Reflux and Scrapbooking

Emma had her follow-up. I was SO nervous. But Tuesday, she brought home Rumplebear. The class bear. He comes home with each child a few times during the year, and he has a journal, to write about his adventures. So we took him to the hospital. He even got his own ultrasound! It was so nice having him with us!

Her nuclear cystogram, was kind of a nightmare. She did NOT want the catheter. Who does? But did ok! Then when it was time to take it out, and "go" on her own, she FREAKED OUT. Screaming and crying. She held it, for like 8 minutes. BUT...it was kind of good. It proved...HER REFLUX IS GONE!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!! Even with her holding it, it never went back up...YIPPEE!! BUT...she has a UTI. The night before, she was crying that her bladder hurt. They always send some to the lab, when they do the cystogram, and sure enough, there was bacteria. She is doing better now! The doctor said, 2/3 of kids that have this surgery, will still get bladder infections or UTI's. It just won't hurt her kidneys now. And...we never have to go back again. Of course, if she has problems, ya...but as of right now...she's done! Cool huh...

I also had to make a scrapbook page for Emma's class. Like an "about me" page, for a class scrapbook. This was my first attempt at digital scrapbooking. What do you think? Oh...I'm looking for praise and accolades... *grin*

Mommy Merit Badges

Check this out,

Mama Merit Badges

I think I've earned most of them. Personally I think we could prob come up with a few more.

Such silliness!!!

Thanks Lainey, she sent them to me!! I'd link ya to her...but she doesn't have a blog!!! Come on woman!!

A week of "FINALLY'S"

Here are the contest results...FINALLY...

First of all, thanks to all those who voted for Parker, but alas a younger, cuter child won. ...toddlers... *rolling eyes* Here is the link to see who DID win.

And the caption contest. That was fun huh? I have a zillion more...If I remember, we'll play again tomorrow. That is... if I make it out of church alive. Anyway...Caption...

THE WINNER IS.....

"Yeah, really funny, I know where this thing is supposed to go. I am not amused!" by Christine!!!

So the other "finally's"...

Jack was fussy all week, in the evenings. Classic sign of over draining. Also the back of his head seems to have increased in size. Just the back, below, of course, where they measure his head circumference.
So after much thought, and worry, I FINALLY took him in. I showed them this picture, and the Dr say, "Well, it 'FEELS' ok, I think he's fine." She's right, it doesn't feel squishy. So that's good. But why is it bigger. Some say it's the light in the picture, some say, OH MY HECK, you need to call. Who knows. But I noticed it first,
caressing the back of his head.

Of course since I took him in, he has been better. Of course. I think maybe he was just getting used to the new pressure in his head. But it doesn't explain the bulge.

Emma started school!! FINALLY. She's is having a blast! I had quite the moment the first day. The last time Emma and I walked into Miss L's class, Emma was a newborn, in her car seat! It hit me so hard, and I almost started to cry, but decided, it would only embarrass her! She is so big! She is so OLD. It's just crazy. My friend was just reminding me all her kids are in the double digits! Goodness, where does the time go...

The first day, they were to bring their favorite bear. Of course I forgot, but luckily, there were some to choose from in the car! Chicken Little, and a frog. Emma chose the frog. They went around the room, and Miss L asked everyone their "bear's" name. Emma's was so unusual, she asked her where she got it? Emma said, "From the CAR!!" Oye...

Then on Thursday, they had a parade, and picnic with them. This is Emma, taking her "frog" to go down the slide.

As I've told you before, Nick and Parker both had this sweet teacher. And when we bought Emma's backpack, I had forgotten, that this teacher, supplies them with a book bag. So now, we have set out, to make her book bag, all pink and High School Musical, like her back pack! Hopefully, she'll still like it for kindergarten. You know, how their favorites change so quickly! I'll put up a picture when we get it all decorated. I ordered the cutest iron on off Ebay. She'll get the bag on Monday or Tuesday. And then begins my own personal struggle of, letting her do what she wants, and making it look "nice" ...hate that struggle!

Then Thursday, Parker FINALLY turned 10, AND got his skate board. Ever since they were about 3 and 5, the 21 days between their birthdays, has been filled whining from Parker. "When is it MY birthday?" "How come Nick got presents?"...you know stuff like that. I thought it would get better the older he gets. I guess it has just gotten different. This year it was, "Nick won't let me ride his skate board!" Although... he was MUCH more willing to let other people ride his, always with the..."See I can be nice and share"...tag...but still... He is so happy to have his OWN skate board!!



As far as the rest of the week, well you know what happened! *rolling eyes*

Sunday, I start leading the singing. *sigh* I'll let you know what happens! I do want to share this though. My dear sweet Lisa reminded me of something. Here is what she said:

"When Ethan was in NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit), for those longs months, I had the opportunity to meet one of the twelve apostles. He said something very curious to me, that I’ll never ever forget.

He said, and I wish I had it written down, so I could quote him word for word, but it went something like this…'It is our obligation to provide service, even if we don’t feel like the person who is asking, actually needs that service. It is not our place to question, them. It is our responsibility to help them. As well as it is their responsibility to ask. There are grave eternal consequences for those that do not ask for help. They that deny others the opportunity of service, are far worse off, than those who don’t help, those that ask.'

It still gives me goose bumps. He was so close to me, and his hand was on my shoulder, and I didn’t just hear what he said, I felt it."

Thanks LIS!! I'll try to remember that...and try to FINALLY swallow my pride, and ASK!!!

Dr. Jack

So cute! He is so sweet! He's had his temperature take so much, in his short little life. Look how serious he is about it. By the way, we both are fine!!

Although...I've never seen a doctor take a temp. I have high hopes for him!!!

Goodness...I've been tagged again!

This tag is from Jenn. It's a Me Me!!

Jobs I have held:

(I'm old, been working a long time)
Fast food
Retail- clothing, and CVS :)
Housekeeping at a hospital
Disneyland
Waitressing-Bennigans, Applebees, Garcias
Daycare
OT aid, in Severe classroom
Crossing guard
Playground duty
Wife and mother

Movies I can watch over and over:

(with or without the kids??)
Sorry...High School Musical 1 and 2
Dirty Dancing
Finding Nemo
Napoleon Dynamite (sorry again)
Beaches

Shows I enjoy:

(this will go forever, thank goodness for DVR)
American Idol
Grey's Anatomy
Stupid reality shows, where some one is eliminated-Big Brother, The Apprentice(pre Donald and Rosie feud, now he just makes me sick) Project Runway
ER
Desperate Housewives
The Soup!
Sorry...Ned's Declassified!!
And yes, I still watch Friends, reruns!!

Places I have been for vacation:

Not a big vacationer. But I've been places for reasons.
South Carolina, for a roommates wedding.
Boston to visit family
Mesa to visit a boy.
New Mexico, for same reason, different boy.
Vegas
St George
San Diego
So. Cali

Body parts I have injured:

broke my elbow!!!
does just having 4 kids count for anything???

Nicknames:

Jen
Jenny
Hun
Momma
Mom
Jenny Sue
Bozark ;)

Favorite food:

Anything I didn't make!

Top Websites I visit:

Friend's blogs.
Deseret News
Player's Anonymous
Rosie's Blog
whatever ailment we have that week

Places I have lived:

(I had a friend tell me, before I was married, she always wrote my address in pencil)
Beverly, Wakefield, Lynnfield, Ma
Rexburg, Boise Id
Southern Cali, many places, can't remember...I was on drugs ;) um...not really
Logan, SLC, Murray, Ut

As far as tagging...

If you read this, consider yourself tagged. If you don't have a blog, consider this an invite to start...Lainey, Suzi, Heather, Yvonne!!! I'm gonna keep saying it, till someone starts one. And no...myspace doesn't count.

*kisses*

8 Random Things

I've been tagged. Lisa wants 8 random thoughts...here goes...

1) Well, it's official. I'm old. Nick is IN Jr High. *sigh* I cant help but think about when I was in school. My mind often skips Jr. and goes right to High School. Probably cuz Jr High was SO horrible! It's kind of a blur...

2) I miss my friends terribly. From High School. We've totally lost each other! It stinks. I missed the last two reunions, as they are in Mass. If any of you read this, contact me would ya!! Sheesh... With email, and everything, it's really dumb we don't stay in touch! I guess I'm feeling nostalgic. And being so far away from everyone makes it worse!

3) High School Musical 2 was cute. I couldn't help but think they were doing a "moral" version of Dirty Dancing. It was a different plot, but was basically the same. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Emma is watching it again, right now! I appreciate something I'm not afraid to let her watch! Or the boys for that matter! What a relief. There is so much crap out there. Sure it's cheesy, but the kids have morals, and don't do stupid inappropriate things.

4) Parker gets old on Monday! He starts 4th grade. That is old to me. He is SO excited. And...his 3rd grade teacher, moved up to 4th, and he got her again! We are excited!! She is a great teacher, and is one of the kids, yet, they respect her! We have been friends since her oldest, and my oldest were in kindergarten. They have 7th period together, so at back to school night, I got to tell her about Jack's surgery. She is so caring, and really loves Parker, and gets our family dynamics! It's so nice...not to have to explain...

5) We got Emma's backpack. Pink, High School Musical. I'm nervous and excited for her to be in school. She is so smart, and so tall. I worry about her. Her primary(church) class is made up of kids turning 4 this calender year. I know she is the oldest, but she is a head, and some shoulders, taller than all of them. She's well spoken, and I don't have trouble understanding her. Maybe it's just the kids in her class. She is the only one with WAY older siblings. I'm sure that has a lot to do with it. I just worry she will be bored. Whatever...she'll be fine...

6) I'm sick of impending doom. Jack's been fine. He's had a couple of times when I question my decision. I don't know...we'll see. Tuesday is coming fast. Just not fast enough.

7) I feel like this surgery was a slap in the face. Sure we've been expecting it. But it's still not easy to hear it! Plus, I think we just got to where he was GREAT! Walking and being so funny. I think we forgot he had issues. We were rudely reminded! I have been so paralyzed this week. I hate it when that happens. It's hard to snap out of it...

8) I did cut loose long enough to take the kids to the "Aquarium" I put it in quotes, cuz it is very small, but still fun! The kids had a BLAST! Here are pictures from it.

Those are my random thoughts! Hope you made it to the end! Hope they are random enough...

:)

Oh, I'm supposed to tag! Ummm...

Tasha
Sarah
Amy
Kelli
Mandy
Mary
Jenn
Anna

Three more...LAINEY and my Sisters!! You guys need to start a blog...what better way to start?? hint hint...

Get busy girls...

A Poll!

So look over there--------------------------------->>>>>> At the very top. There is a poll!

Can you tell I'm obsessing ... I'm wondering ... who is reading about us. I know most people, but obviously, some people don't want me to know they are reading. *eyebrows raised* So I was thinking with a poll, all you have to do is check a box, and not write anything. Even though some people's IP location gives them away. ;)

So...this will be fun! Feel free to comment though too... :)

Thanks man...

I have a couple other polls in mind. So when this one is up, we'll do another one!

This is cute! It will make you think about how you really are. And I don't know about the hard working part. I guess I want to be, and it depends on what I'm working towards. You should take it too!! Very interesting!

The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."

Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Digory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.

Take the most scientific Harry Potter
Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

Pictures!

I went to my friend Tasha's house today, and we got some CUTE pictures!!

Here is the link, and you can see more of HER pictures... And her blog is here. Check it out, and if your in Salt Lake, or close by, contact her to do your photos!! But hurry, she is large with child and getting larger...you may have to wait till she pops, in November!!

But these are some of my favorite..and there are more to come! I can't wait to show you what we did, it's kind of a project!! Be excited!!

He was TOTALLY done. Right after this picture, he started crying. It sad and cute!!

We were TRYING to get them to look at us, but this came out SO cute!!

So pretty, even with staples in her head!!

Stats R Fun!

If you didn't know, there is a stats counter at the bottom of the page. It is SO cool! It tells you everything you want to know about who visits your site. Well, everything but names. And when I figure out how to look up ISP's, I'll be all set! *smirk*

It does tell me where"ish" people are logging on from. But when I log on, it says, Providence, Ut. I'm not sure why. Comcast must be there or something. When Steve logs on from work, it says Canada, cuz his company's main office is there, but his office is 2 miles away from home.

I can tell how many times you check my blog. I know who is obsessed, and upset when I don't post for a long time! Mostly cuz you check it 5 times a day! *grin*

Another cool thing, is it tells me where people came from. Here are some thingspeople googled, that landed them here.

~teenagers with cleft lip blogs
~daughter says it hurts when she pees
~WICKED WORLD donnie simmons
~pictures of children's yellow teeth

I thought those were interesting! I google stuff all the time. It's interesting to see what other people google. AND, it's cool and spooky, that people are landing here, for things that aren't even "on my agenda", ya know? "WICKED WORLD donnie simmons", I mean really, what WERE they looking for. I'm sure it wasn't the program from "Wicked", or my rendezvous with Donnie!! ;)

Or it tells me who's blog it's linked from. Or if you have it book marked or something! Also, how many are still going to the old site, and linking it from there!

So I know most of the people, well, where they are logging on from. But one of you that checks in daily, says you are from...

New Jersey, Mt. Laurel, United States, 44 returning visits

Who are ya!? Just curious. I'm sure you have a blog too, and it's fun to make new friends. Or...it's someone I know, and now I'll look dumb! *rolling eyes*

So there it is...you can't hide from me!! heehee I know whose checking in!! Sort of...it's fun detective work! Trying to figure it out! I've noticed too, some people always check the same time of day! It also, shows you the percent of how long people are on your site. I can tell, how long it took you to leave a comment. *grin* It's kind of creepy when you think about it. There's no anonymity anymore! Is that good or bad? Like caller ID. You can't tell people anymore, "I tried to call you!"

I bet you know when I'm reading YOUR stuff, even when I don't comment! If you don't have a counter, you should get one! Stats R Fun!

This is funny. I got/stole it from Anna. :) Thanks Anna!! I know some of you reading this will be WAY more addicted!!

80%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?


And then....here is what my blog is "rated"... SO FUNNY!!

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:

• dead (2x)
• poop (1x)

TOO FUNNY!!!

Fun with ABC

So yesterday, I got tired of moping, and we went to the pool, and got a little sun burn. Well, I did. It's so funny how a little sun does the soul good!!

Then last night we went to a special thing ABC was putting on in a park. It was a screening for a couple of Fall shows. Pushing Daisies, and Samantha, Who? It was really fun. They are both very cute shows. But the best part, was I won a gift bag!! Due to my knowledge of Dancing with the Stars. It has 7 DVD's in it. Seasons 1 and 2 of Lost, Desperate Housewives, and... my fav... Grey's Anatomy. And then a "How To" dancing video with one of the judges on DWTS!! Also, a bunch of T shirts, one of which says, "Seriously. Seriously! Oh how I wish it fit. But I also hate calling attention to my chest. Like it needs it! Also, an Umbrella that screams, "I'm a geek who loves Grey's Anatomy!!" Which of course I am. *grin*

They had free popcorn, cotton candy, and soda, which of course the kids took FULL advantage of! It was so nice to be out! The kids had a blast, and I hoping to sell the DVD's on Ebay or something, and bring in some cash!

YAY for me, for crawling out of my hole!!! My laptop is still broken, but at least the desktop is up and running. It's getting a time slot that's the problem! Thanks to all those who expressed their love and concern! You guys are GREAT!!!

sayin hi real quick!

So...

I thought I show you a couple pictures, We're getting ready to head home, but Here's a couple pictures to tide ya over till I can tell you ALL of our adventures! Ok, not ALL but the good ones anyway.



Call me a loon, I don't care. It's emotional for me! And I've been twice now. Once was for fun, then we needed milk!! HA! It is across the street from our hotel! How cool is that!

The classes were great yesterday, for all of us!! Last night was a dinner and dance. That was WAY fun! The kids, had a blast!! They even put on a little performance. Emma hadn't gone to the class where they learned it, but she didn't care! She was SO cute!!!

So, I'll tell you ALL about it when I get home. We didn't get to do HALF the things I wanted to. BUT the conference we wonderful, and we made some great connections, with friends, and professionals!


The view from out our hotel room! Left to right, Mandalay Bay, the beam of light is the Luxor, and the green building, is the MGM Grand!

And we're off...

The car is clean, momentarily. The bags are packed, well the kids. Got the food, just need to put it in the cooler. The hamsters are visiting a neighbor, and keys have been distributed, in case of emergency. And now Emma is covered in stamping ink.

ARGH!! Guess I need to get busy!

So internet at the resort we are staying at, is $5 (wired) from noon to noon. Check in being at 3:00! So stupid. You can pay $15 and have it for 24 hours.

*rolling eyes* ...Vegas...

So...I'll try to get on and share a couple of pictures, of course. Like I can NOT share anything for 4 whole days!!!

If you REALLY need to tell me something, like you'll just explode, if you can't tell me, email me here:

jenny.simmons@gmail.com

I don't think I'll be able to get my simmonsfamily email.

Till then...

Got some things to tell ya!

As you know... it's been a wild couple of months. But this week, a few GREAT things have happened.

Of course, Donny was SO great!!! You'll have to read the comments if you haven't. Also, I've added a few I got by email, cuz they were great!! And Nick was so amazing.

Then on Wednesday, the most WONDERFUL surprise came in the mail. I've told you of my LOVE for "Wicked" the musical. Well, a friend was taunting me about how so was going to see it. It isn't in Salt Lake, and I have NO idea when it will be. ANYWAY....

SHE SENT MY THE PROGRAM. Now...before you think...Oh...that's just mean...It's 12 by 14, FULL of pictures from all different productions. It is SO beautiful, and really gave me such a better picture. Here are some of my favorite. Emma LOVES it, and every time we listen to the sound track now, we have to look at the book, and the corresponding pictures. It's too cute!!

It seems like such a simple thing, but it meant the world to me! Seriously cried looking at all the pictures!

Then, we got Jack's Dafos, "altered". They weren't giving him quite the right amount of support. NOW, they look great!

THEN, I took Em and Parker to the dentist. I was telling the dentist, how I really wanted to fix my yellow teeth in front. They are yellow from fillings, and the ONLY way to whiten them was veneers. We have a flex spending for medical expenses, and this year we put aside money for Steve to get lasik. Well, he didn't qualify. Bad for Steve, good for me.

I asked the dentist if there was anyway to get them done before we go to Vegas, on the 21st. He said, How bout tomorrow morning?

OH MY HECK!!


$825 later, I have two new teeth. Right now they are temps, but the permanent ones will match my other teeth. I really never thought it would happen. I thought I'd have ugly discolored teeth forever. He also suggested invisalign. And to fix everything else, to have "perfect teeth", will cost...ready...$11, 450. Um...maybe not...of course my portion would be half. Um...still...no! I MAY do the braces another time, that would be $2500. And take about a year to get them straight.

I'm sure, you never even noticed, if you know me...but I did. It is so nice. I have honestly NEVER spent that much money on something for ONLY me, in one stop. I have twinges of mommy guilt, but I'll get over it...I promise!!

Then last night, I went off the deep end.

Thats right...Hamsters. Dwarf Hamsters to be specific. Call me crazy. But...I thought we could all use a cute distraction. Everyone is TOTALLY in love. Here are more pictures of our newest family members. Freddy, and Nibbles. I got them off Freecycle. Meaning they were free. :)

So...that's about it.

Thanks for sticking till the end. Also, I''ve joined a group of bloggers called Wordless Wednesday. So be looking for that on Wednesday.

Till then...

Dreams do come true!

Make fun all you want. I have loved this man since I was like 8. Ok ... maybe more like 12, but you know what I mean.

And the LOVE is deeper than "puppy love". When I was little, he and Marie were on TV. My family was SO drawn to them, because we were the only Mormons in our town, and to see them on TV was the greatest thing for us!

As I got older and more into singing, I grew to love him on a different level. He has a voice that touches my soul.

My life long dream is to sing with him. I've emailed Oprah, but she hasn't gotten back to me yet. It's only been 4 years. I may send her a reminder. :) I told him that by the way, and he told me to keep trying!! heehee

I also had a chance to talk to his wife. She was so nice. I HAD to tell her what I've just told you, and, most importantly, that she is my hero. she giggled when I told her that. I said, "Um, you ARE married to Donny Osmond! I asked her if he was planning on an upcoming TV projects, and she said nothing was on the horizon. We talked about that All American Dream Show, and how it was such a disappointment. I told her I wanted to be on it, but my dream is to sing with Donny, so that would have been weird. She said, "That would have been cute!!" Oh well, that dream was killed.

Now...I will tell you how the meeting came to be...whether you want to hear it or not!! ;)

We have some friends who are in The International Children's Choir. They were performing at the Rotary International Convention, opening ceremonies. They also were planning on being the flag bearers, like in the Olympics, ya know!

Well, the kids wear VERY elaborate costumes, and it was too soon for them to change out of them to do the flags. So my friend called me to see if Nick wanted to! He was so excited!! At first they told us parents couldn't come to watch. But Sunday morning, my friend called to tell me they had made arrangements for the parents to be able to watch, on the jumbo-tron back stage. I was so excited to get to watch Nick participate in such a cool, once in a lifetime thing. I got a few of pictures, and a little video of it. Note that we were watching the back of the jumbo-tron, so everything is backwards. He was so old, and really "owned" it. We were SO PROUD!!!

So once I was there, I was told that they had seen Donny earlier in the day. I almost fainted. Was I really going to get to meet him? Then Nick called, and said he had just seen him. So off on a quest I went. Everyone was making fun of me. But I totally didn't care. I would have stayed there till midnight just to be able to talk to him. When I was "looking" for him, I was so nervous, and "twitterpated". Then, as I came around a corner, there he was, with his wife, and youngest boy. And some escort lady. I opened my mouth and out fell, "I've been looking for you!" He said, "Oh really??!!" I shook his hand and told how, I just loved him, and have for years...of course. Then I told him how I was gonna try to be on Pyramid just to meet him. He said, well, your too late for that! And we laughed. Then I told him about Oprah, which I have already told you about. And he graciously took a picture with me. I was very "not crazy". He he was so genuine, and sweet. I was calm, and acted my age, I know a stretch for me. When he was out of site of course, I had to sit down.

*sigh* It was everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. Well, we didn't get to sing together, but I'm working on that letter to Oprah! His even wife told me to keep trying, cuz he has never been on Oprah!!

So that was the healing for my soul event of the year. What a year it's been, even the last few months.

And thanks for sticking with me to read the whole story!!!

Dreams DO come true...

Lagoon!

I keep forgetting to report on Lagoon! It was fun! Sadly, Emma had been running a high fever...AGAIN...so she stayed with Gramma. I was in tears the first 20 mins, cuz I kept putting my hand out to hold hers, and she wasn't there! It was bad! But I knew she really couldn't be there, so it made me feel a little better. It was Steve's work summer party., so everything was free! Can't pass that up!

Anyway...here are some pictures. Jack did great! He only got to go on 2 rides, the ferris wheel, and the log flume. Even the kiddie rides, were too much for him. Too fast, or too jarring. He DOES have a stick in his brain! He LOVED watching the boys go on stuff. Some of the rides we could see them. When they went on the Rocket, we could see them. Jack giggled every time it "went off". So when the boys went, he thought that was WAY fun. Here is some video of it.

So...enjoy the pictures. We had a great time!

We finally did something fun!!!

Hogle Zoo had "Dream night". It was for terminally ill and disabled kids, and their families. It was after hours, and dinner and special things were planned. I had hear about it a couple of weeks ago, but didn't look into it. Because it was for the special child and 4 guests. There are 5 plus Jack. Then today, trying to think of something fun to do with the kids, I was reminded of this. I called the zoo, to see if by some miracle, they had tickets left, and...enough for my family. He said, well, I just had a cancellation, but it is for 2 adults, and 3 kids, will that work? Jack being a baby, it did!

We had such a good time. The kids were on cloud nine, it's been awhile. Here are a bazillion pictures, seriously. I hope you have as much fun looking at them, as we had at the zoo!!