything( let alone anyone) with any amount of strength, county prosecutor intervention for getting my kindergartener to school late too many times (we got a letter!)and even just tantrumming toddlers. All that waiting gave me too much time to worry, I think.

I now have a newfound appreciation for old people though! My aunt says "Growing old aint for sissies!" and it is SO true! You're body degenerating is bound to make anyone feel geriatric! It's hard not to think that your body is 'on its way out' when it declines so drastically, and I've had a lot of 'this might be it' moments where i've held my kids extra close, and read a few more stories, sang few extra songs at bedtime, and snuck them a few more jelly beans here and there. Almost as alarming as the prospect of nearing 'The end" was the idea of being like this indefinitely. So sad to think of my kids growing up with an incapacitated mother. Jason aspirations and plans being shackled to a sickly wife. And me being the incapacitated mother, the sickly wife.

But now, hallelujah! We have a specific reason!I'm NOT in doctor limbo for years, hoping someone somewhere will figure out what's wrong with me! It's NOT cancer. I'm NOT dying. We have a direction to head in, and hope that it will improve! Sure, we also have an incurable disease that makes my immune system attack healthy joints. Sure i'll most likely be on strong medicine for - well, until the resurrection. BUT, we also have a knowledge that we've been led through this in the best manner and timing possible (that's another post in itself!).

So, you win some, you lose some. Mostly, I have won. And hey, you know what else? Doesn't this just sound like the PERFECT excuse to hire an occasional housekeeper? I'd be thrilled to delegate that little gem of a responsibility since I already didn't love it, and its now pretty non-existent!

My friend Taryn thinks I have all the luck... hehe, yes Taryn, I do. And you're right, I am more fun than bubble wrap.

Conference Weekend!

Well, it's that weekend again where members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints around the world pause Saturday activities and skip Sunday's three hour worship, opting instead for an EIGHT HOUR BROADCAST ! (TEN if you are a male over the age of 12) Yes, it's time for General Conference. You're probably thinking "Jimminy Cricket! That's a lot of church!" and you are right, it is! That's probably why my earliest memories of it include curling up on a bench in a dim chapel for a relaxing weekend of naps. Four naps to be exact, in two-hour installments. But gradually those memories changed to passing the time by doing sketches of the speakers, dozens of speakers!( I really got that podium down to a science.) Later I decided to label the sketches, even putting little words around the sketch if something they said stood out to me. It got to the point where I was hearing so much worthwhile, really great stuff that I found myself scrambling to finish the drawing while the speaker was wrapping up, and finally I abandoned the sketches all together after pages of just the podium and an outline of a suit surrounded by lots and lots of notes. So even if it sounds a little kooky, I sure love those EIGHT hours of hearing our Prophet, and the 12 Apostles, and several other regional leaders from around the globe. I love the new stories, and gospel insights, the laughs, the smiles, and the sweetness of truth well shared. Though it takes a different form these days with 4 little ones piled onto the couch that we've moved in front of the computer, instead of the sleepy chapel from when I was little, I can't help but hope my kids will remember sitting with us, listening for key words for two hours in order to color in their conference bingo squares. Maybe they'll remember the new box of crayons and notepad, or even just the whopping jackpot of 4 Starbursts for a completed bingo square, but either way, I hope they will look back and remember their own conference beginnings, and how out of small things, proceedeth that which was great.

Why I'm afraid of taking a shower these days...

This is what was waiting for me after I took a shower and got dressed Saturday morning. Oh, and also 3 HYPER, giggling children. Not the "Oh, how I love my siblings, life is grand!" endearing laughter, the "Mom's coming! look what we got away with while she wasn't looking!" maniacal laughter. Then an abrupt change to sassy "NO!!!!! I'm NOT!!"s when I sent them to their rooms.

Well, it stands to reason that the responsible thing to do would be to calmly have them clean it up, but "calm" wasn't really an option since my blood was quite nearly boiling and I was feeling the onset of spontaneous combustion. For some reason, on occasion my state of mind links itself with the state of my house, so in this instance while it looked like a hurricane came through my living room, the same hurricane was making it's way through my psyche.

Great time to have the kids to exit stage left.

They went upstairs (to quite probably wreak havoc there too).

I looked at the aftermath. I cried. Twice. Okay, thrice.

Turned on saturday morning general conference for ambiance.

Cried again at the perfect first talk.

Called for back-up.

Enter sister missionaries looking for service ops and in an hour, it was back to this.

So, as a side note, my whole house gets messes of this magnitude almost constantly(at least it feels that way) but this mess was just compacted into a smaller amount of time, I didn't see the progression, and it had more unusual components (ie taking the stuffing out of the couch and a PUDDLE of yogurt schmeared into the carpet. Really kids?)

For my own amusement here's the rundown of the specifics. Also, this is my reference for when my kids call me from college wanting money, or to come home for Christmas, or when they wonder why I wrote them out of their inheritance. For the record, this was the day. (Since you were upstairs in your bed Lincoln, you're safe kiddo- in reference to the inheritance AND from the wake of destruction.)

Oh, and for inquiring minds: The kids had to stay in their rooms for the entire clean up, missed their lunch, had all toys confiscated for the day, and have yet to earn back any toys that were part of this particular mess, and they also owe me 20 chores if they want to play soccer in the spring.

But hey- I got a shower and everyone survived!

things you might not know...

Since I haven't posted in a great while, I thought I'd send out a quick pic and some updates. we went to Gnomeo and Juliet for Family Home Evening tonight and the kids were thrilled to find out it was in 3D- and WE were relieved to find out it's $2.75 Tuesday so the added 2.75 for it being in 3D didn't have to break the bank. Phew! This picture really doesn't even do Lincoln's cuteness in those 3d glasses justice but oh well! Trust me- he's just SOOOO adorable! The other kids are too- they had just scattered by this point, hence no pics.

What else have we been up to?
- Most recently, Jason's father passed away so we had an impromptu trip to North Carolina. Bitter reason to go, but made sweet by the chance to get together with Jason's family, most of whom the kids and I have never met! We even got to see Jason's great grandfather. Five generations- can you imagine?!

- Jason is progressing steadily in his program, and already getting ancy about having his ducks in a row for what's next- internships etc. Speaking of school, the older kids are sure loving it!

- I'm doing well, enjoying it here a lot, although I feel to mention that I'm GETTING SO OLD!!! Seriously, I think I'm somehow aging exponentially! I've been achy in the joints and generally feeble for a few months now and the rheumatologist doesn't have an opening until May (!!!!!! WOWZA!! Seriously if you are considering going into medicine, now would be a great time to tap into the wealth that is baby boomers and arthritis!)- well, my poor family just has to have a decrepit mom for the time being. Most people try to find their inner child, but apparently I needed to find my inner Granny.

Well- that's all I have for you whipper-snappers. Now turn off your interweb thingy and git to bed!

(See, aren't I a great granny!- now if I could just get my hands on a light purple wig)

a quick list...

There's nothing like the smell of raw sewage coming from tour basement in the morning... but enough with the complaining, here is my top 10: Nice Things Lately

10- Pretty fall colors and raking leaves with the family.
9- I learned how to make cinnamon rolls!
8- Honey crisp apples
7- readthescriptures.com emails me my scripture study every morning.
6- The awesome people in my Sunday school class that make my week!
5- My kids ARE hilarious!
4- My baby thinks I am hilarious
3- The plumber cleaned up the sewage and bleached my basement. (and since we're renting we didn't have to deal with the the "how much is this going to cost?" panic!)
2- Teaching the preschoolers and kindergartners to sing Albuquerque Was A Turkey, and A Turkey Ran Away.
1- The holidays are upon us!!

Athen's haircut!

This is not Athen's first haircut, but I understand everyone getting re-attached to his curls while they have been growing out all year. They are beautiful- even on a boy. But trying to convince as busy two-year-old to sit still so you can comb out ALL THE TANGLES in his hair is not beautiful. Nor was the mat of curly mess on the back of his adorable litle head, so it was time for a cut. Lucky us one of our new friends works in a salon!

Go Falcons!!

Jason loves all sports, and I love going places that have a social element, so how is it we have never attended a sporting event together until this weekend?

We went to a Falcons game... with ALL the kids. And what a blast! Jason was in charge of logistics (tickets, schedule,parking, etc.) while I, of course, couldn't resist making everyone look cute for the event, I even threw in a crafty project for good measure. Jason, Brooklyn and I found clearance Tees for under $10, but three little boy falcon t-shirts for $17.99 each? Not happening, I object on principle. So.... $3 brown toddler T-shirts+ $3 cheap felt mini-flags+ iron-on transfer paper = Falcon Wear for the boys! Hooray! What a great start to the day. Add some glitter ribbons and facepaint and it turns out this sports thing could really grow on me.

JUNE?!? My last post was in JUNE?

I had no idea how long it had been since my last post. Yikes!
Double yikes that blogger just ate all my text for this post.
Well, it is almost midnight so you'll just have to trust that it was poetic yet vague and not really worth the energy of recreating. Without further ado... Pictures from my phone!

Father's Day

This is my dad. He used to take an entire week off of work every year to be the door guy at my junior theater's show week. I'm glad he was able to spend Father's Day in sunny San Diego.

Poor Jason spent Fathers Day in the fathering trenches because I'm sick, but because he really is the best father and husband ever, he didn't even mind, and even said he had a good day.

My very own catch 22

My sweet hubby has been bringing me treats... A LOT. Probably not because grew so fond of those few weeks of weighing less than I do. Not that he minded, or at least mentioned it to me that he minded rather, I think its because of the reaction he gets when I see them- I have been SO sugar crazy, and they are a BEAUTIFUL sight and I love them! ( Deliciocity wrapped in a creamy, carmel, chocolatey, energy pick-me-up bundle!) Who doesn't love to be the bearer of good news? Meanwhile I am getting into a dangerous cycle.

Caring for a newborn + 3 small children
=
Fatigue
=
NO desire to expend energy (and annoying post surgery repurcussions and stress when I DO)
(enter sweet tooth)

THUS
I can't help but think a little exasperated sigh at people who tout breastfeeding as a huge weight loss help. Granted, if I wasn't nursing I'd probably be gaining a lot more that those 6-7 permanent lbs in that first few months, and those 300+ free calories are great, but I think even fantastically happy exhaustion takes it's toll ( and it is not helping my wardrobe options either).
Okay- so that is what is in my head this week, well that and the fact that i'm in need of divine intervention as far as what in the world to do about the tantrums in my house ( my own desire to tantrum included)

Perhaps i'll buck up and follow jason's lead by spending some quality time with our exercise bike, Wes, after the sun goes down each night.

But, that's enough of my anxieties! The truly great endnote is that I have this adorable little bit of heaven to enjoy all day, cuddle close to me every 2 hours (and then some just for the fun of it),

and 3 more little angels in their own right who can't get enough of him either and like to announce to me that he's the "greatest baby in the world." And no to forget one big, but not that big husbandish angel who knows I'm stressed and brings me king size Twixes, and the occasional mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Jason is in Kansas City. I am sitting on my sister's couch in Pocatello. The two littlest Ratliffs are napping. I hear: the next two Ratliffs happily playing with cousins, birds chirping, my nephew clicking on computer keys, baby snores and quiet. It's a good time to tell you that life is fine. I hope you are having a good day too.

Lincoln is here *pretend I am humming "Hail to the Chief"*

Well, these ended up in reverse chronological order, and it would take me 7 years to sort them out, and I only have about 20 minutes until this little cutie will be hungry again, so mix and match, or start at the bottom and ENJOY. As for me, I will be enjoying watching the cute little faces he is making in his sleep.

Not much new here...

... but I just wanted to show you a picture of the little house we are renting when we move to Ohio in August. It has hardwood floors throughout, W/D hookups in the basement, and you now know as much about the inside of it as I do. But it is less than a mile to campus, a few blocks from the school we want to send B to, equally close to a great big park, has plenty of storage (basement AND garage), is the price we need, recently became available, and appears to be a lovely answer to prayers!

Oh by the way, we are moving to Ohio in August.

Things I would have taken a picture of this week had my camera not been broken by a toddler.

My camera is broken, so here's what I would have taken pictures of IF it was functioning.

This is my pregnant belly- trust me, it has grown. I am starting to suspect there's not enough room in this body for the both of us. Also, I'm getting a little nervous about surgery- mostly the panic attack I get after the spinal block/losing control of my body from the ribs down, but before going loopy and thus contented. Well, and also the whole taking care of a newborn while skin, muscles and a major organ are trying to grow back together.
Mostly though, I'm excited to meet the little guy, and SO excited it is so soon!

This past weekend we drove to Ft. Collins to check out CSU and for Jason's assistantship interview. Naturally I was in constant alertness for possible signs of labor as we drove though the random snow storm that would have really spiced up the trip. But now we are back, and it was a great trip! The city/school/ ward were all lovely and the hotel had cable so the kids were fantastically content.

And last but not least, Jason is bringing me entertainment to no end with a new pedometer challenge at work. He lost it at the park last night and spend an hour walking back and forth across the park, getting more aggravated with each uncounted step he had to take before he found it. You would have thought he lost a diamond as opposed to the little $3 plastic thingy. The pedometer was found and now Jason can return to his all day potty dance that is his effort to get in more steps. I'm counting on that to distract me while I'm on the operating table.

I was on TV! ksl.com - High winds hit northern Utah

ksl.com - High winds hit northern Utah

So, it's kind of embarassing trying to think of something new to say about the weather for 10 minutes in front of a camera, but thank goodness for editing!

(so the picture looks like it will play the video, but it doesn't, only the above link works. I just added it as a visual record for when I print my blog book. BTW- I love the "snipping tool" that makes taking a still of a video possible.)

Winter is totally over!!! *

HOORAY!!!!! Winter is out and Spring is in!

"But Lucia, haven't you seen a calendar lately? Winter has been out for a while," you might remind me. Well no it has not been out for very long at all in Utah. Spring here was greeted by a fresh snowfall, and extra chilly weather, but now, it is actually, truly, really Spring! Tulips, daffodils and blossomy trees are in their full brilliance. I, personally, am dying of the heat already but even that is welcomed when it also means that:



-We get to go on walks to the park every day.

-The watermelons have come on sale again and they are actually sweet unlike the tasteless teasers of these past months. (here's a chart about picking good fruit!http://www.dvo.com/newsletter/monthly/2000/july/freshfruit.html , but it's not as fun as looking for the mystical "bee stings" or trying the straw trick, or just making a show of thumping each melon in the bin. Also, you can feel for ridges around the middle of the melon. ridges = ripe)

-I've offically packed away the winter clothes neatly in their bins, and brought out the summer stuff.

-I've even finished some extra spring cleaning to-do's like vigorously scrubbing my tile floors, and cleaning out everyone's drawers of the things that don't quite fit or don't get used often enough to warrant the space they take up.

- My feet have an obvious flip-flop tan, which makes them always look dirty, even if they are clean, but who cares?



So, when does it offically FEEL like spring/summer to you?

* since I started this post we've had snow. Crazy utah weather.

the baby grows

So, monitoring my belly growth through pictures is pretty anti-climactic. I love seeing my friends blogs, and how their bellys get bigger, and I keep getting excited that i'm feeling tons bigger and taking pictures only to find out it's not much different than the last one. Especially in these last 2 pics, you can only tell time has passed because my hair is longer.

15 weeks (barely showing at all)

22 Weeks





28 weeks (in a particularly large hour)

The latest pic. That actually looks smaller than the one 4 weeks prior.

So, you see, not much to show, but in 32 short days, little Lincoln be encircled in our arms instead of squished between my vital organs. A step up for both of us.

Jason is a funny guy

I am always surprised when I hear people say that Jason seems so serious. Really? Are we talking about the same Jason? The man that wears bowties every tuesday without fail (and any other day he can get away with it) and liked sweater vests before they came back into style BECAUSE they were obviously not in style. The guy that forgot to pack his belt with his work clothes one morning, and promptly aquired a pair of suspenders, never to miss an opportunity to be a little awesome. This is also the guy that picked me up over his shoulders (when we were dating, mind you, not now with 3 babies and 7 weeks away from the next) and lollygaged across the lower quad BECAUSE the sprinklers were on. Jason who talked to the gas station attendant like they were old friends for a good 2 minutes only to follow it with "You don't remember me, do you? That's probably because I've never seen you before in my life. Have a good night though!"

*sigh* He's so entertaining, and I'm excited to add yet another little guy to follow in his silly ways, and even sport a few bowties.

For your enjoyment, here are a few of the pics we took for a special multi-media event at the ward talent show entitled "The cheesburger song"

The ever changing Ratliffs

With 2.5 more months until this baby comes, it's getting pretty obvious that I'm "with child" Here is exactly what I look like tonight- no glamour, just the facts (except I really needed to apply at least some lip gloss for the sake of my dignity before this end of the day, tired mama hit the world wide web) Notice the bulbousness of my belly these days. Notice also that it's 10pm, and my shirt is fairly clean still- even more momentous with 6 sticky hands around me all day!

Oh, and not to leave out Jason, he had his hair done today. It took us 2 hours just to comb out/cut out the tangles last night so he could let the proffesionals at it today. We love it! Although, I think I'll take a crack at doing the whole thing myself next time, and I wont charge Jason $80. (i'll give him my $79 special!)
ALSO- did you know Jason has lost about 90 lbs in the past 9 months? So, with 30 more to go, stay tuned in a few months for the final before and afters! He's amazing!

MSU FIGHT SONG