Artaxerxes

Say a prayer for Susan today, if you get a chance. She had her routine appointment today and we found out that Artaxerxes--I am not sure how to put this--"did not make it."

She will undergo a D&C procedure at Altaview Hospital tomorrow to remove him and prevent further possible complications. I realize that this is not a huge tragedy and modern medicine makes most of this a small trial, but we are obviously very sad, as we were looking forward to being able to love and serve another of our Father in Heaven's children. It is also discouraging for Susan to go through those first weeks of pregnancy trials and anticipation. It reminds me how very blessed we are to have six precious children.

So, Darcee, the name Artaxerxes is all yours. (Susan still does not like the name "Artaxerxes" and always referred to him as "Joshua.")

RootX of the Problem

Since I am here, mind if I relate a minor adventure I had last week? After our basement partially flooded with sewer water, we knew we needed to remove the roots in the sewer line. Professionals apparently often use RootX, a very toxic, foaming substance. I ordered some from a plumber on-line and planned to use it just before we went to Mom and Dad's for fun on Friday--you have to let it sit for at least 4 hours and 8 was recommended. So, I read the directions and applied it after putting the kids in the car.

The directions say to mix the contents and put them in the toilet (or some other plumbing opening good for that sort of thing) and flush immediately to prevent the foam from spilling over the toilet bowl. And, of course, wear rubber gloves, try not to let any of it touch you, etc. So, I mixed it, put it in the toilet and immediately flushed. And as the water slowly and happily swirled around and around, the toxic pipe cleaner foamed like a million computer-generated Orcs from Return of the King, tumbled out of the toilet bowl, covered the bathroom floor and leaked through the floor into the basement. We left for Fairview later than expected.

Now I know how not to use RootX.

Beaker

When Andrew wakes up before 6:00 am and starts protesting that he simply cannot go back to bed, he sounds a lot like the Muppet Beaker. It is funny but pretty annoying that early in the morning.

FYI: Andrew is a Sunbeam now and I had to pry him off my legs to get him to stay in Primary. Andrew was also our first child to cry going to nursery, which was sort of flattering as my other children would cry when I picked them up.

PSFYI: Andrew's Sunbeam cousin on Susan's side of the family insists that she is not a Sunbeam because they are "really hot."

We love you all. Take care and God speed.