The Palmer Family

The Nutcracker - Minnesota Ballet

2009-11-22T09:58:00.003-08:00

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -

Today I went with Oliver and Eden to see "The Nutcracker" performed by the Minnesota Ballet with the rest of the cub scouts. It was performed at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI campus. It was FANTASTIC!!! Not only were the dancers great, but the talent that went into the stage decorations and costumes were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! I loved the dance of the snowflakes in the woods and where it started to snow. Gorgeous! It was funny because Oliver and Eden both asked, "Where are the words???" I laughed and told them that they were telling the story through music and dance. I think they enjoyed it although they were laughing at some of the dances and the tight leotards that the men were sporting... go figure! HA!

This was on the Gallagher-Bluedorn's website...

"Over the course of the Gallagher-Bluedorn’s 10 years, this performance has become a family tradition. Join us again for the Minnesota Ballet’s perennial favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Joined by many local dancers, the Minnesota Ballet will bring the holiday spirit to life once again with the story of Little Clara, the young girl who received the Nutcracker as a gift, and her enchanted dream of princes and princesses, sugarplums and toy soldiers. Tchaikovsky's romantic score, the colorful scenery, lush period costumes, and skillful ballet performances make “The Nutcracker” a must-see for the holiday season."

"NEW MOON"

2009-11-22T09:58:00.001-08:00

Since Ed has been working 2nd shift, we went out on a date during the day and saw the most recent installment of the Twilight Saga, "New Moon". I've been waiting so long to see this movie as I read all four books in less than two weeks last April and loved the storyline! I was surprised to see so many older couples there! My favorite part was when the character, Jacob Black took his shirt off to help Bella mop up some blood on her forehead and there were several gasps and ohs and ahs erupting from the crowd. The funniest thing we heard was from an old lady near the front of the theater saying, "Now what was THAT for?!?" Ed and I were dying laughing! It was definitely well worth seeing! I was glad to get to go with MY FAVORITE Edward... Thanks, Babe!!!

It's Official... I'm Getting Old...

2009-11-22T09:57:00.002-08:00

November 18, 2009 - Today I found my very FIRST gray hair. Yeah... AWESOME. It was about 3/4 gray with about an inch of brown left on the tip. It wasn't goin' down THAT EASY!!! Time to dye my hair out of necessity and not just for fun... UGH!!!

Also, today was my friend, Meghan's birthday and I got to spend several hours with her tonight! Thanks for dinner and I hope you had a Happy Birthday!!!

36 Week OB Appointment

2009-11-22T09:57:00.001-08:00

Well... we got another ultrasound to see how this baby was growing. They say he's about 6 to 6 1/2 lbs. so far. They could even see that he has hair! She also said that it's 'still a boy'... well that's good!!! HA!!! Everything looked normal and I'm dialated to a 2 and 50% thinned. She said everything is looking good! We are set to be induced on the 8th of December at 8 in the morning. YAY!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

2009-11-12T15:42:00.004-08:00

November 12, 2009 - Today Ed and I took my mom out to eat lunch at the Olive Garden for her birthday. We had a fun time!!! Happy Birthday, Mom!!! Hope you had a great day!

Cute boy!

Ed and Jaren
Me and my Bear!!!

Famous Dave's BBQ

2009-11-12T15:42:00.003-08:00

I just love Jaren's toothy grin!!

"DOH!!!"

Jaren took this doozie of a pic!!

Papa and Bear

Jaren smacking the bear goodbye!

Painting Pumpkins... Better Late Than Never...

2009-11-12T15:42:00.001-08:00

For our Family Home Evening activity we finally painted our pumpkins... post Halloween as I was in the E.R. the day we were going to originally paint them. The kids had a ball... and so did we! I'm glad I have a husband that enjoys doing these fun little things with our kids!!! :O)

Jaren painting his pumpkin AND he still manages to have his hand down his pants... er... diaper in this case. Our little Al Bundy!!! :O)

Eden choosing some paint colors. Sweet smile!

My two lovable dorks... Ollie and Ed!!!

Me, Jare and Edes. Jaren wanted to help me paint MY pumpkin...

LOVE this proud face!!!

Oliver and his ghost pumpkin!

Eden posing with her pumpkin masterpiece!

I don't think Ed was thrilled with his finished product...

My ghost squash and Jack the Pumpkin King!

Crazy kiddos!!!

Couldn't resist posting this sweet picture!

Jaren doing a little table dancing during our judging of the pumpkins...

The lineup...

Recap of 2009- Pains, Pains and More Pains

2009-11-06T04:50:00.001-08:00

Soooo... a quick recap of the last year and maybe then people will understand why I've been in such a bad mood this year...

*December 22 - Heel Spur Surgery (after a year of horrible pain I FINALLY got surgery.)*January 3 - Found out I had parathyroid problems (extreme fatigue, wretching, diarrhea, bone pain, etc.)... at Covenant hospital for a week (MANY tests). Transferred to Iowa City for a week (MANY tests). Had two ambulance rides to the hospital this month! Rode to Iowa City twice in an ambulance. All this while recovering from recent foot surgery... on crutches... yeah... awesome.
*January 22 - Parathyroidectomy (aka: surgery on my neck) still in Iowa City... Had the most painful I.V. meds that felt like my veins were on fire... HORRIBLE PAIN!
*January/February - Healing from both surgeries and using a walker because of short term osteoporosis which is actually really painful!
*March/April - Still healing after two surgeries and being sick for 3 years without knowing what was wrong.
*April 10 - Found out I'm pregnant and NO we weren't trying for anyone who really wants to know.
*April - Now: Pregnancy issues... Emotional issues (deal with on a daily basis - Mental Illness and with crazy hormones my regular meds aren't cuttin' the mustard. Anemic = very tired.
*August - Now: Hurt my back (see Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, massage therapist) worse than my regular back pain from the last 10 years. Some days can't walk. Hurts to breathe. No meds take the pain away. Think it's sciatica.
*September - Strep and other nasty seasonal craptasticness... gestational diabetes scare.
*October - After an Endocrine appointment, found out my parathyroid hormone is back up again. Which means I may have to have another surgery... this time with a newborn... what timing!
*October - During an OB appointment... found out I have H1N1. Wouldn't be so bad, but I'm pregnant... not good... and I have two children with chronic asthma... not good.
*October 31st - Horrible vomiting episode in the morning. My face was swollen, glands were HUGE, throat felt like it was closing and extremely painful, felt like my eyeballs were going to pop out of my head. Went to the E.R. found out I had pharyngitis which is an inflammation of the pharynx and extremely contagious. Had I.V. meds and was there for several hours.
*November 1st - Horrible headache and bloody eyeballs resulting from nasty vomiting episode. The eye doctor said what most likely happened was from retching so forcefully causing a spike in my blood pressure thus causing my blood vessels to rupture in my eyes. Sooooo nasty. It took over a month to fully heal.
*November - Pregnancy pains... extreme ligament pain, feeling like the baby will fall out at any moment. Lots of insomnia and back pain.
*December 2nd - Pulled over by cops on my way home from a friend's house resulting in two tickets adding up to $227.00. Just in time for Christmas... BOO! Then... several hours later... having contractions TWO WEEKS EARLY, heading to the hospital, being dialated to an 8 resulting in all natural child birth... OUCH!!! I'm wondering if it was related to stress.
*December 3rd - Recovering from child birth... LOTS of horrible cramping in my abdomen. Woke up with a sore throat, congestion and fever of 100. Great.
*December - Still recovering. I have forgotten how painful recovery from child birth is. I'm happy that this is the last time I will feel this way, but I'm sad that this is my last baby...

Maxine Moments

2009-11-04T15:54:00.001-08:00

Everyday People

2009-11-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

Eye Dr. & OB Visits

2009-11-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

So... last night I noticed that I popped some blood vessels in my eyes, which FREAKED ME OUT! I don't like the sight of blood... ESPECIALLY in my eyes! So... I went to bed kind of scared and hoped to be able to get in to see a doctor the next day.

EYE DOCTOR VISIT

9 am - We went to see Dr. Boeke, my optomatrist to rule out anything serious. He checked my eyeballs and my vision and found that things seemed to be okay. I asked him if it was normal to feel that my left eye felt different than my right eye... like there was more pressure in that one. He said that there was more pressure in that one, but not to worry. He told me that the blood vessels probably broke when I was wretching on Saturday morning and my blood pressure most likely spiked, causing them to rupture. He said not to freak out if I see more blood on the white part of my eye as gravity will pull the blood down and then it will turn yellowish as it's healing. I'm so glad to know what to expect so I won't be so freaked out! I seriously was in such a silly mood today! He walked us up to the front desk and said to call him if anything happens. I told him I'd let him know if my eyeballs explode in the meantime!!! He's like... "Let's not go there!" HAHAHA!!! (As Ed and I were laying down for a nap later, Ed was like... "You hardly have any white left on your eye! Don't look in the mirror or you might freak out! It might be how you are laying though." Yeah... I will try not to look in the mirror any time soon! BLECH!!!

OB VISIT

10 am - Next stop, my OB's office. I wasn't scheduled this week, but we really needed to find out about what was going on with my glucose levels! Dr. Wing was so great as she explained soooo much to Ed and I. I seriously felt such a weight lifted off of my shoulders after we left! She said that when they check for glucose levels in the urine it's MUCH different than when they test the blood, so it didn't even really compare. Which means that I WAS NOT on the verge of a diabetic coma! *SIGH* She said that the sugar levels can spike when someone is sick, which I am and in pregnant patients because the kidneys often leak causing a spike as well. She's also not concerned because I did pass the second gestational diabetes test within the last month. I failed one of the tests, which you have to fail two in order to be considered to have gestational diabetes. She said that we just need to work on getting me feeling better, eating more protein and whole grains. So glad I went today. I just wanted to come home and sleep. She also prescribed me some anti-nausea meds since I've been feeling so bad for the last couple of days. Also... I'm not sure if I could find a Norman Rockwell painting of an OB office visit... who knows... ;o) hehehe

Sunday, November 1 - The Day After

2009-11-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Like I said in my last post, I woke up at around 1 pm when Ed said that his dad wanted to check my blood glucose level since it was at 500 yesterday in the E.R., verging on diabetic coma... NICE. They tested it today, although I had nothing to eat all day since I was sleeping and it was 89. That's what I'd like to hear. My throat was feeling better, my tooth was feeling better, but my headache was killing me and my eyes were still very sore from vomiting yesterday. Ed and his dad went back to eat lunch with Ed's mom and the kids. I went back to sleep until about 4 o'clock. Ed came back home without the kids, since I'm contagious once more... with something different. UGH! So... another week without the kids.

Tonight after we went to bed, I was missing the kids terribly and I started crying. I couldn't breathe because my nose was congested again so I went into the bathroom, blew my nose, cried some more, blew my nose again and washed my hands. As I was washing my hands, I noticed that my eyes were really bloodshot... I mean like... the white part in the corner of my eye was red. I lifted my eyelid a bit and there was tons of blood. SCARY!!! I told Ed that I think I broke a blood vessel in both my eyes. I was a bit worried. He got out of bed and looked up broken blood vessels in the eye and said that it could just be from rubbing them, crying, coughing hard, pressure, etc. I thought back to how hard I puked yesterday and the feelings I felt in my eyeballs and thought that the crying just made it worse. It may take up to two weeks to go away. Then he read about broken blood vessels due to being diabetic and I had to stop him from reading because it was making me queasy and scared. UGH... I don't know what more I can take. Now I can't cry from stress of being sick and missing my kids for fear of busting up my eyeballs... GREEEAAAT! :O(

Please... be better tomorrow... please.

Saturday, October 31 - Emergency Room Halloween

2009-11-02T00:30:00.001-08:00

I had only about two hours of sleep, due to my pregnancy insomnia and other ailments as of late, when I woke up at six am to extreme pain in my tooth! I've had pain in that tooth on and off for the last couple of months and so I figured I'd deal with it AFTER the baby is born. This pain was HORRIBLE! I've never experienced tooth pain this bad in my life! It's the bottom right molar, the last one which is hurting so badly. It was hurting even when my mouth was open, but the pain was severe when I closed my mouth and my teeth met. Holy cow!

I got out of bed and looked up tooth pain and pregnancy to see what it could possibly be and if I could even do anything while I'm 8 months pregnant! From what I saw online, it seems to me that I'll either have to have a root canal or an extraction if it's a fractured tooth. I called my friend a few hours later who happens to be a dental assistant to ask her what it could be and she said the same thing. I called my dentist on the emergency number, but hadn't heard from him today at all. Anyways... I took my hydrocodone (for my back pain), and tried to do anything I could to ease the throbbing pain! Ed got up with me and called around to various dentists offices to see if I could get in anywhere, but since it's Saturday... no one is open. ARGH... why couldn't this happen YESTERDAY?!

Anyways... after a bit, I felt like I was going to puke, and finally at around 11 am, it came. Let me tell you that this was the WORST vomiting experience I've ever had! I've had a sore throat and congestion anyways... but bring on the vomit and holy cow... I thought my head was going to explode. I was seriously scared because I couldn't breathe! I was laying on the couch just heaving into the garbage can while the whole family is looking on! I hadn't had anything to eat yet today, but I just kept heaving and heaving sooooooo forcefully! I couldn't breathe because I got sooooo congested and I couldn't breathe out of my mouth since I was vomiting so I seriously thought I was going to pass out. VERY scary. I felt sooooo much pressure in my eyes and they felt like they were bulging out of my head!!! Afterwards my head was seriously swollen, my glands under my neck were HUGE, my eyes were swollen into slits which felt like they were popping out of my head and they were really itchy! My throat was on fire and felt like it was closing. I still felt like there was a pukeball lodged in my throat, but I couldn't puke anymore. No matter how much water I drank, I couldn't get that feeling to go away. Ed was just staring at me because of how weird my swollen head looked! He said that my eyes looked chinese because they were sooooo swollen. I have to admit that I was really scared because I've never felt this way during or after puking. It lasted for over an hour afterwards!!! I had a horrid headache, my eyes were killing me and my glands were still pretty large and my throat was killing me.

I called my doctor's office and spoke to the triage nurse who didn't seem to be bothered by it. Ed had taken the kids over to his parents to get them out of the house. I was bummed because I had a fun day planned before we went trick-or-treating. My other symptoms felt like they were going away and so I was planning on going out tonight with them since I'd be outside anyways. We were going to paint pumpkins and make caramel apples as a family since we hadn't done anything this year since I've been so sick. Anyways... I posted my symptoms on FACEBOOK and a doctor friend said that I should go to the E.R. I was going to try and go to sleep and see if I felt better afterwards, but after I read that I decided to call Ed and have him take me to the E.R.

We got there and they took some blood and urine. They had to get it by catheter because there would be less bacteria in the urine... OUCH. Come to find out later... they put the wrong label on it, but luckily I could just pee in a cup that time. UGH. So... the doctor came in, we told her the brief version of my medical history and what happened that morning. She looked in my mouth and said that my throat looked horrible and that I most likely had Pharyngitis. I'd never heard of it. Anyways... she hooked me up to an IV, so I wouldn't get dehydrated because that is one of the biggest risks for fetal complications. The IV had antibiotics in it as well. We got there at around 1:30 or 2:00 and didn't get home 'til around 7:30 that night.

Anyways... I laid on the bed for awhile and Ed and I watched the Game Show Network while we were there. I tried to sleep a bit since I only had two hours sleep, but to no avail. I had to get up an pee several times while the IV fluids went through me. The nurse came in again with the results of my blood and urine test and said that my hemoglobin was low (I already figured that) and that my glucose level was a little high. She said that it was 500 and I asked her what was normal and she didn't know. So she left and came back and said around 100 is normal. I'm like... okay... what do I do for that? She just said to lay off the sugar. Okay... whatever. So... she gave me another bag of fluids and left again. She really didn't seem to know what was going on. I should have listened to my friend and gone to Allen hospital's E.R. instead, but I went to Covenant because IF anything were to happen, that is where my OB will deliver the baby. I had to ask if I was contagious, what to do for the symptoms, what I could eat and drink, etc. They weren't good about giving me any information. So, we got the paperwork and prescription for antibiotics and left.

Right after we left, my lips started tingling and I was like, "Oh, great! Why couldn't this have started before we left?!" Any little change has been freaking me out lately! We went to Walgreens and got my meds and some throat friendly foods and drinks and came home. Thankfully, my friends took the kiddos out trick-or-treating for me so they wouldn't have to miss out on that, too. THANK YOU!!! Then Ollie and Eden spent the night with Grandma Young and Jaren was still with G&G Palmer. Also... Ed was supposed to work his last overnight, but luckily Dan said he'd take his shift so I wasn't alone... just in case Ed needed to take me to the hospital again. THANKS, DAN!

We got home, popped in a movie, heated up some tomato soup and laid down. I was sooooo dang tired and feeling crappy that I went to bed at about 8:30ish. I didn't finish my soup because I was feeling urpy again and reeeeaaaallly didn't want to puke again. So... off to bed I went with my puke bucket right next to the bed. I slept most of the night (minus two hours) and slept until about 1 pm Sunday afternoon when Ed and his dad woke me up to check my blood sugar level since in reality I was verging on diabetic coma with a level of 500 at the ER the day before. It was 89. They gave me a blessing and I slept until about four. The kids are off to G&G's house for the week since I'm contagious until my symptoms go away. Another long sick week is ahead of me... *SIGH* :O(

Friday, October 30 - Trunk or Treat / Ward Halloween Party

2009-11-02T00:02:00.001-08:00

Let me start off by saying that I LOVE HALLOWEEN! It is my favorite holiday! I love all of the food and activities associated with the holiday and this time of year in general! So... you will understand why I'm mad that I have to miss out on all of the fun things going on! I love seeing the kids in their costumes and their excitement for all of the activities they get to participate in! This is the first year that I've missed their school halloween party and parade. It makes me so sad! :O(

Anyways... since I didn't want to freak anyone out by going to the church Halloween party and trunk or treat, I asked Ed to take them! I know he's not as into these things as me, but he understands that I would do it if I could. I miss doing things together as a family... whatever it may be. So, he brought the kids home for a bit to get their costumes and see me for like an hour and a half (they had gotten their flu shots a few days before). The kids got into their costumes and I helped Eden put on some make-up, which she LOVED!!! I drew on some chin whiskers for Oliver and some whiskers and a black nose for Jaren. I had to get some photos of them in their costumes, of course! Then, I got some hugs and good-byes and then they were gone. :O( I miss them soooooo much it hurts.

Hannah Montana (6), Dalmation (2), Shaggy from Scooby-doo (8).

Here's a better view of their costumes!

Ed called me from the party and said that the kids were having fun, but Jaren was ready to leave! He's my only kid that never wants to stay anywhere for very long. At friend's houses, the park, anywhere... it's crazy! Ollie and Eden would stay anywhere all day long!! :O) They had hot dogs, played games, did the trunk or treat, had an ugly tie contest and a best costume contest!

I saw some photos on FACEBOOK of the fun that my friends posted! It looked like they had a ball! :O) I'm sad I missed it, but I'm glad that the kids still got to go and have fun with their friends! (Thanks, Meg and Krista for the photos!)

Oliver during the Trunk or Treat at the Youngblut's.

Jaren staying by Papa's side. True to form as 'man's best friend'...

Haylie and Eden. Such cute girlies!

Tuesday, October 27 - OB Appointment and H1N1

2009-11-01T23:43:00.001-08:00

So, today started like any other day. I got up for my now weekly OB appointment at 9:20. Outside of the waiting room there was a table set up with some hand sanitizer, some face masks and a paper saying that if you have any of the following symptoms to put a face mask on. I had a headache, sore throat, congestion and slight cough, so I thought that I would go ahead and put one on. I entered the waiting area and talked to the receptionist only to find that my appointment was scheduled for yesterday morning. UGH. Luckily, she got me in to see someone anyways since I was 32 weeks along and obviously looking like I had just gotten hit by a MACK truck.

As I sat in the lobby, I could see everyone just staring at me like I had the freakin' plague! I'm thinking to myself, "I'm wearing this for YOUR benefit! I already feel like crap so stop freakin' starin' at me or I'll take it off and cough on ya!!!" I was annoyed because I missed my appointment and felt like an idiot, annoyed because everyone was staring at me, and annoyed because it was hotter than hell wearing it and every breath I took fogged up my glasses. I didn't want to touch any magazines because if I did people would freak out, but I had to grab one and start fanning myself as I felt like I was going to pass out any minute! A man came by and told me to follow him to a room. I don't know if it was from a sincere desire to help because he could tell I was miserable or if it was to get me to a room to quarantine me!! Either way, I was happy to get to a room and away from the penetrating stares.

I waited for a few minutes only to be greeted by a nurse wearing something that resembled a HAZMAT suit! She had on rubber gloves, a face mask and a robe of some sort. I had to laugh to myself!!! Later, the doctor came in looking similar to the nurse. I was thinking they were going to strip me down, shave me, shower me and put me into a plastic bubble! (I envisioned a scene from Monster's INC.) I told her my symptoms and she said that I probably had H1N1 (swine flu). I was like, don't you have to test me for it? She said that it's so rampant now that they just assume people have it and treat it as such. I'm like... GREEEAAAATTT... now I REALLY feel like I have the plague! Since it had been several days I couldn't have Tamiflu to help it. I just had to let it run it's craptastic course.

So... last week it was my parathyroid hormone level that was back up and now I supposedly have the freakin' swine flu. Anything else to worry about? CRIPES!!! Soooo... back home, kids are going to G&G Palmer's for the week while I deal with this crap. Even though they've been exposed to me already it's just safer for them, especially Oliver and Jaren because of their asthma problems. Even more to worry about. I just want to scream.

Friday, October 23 - Surprise GNO

2009-11-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

Today was a normal day. I felt like I was getting a cold. Tired as always from not being able to sleep the night before. Ed's at work, kids are at school and Jaren is at G&G Palmer's house. Another lonely day to sit and think about my crappy luck lately. My good friend, Meg calls and wanted to bring me lunch, but I was asleep. She called back later and said she had something to drop off. She came about 5:30 or 6ish with a basket of goodies for me. She said it was the 2nd Shift Survival Kit... since Ed was about to switch from 1st to 2nd shift at work. She knows that I've been worried because of my health, but also because I don't like to be alone at night in our horrible neighborhood. A friend who works for the sheriff's department here in town said that our neighborhood is the worst one in the city now... YAY, US! ARGH!!! Anyways... she began pulling various items out and explaining their significance to me! I got a kick out of the Sweet and Sour gummy bears as I would have some sweet days and some sour days and also the eye patch because I will now have to sleep with one eye open!!! I was DYING LAUGHING!!! I soooo needed a good laugh! Thanks again, Meg... H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!!

By that time the kids were all home, but Ed wasn't scheduled to get home until around 8:30. We chatted for a while and then someone else knocks on the door and it's my friend, Jenelle! I'm like... "Okay... what is going on!?" :O) She comes in with some bags of stuff and then puts a casserole in my freezer and some other food and then plops down to give me a foot massage. I opted out of the foot massage as I'm weird about my feet, but she gave me a hand massage instead! They said that they had called Ed and were kidnapping me for a girl's night! Ed was coming home a little early from work so we could go out and eat and chat! A MUCH NEEDED NIGHT OUT!!! :O) We sat and chatted for a while, I got ready and then Ed got home and we went out to eat at Las Margaritas. I could have eaten chips and salsa all night long!!! :O) After dinner, we went back to Jenelle's house and talked for several hours... laughing all the while!!! THANK YOU, LADIES!!! I sooooooo needed a night out to forget about my problems and just LAUGH!!! And THANK YOU, HONEY for coming home early so I could go out! *LOVES*

Wednesday, October 21 - Endocrinologist Appointment

2009-11-01T23:20:00.000-08:00

I've been seeing my Endocrinologist every four to six weeks to check my vitamin D level, calcium level, and parathyroid hormone level (PHT). Everything was going well up to this appointment. I had my blood drawn the day before so that it would be read for my appointment. She said that my vitamin D and calcium levels were okay, but my PHT level was high again. That was quite a shock to me! I asked what it was and she said 86.3. Since I didn't know how high that was I asked what the normal range was and she then told me it was anywhere from 17 to 70. I figured okay... it's a little on the high side, but I can deal with this. Then I asked what it was when I was there four weeks ago and she said 23. Okay... I was thinking that it was crazy to have jumped sooooooo high in only a month's time! She said that it may have been a mistake at the lab, but I really wasn't going to get my hopes up. I was fighting back tears as I thought to myself, "What freakin' timing... If my calcium and vitamin D levels go haywire then I will have to have ANOTHER parathyroidectomy WITH A FREAKIN' NEWBORN!" I held it together as long as I could. We talked for a minute and she said that I needed to come back in two weeks to have my blood work done again. I made it out the front door and just burst into tears. One more thing to have on my plate. As if I'm not dealing with enough physical problems right now. We'll just have to wait and see what happens I guess. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm........

Wednesday, October 21 - Student of the Week - Oliver

2009-11-01T23:08:00.001-08:00

Oliver was Student of the Week this week at school and so today, my mom, Ed and I went to eat lunch with him at school. He wanted McDonalds, but the last couple of times we've eaten there, he went to the ER once and almost had to go back there the second time for his asthma problems. I suggested Granny Annie's because he LOVES their soup. He was all over that!!! HA! He was in luck because they were serving his FAVORITE soup that week which I rarely see there... Chicken with Dumplings! So... we all got some good soup and sandwiches and had a nice lunch with Oliver! We love you, Buddy!!!

Oliver enjoying his Chicken and Dumpling soup!

Tuesday, October 20 - Kid's Fun Fair at School

2009-11-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight I mustered up some energy and took the kiddos to their Annual School Fun Fair. Since I was by myself (Ed was working), Jaren stayed back with G&G Palmer, aka... his 'other' set of parents! :O) I also invited my friends to join us but two of her kiddos were sick so I offered to take her oldest, who is four! I knew he'd LOVE to play the games, but I forgot how much energy four-year-olds have as well!!! Oliver was GREAT and helped me out with keeping an extra eye on Cullan. It was like he was an adoptive big brother for the night! It was seriously so sweet to see how they interacted with one another!

Ollie and Cullan waiting in line to play some games in the gym.

My friend, Brenda, is the PTO president this year and her two boys were sick at home and her husband was out of town so she brought her little girl, McKenzie, who I used to babysit, along with her. She asked if she could hang out with us for the night while she made sure the fun fair ran without a hitch! She even gave us an extra punch card for games for each of the kiddos! How sweet was that?! I didn't mind since McKenzie and Eden are good friends, so they had a ball together!

First, we went to the cake walk and Cullan WON the very first cake!!! We all cheered for him but then he got very shy and didn't want to choose one. I chose one for him which was a green cake with a large spider on top and ran it out to the car so I didn't have to carry it all night long! We walked through the school playing the games, getting tattoos and jumping on the inflatables. They all were having so much fun!

The hockey game. The boys loved this one!

Eden playing a game.

Cullan playing the ring toss game.

We took a break to have pizza or hot dogs for dinner in the cafeteria. It was nice to get off of my feet for a bit! We did the cake walk again and this time... I WON! I've never won a cake at a cake walk! Oliver was the one that drew my number, too!!! HA! This time, Cullan wanted to choose the cake so I let him choose and we swapped cakes later! He chose a green one with spiders all over it! It was funny because Oliver's teacher, Mr. Galloway, made both of the cakes that we chose! ;o)

McKenzie and Eden during dinner. Goofy girls!

I still can't believe that I won a cake! I was like, "I'm cravin' me some cake tonight!!"

In one of the rooms they had a "Musical Petting Zoo" which the kids LOVED! They had an array of instruments laid out for the kids to try. They all loved trying the violins!!!

Oliver getting a mini violin lesson.

Eden trying it as well!

"Hey Mr. Tambourine Man... Play a song for me..."

Ollie trying to play... hehehe...

I'm glad that I was able to feel well enough to take them so they could have fun. I feel like they've been missing out on alot with me feeling crappy all of the time. I'm glad we went! It was a really fun night!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2009-11-01T01:14:00.001-07:00

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Ramblings and Rants - Trials

2009-10-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

I just got done reading someone's recent blog post and all I can say is... WOW. I feel as if I could have been the one sitting at the computer typing it. Although we haven't gone through the same experiences in life, the outcomes and feelings of helplessness are still the same. I hate trials. I really do. I know that we are 'supposed' to love them, but in all honesty... nope, I don't. Maybe it's because I'm right smack dab in the middle of many... MANY trials in my life and I can't see what the point of my going through them is. I know that my heart has hardened toward people because of it. I know I'm supposed to be going through this period in my life gracefully, but I'm not. I'm fighting it tooth and nail. I just feel like I'm in a rut and no one 'gets it'. This has honestly been the worst year of my life and I hope... that 2010 will be better. Hope is all I've got people... that is all.

Ramblings and Rants - Urine

2009-10-15T20:31:00.001-07:00

Wow... I really have to pee... like... A LOT. Which brings me to the following picture of Harry piggybacking Lloyd on his sweet, sweet scooter in the movie "Dumb and Dumber".

They are driving through the mountains in the crisp winter air and Harry has to pee so Lloyd says, "Just go man...". This is what I've been feeling like lately. I hate having to interrupt my TV watching or my Facebooking to head to the privy and do my business. Why can't I just pee my pants... and be done with it??? :O)

Jaren Quote

2009-10-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

So... a few nights ago Ed and I were watching "The Biggest Loser" and they had a temptation challenge. It was a "Wheel of Fortune" type wheel with covered platters in each divider. Under only ONE of the covers was a 'golden ticket' of sorts to be able to pick the new teams. A highly saught after piece of paper! The hitch was that whatever you uncovered you had to take... mainly high calorie goodies. The first guy was up, spun the wheel and landed on a 1,000 calorie piece of chocolate cake. All of the other players were saying things like, "Oh, no..." and such. About 4 players later... another player uncovered a large frosted cupcake and Jaren, our 2-year-old mournfully laments, "Ooooooooooh noooooooo........ chocolate cake!!!" I was DYING laughing!!! It's so dang funny hearing some of the stuff that comes out of my kids' mouths! HA!!!

MORE MOVIE FAVORITES

2009-10-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

"Becoming Jane" - 2007**
Starring Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen and James McAvoy as Tom Lefroy.

"The year is 1795 and young Jane Austen is a feisty 20-year-old and emerging writer who already sees a world beyond class and commerce, beyond pride and prejudice, and dreams of doing what was then nearly unthinkable - marrying for love. Naturally, her parents are searching for a wealthy, well-appointed husband to assure their daughter's future social standing. They are eyeing Mr. Wisley, nephew to the very formidable, not to mention very rich, local aristocrat Lady Gresham, as a prospective match. But when Jane meets the roguish and decidedly non-aristocratic Tom Lefroy, sparks soon fly along with the sharp repartee. His intellect and arrogance raise her ire - then knock her head over heels. Now, the couple, whose flirtation flies in the face of the sense and sensibility of the age, is faced with a terrible dilemma. If they attempt to marry, they will risk everything that matters - family, friends and fortune." - IMDB

"Miss Austen Regrets" - 2008 (appeared on Masterpiece Theater)

This is another film version of Jane Austen's life starring Olivia Williams as Jane Austen.

"Lost in Austen" - 2008 (TV Miniseries)

"Amanda, an ardent Jane Austen fan, lives in present day London with her boyfriend Michael, until she finds she's swapped places with Austen's fictional creation Elizabeth Bennett." - IMDB

"Cranford" - 2007 (TV Miniseries appeared on Masterpiece Theater)
Based on the novel by Elisabeth Gaskell. Starring Judi Dench.

"Wives and Daughters" - 1999 (TV Miniseries)
Featuring Justine Waddell as Molly Gibson.

"Little Women" - 1994**
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Starring Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst/Samantha Mathis, Susan Sarandon and Christian Bale.

"The Inheritance" - 1997**
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott.

"At the lush Evenswood estate in Concord, Massachusetts, Edith Adelon, a beautiful orphan, lives as the paid companion to the daughter of the wealthy Hamilton family, although they regard her as one of their own. Years ago, Henry Hamilton saved Edith from an Italian orphanage at the request of his long-deceased brother. Now, Edith is his daughter Amy's prized friend and confidante. As the Hamiltons await a trio of visitors for the annual Greens Cup horse race, Beatrice Hamilton asks for Edith's help in finding a suitable husband for a cousin, Ida Glenshaw, with one of two visiting eligible bachelors. But when it becomes clear that both the young men have affection for Edith and not Ida, jealousy soon develops, leading to malicious conniving and brutal backstabbing. Despite the growing love between Edith and one of the young suitors, because of their conflicting social classes, the couple is reminded time and again that their love can never be. The Inheritance is a story that centers on an innocent young woman's struggle to make sense of her position within the Hamilton household and in society, and the love she feels for her patrons, as well as for a young man she can never marry." - IMDB

"North & South" - 2004

Based on the novel by Elisabeth Gaskell.

"This series operates on many levels. At the heart of the series is the tempestuous relationship between Margaret Hale, a young woman from a southern middle class family who finds herself uprooted to the north, and John Thornton, a formerly poverty-stricken cotton mill owner terrified of losing the viability of his business. Around them are class struggles between the workers and mill owners and ideological struggles between the industrial North and the agrarian South. After moving North, Margaret's father befriends his student Mr. Thornton. Margaret has already formed her opinion of Mr. Thornton independently after seeing him treat his workers harshly. As the series progresses, she and we the audience begin to learn that his strict treatment is due to an overarching concern for his mill and by extension, his employees. John Thornton, on the other hand, is attracted to Margaret's independence and position in society as a well-educated Southerner. As in "Pride and Prejudice" the marriage proposal comes in the middle of the series and is rejected by Margaret. Contrary to "Pride and Prejudice" it is mirrored in social upheaval as the entire town is brought to its knees by a strike. The latter half of the series is an unraveling of the former misunderstandings ending in a romantic reconciliation which is again mirrored by reconciliation between workers and mill owners." - IMDB

"The Mayor of Casterbridge" - 2003

Based on the novel by Thomas Hardy. Starring Ciaran Hinds.

"Jane Eyre" - 1997
Based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Starring Samantha Morton as Jane Eyre and Ciaran Hinds as Edward Rochester.

"Jane Eyre" - 1996
Based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Starring Charlotte Gainsbourg as Jane Eyre and William Hurt as Edward Rochester.

"Jane Eyre" - 2006

Based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Starring Ruth Wilson as Jane Eyre and Toby Stephens as Edward Fairfax Rochester.

"After living a miserable life with her aunt, orphaned Jane Eyre is sent to Lowood, a residential school for children of limited means. Jane takes the advice of her friend and over many years takes her studies seriously, eventually advertising for a position as a governess. She obtains a position in the home of Edward Rochester, where his ward, Adele, has recently come to live. She soon realizes that there is something odd in the house and she regularly sees shadowy figures in windows or hears voices. No one will admit to their being anyone else in the house, however. As she and her new employers develop a deep affection for one another, the secret of the Rochester household threatens to keep them apart." - IMDB

"Everafter: A Cinderella Story" - 1998**

Starring Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott.

"Danielle, sole daughter of a deceased French nobleman, is raised - more as a servant than as a stepdaughter - by cruel and snobbish Rodmilla together with her own two daughters Marguerite and Jaqueline. One day, she accidentally meets Prince Henry, the future king of France. A little later Danielle has to pretend to be a noble person and meets the prince again. This time, his interest in the young lady grows. But the day of the prince's marriage draws closer and closer without an official bride at hand. Actually, her stepsister Marguerite seems to have the best odds to win the race. But they all underestimated the power of true love, especially when a genius is at hand..." - IMDB

Jane Austen Favorites

2009-10-14T16:47:00.001-07:00

This post was inspired by my friend, Meghan, who is just now falling in love with Jane Austen! :O) She wondered what ones Jane Austen wrote and what ones I specifically liked since there are many versions of her classics! These movies just make me happy... plain and simple!!
(** - means that I own it if you'd like to borrow it!)

1. PRIDE & PREJUDICE (My favorite movie of all time!)

"Pride and Prejudice is a humorous story of love and life among English gentility during the Georgian era. Mr Bennet is an English gentleman living in Hartfordshire with his overbearing wife. The Bennets 5 daughters; the beautiful Jane, the clever Elizabeth, the bookish Mary, the immature Kitty and the wild Lydia. Unfortunately for the Bennets, if Mr Bennet dies their house will be inherited by a distant cousin whom they have never met, so the family's future happiness and security is dependent on the daughters making good marriages. Life is uneventful until the arrival in the neighbourhood of the rich gentleman Mr Bingley, who rents a large house so he can spend the summer in the country. Mr Bingley brings with him his sister and the dashing (and richer) but proud Mr Darcy. Love is soon in the air for one of the Bennet sisters, while another may have jumped to a hasty prejudgment. For the Bennet sisters many trials and tribulations stand between them and their happiness, including class, gossip and scandal." - IMDB (Internet Movie Database)

**I probably go against the grain as I prefer this version to the older version with Colin Firth portraying Mr. Darcy, although I love that movie as well! This one stars Keira Knightly as Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Matthew MacFayden as Mr. Darcy. I can feel the passion of the actors in this one and I don't know... I just LOVE it!

**This is the 6 hour version starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. I love this one as well, but you need to set several hours aside if you want to sit down to watch this one! Mr. Collins just cracks me up in this one! HA!

2. PERSUASION

"In 1814 England, 27-year old Anne Elliot lives an oppressive life with her father, Sir Walter Elliot of Kellynch Hall, and her elder sister Elizabeth, both of whom are incurable snobs. Eight and a half years ago, Anne been persuaded to refuse an offer of marriage from the man she loved, a young naval officer of no position or fortune. Now, after the Napoleonic wars, Captain Wentworth has gained both rank and money, and chance has thrown them together again. Anne finds herself confronted with thoughts of might-have-been as she watches Wentworth court her brother-in-law's sister, Louisa. But an accident causes Wentworth to realize whom he truly cares for, and he follows Anne to Bath. But her cousin William (the heir to Kellynch Hall) is also pursuing her and is rumored to be engaged to Anne. And she must overcome this last obstacle before she can persuade Captain Wentworth as to the true nature of her affections." - IMDB

**I love the 2007 version that appeared recently on Masterpiece Theater. Didn't you just love this movie, Meg??? This one stars Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot and Rupert Penry Jones as Captain Fredrick Wentworth. *Sigh*

I love this version from 1995 as well. It stars Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciaran Hinds as Captain Fredrick Wentworth. I love this movie... what can I say?

3. MANSFIELD PARK

"At 10, Fanny Price, a poor relation, goes to live at Mansfield Park, the estate of her aunt's husband, Sir Thomas. Clever, studious, and a writer with an ironic imagination and fine moral compass, she becomes especially close to Edmund, Thomas's younger son. Fanny is soon possessed of beauty as well as a keen mind and comes to the attention of a neighbor, Henry Crawford. Thomas promotes this match, but to his displeasure, Fanny has a mind of her own, asking Henry to prove himself worthy. As Edmund courts Henry's sister and as light shines on the link between Thomas's fortunes and New World slavery, Fanny must assess Henry's character and assert her heart as well as her wit." - IMDB

This is the version that recently appeared on Masterpiece Theater. It is the 2007 version starring Billie Piper as Fannie Price and Blake Ritson as Edmund Bertram.

**This is the 1999 version starring Frances O'Connor as Fanny Price and Jonny Lee Miller as Edmund Bertram.

4. EMMA

"Based on the Jane Austen novel, "Emma" tells the story of a young woman in England who plays her town's matchmaker. When attempting to match up her friend with the Reverend Elton, Emma starts to run into complications, which multiply amongst themselves with cases of mistaken intentions of love, a cast of supporting characters who each love someone else, but Emma doesn't know who loves who, and Emma finally realizing the one person she truly loves." - IMDB

**I prefer the 1996 version of Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma Woodhouse and Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley. As foolish of a girl as she is, she is still likable in this version.

This version stars Kate Beckinsale as Emma Woodhouse and just does the character no justice. I wanted to slap her throughout the whole movie.

5. SENSE & SENSIBILITY

"When Mr. Dashwood dies, he must leave the bulk of his estate to the son by his first marriage, which leaves his second wife and three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) in straitened circumstances. They are taken in by a kindly cousin, but their lack of fortune affects the marriageability of both practical Elinor and romantic Marianne. When Elinor forms an attachment for the wealthy Edward Ferrars, his family disapproves and separates them. And though Mrs. Jennings tries to match the worthy (and rich) Colonel Brandon to her, Marianne finds the dashing and fiery Willoughby more to her taste. Both relationships are sorely tried. But this is a romance, and through the hardships and heartbreak, true love and a happy ending will find their way for both the sister who is all sense and the one who is all sensibility." - IMDB

**The 1995 version starring Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, Kate Winslet as her sister Marianne Dashwood and Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars. LOVE IT!

This version was recently featured on Masterpiece Theater and I loved this one as well.

6. NORTHANGER ABBEY

"Catherine Morland is taken to Bath, England by the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Allen and introduces her to Georgian society. There she meets the social-climbing Isabella and John Thorpe, the handsome Henry Tilney and elegant Eleanor Tilney. After making an impression on Henry and Eleanor's father, the Tilneys invite her to their country mansion, Northanger Abbey. Catherine falls in love with Henry but realizes that love can be fickle and that money - and not just love - is an important consideration in the marriage business. The story is based on Jane Austen's novel of the same name, "Northanger Abbey"." - IMDB

I have to admit that this was my least favorite Jane Austen flick. It didn't really hold my interest and I felt that it ended way too abruptly.

What's In A Name???

2009-10-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

OLIVER - (Scandinavian) - Kind, affectionate; (Latin) - Olive tree.

EDEN - (Hebrew) - delightful, paradise

JAREN - (Hebrew) - He will sing; he will cry out.

Why is choosing a baby name so stinkin' difficult??? Ed and I have been at odds when choosing the name for this little boy!

My favorite name is Jackson Edward Palmer and Ed's is Edison Jay or Edison Elias Palmer. Edison literally means "son of Edward"... yeah. We also both like Phineas and would shorten it to Finn. Both the older kids like Jackson and neither of them like Phineas.

I recently found a baby name book at Goodwill and I looked through all of the names in the baby boy section. Here is what I found that I like... (* - Ed likes these) (** - My favorites)

**Audie - a form of Edward

Ashby

Asher - happy, blessed

Audon - old, rich

Bain

Ballard - brave, strong

Beau - handsome

**Bennett - little blessed one

Bodin - messenger

Bodie

Brady - spirited

Brant

Breck - freckled

Camden

Chaim - life

Corbin

Curren

Denton - happy home

*Edison - son of Edward

Fane - joyful, glad

**Fayden

**Finnegan, *Finn, Finny

Hadley

**Harlow

Haywood

Hollis

**Jackson

Jasper

Joben

Joram

Jory

**Joss

* **Kane

Kannon

Keene

Lane

Magnus

Maximus

Micah

* **Phineas, Finn

Quinn

Raine

**Shea

**Shiloh

Sloan

Just tonight Ed told me that Jackson is growing on him. :O) We'll need to figure out the name soon. I only have 8 weeks left to decide!!! It's crazy because Jaren was a toss-up between Jaren and Jackson if he was a boy and Jaren for a girl as well. Who knows... we'll see what we decide in the end! :O)

Daily Gems - Our Test in Mortality

2009-10-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). “We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23).”
Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 7

Oh, the Joys of Pregnancy

2009-10-09T21:22:00.001-07:00

WARNING: Massive amounts of ranting and raving are about to take place. Read at your own risk.

I went to my regular OB visit to test for gestational diabetes and failed so off to my 4 hour test at the hospital. I downed the nasty orange drink that they give you in record time, only to feel sick about 1/2 hour later. I felt nauseus, lightheaded and had a horrible headache. I also had to visit the toilet... quickly a few times. I was fanning myself with a copy of the Ensign that I brought with me to read for the first hour. They called me back to get poked for the second time and I told them what was happening and that I felt as if I were going to pass out! They said that sometimes people feel sick during this test... YAY, ME! So, they led me down a little hallway to a small room and said that I could lie down on the examination table. YEAH... not the most comfortable thing invented. I would have much rather stretched out on the blue couch in the lobby, but I'm sure I would have gotten some dirty looks out there! So, after the second hour, I'm poked and the third hour, I'm poked again. Afterwards, they sent me home and told me that I would hear from my doctor.

I came home thankful that I could crash since I wasn't feeling well, as my in-laws were watching Jaren for me, but that didn't last too long since he was sick as well and had been crying all morning long. He had been on antibiotics for strep throat, as well as Eden, but he wasn't eating or drinking even. We took him to the doctor and found out that he had several sores in his mouth including a HUGE one on the side of his tongue! Poor little guy! The doctor said that it was a virus and that it just had to run its course. We got some stuff to numb it with the hopes of him at least drinking his milk, but he did NOT want to have anything to do with it! It sucks trying to take care of two sick kid, one of which just screams all day long, when I'm pregnant (anemic, horrible back pain, ligament pain) and sick as well. UGH! SERENITY NOW!!!!!! Some days I don't feel like I can handle it! I've been EXTREMELY tired and have been nodding off while laying on the couch or sitting in the recliner which is soooooooo not like me!

Soooo... a few days later, my OB calls and says that I passed the test. So... I guess I don't have gestational diabetes. Which is a good sign! But... my bad headaches, fatigue, nausea, back pain, etc. are still plagueing me. So... why is that I wonder. Many friends say... preeclampsia??? So... I look up preeclampsia and now I'm really worried because it sounds just like me. Plus the fact that they didn't test my urine for protein the last time that I was in there because I couldn't pee... yeah... that's really odd for me right about now... not being able to pee! So... I call my doctor, see a different woman since my doc is on vacation and find out that everything is okay. She says I probably just have a touch of the flu or something that the kids had. At least I know it's not serious.

To put it plainly... I feel like crap... all day... every day. I know that I should be grateful to be able to get pregnant and carry my babies... but I hate it. I hate the way it makes me feel. I seriously feel like I have the flu for 9 months, but worse. I have had chronic lower back pain for the last 10 years so I know what it's like to be uncomfortable every day, but this pain that I've been in for the last several months is almost unbearable. There are days that I can barely get myself to the restroom let alone care for my 2-year-old!!! I'm in CONSTANT pain. PAIN. I know that ladies suffer from backaches in pregnancy, but this is just ridiculous! I've seen my doctor, my OB, my chiropractor and a physical therapist for it, but it just does not go away and it's only getting worse the bigger this kid gets! I just want to scream some days. And I'm soooooooo freakin' tired... it's not even funny! I know that since I'm anemic that really doesn't help the situation and having two surgeries and recovering from those doesn't help. I take gobs and gobs of medicine on a daily basis that I usually gag on and throw back up... AWESOME. Plus, I can't sleep at night because of pregnancy insomnia and back pain! I can't wait for the next few weeks to pass. I pray that I can get better soon after I have this kid. Don't even get me started on my mental state... or my spiritual state... I feel like I've been to hell and back. I feel like my prayers aren't being heard. It just feels like everything is piling up on top of me and I honestly don't know how much more I can take. I can understand why people want to hurt themselves. Seriously. Most days I just feel like a zombie and I just want to stay in bed ALL DAY LONG. I really signed up for this?! Really? Reeaaalllly?!? I know there is a reason for my going through all of this... just don't ask me what the crap that reason is... because I haven't the slightest idea. This baby had better be healthy... that's all I have to say about that! (But... since it's a boy... I'm sure he'll be as sickly as my other two... woo-hoo!)

Celebration of My 31-ness!

2009-10-09T21:21:00.002-07:00

English

Happy Birthday!

French
Joyeux Anniversaire

German
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

Greek
Eytyxismena Genethlia! or Chronia Pola!

Hawaiian
Hau`oli la hanau!

Hebrew
Yom Huledet Same'ach!

Italian
Buon Compleanno!

Japanese
Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu!

Klingon
Quchjaj qoSlIj!

Navajo
bil hoozho bi'dizhchi-neeji' 'aneilkaah!

Norwegian
Gratulerer med dagen!

Portuguese
Feliz Aniversario! or Parabens!

Russian
S dniom razhdjenia! or Pazdravliayu s dniom razhdjenia!

Spanish
Feliz Cumpleanos!

Swahili
Hongera! or Heri ya Siku kuu!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th - Since Ed worked on my actual birthday, we celebrated the day before! He took the day off of work and so we celebrated by going to lunch at the Isle of Capri Buffet. My favorite thing there was a spinach salad with craisins, slivered almonds, strawberries and some sort of poppyseed dressing. It was DIVINE!!! We took Jaren with us since it was during the day, but we had fun! After that we went shopping for a bit.

There were no movies out that we really wanted to see and since my back had been hurting alot lately bowling or any other physical activity was out of the question. So Ed took me out to dinner. Can you tell we love food? :O) Anyways... we were going to go out to eat at Texas Roadhouse, but the wait was about 65 minutes and I was starving! So, Ed suggested we go to Montage on the parkade. He had never eaten there before so I thought that was a great idea! :O) It was nice to eat at a little fancier restaurant, but holy smokes was it expensive! YOWZA!!! We got some chips and a monterey jack & poblano cheese dip for the appetizer. It was okay. I liked the other cheese dip I got there before lots better. Ed got a southwestern chicken breast entree with garlic mashed potatoes and I got the cashew encrusted rosemary chicken with lime dipping sauce and corn pudding. It was pretty good, but the dipping sauce was nasty. For dessert we split a chocolate souffle which was DELISH! Ed wanted to see if I could get a dessert for free, but he didn't want to ask because he didn't want to sound like a dork. He told our waitress that it was my birthday and she just said, "Oh... Happy Birthday!" When she left, Ed was like "That didn't turn out the way that I hoped it would!!!!" WAH... WAH... WAAAAHHHH... :O) We had a really fun time together! Thanks, Babycakes!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

SATURDAY, September 26th (My 31st Birthday) - This morning Meghan, her sister and mom picked me up for a day of scrapbooking in Traer! We were there from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm and I LOVED every minute of it! We got to scrap in a store called Scraptopia and could also buy what supplies we liked. I went a little crazy... I mean... who wouldn't in a store full of darling papers and embellishments!!! :O) I'll have to take a photo of the layouts I created! We chatted, ate, laughed and scrapped and it was GREAT! Thanks, Meg! I sooooooo needed a scrap day! We need to get together soon for another girl's night of scrapping!

UNI Panther Football

2009-10-09T21:21:00.001-07:00

SATURDAY, September 19 - UNI Panthers vs. St. Francis (PA)

John Deere was a sponsor for the UNI game today and so they tailgated and offered tickets for $10 each! So we took the two older kids as Jaren would be running around the whole time and I wasn't about to be chasing him up and down the cement stairs and Ed's dad came with us as well! It took us a while to find where they were tailgating, but we finally found it and we ate while the kiddos jumped on some inflatables for a bit. They had just redone the astroturf on the field and were giving away 1 ft. x 1 ft. squares of the old stuff, so we got some and I may make a frame out of it for the kids. I actually graduated from high school on that turf and Ed graduated from UNI on it as well! Anyways... before the game I painted the kiddos faces and even Jaren wanted his painted as well. He sat sooooooo still for me as I painted some panther paw prints across his face! :O) We saw Eden's teacher with her family as well as a friend of my mom's and my friend, Amy with her husband and kiddos! It was a fun time! I enjoy learning about football from Ed and I feel like I can ask him as many dumb questions as I want to!!! :O) Thanks, Babe! It was such a fun afternoon!

Stacy's Movie Corner

2009-10-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 2009 - "Julie & Julia"

Some of us ladies from church (Susie, Diana, Jean, Meghan, Krista and I) went to the late night showing of this movie and I have to say that I was very surprised at how FUNNY it was! I really didn't care to see it, but of the two we could see I thought this one would be better so we all decided to go to this one. Susie had seen it and enjoyed it.

I thought we all needed to run out and get a set of pearls to wear when we are together again! HA! It was a really good movie! When the movie let out around midnight all of us were quoting it and doing Julia's signature head bobble and laugh! We soooooo needed a Girl's Night Out! :O) Too bad when Ed goes to 2nd shift... I'll miss out on the fun!

TWO THUMBS UP...

"Maybe HE's Born With It... Maybe It's Maybelline!"

2009-10-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Bear letting Lulu apply some make up to his cheeks!

Bear and Lulu

"Pretty in Pink!"

Jaren 'the tongue' Palmer

Lulu's own application!

"Hi-O Silver... A-WAY!!!"

2009-10-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

I love how many faces Jaren makes... This one is a favorite pose with his tongue sticking out! :O)

Gotta love that smile and those dimples!

Little Toady

2009-10-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

September 14 - Today Meg, Krista and I took our kiddos to George Wyth to let them play. We packed lunches and let them go to town on the playground equipment. I even found a little toad by the drinking fountain. The kids LOVED it! We had fun letting him go... "Bye Toad!" :O)

Messy Magoo

Little friends (Tui, Kael & Jaren)

The Birdie! This is especially for you, Gram!!!

The kids LOVED looking at the little toad we found, especially Kate! I think she wanted to take him home with her!

Up close and personal...

Fishing with the Cub Scouts

2009-10-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

September 8th - Tonight for Cub Scouts we went fishing! I hadn't been fishing in over 20 years, so it was fun to catch some fish! I had to refresh my memory on how to take the fish off the hook, but after the first time, it all came back to me! :O) It was sooooo much fun!

The Scouts

Picking out a pole.

Oliver and his fish!

Oliver

Getting a new hook on the line.

My first fishing excursion in YEARS!!!

I can't believe that I could do this with my severe gag reflex!

Ollie and Bishop Jolley

Cameron & Zack

This is my favorite picture of Ed! This was the FIRST fish Ed ever caught!!! So proud!!

Labor Day BBQ with Ed's Co-workers

2009-10-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

We were invited to a BBQ with some of Ed's co-workers from John Deere for Labor Day and had a really fun time! It was probably the last get-together with them since Ed will be getting different position soon. It's been fun getting to know them and we'll have to still go out with some of them every once in a while! Thanks, Melissa!!!

Joshlin & Jaren. Sweet legs there, Bear! We took off his pants since it was really hot out that day!

Cutie girl! She is so dang cute and LOVES Dora!

Abby and her little man, Jett. What a doll!

Jaren and Eden playing on the hammock.

Eden holding Jett. She's such a little mommy!

Joshlin and Jaren playin'.

Oliver displaying Jett for all to see! HA!

Two cutie boys, Jett & Jathan!

Joshlyn kept sitting with Melissa... too cute!

Jaren as a puppy dog...

Jaren petting the cute doggy... Thank goodness for Benedryl!

I LOVE this picture! I can envision a cape on Jaren... Doesn't he look like a superhero!?! HA!

Hickory Hills Picnic with Takoda

2009-10-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

Jaren's diaper sliding down his leg!!

Good friends, Takoda & Ollie

Papa & Bear

Pickled Picasso

2009-10-02T20:28:00.001-07:00

This is what I saw when I took my eyes off of Jaren for two seconds...

We were coloring pictures at the kitchen table and this is what I saw when I looked up! He gave himself a green goatee... TOO FUNNY! I love that sweet little smile of his!!!

FHE - Modeling Clay Fun

2009-10-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Oliver got some cool modeling clay for his birthday that he said we all could use for this week's Family Home Evening activity! It was a fun and creative night for all of us! :O)

Jaren modeling some of brother's handiwork!

Eden and all of her creations!

Wacky boy!

Oliver made his mommy a necklace with his share of the clay! How sweet is that?!

Concentrate! Making some beads for Oliver.

Spider-man magnet I made for the fridge.

Ed working on his crafts!

Here are Ed's finished works of art. :O)

Wild Goose... Eer... Parakeet Chase

2009-10-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

I let Jeo out of his cage for the first time earlier this month and then I was like... "Oh, crap...". Luckily I read that they will get hungry and fly back into their cage, so I waited... he flew... I waited... he swooped... I waited for a few more hours and finally we coaxed him back into his cage! It really wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I read that if you want a happy bird, you should let them out often for them to get exercise!

Ollie was excited to see Jeo out of his cage when he got home from school.

We've had him for a month now, but he's still fairly skittish when we put our hands by the cage. He'll need more time to adjust I suppose. I am very proud of Jaren. He never yells at the bird or shakes his cage. For a 2-year-old... that is almost unheard of! :O) I hope he lets me hold him sometime soon...

A Little Time With the Horsies

2009-10-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

We occasionally go to a park out in the country a little ways and Jaren LOVES visiting the horsies before we leave!

Here is a cute video of Jaren making his animal noises... I LOVE the kitty!!! HA!

August 29 & 30 - Family Reunion in Clinton

2009-10-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

The last weekend in August is always our "Ewing/Thompson Family Reunion" on my grandmother's side. We meet up for a potluck lunch at Eagle Point Park and chat for several hours. I've enjoyed going the last few years with my own little family.

A view we've seen many times over the years! Driving into Clinton. We knew we were close to Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Bear kicking the ball to Katie's goddaughter.

One of Katie's goddaughters and Oliver.

Eden

I LOVE this picture!

Jaren with a chip on his head.

"Look at the crazy lady, kids...."

Our shelter for the past two years.

Kent, Peter and Gramps

Jaren just did something funny!

Katie, Me, Jaren and Oliver

Eden, Jaren and Oliver by the shelter overlooking the Mississippi River.

Sweet little Jare Bear

Oliver

The Mighty Mississippi

Ed and Eden

The Gang

Bob and Nancy Ewing

Grandma and Jaren

Eden, Oliver, Ed and Jaren above the waterfall.

Oliver - age 8

Eden - age 6

Jaren - age 2

Silly Jaren

ME - age 30... :O)

The kids playing in the water.

Kyle's little boy and Jaren

Peter, Dani, Marcella & Francesca

Kyle and Rebecca

UNTIL NEXT AUGUST...

August - Girl's Night Out

2009-09-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

*DINNER - Old Chicago*

Meg and I split a YUMTASTIC chicken salad... and had mozzarella sticks... SOOOO GOOD!!! We were STUFFED, but it was soooooo worth it!

Silara & Jenelle

Meg, Me and Mara

*DILLY DALLYING AT THE MALL*

I got yelled at in Claire's for taking this picture of Mara... SAY WHAT?!?!

Relaxing in the hallway furniture... aaahhh...

*DESSERT - Village Inn*

Silly girls...

The Girls - Silara, Mara, Me, Meg, Krista & Jenelle

Jazz hands! I love Jenelle's face in this picture! HA!

Belly Bumpin' Babes

The Foot Flower! WOW... I need some sun and a new polish job!! Yowza!

I WANT girl's nights... I NEED girl's nights... I LOVE girl's nights...

August 22 - Back-to-School BBQ

2009-09-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

The Heinz family invited us to a fun Back-to-School BBQ a few days after school started! It was a blast, too bad Ed had to work that night so we couldn't stay for the whole thing!

Ed playing football with the kids. I love Nick's face in this picture! Too cute!

The girlies, McKenzie and Eden.

Jaren trying to do gymnastics after watching some of the girls do their flips!

Love this picture of Ollie and Tyler. Too bad it LOOKS like he's getting kneed in the nuggets... HA!

"Birds of a Feather...."

2009-09-10T07:07:00.001-07:00

Saturday, August 22, 2009 - Today we decided to welcome a new member into our family... a parakeet! Ed's co-worker, Josh, gave us an old cage with all the bells and whistles so we all went to the petstore to choose our new friend. We didn't know that they were having a sale on birds and bird accessories... so he was 50% off!!! I love sweet surprises! The kids had fun looking at all the animals there as well!

Oliver playing with the cute puppies outside the store.

Eden playing with the wild kittens!!

Ollie and Bear looking at the kittens.

There his is... Miss A-mer-i-ca.......... I mean... our future parakeet.

"Are You Plottin' On Me... Boy?!?" I just thought this was hilarious! It looks like he's busy scheming.....

He shall be called.... JEO. We took the first letter of each child's name... Jaren, Eden and Oliver and it fits him perfectly!!! I love this picture because it looks like he's laughing!!!

WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY, JEO!!!!!!

"Four Household Chores to Avoid During Pregnancy"

2009-08-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is from the experts at Babycenter.com........ ;o)

**Here are four household chores to avoid during pregnancy:
-Moving furniture
-Change the kitty litter box
-Using ant or roach spray
-Refinishing furniture

Okay... WHY are these all chores that I NEVER DO???

Maxine Moments...

2009-08-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this cartoon!!! :O)

Creator Of Maxine <http://pressroom.hallmark.com/Multimedia/Item/John-Wagner>http://pressroom.hallmark.com/Multimedia/Item/John-Wagner John Wagner, Hallmark artist since 1970, says Maxine was inspired by his mother, his maiden aunts and his grandmother, the woman who bought him art lessons when 'fill in the pumpkins' was about the extent of his art classes at St. John's Catholic School in Leonia N.J.

John remembers doodling as a preschooler and says both his grandmother and his mother encouraged his artistic interests. He eventually attended the Vesper George School of Art in Boston and landed at Hallmark as part of a new artists group. But it was the birth of the humorous Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) in 1986 that added a new dimension to John's professional life. The Shoebox way of seeing the world unleashed his talents and he created Maxine. 'Cartoonists are sensitive to the insanities of the world; we just try to humanize them,' John says. 'If Maxine can get a laugh out of someone who feels lonely or someone who is getting older and hates the thought of another birthday, or if she can make someone chuckle about stressful interpersonal relationships, then I'm happy. Putting a smile on someone's face is what it's all about.'

Those smiles have led to Maxine's becoming a bit of a celebrity. She (and John) have been the subject of media stories, including People, USA Today, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, St. Petersburg (FL) Times, and Las Vegas Journal-Review, and they have been included in a major Associated Press story. Collector and trade publications have reported fans nationwide are collecting Maxine items. Letters from consumers and fans to John and Maxine reveal a very personal connection to Maxine. Many people say they are just like her.

Why the name 'Maxine'? 'People at Shoebox started referring to the character as 'John Wagner's old lady,' and I knew that would get me into trouble with my wife,' John says. The Shoebox team had a contest among themselves to name the character and three of the approximately 30 entries suggested 'Maxine'. John says the name is perfect. John, who says he's humbled by such acceptance of Maxine, admits he's proud of her. Now you know the story of how Maxine came to be.

First Day of School - August 2009

2009-08-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 20, 2009 -

Bear, Brother & Sissy

Eden - 1st Grade

Oliver - 3rd Grade

Eden's New Accessory

2009-08-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

As you can see, Eden is sporting some new glasses! She was complaining at the end of last year about not being able to see things clearly so this summer, we went to the eye doctor and now she's got her first pair of spectacles! She LOVES them! So... at the end of Kindergarten she got her glasses and I was in the third grade! I also tried my hand at cutting her hair at the beginning of the summer and it ended up pretty short, but cute just the same! What a cutie girl! :O)

GAME 6 - Tar Heels

2009-08-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

*Tuesday, 18 August - GAME 6 - West Exchange - Eden's Final T-ball game of the season! Tar Heels (light blue) vs. (royal blue)

Eden running to third.

Eden stopping the ball.

I love watching Eden throw the ball! HA!

Jaren

Haylie and Eden

Eden and her coach, Holly.

Jare Bear and sissy, Edes
Eden played against her friend, Jaida, from school tonight!

Eden at bat and fielding the ball......

Oliver's FIRST night at Cub Scouts

2009-08-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

18 August - Cub Scout Pack Meeting - Oliver's very first night!

Cubmaster Jeremy Jolley introducing Oliver to his fellow scouts.

Oliver's first color guard.

A fun game we played after the meeting.

At first he didn't want to go, but I told him that I KNEW he would love it if he went... and he did! Mother certainly DOES know best! ;o)

Arboretum with Jaylyn & Jacob

2009-08-21T18:27:00.001-07:00

My good friend Andrea needed a sitter for her kids for the day while she was at work so I happily said we'd love to have them come and play! We went to McDonald's and to the Arboretum where Jaylyn and Jacob had never been! They had a ball! I got some cute pics of them playing as well! I LOVE all of the gorgeous flowers in bloom out there!!! Afterwards, we went to Sonic for some slushies! What a fun day with friends!

A MUCH NEEDED... Haircut!

2009-08-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

As you can see from previous posts... my hair has gotten very unruly as of late! Bye, bye Willy Wonka hair! :O)

Oliver's 8th Birthday Party... FINALLY...

2009-08-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

17 August - Cadillac Lanes bowling party for Oliver's 8th birthday! He was baptized and we celebrated his actual birthday with family and promised him he'd get his party sooner or later. Well... it was way later... after his birthday, I'd hurt my back again and so it kept getting postponed until today! He invited some of his friends to celebrate by going bowling! :O)

Oliver has great form... as you can see... as well as some pretty kickin' highwaters! HA!

Love this pic of Bear!!! It was his very first time bowling!

Oliver's victory... um... squat...?! ;o)

Me and my lover man!

Jaren and Tyler

Edes

Oliver

Takoda and Oliver

Eden, Samantha, Takoda, Oliver

Group shot... minus Tyler C., Nick H. & Porter E. *We wish they could have been there!*

Silly group shot!

What a character! Happy Birthday, AGAIN, Bubba!!! :O)

Oliver's bowling acrobatics... more like breakdancing...

Jaren's "Cool Walk"

A MUCH NEEDED Ladies Campout!

2009-08-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

14 & 15 August, 2009 - Holiday Lake Ladie's Campout

I had the chance to get together with some fun ladies from church for a much needed ladie's overnight campout at Diana's cabin. It was a BLAST!!! Thanks, Diana!!!

Meg, Krista and I in the van before heading down to the cabin!

The cabin and 'the little engine that almost couldn't'........ ;o)

Krista wedging herself into the floatie!!! HA!

Hey... I'm Elliot from "Open Season"!!!

The gals headin' down to the lake for a swim!

It was heaven to just lay on my raft and float for several hours chatting about 'gardening'...

We went for an evening ride on the golf cart and swam a little more. It looks like I'm sliding off the back!

Nice view of the beach and the lake from our golf cart ride.

"That's a NICE hill........"

Susie and Diana sitting by the fire. We all stayed up until 2:30 am and then headed in to bed. Meg, Susie, Krista and I were still really giggly and just could not sleep so we went outside and gabbed by the fire until 4:30!! TOO FUN!!! I love those ladies!

I LOVE this pic of Krista... exhaling... HA HA!

Too much smoke! I guess I'm just too sexy! Because ya know... smoke follows the sexy ladies... ;o)

Meg walked in and found me doing my physical therapy exercises... my cat stretch to be exact! Look at my HAIR! I look like Willy Wonka!!! Frizzle Fry!

Our group picture before most ladies left for home. Krista, Charity, Diana, Jamie, Niki, Susie, Katie, Me and Meg. What a fun group!

Mormon moms gone WILD!!! ;o) HA!

After most ladies left, Susie, Diana, Meg and myself ventured out for a swim. Although it was slightly overcast, the lake was very busy! I felt sick floating on my raft with all the waves, so we went ashore and laid on the beach for a bit. Here is Diana on her 'ramiumptum'.... ;o)

Susie and Meg

I soooooooooo needed a girl's trip, but it really could have been a tad longer! ;o) We all had so much fun! This needs to be a tradition... The 'Mom's Gone Wild Campout'!!!

GAME 4 - Tar Heels T-ball

2009-08-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

*Tuesday, 11 August 2009 - South Annex - Tar Heels vs. ummmm... the orange team! ;o) My good friend Meghan and her little girl, Bella came to watch Eden play tonight as well! Thanks, Meg!!!

The Lineup

Yeah... Jaren's pants were a tad too big...

SASSafras.........

I LOVE this sweet picture of Edes!!!

Eden playing first base.

There were two coaches outside of the diamond watching the game and Bear kept pulling his shades down as if to say.... "Ladies.............................." then putting them back on! He did this about ten times to them! Too funny!

Bella girl! Look at that sweet face! :O)

Oliver doing some sweet dance moves for Bella!!! HA!

Eden and her teammate, Megan.

Bella and Ollie

Bella and Eden

"I'm BATMAN!!!"

2009-08-12T20:15:00.003-07:00

Jaren just LOVES Batman... if you couldn't tell.................

"I'm BATMAN!"

Arboretum

2009-08-12T20:15:00.001-07:00

I took the kiddos out to the Arboretum near Hawkeye Community College today and it was gorgeous out there with the flowers in full bloom!!! We met some friends out there and my friend took a few pictures for me as well. We'll have to go out again for better pics since the sun was directly overhead!

Old Crayons - New Crayons

2009-08-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

STEP 1 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees while peeling paper off of old crayons. I used a butter knife to score down the center of the crayon which made it easier to peel off.

STEP 2 - Break crayons into small pieces and place into mini muffin tin.

STEP 3 - Place into oven for 4-5 minutes, until soupy.

STEP 4 - Using a hotpad, take out muffin tin and place onto small cookie sheet. Optional: By using a toothpick you can create swirling patterns on top.

STEP 5 - Place cookie sheet into freezer for 30 minutes.

STEP 6 - Cover tin with towel and turn over onto counter to keep the new crayons from breaking in two.

STEP 7 - ENJOY!!! :O)

Bear - 26 months

2009-08-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

Cub Scouts and Fishin' with Uncle Bryan

2009-08-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well, since Oliver is officially 8 years old, he's now ready to begin the Cub Scouting program! He will start on the Wolf Trail and have a year to earn his patch! He's very excited to begin this new adventure.

One of the electives in the book, is about fishing, which he LOVES to do, but doesn't get to go very often. My brother, Bryan, was visiting for the week from Chicago and so they planned an afternoon of fishing on Saturday. They were going to get up at 8 am and go, but it was raining out, Oliver had gotten up and was pretty bummed that they weren't going. Bry said that if it cleared up, they'd still go before he left to go back home to Chicago. It cleared up outside and Oliver looked out the window and yelled, "It cleared up! We can go! We can go!!". As you can tell, he was VERY excited to go with his Uncle Bryan! He picked him up at about 11 am and went to George Wyth State Park for a few hours. Oliver came home and told me that he caught eight bluegills! SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!! A few days before, Bry had gone trout fishing and had some in the fridge, so that day mom fried it up and Oliver tried trout for the first time. My mom said that she didn't think he liked it as he only ate three little pieces! When he got home he informed me that it tasted like chicken! HA!

He LOVES spending time with his uncles! He told Grandma Palmer today that he loves his Uncle Bryan because he takes him fishing and he gets lucky because he actually catches some fish when he goes with him! He loves his Uncle Chad because he plays video games with him and he likes action figures! I think it brings both of them back to their childhoods and they love to share that with Oliver! HE LOVES IT!!! :O)

It's a.................................

2009-08-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

We had my ultrasound appointment on Thursday, August 6th, and wanted to find out what we are having since I've given ALL of my baby clothes away. I figured that it was still garage sale season so I could find some good deals on infant clothing! :O)

I thought it would be fun to have all the kids come and see the baby on the screen! I think Oliver has found his niche and will most likely be an ultrasound technician when he grows up! Even before the tech could tell us what we were seeing, Oliver jumped in and told us while pointing to the corresponding parts on the screen!!! I could tell the kids were very excited! She looked around and we some some cute pictures of the bottom of the feet and arms and legs and whatnot. We even got to see the baby in 3-D, 4-D... the first one I've ever had seen in 4-D!!!

We told her we wanted to find out the sex of the baby and she said that we were having a boy! I looked at Eden and immediately the tears started to flow. She sooooooo wanted a little sister! She even told my mom that she'd move in with her if it was another brother! I felt so bad for her, but tried to tell her that she will be our only girl and so she will be special! She'll have 3 brothers to take care of her when she's older! She didn't buy it...

Afterwards we met with a different doctor to discuss medications, the ultrasound and heartbeat. She said that everything looked great and that we were still using the December 14th date for the due date. The heartbeat was steady at 140, the same as last time, and he was weighing a little over a pound! :O) Now on to the difficult task of choosing a name.........

BACK ATTACK!

2009-08-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'd hurt my back over 10 years ago and so I'm used to dealing with chronic back pain on a daily basis, however, I occasionally go through some 'episodes' of horrific pain that usually lasts a day or two at most. Well, this time, I've been dealing with it for over 3 weeks now.

I went out to eat with my mom and her teacher friends at Barn Happy, a cute eating place in an old hog barn that serves soups and sandwiches, and then we did some window shopping for about an hour on the Main Street parkade in Cedar Falls. That night I just KNEW I would be in terrible pain the next day... and I was right. I couldn't even walk! My mom took Oliver and Eden for me for a few days and Janine, my MIL, took Jaren for me while Ed was at work. I couldn't fix them lunch, play with them, turn on a video... heck, I could hardly get myself to the restroom. I called my chiropractor, but forgot that he was on vacation, but luckily he'd be back the next day!

So, the next day wasn't any better. Luckily I still had a walker from my surgery that I've been borrowing so Eden rolled that to me and I used that for a bit. I saw my chiropractor and he said that it was probably 'sciatica... the nasty of nasties', since I was in horrible pain. I have the majority of pain in my lower right side and tingling in my toes on my right foot. Since then, my entire back has been sore and painful because it all connects and overcompensates for the area that is really stressing out! I haven't been able to medicate myself since I'm preggo and so all I've been doing is icing the crap out of it. I've seen my chiro several more times and cried in his office simply because I just don't know what to do. Nothing seems to be working and he then said that it may be a herniated disc, but we couldn't tell because I can't have any MRI's or CT scans at the moment. I pretty much just have to live with it until I have this baby. ARGH!!!

So... it's been over three weeks now, a few days of not being able to move (I mean... it hurt to BREATHE for Pete's sake!!!) and the rest just in horrible pain, severely limiting my activities. I called my OB and said that I just can't take this pain and inability to take care of myself and my three kids, so she prescribed me some hydrocodone and set up an appointment to see a Physical Therapist. The first time I took the meds... it was heaven sent! The second time didn't even touch the pain......... what am I gonna do with myself!?! It's only going to get worse the bigger I get!

August 3rd was my first PT appointment and my PT showed me some stretches that I can do and that Ed can help me with. I'm hoping that this as well as my chiropractor visits will help me cope with this pain as much as possible. I'm PRAYING it does!!! My PT said that my ligaments are relaxing and that my hips are totally out of line because the ligaments aren't doing their job and holding the bones in place. It's common amongst pregnant women, but she said mine is worse because of my history of back pain and that I have had this for so long that my body just kind of gets used to its new position. I guess I'm just a crooked woman... I pray that this all helps. As I'm typing this... I'm in horrible pain all across my lower back. I only want to take my meds when I absolutely need them. I'm thinking I need them right about now. YIKES!

GAME 1 & 2 - Eden's T-ball

2009-08-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

*GAME 1 - Tuesday, August 4th - She played in her first game against the Gators (orange shirts). I realized that Oliver never played actual T-Ball. I guess he played coach pitch T-Ball which is a bit different. I took Haylie, who plays on Eden's team, as well as her sister, Sydney and Oliver. Jaren wasn't feeling well and didn't have a nap, so Ed stayed home with him. They only played two innings, with each and every child getting to hit and run the bases. It was so cute to watch all the kids up to bat and some didn't know when to run or where to throw it when they got it! Eden did really well! I lost my camera, so I don't have any pictures of it. :o(

*GAME 2 - Thursday, August 6th - Ed came with Jaren, Oliver and I to Eden's game tonight at East Exchange field at Exchange park. Bry was also visiting from Chicago, so he and mom came as well to watch. We got a kick out of the team she was playing (purple shirts). Whenever the ball was hit and where ever the ball went, EVERY kid ran to get it! It was HILARIOUS! Eden did well batting and even better at fielding the ball! We talked to her about hustling to get the ball if it was near her and she did GREAT tonight! She got several balls and threw them in! Again... no camera... so no pictures, but she DID get her professional group and solo pictures back so I'll have to post them!

Dancin' Fools

2009-08-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

My kids LOVE to dance, especially to their KIDZ BOP CD's... as you can see in the following video!

"Poker Face" and Jaren's Colors...

2009-08-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here is my 2 year old singing, "Poker Face". We only hear it in the car! Too funny!

This is the same night as "Poker Face" I LOVE hearing him say his colors. I especially love it when he goes off on his own... you'll see what I mean!!! :O)

Kid Quotes

2009-08-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

OLIVER - "Hey, I can forgive... I'm a Cub Scout guy now!"

EDEN - "Don't you take MY name in vain!!!"

EDEN - "How do dogs get married anyways...???" We were talking about Ed's parents dog, Rosie, and how she had several puppies... I guess they need to marry before they reproduce! ;o)

Eden's First Night of T-ball

2009-08-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 28 - Since Eden missed her first practice (she fell off some bleachers at Oliver's final baseball game and Ed took her to see a doctor) this was her first night of practice! Her team are the Tar Heels and they were a light blue T-shirt! My good friend is from North Carolina originally and so it was fun to tell her about Eden's team!

She was very excited! It was so funny watching her just stand around and let everyone else get the ball. I must say... she really had no choice since everyone seemed to run for the ball! Of course it is mostly 4 year olds! She's one of the oldest on her team even though it's her very first year playing!

Eden waiting for the ball!

Eden practicing her batting stance!

She's got some good swings! :O)

Fun With Sidewalk Chalk!

2009-08-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Jaren Quote

2009-08-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a conversation Ed had with Jaren aka: Batman.

Ed: "Jaren, can I change your diaper?"
Jaren: "No. Batman."
Ed: "Jaren, can I change your diaper?"
Jaren: "No. Batman."

Ed, looking at Jaren with a batman mask on, finally realized what Jaren meant in his 2 year old way...

Ed: "Batman, can I change your diaper?"
Jaren: "... 'Kay..."

MERMAID or WHALE???

2009-08-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this story!!!!!!!! :O) ENJOY!

Recently, in large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin, and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said:¨THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?¨A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym. Following is her response.

To Whom It May Concern: Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans).. They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Barren Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids don’t exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them not to mention how could they have sex? Therefore they don’t have kids either. Not to mention who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store? The choice is perfectly clear to me; I want to be a whale.

P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver and a piece of chocolate with my friends. With time we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, ¨Goodness, look how smart I am…¨

23 JULY - Oliver's Silver Bracket Tournament Game

2009-08-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

23 JULY - Silver Bracket Tournament Game - Game 3 - Braves (L - 6) vs. White Sox (W-8)
This was their final game of the tournament. They were down 2 to tie and 3 to win with the bases loaded and the batter struck out. They did so well and had fun which is all that mattered! Oliver had a "sweet, sweet grounder" right to the third baseman, but he kept on running and made it! They played the White Sox and beat them in their very first game of the regular season, but the White Sox came back and won by 2 this time around! Ollie's team did really well seeing as they were most likely the youngest team in the league! Only 4 players returned and the rest of the boys were all new to the league! WAY TO GO BRAVES!!! Hopefully they will be able to be on the same team together next year! Thanks to everyone who came to Ollie's games to help cheer him on! I think Grandpa Palmer game to almost every single game! Thanks for everything!!! I'm so glad that he was able to play something that he truly LOVES to play!

Ed was able to get back from his business trip early and was able to see the last few innings! Eden was supposed to be starting T-Ball after Oliver's final game, but had a nasty spill off the bleachers, landing on her head on the cement. Just to be safe, Ed took her to Urgent Care to make sure that she didn't have a concussion! The nurse who saw her actually had a daughter who is on the same team as Eden! How weird is THAT?!? Needless to say, she missed her first practice, but I got her shirt, cap and schedule and told her coach what had happened.

Ollie's base hit to third!

Ollie at first base, ready to run!

Jaren playing with his men at the game!!! Hehehe

Jaren wearing Papa's glasses!

Ollie taking some practice swings.

Jaren playing "Peek-a-boo" with Jordan, Ollie's teammate, by the dugout.

You can see how much taller the White Sox are than our boys!

Receiving their medals.

BRAVES (Ollie is on the far left!)

Ollie holding up his medal! Way to go, Oliver!

Their final huddle!

PIG PILE!!!

Coach Doug is the 'King of the Pig Pile'!!!

Papa checking out Oliver's medal.

Coaches Doug, Shawn and Scott with Oliver.

Anthony and Oliver, the two shorties of the team! ;o)

After Oliver's game, when Ed and Eden got home from the hospital, we went to eat a celebratory dinner at La Chapala. There was even a boy that played for the Cardinals eating there as well!!! Ollie was so proud of his medal! I don't think he took it off for the next three days!!! HAHAHA!

Eden being goofy! Ollie took this picture!

Jaren being a silly willy! :O)

Ollie's coaches want to have a Post Season Party and go bowling with the team! We are still waiting for a call for when it is going to be! I'm sure Ollie with have a ball!!! :O)

Regular Season Standings *** BRAVES 3 Wins - 5 Losses - 3 Ties

Tournament Results:

1st Place
CUBS
2nd Place
NATIONALS
3rd Place
METS
4th Place
RED SOX
1st Silver Pool
WHITE SOX
*2nd Silver Pool
BRAVES
1st Bronze Pool
MARLINS
2nd Bronze Pool
ANGELS

JULY - Oliver's Baseball Tournament - Games 1 & 2

2009-08-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY, JULY 21st - GAME 1 - Braves (W) vs. Cardinals (L) - Oliver scored the only run by being hit in!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22nd - GAME 2 - Braves (W) vs. Athletics (L) - Since they won, they got to move on to play in the Silver Bracket Tournament Game!!! Unfortunately Ed was on a business trip to Wisconsin and missed their BEST GAME of the whole season!!! They ALL did so well! There were several different boys who caught balls that never had before, their throwing was spot on and many of them made contact with the ball and got base hits!!! Oliver never got a hit until the last few games of the season and he did FANTASTIC during the tournament! He got two hits in this game! He's a fast little runner! I LOVED watching him play this year! This game was by far the most exciting one to watch! GOOD JOB, OLIVER!!!

Oliver in the outfield. He usually played outfield, shortstop and third base! He really wants to try and pitch and catch next year. There is a pitching and catching clinic sometime in April so maybe we'll sign him up for that! He just LOVES playin' ball!

View from the outfield.

Jaren sitting by Uncle Chad, cheering for Ollie!

Ollie at bat! Good ol' #16!!! My little lefty!

Ollie seemed to always bring up the rear when they lined up to say, "Good game"!!!

"Who are we? BRAVES!!!"

PIG PILE on the COACHES!!!

One of the mom's made some cute baseball cupcakes! I was going to do the same thing for Oliver's birthday since he was supposed to have practice that day, but they ended up not having it! Maybe I'll still try it for his actual birthday party... which seems to be getting pushed further and further back. We are a busy bunch this summer... what can I say?!?!

Uncle Chad made it to one of Oliver's games! He was lucky enough to see the best game of the whole season!!! :O) The kiddos certainly love their Uncle Chaddie!!!

This was Oliver's best hit of the whole season! It was a line drive past third and into the outfield!!! I love to watch his little legs go when he runs! He also is always holding his helmet when he runs! TOO FUNNY!!!

JULY - Jaren

2009-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Jaren and Eden's favorite part of watching Oliver play baseball... playing in the dirt!!!

I took the kiddos to Chuck E. Cheese to play games with some friends. This stance looks a lot like me nowadays!

Bear LOVES horsies!!!

Eden's life-sized doll. She said his new name is, Gracie.

Too cool for school...........

This is a common sight at our house.

HILARIOUS!!! :O)

2009-07-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

One day, I was alone in the living room, when suddenly Jaren came down from upstairs with a note WRITTEN on his white undershirt by Oliver...

Translation: "Hey Mom, I've got a poopy diaper."

I don't know when I've ever laughed sooooooooooooooo hard!!!

13 JULY - BBQ with Friends and Former Missionaries

2009-07-30T18:20:00.001-07:00

We were able to get together with some former Elders who served here in Waterloo over 4 years ago! Ed was the Ward Mission Leader and I was a Ward Missionary at church at the time so we really got to know these guys! We got a BBQ set up and invited some other families from the ward to come and visit with them! It was a blast! Too bad they couldn't stay here in town longer, but they had many other towns and families to visit! We hope they had a fun time visiting good ol' Waterloo again!!!

Ed, Newbold and Perkins

Eden and Oliver

Cullan and Grace

Chris Hair playing football with Kael!

Who needs a plate? OR... a fork for that matter?!? ;o)

Ed and Briea

Eden showing Josh her lightning bug.

Eden catching lightning bugs with her favorite Elder, Andrew Perkins.

Andy and Jaren

Too funny... these kids just walked off with some of our chips! What the.......???

Newbold, Perkins, Hair and Oliver

With the Gillespies...

With us...

11 JULY - Oliver's Birthday and Baptism!!!

2009-07-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

OLIVER'S BAPTISM - Well, we've waited 8 years for this day and it finally arrived! I remember when Ollie was younger he was so nervous to be dunked under the water! Ed practiced with him at the pool one night and he seemed to do fine with it!

He designed his own program cover with a picture of Ed baptising him. I'll have to scan it and include it on here! It started at 11 am, the morning of his actual birthday! We were very excited that he could be baptised on his birthday! It will definitely be easier to remember when his baptism day was!

Opening Song: "Come, Follow Me"
Opening Prayer: Janine Palmer, Grandmother
Talk on Baptism: Bishop Andy Jolley
Ordinance of Baptism performed by: Edward Palmer, Father
Talk on the Holy Ghost: David Palmer, Grandfather
Confirmation of the Gift of the Holy Ghost by: Edward Palmer, Father (David Palmer, Bishop Jolley, Garran Gillespie, Elder Thomas & Elder Gillespie)
Closing Song: "Teach Me to Walk in the Light"
Closing Prayer: Meghan Gillespie

Oliver

Ollie, Ed, Jaren

Our Family

Me and Ollie

Ollie and Grandma Young

Oliver, Eden and Jaren.

Grandma Palmer, Oliver, Grandpa Palmer

The Nais

The Jolleys

Oliver with Bishop Andy Jolley

Oliver and his Primary President, Sister Julie Jolley.

The Gillespies

Cutie Briea in her new sungoggles!!!

Sydney and Ollie

Mom, Ollie and Me

Haylie, Sydney, Ollie, Cullan and Kael... GOOFY KIDS!!!

Goofy boys!

Eden and Haylie

***THANKS to EVERYONE who helped with Oliver's baptism and who attended his very special day!!!

OLIVER'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION -

After Oliver's baptism we went back to Ed's parent's house for lunch and further birthday celebrations! Ollie opened some presents after lunch, blew out his candles and made his birthday wish. We then went to see the movie "UP" in the theater! After that, we headed to our local DQ for some tasty frozen goodness!!! It was a fun day for everyone, especially my little man, Ollie!

Ollie got lots of new books to read for his birthday!

"Go, web, GO!!!"

Jaren kickin' up his feet during lunch!!!

Making a wish........

Jaren

Jaren was OUT!!! Too dang cute!

Oliver decided to climb the DQ sign... my little monkey man!

4th of JULY - Shellrock Parade and BBQ at G & G Palmer's

2009-07-28T12:48:00.001-07:00

3 JULY - Picnic and Ball Practice

2009-07-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

This was the FIRST three day weekend that Ed didn't have to work at either job so we were excited to spend the day with Papa!!! Grandma Young came to play as well!

Ollie and Papa

Eden pitching to Ollie. She'll start T-Ball this year at the end of the month!

Waiting for a grounder.

Love this pic of Bear and Edes.

This picture makes me laugh!

Grandma making a flower ring for Eden.

Oops... I think someone's shorts are a little too big!!! ;o)

2 JULY - Braves VS. Athletics

2009-07-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

Oliver had a game tonight vs. the Athletics. Mom came as well as Meg and Cullan. Cullan LOVES playing baseball as well!

Sweet shades, Bear!

Jaren eyeballing Cullan.

Eden and Jaren playing catch.

Papa and Bear

Oliver up to bat.

Oliver in the dugout.

Either Cullan is in awe or is exceedingly bored!! ;o) hehehe

22 JUNE - Jaren's 2nd Birthday!!!

2009-07-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Bear's 2nd Birthday by going to McDonald's for dinner and playing games at Chuck E. Cheese. Some of our friends came to celebrate with us as well!

Jaren and Eden

Garran and Ed takin' care of business!

Jaren taking it easy on the Ski-Ball game.

Ed shootin' some hoops.

Eden and Ollie

Porter, Jaren, Cullan and Ollie

Little Lulu

Bear with one of his gifts.

Hannah, Anne and Eden

Jaren racing his car. He LOVES cars!

Jaren in his party hat.

Pick a card... any card... pick a card...

JUNE - Primary Activity - Carnival

2009-07-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Elder Gillespie and Elder Thomas helping with the Primary Carnival out at the Jolley's house!

Eden at the Ball Toss.

Water Balloon Toss

Messy ladies after the cool whip eating contest.

Eden trying her hand at a double egg race.

"Hugs for the Hugless"

Love this pic of Eden and her rainbow face. Look at those freckles!!! :O)

Junior Primary Tug of War!

Hot Dog, chips and juice for lunch... YUM!!!

19 JUNE - Iowa City Visit - Allergy and Pulmonary

2009-07-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 18, 2009 - Iowa City Ronald McDonald House

We made reservations to stay here overnight for $20 since Jaren's appointment was first thing in the morning. Ed said, "I wonder if the Hamburglar will be jealous that I'm spending the night with Ronald tonight..." Hehehe

So, here is where we stayed for the night. Unfortunately Jaren does not sleep anywhere, but his crib so it was a LONG night for Ed! He was exhausted the next day, poor Papa!

Some different views of the room we stayed in. Since they don't have housekeepers, we were in charge of cleaning our rooms before we left for Jaren's appointment.

Jaren and I playing a little game they had there.

LOVE this pic!!! He's such a ham!

Friday, June 19, 2009 - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics - Allergy and Pulmonary Visit - Skin Poke Test

Room 19... here we stayed in a TINY room for over 4 hours!!! Thankfully they brought in a TV and DVD's for the kids. They also had some toys for Bear to play with while he waited for his results.

They tested him for 46 different things, on his back and his arms, poor guy! If a hive formed, they measured how large it was and they also measured how large the red blotch surrounding the hive was. This tells us how severe the allergy is. As you can see in this photo, his allergy to cats and dogs is pretty bad.

They mark with a pen on his back to tell them what allergen was placed there. They place a drop of each allergen that is being tested on the skin and prick it so the allergen can enter the skin. If a hive forms, it's most likely an allergy. Not a test that I like to see my kids have to undergo! I took Oliver by myself at 18 months old and he SCREAMED for 20 minutes while I had to physically restrain him. I MADE Ed come this time and Jaren was mellow as can be! The kids didn't want to stay in the room to hear him cry so we walked a little ways to see my favorite nurse, Perla, who took care of me during my stay for my parathyroidectomy in January.

Here were the positive results: Cats & Dogs, Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Wheat (barely visible... Ed doesn't think there was even a hive there!), Chicken (yeah... chicken... who'da thunk?!), Mold, Chinese Elm trees, Hickory trees, Pine trees.

Waiting for the results...

Jaren's new inhaler! He did really well and didn't fight using it!!!

15 & 16 JUNE - Iowa City Hospital Visits

2009-07-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 15, 2009 - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics - Visit with the Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Pediatric Swallow.

Since Jaren has troubles eating certain textures and hardly eats a thing, we finally made the decision to see a specialist for his problems. We wanted to make sure that there was nothing wrong with his esophagus.

Jaren sitting in this little chair in order to get some X-rays.

Ed and Jaren waiting for the Pediatric Swallow.

The nurse blew bubbles to pass the time while we waited.

Jaren trying to blow some bubbles. He loved it!

This is the seat they put Jaren in for the Pediatric Swallow. He didn't like it at first, but when he saw his x-ray on screen he was enthralled and stopped crying. They mixed together some various foods with different textures to see how well he could swallow them. They couldn't believe how well he did, especially since he couldn't have anything to eat for a long time.

Here's the monitor that I watched from behind a wall. It was sooooooo weird seeing him actually chew and swallow things and how it traveled down to his stomach!

Here's a tiny video of what I saw. I was taping it and then I thought...

"I wonder if I could get in trouble for videotaping this..." so I stopped.

This is what Jaren saw on a screen in the room he was in as well. It was wild to see!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - UIHC - Children's Hospital - Center for Disabilities and Development - Food Study

Today we met with a Behavioral Psychologist and Speech Pathologist to see what we could find out about Jaren and his eating. We brought food he eats and food we'd like him to eat. We fed him while they watched in another room on a monitor. They told us it was most likely behavioral and to start swiping the food against Jaren's lips to make him at least taste the food. Ed doesn't buy it. I'm at a loss for what to do...

In the waiting room there was a child sized sectional sofa that was soooo cute. Jaren had to take a break and try it out!

After his tests, it was lunch time, so we ventured to Los Portales, a mexican restaurant in Iowa City and man was it delicious!!! We'll have to hit it again sometime when we are down there! I love this picture! Jaren is my crazy monkey!

Instead of stuffing the napkin into his shirt, he just holds it under his chin! What a funny boy!

12 JUNE - Hickory Hills Picnic

2009-07-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

My friend, Reggie invited us to join her and some other families to Hickory Hills for a hike and a picnic. I opted out of the hike since my feet and back were not feeling up to par. We packed a lunch and headed up there for a day of fun. The weather was gorgeous and the kids loved being outside with their friends. We ate, the kids played, then we saw the animals that they had up there. There were North American Bison, turkeys, pheasants, some other birds and elk. Unfortunately my camera battery died, so I didn't get as many pictures of the kiddos with the animals. The elk came up and let the kids feed them some leaves and shrubbery they found along the fenceline. Their antlers were very soft and fuzzy and felt like velvet. We'll definitely have to go there again with Daddy sometime!!! :O)

JUNE - Bear & Lulu - Love is in the Air...

2009-07-22T21:17:00.000-07:00