Hugging <3

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It’s inflation- proof. It’s non-fattening. There are no monthly payments. No insurance requirements. It’s theft proof, non-taxable, non-polluting and fully refundable. And it costs very little. Hugging is healthy. It assists in the body’s immune system, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it invigorates, it rejuvenates, and it has no unpleasant side-effects. Hugging is no less than a miracle drug.

Pretty Cool

I was in between patients yesterday, and happened to catch a little bit of Studio 5, a.k.a. The Chicklet Show <--you would get that if you saw their teeth ;-). Anyway, they had a really creative chic on there, Kristin McKay. I thought that her designs were AWESOME. I have done the altoid tin thing, but I have NEVER seen anyone make jewlery with fabric and epoxy. There have been sooo many fabrics that I have seen that I thought would make really cute beads. She makes it a reality. If you have a second check out her site www.kmckaydesigns.com you won't be disappointed. NATALIE check out her Family Planner. Her downloads are FREE!!!! Tell me who doesn't love free??

Enjoy :-)
Thanks Kristin for sharing your creativity !!!!

Do You Feel It??

The tangible excitement in the air!! I can't tell you how excited I am that Natalie is a mere 38 hours from my presence!!!!!! I am so pumped! I miss her sweet face! She is beyond loved in our home and her sweet little family is priceless to us! Have a safe trip Edwards Family!!

Sam UPDATE-THANK YOU!!!!

I wanted to take a second and post a "thank you" to everyone that has said a prayer for Sam, or even had his health on their minds. We have been so blessed! Sam is doing really great his breathing is FANTASTIC. He hasn't had more than a sneeze since he left the hospital. The dr. when he released us told us to expect a pretty horrible wed. but wed. came and went without an incident. Jason stayed home from work to keep the boys from messing with him too much, but it really seemed like Sam wanted to play with his brothers, and just be part of the group. I can't express my thankfulness enough! I feel so cared for and more watched over than I deserve, but I will take it with a happy heart. Sam really is a light to me. I think hearing his resp. distress caused me to just suspend my emotions, but watching him smile, and blow raspberries allowed me to exhale. He is perfection in a bottle! Having Sam in my life is a gift !!!
So just to let everyone know he is doing great, sounding great, and eating like a linebacker :-)

Little J turns 6!!

Not only did the Groundhog see his shadow last Monday, but Jarom turned 6!!! He was so pumped to say goodbye to 5 that he woke up at nearly 5:30 A.M. I wish I could find a way to emphasize the early nature of that wake-up call!! It was hard not to give in and let him tear into his gifts. Around 6:30 a.m. Jason came into the bedroom and gently nudged me to get up and I went downstairs to find one jazzed kid, so waking up was more fun seeing how excited he was. Jarom got a Nintendo DS, Mario Party game, and Michael and Sam also got him Star Wars Legos. He was so happy to get a DS. He has been begging for once since before Christmas. I was put off by the price, but then I started to think about how awesome our kids have been these last few months with Grammie's cancer, and we haven't had the same amount of quality time, so he won me over with good behavior. There is also a bonus for me, if he happens to have bad behavior the DS is the first to go. Let me tell ya that gets him in line FAST!!! He also got a suit for church from Grammie, money from my parents, a card filled with stickers (thanks G&N family :-)). He was a walking live wire ALL day. It was really fun to watch him beam! On saturday Jason took Jarom and five of his friends to the bowling alley. I couldn't stress over a party this year so thankfully the bowling alley was available. At the last minute we allowed Michael to go and he brought his friend E with him. She actually has a "real" name, but told me yesterday that she is just going to go by "E" when she goes to real school. Kids are to funny!!
Anyway, Jarom and his friends had a blast, and Jason had a good time too. I can't say enough good things about Jarom. He is such a bright child, with his fathers sensiblities. I thank God everyday for blessing me with him. I couldn't have asked for a better child to usher me into the world of Motherhood. I remember distinctly the moment he was placed on my chest after he was born. He lifted his head and his eyes were wide open as they made contact with mine. I felt a rush of fear, anxiety, and then the most calming sense of gratitude that I could be trusted with such a being. I wondered in my heart if I could really teach him anything. What did I have to offer something so perfect? I was blessed shortly after his birth to be able to put my newfound devotion to the test as Jason and I carefully attended to our sick newborn. For days Jason and I held him, never putting him down for more than 15 minutes. We rallied as his Bili levels climbed dangerously high, and celebrated as they finally fell below 15. It was in that time that I learned my love for Jarom was in its infantcy as well. As he grew I KNEW my love for him would flourish. It has. I think the bigger he gets, the bigger my heart gets. I hate to think of him ever getting to be to big for me. So for now, I will cheer him on as he takes on the world and cherish every kiss while its still okay to kiss mom good-night.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my number 1 !!!

This is for my Ute loving Neighbor!

I am a little nervous about this post since my Ute loving neighbor also happens to be my dentist, and anyone who knows me understands that I hate the dentist more than a colonoscopy :-) Thats okay I'll just pay for more nitrous oxide if he doesn't find this pic as funny as me. Bawh!

Thought For The Day

The joys of motherhood are never fully experienced until the children are in bed.

Thanks Aunt Kelly!

Firday's Funny-Late but not forgotten !!!

So, I know that I have been really lazy about posting my "Friday's Funny" posts, but truthfully as my boys get bigger they are increasingly funny and picking just one moment or statement is getting really hard. Then I worry that my blog will turn into a blog fest, whats a blog for, right? Anyhoo, this one was too funny and MUST I repeat MUST be recorded for posterity.

Michael (the source of most of my funny moments) decided that it was okay to throw a toy, wait strike that, he dedcided to chuck will all his might a toy across the family room and it landed squarely on my new keyboard. Now, we have an unwritten and highly spoken rule about throwing stuff in the house. I have a totally rational fear of things flying around the room and hitting me in the face. That is a whole other post though.
So, the known punishment for throwing toys is time on the "Naughty Step". Michael is no stranger to the step and frankly tries to use his cute to get out of it. Well, this time he conned us into believing that Jarom did the crime. After a few minutes on the step Jarom started to cry out that an injustice had been heaped upon him. This started a whole trial, so to speak, as to the guilt or innocents, of Jarom. Finally, Michael looked at me and we had this conversation:
Me: Michael did you throw that toy
Michael: No!
Me: Michael are you telling me the truth? Remember, you get in more trouble for a lie than you do a truth.
Michael: I didn't throw it (flashing cute nearly tearing eyes at me)
Me: Is that the truth?
Michael: No, I threw it.
Me: Michael you know the rule go to the naughty step. You do the crime you do the time!!!
Michael: (without missing a beat) No! I do the crime! YOU do the time!
Then as if he had practiced in front of a mirror he flashed me the sweetest face like he was too cute for hard time. Too bad I don't play that. Save it for the big house captain!!!!!!

New Years Day

Happy New Year to everyone reading!! I wanted to post this pic of our little fam on New Year's Day. Its our family tradition to wear pjs all day long watch an endless array of movies and eat endless amount of junk food. There is something in there for everyone ;-). This year we decided that it would be more fun to go and see a movie at the MegaPlex 13 at the Junction in Ogden. Orginally, Grammie was going to be our honored guest, buuuuut at the last minute she decided that her days of going out to the movies are over. It was a little sad, but we opted to honor her wish and not pressure her. We had a blast!! The theater was packed to the gills with movie-goers and the movie we picked "Bedtime Stories" was hilarious!!! As far as Adam Sandler movies go this was up there with Happy Gilmore. Clean humor, funny little guinea pig, and some serious throw back 80's tunes. Jason and I took turns holding Sam in the far aisle. He was pretty well behaved considering the sound was beyond normal theater loud. The movie is about believing in your dreams and making your own dreams come true. We are all our own heros. Pretty basic Disney formula, but none the less very cute and the boys loved it. The grown-ups were laughing too. This is one Edwards tradition that will be honored year after year.

**The guys are all wearing coordinating track suits. I know it sounds dorky, but they looked so cute and it really added to the family togetherness theme we were going for :-)

Our Christmas!!!

This is a really late post! Christmas is almost two weeks past, buuut in our defense we have had a ton of family stuff going on. More on that later. However, our Christmas was really nice. We tried to show our boys that Christmas isn't just about gifts and gimmie, but about Jesus and all the beautiful symbolism that Christmas ushers in. We had some special family home evenings where we made treats and shared them with neighbors. I will say that this year brought us a record number of neighbor treats, and some really creative Christmas cards. One family home evening we talked to the boys about giving of our substance to the poor. Then we had the boys go through and collect things that they could give those that are less fortunate. Our family adopted a little girl for Christmas, and all she wanted for Christmas was a warm blanket. How sobering is that!! We selected a Disney Princess blanket, and I can't tell you how nervous I was to give a blanket to someone for a gift, I felt like I should have given more. Her father was beyond grateful and was teary in his acceptance of all the gifts for his family (the family was adopted by a co-worker). I don't blog this to make us so wonderful or better than anyone, but to display that there are simple gifts that we can give that make a difference in the lives of others. For this family it was the mere thought that someone else was thinking of them, and wanted them to receive a gift. It made me think, "how thankful am I for the simple things that I have?" When you stop to look around you really have more than you imagined. Even the poorest person on this earth has something to be thankful for.
Our many experiences this Christmas have also brought me to a better understanding of the tender mercies of the Lord. On Christmas Eve, Jason's grandma, a woman I consider to be my own grandmother, told me that she had a lump in her breast. Now, being a mammographer I examined her and felt a sick in my stomach that I NEVER want to feel again. Crying all the way home from her house I couldn't help but think why God would give her breast cancer at her age, given her circumstances. The same script ran through my mind, "the God I know and love is caring, tender, and understanding this is NOT real" or "I am going to wake up". As my mind raced to a fever pitch a very gentle feeling came over me and in my ear I heard, "peace be still". John 14:27 a scripture that I am sure all Christians cling to in hard times, "Peace I leave with you , my peace I give unto you, Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart, neither let it be afraid." Has come to play in a very real way. In this past week and a half we have discover, diagnosed, and generated a treatment plan for her breast cancer. So as you can imagine it has been a very incoherent passing of days. The Lords tender mercies have been expressed in the loving actions of our neighbor Margo who took our boys for five hours so that we could drive down to Ogden and be available to Grammie during her surgical consult. My co-workers who stepped up and covered me when we were beyond over booked so that I could make sure that Grammie was properly diagnosed and understood what was to come. His mercy was definitely upon us when my doctor that I work with decided that she would rearrange her schedule so that Grammie could be seen first thing instead of having to wait for her scheduled appointment over a week later. Everything has echoed the mercy that God has for His children and the gentle care that he provides when others listen to His spirit.

Needless, to say that we believe more lessons will be forthcoming in this year but we/I am very thankful that as the year ended I was given a sweet reminder that just as the Lord was mindful of a young virgin in Bethlehem he is mindful of this mother of three in Tremonton. Please take a moment to remember Him. The season has passed but the wonderful feeling we get from helping His children lasts throughout the whole year.
Have a Happy, Healthy, and Loving New Year!!!!

That Explains A Lot ! ! !

Check out that beautiful Thyroid!!! It isn't mine. I forgot to ask Wendy to print mine, but this little gem is what I had scanned on Thursday. I guess I should back track a little. Since about September I have been experiencing dizziness, fuzzy thinking, headaches, and some other things. Finally, after my 30th b-day I decided that I should get this checked out. I went to the doctor and he ordered several tests. I later got a call from his receptionist that he wanted me to come back in. I went back in only to be told that I have no thyroid function and that my doctor wanted to rule out cancer. He suspected cancer, and I am happy to report that there is NO cancer. When I had my thyroid scanned they found two adenomas (clinically silent tumors). The largest measures 2mm so a biopsy isn't necessary at this time. I am feeling really good about my physicians plan of treatment. Currently, I am on meds and I will have my TSH checked again the beginning of February. The best part is that actually having a diagnosis explains why I have been having all these crazy symptoms that nothing seems to touch! I really LOVE modern medicine!!

Get Well Soon !!!

We are posting a Get Well message for Grandma Mary who is in the ICU. Hopefully, by the time that this is posted she will be moved to a regular medical floor. The boys send their love and well wishes as do Jason and I. You are loved and we hope that you know it. For those that have extras to go around a few well placed prayers would be appreciated, not only for her but for her family as well. Thanks friends, and Get Well Soon Mary!!

Happy Birthday NaTaLiE !!!!

HaPpY bIrThDaY nAtAlIe!!!!! I wanted to post to a happy birthday to someone totally special. Natalie, you are a fantastic friend and I am so glad that your mom gave birth to you ;-) I am even more happy that Glenn found such an amazing person to bless our family with. I am lucky to have such a friend like you. I hope that you have a day filled with fun, sweet memories, good food (lots of good food that is 2 pts. or less), and many best wishes!!! I love your sweet, skinny face :-)

Bye Bye Bratz!!

I read this today and I couldn't be happier!!!



"LOS ANGELES (AP) - Shares of Mattel are soaring today after a
big court victory for the toy giant that could leave a lot of young
girls upset.
Yesterday, a federal judge banned rival toy maker MGA from
making and selling its hugely popular Bratz dolls.
The pouty-lipped dolls with almond-shaped eyes appeared in 2001
and were an instant hit. MGA took the original four dolls developed
by designer Carter Bryant, and spun them into a line of more than
40 characters, complete with accessories and related lines,
including Bratz Boys, Bratz Petz and Baby Bratz.
MGA has made millions in profits, while sales of Mattel's Barbie
have slid.
But yesterday, U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson ordered MGA to
stop making Bratz after a jury found that Bryant developed the
concept while working for Mattel.
The toy maker will also have to get the dolls out of stores, but
not until the holiday season is over. "


There are sooooo many reasons that I am glad to see these dolls go. The first and foremost reason is that I am so tired of seeing little girls having only unrealistic images of what the mainstream believes is acceptable dress for a little girl. The target audience for these dolls is between 6-10 years of age. Now, I only have little boys so I doubt my children will ever ask for a Bratz doll. However, I do have nieces and I wouldn't want them to emulate the appearance of these cheap looking dolls in any way, shape, or form. How many girls in that age range should be wearing make-up like that? If you saw a little girl with that much make-up on or even dressed that way what would be your immediate thought?? I know it may sound trivial but I think it sets a tone for behavior. Now, I know there are plenty of dolls that don't depict women in the most correct light, and there really isn't enough time to go through them all. I believe that Bratz dolls are the worst offenders on the "doll" list. Anyway, I am glad to see them go, and I won't shed a single tear this year as they are yanked from the shelf.
I will step down from my soapbox now. Thank you! for your time :-)

Comments

So as a few of you have mentioned the comments on my blog were somehow disabled. I have worked on it and you should be able to post comments if you want. Sorry 'bout that!

Thanks,

Managment

Major Tom to Poison Control!

How long have I been a parent now? Something like 5.75 years, 70 months, 2125 days, and so forth, you get the point right. Well, NEVER have I had to call Poison Control! Unnnnntillll today. Michael decided to bite on a glo-stick, and whaddya know, he bit right thorugh it. I didn't realize it until I saw all the glowing stuff on my carpet. I called poison control and Sandy was very nice. She offered to send me a packet on teaching my children not to drink yucky things...um...thanks! She added that the packet had stickers and of course I changed my tone. I was told that the stuff inside a glo-stick is a lot worse looking than it actually is harmful. I was advised to have Michael drink 4 oz. of fluid and all I had around was Diet A &W so that should teach him to never drink nasty stuff, right?? In the end all was well, but my streak of good luck in the Mr. Yuck department has been altered!

Hello Thirty!

On Saturday, I turned the big 3-0 !!! It started with a call from my mom, which always makes me feel good. Its not your birthday really until your mom calls, right? After she called my sweet Nat called! My boys gave me their gifts, flowers, sweet huh? Jason made me my favorite breakfast, Maple-Brown sugar Life. He gave me the best gift, sleeping in until 9 am. My mom gave me a really cool scrappin' gift. I also got some really cool handmade frames from a local craft boutique. I'll post some pics later. As a family we went to Ogden to have lunch at Rubio's. I highly recommend the HealthMex on whole wheat tortilla. Anyhoo, the best part of my birthday was the indoor skydiving experience that Jason got for me. I am seriously afraid of heights and this had my palms sweating. I don't EVER, I reapeat, EVER, doing anything that could possibly result in bodily harm. This had me signing a waiver of death, accident, or dismemberment...ummm okay! I figured what better way to greet this new phase in my life than with something that I would have never normally done. I can't explain how awesome this experience was. You aren't falling your floating in 160 mph winds as every ounce of fat or loose skin on your body is sucked back and flapping in the wind! At one point I was tandem flying with my instructor and we got about 20 feet off the "ground". I was going up this large metal tube and all I could remember was the part of the Willy Wonka movie were they drink the fizzy-lifting drink and are faced with sure death by fan blades. Yikes! At that moment I was so happy that I went to the bathroom BEFORE I got into my flight suit. I had a seriously silly perm-a-smile on my face in the video of my flight, but I can only maintain that it was from lack of oxygen. I was having so much fun I forgot to breathe! I can't wait to fly again. After, indoor skydiving our family went to see Grammie Hazel. She was happy to see us, and the boys were excited to do puzzles at her house. We got back to Tremonton around 6 p.m. and Jason started dinner. He made my all time favorite food, Penne Rustica. He got the actual recipe from Romano's Macaroni Grill from topsecretrecipes.com. It tasted just like Macaroni Grill's!!! Good work Jason! I took my picture with my boys and had a super time trying to get them all to smile and cooperate that we just stopped trying after four shots, and I just figured that it truly represents their stage in life! Once the picture was taken we put the boys in bed and watched "This Christmas", the Tyler Perry movie, it was sooo funny!!
Truly it was a full day! I was a little nervous about turning thirty. In my mind thirty was the age in which I considered no longer "youthful". I know its dumb. I have had that stuck in my head since high school and it just stayed. My twenties were so filled with growing experiences, wedding, graduations, moving, births, home ownership, new cars, new jobs,more births and everything else that life has thrown our way. I can't even imagine what thirty even has to offer me except enjoing all the things that twenty gave me. I really am so blessed and happy to have my life! I couldn't ask for a better life to enjoy during thirty!! Now, forty will be a whole other story ;-)

Goodbye 20's!!

What better way to say goodbye to my twenties than with Blue-Steel. Thats for you Elizabeth!!!

** I just realized that I look kinda sad in this picture. More sad puppy than blue-Steel! LOL! Anyway, good-bye twenty you served me well!

Cute Pics of Sam !!

I just wanted to share some cute pics of Sam. He turned 5 months on our 8th anniversary. We are all still so smitten with him. What a wonderful personality. I really look forward to seeing how he develops and finding out who this emergent little being that looks out from behind those crystal blue eyes really is!