Dunham Family and My Stroke Story!

On the heels of his fifth birthday, Ethan continues to suggest that everyday is "Ethan Day" meaning he "is the boss of this house." We learned our lesson over Christmas when we said that day was "Ethan Day" and he could do whatever he wanted. We quickly realized that setting limits on mood and behavior was appropriate. So, on his birthday which we agreed was an "Ethan Day," we set limits. He reluctantly agreed but insisted that every holiday and all birthdays in our house from now on are "Ethan Days." Or, Ethan Daze as the case may be.... Ethan really wanted "Wii Resort" for his birthday, and that is what he receive from Mom and Dad. He woke up at 4:00 a.m. on his birthday and loudly announced it was his birthday. We convinced him it was the middle of the night so he went back to sleep until 7:00 a.m. when he awoke to his prized present. Later that night as he played a game, something happened, and he turned to look at me ...

Ethan turns 5 years old tomorrow. It hardly seems possible! He's a good kid too which is nice. His teachers compliment him and note that he has quite a wit for someone his age. He is a typical boy of the 21st Century...he loves his Nintendo DS , Wii , is an avid dinosaur expert ( Velociraptors are his particular favorites these days), rides his bike with on the edge of disaster, laughs a lot, is a fan of both Scooby Doo and Phineas and Ferb , and thinks that Red Robin is the best place on earth to eat (well, "eat" is merely a means to an end to play his favorite video game). He is full of life and ideas often talking in a stream of consciousness that defies physiology because he doesn't need to take a breath it seems. He is also pretty courageous for someone his age, and nothing much scares him. He loves school, parties, and is always eager to make friends. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that he really is only 5 because he seems so adult at times. It...

Since my last real post in late November, Christmas, New Years, the Fiesta Bowl, the beginnings of my "shot therapy," and a surprising hospital stay for Ethan have come and gone! Idaho's Legislature reconvened in the refurbished Capitol building, and I've started my 25 th legislative roller coaster. Christmas was different this year. My parent's decided to stay in Twin Falls rather than brave the roads (or another bus ride...they just can't quite get comfortable with that loss of independence). As a result, we had a quiet Christmas morning. Ethan had previously asked Santa for only two things: A Transformer Devastator as well as a Wii game. Santa obliged! Ethan was a bit concerned about how Santa would fit down our chimney. I also took Ethan to the Elk's Club's Christmas for Kids event where one of our exalted members (A Scotsman with a happy chuckle seemingly reinforced at the bar!) dressed as Santa and greeted the kids. Ethan's reaction? "...

I haven't posted to my blog since late November...almost two months ago. I continue to think my blog is a good way to express myself regarding life; however, as I've thought about it, my foray into social media via Facebook seems to have become an easier way to communicate. Obviously, I do not have the opportunity to expand or comment in depth; however, I fear I'm getting lazy and using Facebook as an alternative to this blog. My new goal? At least once a week.