Napkin Folding 101

Tonight I will be teaching a class on folding napkins. Hopefully everyone will go home inspired to make their Thanksgiving table look a little fancier!

Here are a few of the folds that I will go over:

The Crown

The Rose

Bird of Paradise

Bishop's Mitre

Rosebud

Arum Lily

The girls and I had fun making these folds last night. Alexandra's favorite was The Rose (I even caught her awake past bedtime practicing!) We also had fun baking these:

Want to make them? Click here for the recipe.

A Story About a Cradle

A few days after Elisabeth was born I bought her an elegant cradle. I splurged a little bit...but she was worth it. After all, I was going to bring Queen Elisabeth home soon, and she needed a royal place to slumber.


I expected her to use the cradle until the new year. She would be 3 months old by then, and surely she would be ready to move into the crib.

Well, months ticked by. The new year came and went. Winter, Spring, Summer...and back to Autumn again. My little queen is still using her cradle. She doesn't move much, so safety isn't an issue. But alas, this dear baby is growing! A bed that at one time seemed so big is now getting very, very small. There are just a few inches in length to spare.


The cradle has stayed at my bedside for the past 13 months. To be perfectly honest, I just couldn't bring myself to part with her. But soon I will have no choice but to move her into the crib. So to help her with her transition I decided that it was time to move her cradle from my bedroom to the room that she will share with her big sisters. Then, in a few weeks, and after she has gotten used to her new space, we will introduce her to the crib.

So Alexandra, Lorelai and I got busy. We took her royal cradle and moved it to the "Girls Dormitory". At first I was a little sad. But as I saw the excitement in my daughters faces, I got excited too. What a blessing this is for Elisabeth. She has two older sisters who play with her, adore her, and comfort her. Their devotion to this dear baby is unwavering. And this mommy's heart is grateful.

Once the cradle was in place the girls were anxious to "try out" the new living arrangement. They insisted that I bring Elisabeth into their new room and lay her in her bed. Then Alexandra and Lorelai changed into leotards, put on The Nutcracker Suite, and danced the afternoon away.

Elisabeth did OK last night...and so did I.

He's For Real

This past Saturday morning I was having one of those rare moments where I felt defeated, overwhelmed, and under appreciated. So much to do, so little time. It was 8:30 am. I shared my woes with Donald, cheered up, and headed out the door to work.

When I got home later that day Donald handed me a paper. This is what it said:

Saturday To-Do List

• Make Beds - check
• Master Bathroom - check
• Girls Bathroom - check
• Clean kitchen -check
• Iron All Clothes - check
• Put Away Clothes - check
• Re-arrange closet - check

Keep in mind that I did not make this list. Donald did....he had been working non-stop since the moment I left. And not only was he busy with all the above mentioned house work, but he was tending to the children as well.

So I read through the list (the whole time enjoying the lovely smell of a freshly sanitized home) and got to the bottom.

"Re-arrange closet??? What one??" I ask.

"Follow me" he replied.

We walked to our bedroom, through the master bath, and into our walk-in closet. He completely gave it a makeover!!! Apparently he had an idea to use the space more efficiently. By moving the chest of drawers to a different wall and re-arranging the clothes our closet became roomier and more functional. Brilliant.

So with the housework in order, the afternoon was free. Donald accompanied me on a few errands. We went to the market and bought some french bread (my latest addiction) along with a few other items. Then he treated me and the girls to dinner at Chico's Taco's. Yum.

Yep...he's for real. Lucky me.

***My sister-in-law, Heidi, just started up a blog. Go check it out and give her a warm "hello". Just click here.

Saturday Night Movie

My 3 girls are all snuggled up watching a movie. Elisabeth simply loves being tucked between her 2 big sisters.

And me...I am heading out on a run. A cold, frigid run. But I know when I get back I'll be glad that I toughed it out. Then I'll reward myself with a warm bath, cozy pajamas, and another Saturday night movie. This one with just me and my dearest.

Afternoon Art

What better way to spend a cold, wet afternoon than with a box of fresh new crayons? 120 to be exact. Lots of exciting colors...Robin's Egg Blue, Razzmatazz, Macaroni and Cheese, and Granny Smith Apple to name a few (yes, those are the actual names).

Alexandra was fascinated when she discovered that the color names were printed in Spanish too. It was so exciting to hear her reading them all (her dual language kindergarten class is working!!).

Lorelai and I worked together and colored fairies in all shapes and sizes.

And of course sweet Elisabeth just listened to it all. Wondering about things like crayons...and color.

It was 'mauvelous'! (yes...another color name)

Elisabeth's Stem Cell Infusion

A year ago today we were at Duke University and Elisabeth received her stem cells transplant. I often wonder what those magical cells have been up to during the past year.

We are planning to take Elisabeth back to Duke for a second infusion as soon as we get these Infantile Spasms figured out. Do some 'damage control', if you know what I mean.

It was also one year ago today that Elisabeth had her very 1st seizure. To think how much I have learned in just one year...

All Wrapped Up

It's getting chilly outside. It's not so bad when we are at home in our comfy clothes and enjoying the glow of the fireplace. But unfortunately, we have to pile into the cold van every morning at precisely 8:20 and head off to school. So to keep my children toasty warm I have started throwing 3 blankets into the dryer at around 8:00. On our way out the door I wrap each girl into a cozy bundle.

They seem to love our new little tradition.

Medical Updates:

Elisabeth's EEG

The left side of Elisabeth's brain looked somewhat normal (emphasis on somewhat). However, the right side showed non-stop seizure activity for the duration of the EEG. Elisabeth did not have any noticeable epileptic episodes during the test....so I can only imagine what the reading must look like when I actually see her having a seizure.

To give you an idea of what her EEG looked like I found these random pictures online. They are not Elisabeth's.

The left side of Elisabeth's brain looked something like this:

The right side however looked more like this:

So for now we have decided to keep her on the Depakote but increase the dose.

***********************************************

Lorelai's Audiology Appointment

We took Lorelai in to have her hearing tested after discovering holes in her tympanic membrane during a wellness exam. The audiologist that met with us has never seen this before. She told Lorelai that she was special. The good news is that her hearing tested normal and it was determined that the holes only go through one or two layers of the eardrum (apparently there are 3). The most interesting part of our visit was when they placed a video camera inside Lorelai's ear and we were able to see the 'mystery holes' on the TV screen. Lorelai thought that was pretty cool too.

My questions were:

• How did this happen?
• Could it worsen?
• Might it effect her hearing later on?
  

It was recommended that we take her to an ear, nose, and throat doctor to try and get those questions answered. So I will (you know me).

2 Tags

5 Things...

tagged by Susan

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago:

• Settling in at BYU.
• Practicing a lot of violin.
• Yearning to go home for Thanksgiving.
• Dropping out of a physics class.
• Enjoying my film class.

5 Things on my to-do list today (it's late, so I am going with tomorrow's list)

• Speech therapy for Elisabeth.
• Practice for my violin lesson.
• Rehearse with a string trio.
• Go to mutual.
• Balance the checkbook.

5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire

• Sell our other house (it's our biggest burden).
• Pay off the van.
• Go on a shopping spree to Janie and Jack.
• Travel with my family to England.
• Save for a rainy day.

5 Places I have lived.

• Camarillo, CA
• Benicia, CA
• Scottsdale, AZ
• Trabuco Canyon, CA
• Kennewick, WA (love this place!)

5 Jobs I have had.

• Mervyn's.
• Hallmark.
• Violin teacher.
• Daycare provider.
• Musician

7 Random Facts About Me

tagged by Erin

• I can only sleep in a bed that has been made.
• I am crazy about argyle socks.
• I am completely happy and content with my life.
• I love singing along to The Sound of Music.
• I saw That Thing You Do! 26 times in the theater.
• I was president of the student council in 6th grade.
• I wanted to change my name to 'Greenstan' when I was 4 years old.

Day to Day Life...

Lately my life has gotten busy.

Here was my yesterday:

7:00 Got the children up and ready.
8:00 Scripture study and family prayer.
8:20 Took Alexandra to school.
9:00 Dropped Lorelai at preschool.
9:15 Therapy appt. for Elisabeth.
11:00 Picked Lorelai up from Preschool.
11:30 Made lunch.
12:00 Taught a cello student.
12:45 Cleaned the upstairs.
2:45 Went to pick up Alexandra.
3:20 Meeting with the Laurels class (did I mention that I am YW president now?)
4:30 Taught a violin student.
5:30 Went to work.
9:20 Got home.
9:30 Went out running and took 17 seconds off my mile (I think I really wanted to get home).

But this was the best part of my day:

I walked in the door at the end of it all and heard the blessed hum of the dishwasher and saw the lines of freshly vacuumed carpet. Thank you dear Donald for helping me make it through each day. You are my best friend. Love to you...always.

Good luck to the McCain*Palin campaign today. They earned my vote. God Bless America.

Happy Birthday Marc!

My brother...

...the Jack Black look alike.

(no, that's not my brother...that's Jack Black...but he looks just like that...so maybe it is him...or maybe it's not...there's no telling who is who.)

Halloween 2008

Pumpkins were carved...






We visited our friends at the retirement home...










They giggled with cousins...

The front walkway glowed...

"And they're off..."

Trick-or-Treat!

It's a magical night to be a child. Dressing up, exploring the neighborhood after dark, and collecting an enormous load of candy. Dorothy and Glinda are excited (and so is Donald)!

As for me and Elisabeth...we will stay home and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace along with a good Halloween movie. And of course we will greet all the ghosts, goblins, cowboys, and fairy princesses that come knocking at our door. I can't wait!

So Long, Farewell...

I am having issues. Last night we sold Elisabeth's baby carrier/stroller combo. It wasn't needed anymore. She outgrew the carrier months ago, and the stroller hasn't been used since Elisabeth got her new jogger. So it made sense. But I am sad...and this is SO not like me. I have never been sentimental or clingy. My theory is "if it isn't being used...get rid of it".

So what's my problem? Let me tell you. Selling the stroller meant that Elisabeth {my final baby} is growing up {fast}. And that my friends is the real issue here.

But life moves on and so must I.

I will title this chapter of my life The Baby Years and always look back on it with the fondest of memories. And I will continue to cherish what time I have left in The Baby Years before the chapter comes to a close. I will sing her lullaby's as I gently rock her cradle {she's still not in a crib}, I will enjoy holding her close as she drinks her bottle {no solids for this one}, and I will be happy that my last baby gets to be a baby a little longer than most.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

~Dr. Seuss

**Elisabeth and I are heading over to Spokane today for an EEG and visit to the neurologist. I will be glad to report all the progress she's made, but sad to tell him that we still haven't resolved her epilepsy issues.

Ruby Red Slippers

As Alexandra lined up with her schoolmates before the bell rang I saw her proudly pull the legs of her pants up so everyone could get a good look at her new sparkly footwear. One girl crouched down low for a close examination. Oh the fascination!

I don't think those shoes will be leaving her feet anytime soon.

Shhh...don't tell

It's 5:48 am. The girls are snug in their beds, sound asleep. I have quietly tip-toed into their bedroom and carefully laid their much anticipated Halloween costumes next to their beds {I have been secretly getting them ready this past week}.

In about an hour I'll hear squeals of joy as they wake up and discover their surprise. These are the moments I cherish; watching my children experience the magic and whimsy of childhood.

Want a preview of what my sweet darlings will be dressed like on Friday night???

Can you guess who will be who?

Update:

It was an innocent murmur. Hurray!

**smiles**

Next test on the agenda: EEG for Elisabeth this Thursday.

Results Today...I Hope

Brave little Lorelai getting her EKG.

Also...she is going to the audiologist later this week in regards to the holes in her eardrum.

Saturday's Schedule

Yesterday's field trip to the pumpkin patch.

• Early morning run.
• Photo shoot with the symphony.
• Rehearsal for tonight's concert.
• The girls have a practice for tomorrow's Primary Program.
• Neighborhood Fall Festival.
• Halloween Party at a friend's house.
• Autumn festival at the elementary school.
• Symphony concert.

We'll be busy...how about you?

Back on Track

Nearly 3 weeks ago Elisabeth started a new medication called Depakote. It has worked wonders! Here is a sampling of how she has progressed over the last few weeks:

• Started smiling and laughing again.
• Uses her left hand {never used it before}.
• Blows raspberries.
• Discovered her voice {she rarely made noise previously}.
• Re-learned how to roll.
• Can sit upright for 10-20 seconds before starting to tip.
• Puts pressure on her legs.
• Can find a toy next to her on the ground and pick it up.

We are still seeing clusters of the infantile spasms , and quite a few absence seizures, but regardless, the medicine seems to have stimulated major brain activity. Yippee! Oh yes, one more thing...Elisabeth is 13 months old today!

Thank you Depakote!!

Notice how she puts her hand on Donald's face...this is her way of 'seeing' who she is with.

Letter to the Editor

My husband reads the newspaper. From the front page to the last. Me, never. So I count on him to keep me up to date and informed. Well, a few days ago he came home and read me a letter to the editor that he knew I would find interesting. Here is what it said:

I was extremely disappointed to see the Herald's editorial of Sept. 28 supporting Initiative 1000, the so-called "Death with Dignity" initiative.

Physicians have accepted a calling to provide care, healing, comfort and compassion. Assisting in suicide is a complete reversal of the proper physician role toward patients. We are in deep trouble when we must choose our physicians and healers on the basis of whether they will enable us to live or enable us to die. Once patients are allowed to commit suicide, there is decreased incentive for physicians to provide the care that can result in true death with dignity.

Interestingly, studies have shown that physical pain is often not the predominant motivation for patients opting for assisted suicide. Rather, understandable fears such as loss of autonomy, dignity and enjoyable life events are high on the list for people choosing assisted suicide.
Regarding any type of pain, let's emphasize killing the pain and not the patient.

I would agree with the Herald on one point: Initiative 1000 is certainly mislabeled. It's not a "Right to Die," it's a right to kill, and it's a horrible idea.

We as a profession should never participate in it, and we as a society should never condone it.

A well written letter. A letter I agree with. So why is this letter so interesting to me?? This letter happens to be written by the same physician who I was referred to when Elisabeth was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 16 weeks. The same physician who said many parents aren't prepared to 'deal' with a child like Elisabeth. The same physician who asked if I wanted to continue on with the pregnancy knowing the baby was destined for a life of handicaps and surgeries. The same physician who thought I should terminate Elisabeth.

Does anyone else see the contradiction here??

More Medical Worries

I took Lorelai in for her 4 year wellness exam yesterday. You know...temperature, weight, height, lollipop, and 'see you next year'. Nope. Not that simple. She has a systolic heart murmur. She is going in for an EKG and chest X-ray today that will be sent over to the cardiologist in Spokane.

This totally threw me. There is not supposed to be anything wrong with Lorelai. I already have Elisabeth. Isn't there some sort of 'one child per family' rule when it comes to children with health problems?

I know that it could be nothing. I hope that it is nothing. But I also know that it could be something...and that is what worries me.

But I mustn't get ahead of myself. She'll have her test done and we'll wait for results. Wait, wait...a common theme as of late...

***Oh yes, Lorelai also has holes in her right tympanic membrane {ear drum}. I don't know what that means yet. I'm going to focus on the heart issue first.

Autumn Cleaning

Once every season I make a clean sweep through my house. I deep clean, organize, and simplify. When done quarterly, the task doesn't seem too overwhelming. And I love the way it makes me feel. An organized home is a happy home.

So I am dedicating this week to getting things in order. I have something big coming up {more on that next week} and I want to have everything running smoothly on the home front.

Off to work I go...