Happy HalloWeenigs 2008

One of my most hated holiday traditions is carving pumpkins. I just can't get over the mess (and the smell!) But, how can you deny these cuties? Oh...the sacrifices we make in the name of motherhood!

Happy Birthday Hailey Girl!

Today my beautiful daughter Hailey turns 14! I can't believe it has been fourteen years since she made me a mommy. Since the moment she was born, Hailey has kept us on our toes. She is intelligent, spunky, fun, and sassy. There is never a dull moment when she is around. This year she has started high school and seminary, attended her first Homecoming dance, and joined a new club soccer team. She is so busy with her life that we barely see her anymore. We love being her parents and having the opportunity to raise such a beautiful daughter who tries so hard to choose the right and be a good girl. Has the prettiest hazel eyes Always on the go Infectious laughter Loves her friends Energy to spare! Yikes! We can't believe how old you are now! We love you Hailey!!!

I'm So Proud

No one could make a greater mistake, than he who did nothing, because he could do only a little. Edmund Burke 1729-1797 Today, my oldest daughter Hailey ditched school. She called us after Seminary to let us know that she and her friends were missing school to protest the California Teacher's Association donation of over 1 million dollars to "No on Prop 8". She may have to attend Saturday School, but she said, "So what...it will make more of a statement!" She and a couple of friends headed down to the beach and ended up standing on a corner with Prop 8 signs. They were yelled at and flipped off and still kept bright, shiny smiles on their faces. Behold...the modern Army of Helaman. I'M SO PROUD!

Thanks Grandma!

Thanks Grandma for the pretty scarf you knitted me! I love the beautiful fall colors and I wore it to school today. I love you and love that you make me pretty things. ***Not much of an update for me to give...still waiting. CT scan came back okay today...will keep everyone posted.

Confessions of a 36 year old Cardiac Patient...

So I don't have to repeat myself over and over on the phone to family and friends and so all of you fellow bloggers can stop wondering what my "mystery" problem is...I've decided to post an update on my condition. Saturday night of Conference Weekend I headed off to the ER for chest pain and shortness of breath that had been bugging me off and on since the previous Tuesday. I was given tests and admitted to the cardiac ward of Scripps Encinitas. After EKGs, cardiac enzyme tests, nitro, oxygen, the "oh so lovely" morphine dose, and observation- I was released Sunday afternoon with no answers except something was wrong. Last week I was given an echocardiogram at the dr.'s office and saw my cardiologist today. The echocardiogram came back normal, which means I do not have any valve problems. This week I will be having a chest CT for pulmonary embolism with IU contrast, as well as an Exercise Myocardial Perfusion Test (yes Rob, you can laugh at my big words). What we do know is that I have diastolic hypertension...in other words, my heart is working too hard and is causing me to have chest pain, shortness of breath, plus I'm really tired (which is highly annoying for a mother of four who also has a job). What we are trying to figure out now is WHY. My cardiologist has put me on a high-blood pressure medication which should make my chest pain feel better, but will also make me even more tired. What fun! SO...hopefully we will get this figured out soon. Thanks for all your sweet thoughts and prayers. ***By the way...is that a great picture or what? Rob and Rachel came to see me in the hospital so Rob and Matt could give me a blessing and so Rachel could cheer me up by making me pose for cheesy pictures.