Thursday, January 31, 2008

Betty Beans


Our sassy Ellie cakes had her 4 year Well Baby appointment today. I realize that this presents a 4 month delay. I originally scheduled this 8 weeks ahead of her actual birthday and even then there wasn't anything available until 4 weeks after her b-day. We missed that one (whoopsy), rescheduled and had to cancel due to her being sick. By the time we were able to get in we were pushed out until the end of January. If our doctor wasn't so amazing it wouldn't be worth it; however, she is the bomb! How's that for a tap dance?!

Dayton volunteered and carefully held Ellie's Torchic toy for her while she stepped on the scale. She weighed in at 38 pounds and is 32 inches tall. Unfortunately this only places her in the 15th percentile for both height and weight. She has slowly been dropping off of the charts and needs to go back in 5 months for a follow up as the doctor is concerned...as are we. Let me assure you despite her tiny stature she is a bull in a china closet!

She weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces at birth and was a chubby cheeked little baby girl! At age 2 she had surgery and dropped from the 80th-90th percentile down to the 30th. She's never recovered on the charts and has slowly dropped down. Dr. Ring said it isn't likely that she'll profit from all 6'8 of her Father's height given these trends.

Dayton gingerly held her hand while the nurse took her blood pressure and he cheered her on while she read the eye chart. She had her Kindergarten shots (all 4 of them!) and was so brave! Dayton encouraged her before the nurse came in to deliver the goods. He gave a rather emotional discourse and assured her that it would all be fine, that it wouldn't hurt and that it would end quickly. He talks with his hands and speaks so matter of factly. He's a great big brother; bright, tender and charming!

Our patient wiped her tears, picked out a sticker and fell asleep in the car! She got a clean bill from the doc otherwise and enjoyed picking out yummy treats at the grocery store. Both of my moonbeams are now with their Dad now through Sunday night. *Insert trying-not-to-be-sad sigh here*

On the B Side: I am just grateful. Grateful for the love I feel. Grateful for my family. Grateful that we can be together. Grateful for our health. Grateful that we have access to medical care. Grateful to be who I am, grateful for my life and grateful for the blessings that surround me. I love, love, love my family.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

"Just Smile and Wave Boys, Smile and Wave"


Most people who carry a cane use it for assistance walking. Many of us around the world have associated a cane with a slightly different significance!

Please checkout this thoughtful tribute!

On the B Side: I am grateful for shining, happy people who make the world a better place!

14 Weeks


Today baby is 14 weeks in utero! Baby's body systems are starting to work on their own. The digestive system practices moving food along the intestines and through the renal system and baby can create and eliminate urine.

Baby also continues to practice breathing the amniotic fluid in and out of his lungs. Baby has tiny, soft nails on his fingers and toes, is growing hair and may even suck his/her thumb. Baby is approximately 3 ½ -4 inches and weighs approximately 1.5 ounces.

Baby's blood is beginning to form in the bone marrow and blood vessels are beginning to connect various parts of the fetus. The joints and muscles allow baby full body movement so baby is able to move around.

Kayla told Mark that when I'm asleep she wanted to cut the baby out and tape up my belly (so I wouldn't know) because she could play with the baby! Marky and DD Cakes are really hoping for a boy and both Ellie and Kayla are pulling for a girl! I'll happily take HEALTHY!

On the B Side: I am grateful to be feeling well!

Monday, January 28, 2008

It's My Party and I'LL CRY IF I WANT TO!!!


In the car the other day Ellie was crying. When it isn't dire I *try* to let her cry it out as heart breaking as that is for both of us.

Kayla chimed in and told her, 'If you cry too much you'll frow up. My mom her toad me dat.'

Ellie doesn't tolerate being told anything particularly during times of distress and blurted loudly back, 'No. You're eyes will crack and fall out' and that was the end of that!

On the B Side: I love their little conversations and always enjoy listening! They make me giggle and are so easy to love! xxox

God's given me a gift. I shovel well. I shovel very well.


Dayton is my favorite hero! He's not your classic hero. He's got a blind date with destiny and it looks like she's ordered the lobster!

He shovels like no other 5 year old can! We got hit with another storm from the west coast today. This is the second time he has spent a considerable amount of time and energy in the cold shoveling the snow off of the drive way! He is the first to put his boots on, grab his hat/scarf/gloves/coat and pick up a shovel. He works hard, bless his heart and the sweetest part is that he encourages me the entire time.

"Good job, Mom" and "You're doing great" are common kind hearted phrases that can be heard while he cheerfully removes the snow from the drive way. He doesn't complain, he makes sure we take turns sharing the shovels and he refuses to go inside until I do! He is a darling little boy!

On the B Side: I am grateful for the strong example of loving service that he is to me! xxox

Just Call Me Molly








Have a heart? You certainly do. Thoughtful and warm, you make other people feel at ease and welcome whether you're hosting a party or just attending it. You can't help it — you're a sweetheart who's a great friend to just about everyone.


Sincere and kindhearted, you look out for those you love and will often put the needs of others before your own. It's no surprise friends and family look to you for advice and a shoulder to lean on. Helping other people makes you happy. That's the best super power any hero could have!







Sunday, January 27, 2008

The Loss of Our Prophet Dear


Today our beloved Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley passed away. Here is a link to the most recent information available.

This is such a bitter sweet pill to swallow! It's glorious to know that he now rests and to know that he was reunited with his sweet wife. It's reassuring to know that he now dwells with our Father in Heaven as a faithful servant. It is difficult for those who loved him so to know that he has departed this earth.

The first day I met with the missionaries and had a first discussion was the day the the former Prophet Howard Hunter passed away. I remember reading about it the next day in the newspaper and was dismayed that the missionaries left out such a crucial piece of information as I had no idea they had a prophet.

I was baptized in 1995 so Gordon B. is the only prophet I have ever known. I had no idea what a Prophet was or how much he personally would influence my life. Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley was an amazing person who loved the God he served with his whole heart. His testimony was in the life he lived and evident to all. May he now rest in peace with his Marjorie.

The kids and I talked about the significance of this event last night. It is priceless to see them try to wrap their understanding around the confounds of death. They seemed confused by my tears but reassured by the promise of hope that we have been given knowing that our lives do not end with death here on earth. Dayton comfortingly said, 'Mom, I will never forget' (and Ellie just couldn't wait to share the news...silly girl).

On the B Side: I am grateful for the knowledge that I have as a member of the LDS church. I am grateful for the loving and constant service of such a kind and extraordinary man. He was a man of God and lived his life as a testament to our Father in Heaven.

Lucy In the Sky of Diamonds


If you purchased a Diamond ring between Jan 1994 and December 2007 you may be eligible for a settlement due to price fixing! Check out this web site

You have to be a US citizen and you have to had purchased a diamond during the specified time frame. To determine if you are eligible to submit a consumer claim you contact the Claims Administrator at 1-800-760-5431 or email administrator@diamondsclassaction.com

This is the link to submit an online claim.

Here's a copy of the legal documentation.

Unfortunately I do not know the details of what is actually going to be paid out but I have several friends who have qualified for hundreds of dollars; however, I do not believe it has been paid out yet. The deadline is May and the submission form online is super easy to complete and submit. You do not need proof of purchase if the total cost is under 10k (although it may be requested later from what I understand).

On the B Side: I am grateful for the little silver linings in life that pop up unexpectedly!