Aislinn update

First of all, thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers. Chris and I both know that they are being answered.

Aislinn and I arrived home this afternoon around 1:30 p.m. She has to stay on antibiotics until her surgery and we have an appointment with the nephrologist and the urologist on Thursday, November 6. They will be discussing her upcoming surgery and monitoring her infection.

The nephrologist told us that Aislinn was a "very sick little girl" on Wednesday morning after running a battery of tests. There was one specific test that the normal reading was "1" and Aislinn had a "36"! This is what triggered the doctor to know that this infection was very severe. She told us then that she was almost positive that the infection was in the right kidney, but that she wasn't sure why.

About 5 hours later, we had a diagnosis. I believe that those 5 hours were pretty much the longest that I have EVER had!

They believe that she has 2 kidneys on the right side with a ureter draining from each. However, the smaller of the right kidney's ureter is draining somewhere to her urethra. Through time, when Aislinn holds urine and the pressure builds up in her bladder, the urine goes up this extra kidney's ureter and into the extra kidney, which is dead tissue. That starts a major infection. That is why we ended up in the hospital. It took 3 days of 2 different kinds of antibiotics to get her to respond. We are now going in the positive direction, heading toward less of an infection. They are optimistic that after surgery, she will not have any further problems and the the other right kidney will function fine.

They sent us home with 14 days of antibiotics and iron supplements (because they also found out that she is anemic).

Please continue to pray for her. Like I stated earlier, I know that those prayers are working.

Love to you ALL!

You can see updates that Debbie Carter did for us while we were in the hospital on her blog. She was kind enough to be ME for most of the time we were in the hospital. She kept Brennan, Kerstyn, Lauklan and Greyson. She fed them, helped them with homework, had them take showers and loved them for me. I know that I will NEVER be able to repay her for that.

Prayers requested

Most of you know that while Aislinn was in utero, they detected an issue with her right kidney and the ureter that left that kidney and went to the bladder. The doctors did ultrasounds frequently through my pregnancy and on her right after birth. We followed up with the nephrologist, did tests, etc, etc. Until we got to the point where they said that it looked like everything was fine when she was about six months old.

Out of the blue in July, you might remember when I had to come home early from Ft. Myers Beach because she had a UTI. That UTI was resistant to the antibiotics and she was really sick. It took us 3 or 4 different medications, IV antibiotics and other things to finally get her on the mend.

When we finally got her "well" they sent us to Florida Hospital for them to do an ultrasound and another test to see if her bladder was draining correctly. They found that the bladder IS draining correctly, but it looked like she has TWO, yes 2, ureters that are coming out of the right kidney. They couldn't see where one of the ureters was draining, and they suggested to us that we needed follow up with the nephrologist.

I called and got an appointment in July for the end of August (which was the first available appointment). I had to cancel that appointment because of Tropical Storm Fay. The next available was in September, they canceled that one and then the next was in November. I have been worried that something might be wrong and that this appointment was too far away.

Well, Saturday afternoon, as I mentioned in earlier posts, Aislinn started running a fever. The fever has been persistent since and I have to give her Motrin and Tylenol constantly. When the fever returns, it is quite high, getting higher each time. It's now around 102.6 when it spikes.

I took her to the pediatrician this morning. She couldn't find anything really wrong with her. The urine sample showed an off white blood cell count, some protein and blood in her urine, but it wasn't what the doctor said would be an obvious UTI. Dr. Soto did start her on an antibiotic, given her history, and said that she would send the sample to the lab and let me know the results.

About an hour later, Aislinn was shaking and crying with another high fever, and she said, "I'm not getting better yet because Daddy hasn't given me a blessing."

I took her to Chris as soon as I could and she asked him for a blessing.

Now for the reason that I am asking for prayers.

The blessing was not what Chris wanted to say. He wanted to tell her that she would be ok, and he said he just "couldn't say it". When he finished the blessing, he fell to his knees and cried while he held Aislinn.

We now have an appointment with the nephrologist tomorrow at 3. Please pray that all of this will work out and that Aislinn will be healed.

Her little body is fighting and it must win.

It must!

It's been one of those days

I woke up this morning to Kerstyn screaming at the top of her lungs. I went to where she was screaming, the bathroom in her room, and found her standing, that's right, STANDING, on top of the counter.

She saw a spider.

Seriously, has she forgotten that we live in central Florida?

I then had a rough morning because Aislinn woke up with a fever and so Chris and I had to decide who would stay home with her. We decided on Chris, but of course, I was preoccupied and worried about her all morning.

I had another tense discussion with Chris regarding work/finances. Well, maybe tense isn't the word, but I got upset, we'll just put it at that. I calmed down in a few minutes, which I always do, and loaded the non-sick children in the car and headed to church.

They, meaning the children, were actually quite good today during sacrament meeting. Thank goodness!

The talks were just amazing this morning. Now, I know I am partial to Debbie, but she did an amazing job.

The closing speaker was Brother Wise and he spoke on tithing. My 'earlier in the morning breakdown' had been right after I finished writing the tithing check. Not because of the tithing check, but I guess it just caused me to think about some other things. I just knew that it was NOT coincidence that there was a talk today on tithing. I know that I was supposed to hear that talk to remind myself of things I already know to be true.

Tithing is an opportunity that I have to show my faith. It is not something that is to burden me or to cause stress. Another tender mercy, perhaps?

Pictures, family and fun

Ryan and Mom this morning.

Chris and me yesterday afternoon after we got to Mom's and before we left for dinner at Outback and the concert.

Mom and me. Isn't she pretty?

I'm such a goof!

When we got home, Nana was there with Kenney waiting to visit with you. Our visit was short, but great. Can you tell that Aislinn really likes Nana?

She's so cheesy!

Chris and Lauklan in their FSU attire.

Ryan and me. I'm sure going to miss him, he's moving to California in one week to be a recruiter for the Army.

Ryan, Mom, me, Logan, Noelani (Logan's girlfriend)

We (Chris, Mom and I), got together this morning with Ryan, Logan and Noelani for breakfast. I wanted to see Ryan before he moves away. He and Logan are like brothers to me. We grew up together and I think a lot of them. They are great young men!

After breakfast, Chris and I came home. I commented on the ride home that I sure had a good time, but it was not relaxing at all! We were on the go constantly, but I am glad that we had the opportunity to be with Mom and go to Neil Diamond.

I must admit that I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed the concert. Neil sounded just as good in concert as he does on the radio. I can see why he has such a fan base and why Mom loves him so! We listened to his songs on the way there and got a few chuckles out of memories I had through the years of hearing the songs in the car.

I look forward to when he comes again.

I think we're ready

We're headed to the future!

Well, not really, but we, Chris and I, are headed to Neil Diamond tonight with my mom. She is so excited and I have to admit, so am I! For those of you that are confused by my "headed to the future" remark up there, it's one of Neil Diamond's songs.

Kenney is on her way to watch the children.

She's a brave soul!

I hope all goes well. But as far as I am concerned, I'm going to try to relax, enjoy my husband and mother and sing, sing, sing...

Running around

So, here's life with 5 kids...

Wake up in a rush because I oversleep because I HATE mornings!

Feed the kids, pile in the car. Drop off Kerstyn early for music practice then take Brennan downtown to school. Hurry home, put Lauklan in the car and then drop him off. Come back home, pick up Greyson and Aislinn and take them to school. Go to banks to make deposits if I have them.

Go to work. Work in a CRAZY, stress-filled office until the last possible moment.

Drive quickly to pick up Greyson and Aislinn. Stop at banks again, if needed.

Go home, do chores and try to relax.

Load back in the car. Get Brennan, then pick up Kerstyn and Lauklan if it is my day to do so. (Suzy and I share the responsibility. I pick up our kids on Tuesday and Friday, she picks up Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.)

Home with all 5 for homework. Try to manage that chaos, funny.

Fix dinner, give baths, have them get showers, etc.

Back in the car if there are activities or meetings.

Go to sleep!

Try again the next day.

Today, I voted

I voted today.

I have to say that I wasn't happy with either the Republican or Democratic presidential nominee this time. So, I did my best to vote for who I thought would do the best job, according to Melody.

I also filled in the Amendment 2 'Yes' circle with eagerness. "Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan," states A Proclamation to the World. I know that to be true, so I stood for it again, today. If you aren't familiar with what I believe as a Latter-day Saint, please click on "A Proclamation to the World" above to read it.

The day has been quite crazy. Kids off to school (and almost late, because I overslept), me to work, leave work, take kids to check-ups, pick up other kids, homework, dinner, scouts, meetings.

Will I make it?

Yes, but I'll sure be tired.

Is this the end?

Brennan decided to get in the fun. He squeezed himself into Lauklan's costume. Funny.

An accident waiting to happen...

Fun, fun, fun.

It's cold, watch out!

She's a brave one.

Each time the kids get in the pool lately, I take pictures because I think it will be the last time they get in this year. Well, we keep on jumping in. I am so glad. So, for today, it's not the end.

Pre-Halloween fun

Today the kids are off from school because it is a teacher planning day. We took a trip to Target which ALWAYS results in me buying WAY TOO MUCH!

Today was no different. We came home with Halloween costumes and the kids were so excited that they put them on right away and have been playing ever since.

A trip to Lakeland

Chris's mom and me

Melody, Nancy, Kerstyn and Aislinn

Krystal and Karen

Melody and Karen

Aislinn and Kerstyn

We decided to take a quick trip to Lakeland this afternoon after church. We got to visit with Nancy/Grandma, Bronko, Ricky/Uncle Ricky, Karen/Aunt Karen and Krystal.

It was quick but a bunch of fun. We need to do that more often.

Until we meet again

Chris's paternal grandfather passed away this afternoon. We took this picture on Labor Day weekend 2008 when we traveled to Tallahassee to see him and let him see the children.

We'll miss you Pa Sim.

You hold a special place in our hearts.

Stake Activity Day and girls only night

Sister Widmann dividing the girls up for their activity.

Kerstyn making her Gospel Standards craft.

Kerstyn had a great time today at the Stake Activity for the 8 - 11 year old girls. We made crafts, played games, and danced. I even did the Charlie Brown, well, maybe not 'did' it, but I tried.

A fun time was had by all.

Chris and the boys went out camping last night and should be home late tonight. He took all 3 boys and they were so excited, well, the younger two were excited. I'm not too sure about the oldest one, but he went and I am sure that he's having a good time. Since the boys were gone, and it was just Kerstyn, Aislinn and me, I had a hard time sleeping. I heard EVERY noise made, most of which were made by my dog, but it was not restful at all. Chris is definitely my security blanket on many different levels.

Feeling uplifted

Chris and I had the opportunity last night to go hear Elder Johnson of the First Quorum of the Seventy talk to us. (Us, you see, no-one else, even if there were 200 or so others there...)

Anyway, we were to bring our Preach My Gospel books with us. President Carter spoke briefly in the beginning and then the Orlando Florida Mission President spoke also. They were both sharing messages of hope and joy, eternal joy, the joy that is brought through Jesus Christ.

Elder Johnson had a message of joy also. He also told us to look for messages of unity from General Conference. He reminded us of what unity can do. How if we are united, we can accomplish great things, that we could never accomplish on our own. He focused on the scriptures and I took many notes. He told us to pray last night while on our knees to know who in our lives are ready and needing to hear our message. Our message of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. If you want to read what Sister Carter got out of it, click here.

Chris and I knelt by our bed last night and I prayed. I thanked my Heavenly Father for my MANY blessings. I prayed earnestly for my family and friends. Then, as instructed, I asked my Father in Heaven to help me in sharing the gospel. I know that He will.

I am so thankful that I was able to go last night. To sit at Elder Johnson's feet and learn from him.

Did I say?

Have I said lately how I love that we are provided tender mercies?

I have been able recently to see many in my life. The last few weeks has been hard on me emotionally, but the Lord has shown me over and over how he is watching over me.

I have been prompted to sing with the children many times recently the song A Child's Prayer. Each and EVERY time, the spirit touches my heart and I KNOW that HE hears my prayers.

Thank you , thank you, thank you.

Order of the Dolphins

Kerstyn was inducted into The Order of The Dolphins today. It is the honor society at Round Lake Elementary. You have to have all A's and B's for 3 consecutive 9 week grading periods and keep them that way or you are taken out. The first time you can get in is in fourth grade. So, here she is, and quite happy as you can tell.
I took some pictures of her crossing the stage, but my camera has them all fuzzy. :(

Under the weather

Aislinn

Greyson

I took Kerstyn, Greyson and Aislinn to a birthday party on Saturday for one of their pre-school friends. Chris took Brennan and Lauklan with him on a service project.

As soon as I sat down at my seat in the desk this morning, I received a call from the pre-school. I had to go get Aislinn. I made her a doctor's appointment and Dr. Soto couldn't find anything wrong with her. So, hopefully, it's just a cold.

I guess it was good that Aislinn wasn't feeling well this morning because I had a monster of a headache all day. I have taken anything and everything that I can think of for it and it just won't go away. I can't wait to get the kids in bed and lie down myself.

Lauklan's talk

Lauklan got to give a talk today in Primary on service. I thought he did a great job reading almost the whole thing by himself. It was also good timing since he just did service for someone and he was proud of his hard work.

We're proud of him too.

Our faith soaring to new heights

Valiant girls getting ready to do their pumpkin race.

Let's get this activity started!

Our CTR's ready to pumpkin race.

CTR's with the Skittles

Just thought I'd throw this one in.

Sister Higley with her nursery children going to another activity.

The Valiant girls doing the Skittles in whipped cream with no hands. Sister Gronlund loves this activity!

Valiant girls doing the doughnuts on a string.

Sister White did a great cupcake design following our activity theme.

Our balloons on their way.

We had our Primary activity this afternoon from 4 - 6. The theme was "Our Faith, Soaring to New Heights". We had several different activities for the children to rotate through, and one of them was them writing part of their testimony on a balloon that we all released together at the end of the activity. It was a great opportunity for us to be together and have fun AND for us to think about our many blessings.

This is for you NieNie, Courtney and family. I am praying for you.

Temple night

Chris and I got to go to the temple tonight. It's the second Friday of the month, so it was time. We haven't been getting babysitters for our normal date nights since the money situation is tighter and we have had things going on. However, tonight I called and set up babysitters so we could go to the only place that we can feel complete peace and comfort.

The office is having to make some changes, and we needed to make sure we were making the right ones. These economic times are hard on EVERYONE!

When we make an effort to get to the temple often, I can see a definite improvement in our marriage. I am so thankful for those blessings!

Better be glad you're cute!

He's going to do me in! That is for sure. There is slobber EVERYWHERE! He eats/chews anything and everything that is within in his reach. INCLUDING my favorite shoes. :(

On a positive note, he is very lovable and loves to be played with. He is so cute when he knows he is wrong. He just lays down waiting for punishment.

And the cutest part... the kids tell me that while I was gone this summer, he did something that made Chris really mad. Chris proceeded to chase after him with his hand in the air, ready to spank him, but he never caught him. Too cute. Of course, Chris has NO idea what they are talking about.

Random Thoughts

What would I do, without this man? I am almost confident that NOBODY else could put up with me. He even loves me on top of it, quite amazing!

This is the boss. Thank goodness... :)

It doesn't look like he wanted this taken, does it? I'm guessing the photographer was Lauklan or Aislinn.

Seriously, this boy is going to be an entertainer!

We're working on our relationship and I have to say, I'm really enjoying it. She is SO MUCH like me, it's hard some times.

Well, if Kerstyn is like me, Brennan seems to be like Chris. What a neat young man.

I had a rough day yesterday. I just didn't feel like myself. Today was going that way again. So, I was going to just put some random thoughts about the kids and stuff on today's blog. Now that I am done, I am in a better mood. Just writing these things has allowed me to realize how wonderful each of these people are that are in my family. I am so thankful for all of my many blessings and especially thankful that my family can be together forever!

Deaf ears

My children seem to have deaf ears when it comes to my voice.

Interesting!

Some of my favorites

President Monson - You're going to miss this! He focused on living in the now and finding joy. I loved how he put so many wonderful aspects of this mortal life in perspective. Every time I Windex the fingerprints, I'm going to think of his talk. I'm serious, every time!

Elder Bednar - Prayer. I just loved how he challenged us to say a prayer of only thanksgiving. I'm sure that will have a profound effect on me.

Elder Nelson - Marriage is between one man and woman. I loved how he compared marriage to shopping. You can go for the okay, but not the best option which would be marriage, but not temple marriage, however, I loved how he said that you could upgrade and get the celestial marriage if you are faithful. You can go for the best, temple marriage or you can "shoplift" marriage. I enjoyed hearing again how important family is, and how we CAN be together forever, for I want nothing more than that!

I have other points that stuck out to me, but I'm in a blur as to who exactly said what.

I enjoyed the talk where we were told how our dress is important because it affects our demeanor. How important sacrament meeting is and how vital our dress and attitude are in our ability to worship.

I enjoyed the many testimonies of the leaders. Each one of them touched my life.

I truly enjoyed the music, however, I have to admit that the Primary Children's Choir was absolutely amazing! Did you hear them? I loved each of their songs but, the closing song, We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet was just beautiful. How He does guide us in these latter days! What a blessing!

Are you watching?

General Conference is on this weekend. Are you tuned in? (pun intended!) :)

Greyson's Birthday Party!

Chris and Greyson

Kiddie Pool fun

The spread

Greyson with his pirate gear

The birthday boy with his cake

Happy Birthday Greyson, again.

After the party, we turned on conference and I loved every minute of it.

This evening, Melissa came to watch the kids so I could go on a girls night while Chris was at the Priesthood session. Debbie Clayton, Debbie Carter and I went to Olive Garden for dinner, Target for some power shopping and then to the Birdhouse for some fun conversation.

It sure was a fun day. (While Chris was at conference and I was off with the girls, Ryck and Kenney went on a much needed date.)

We all came home exhausted!