New York City, Day 1

It was early, as usual, but we were all smiles and we were off!

After landing at JFK and arriving at the hotel in record time (because the cab driver drove AT LEAST 80), we rested for a little and then decided to head to Serendipity III for an early dinner. It never disappoints us. We had tasty food and a great time.

We were even educated by our half Italian cab driver as to how we were tourists because we didn't get in the taxi at the right place. We learned that you don't get in going a certain way because you can't turn left onto Lexington Avenue from 10 - 6 during the week.

Okay. Now we know. We always have a blast though.

Quick

It was back to school and work today. But for me, I had to do a lot. I leave tonight to go to Mom and Dad's so that I can fly out tomorrow morning to spend 4 nights in NYC!

So, I stocked up on groceries and made sure all my ducks were in a row. Of course, I worked my butt off at the gym and after Chris got home, around 8:30, I drove over to Mom and Dad's.

Whew!

Last Disney Day

We had a great time at Fort Wilderness! The only negative is that it was really to small for our family. We need at least 2 bathrooms, that is for sure! However, it certainly didn't stop us from having a great time.

After leaving the cabin, we headed to the Downtown Disney area and ate breakfast at a Perkins. We needed to tank up for the big day ahead.

After breakfast, we headed to Downtown Disney and the boys did some shopping at the LEGO store while the girls and I went to the Disney store and did some shopping for ourselves. Each of us got a new t-shirt to remember our trip by and we were all happy.

Since Brennan went to Disney Quest for the first time a few days earlier with the 8th graders at his school and he loved it so much, we all got passes to go there and we all played games for hours. Literally, hours. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to going back. I'm going to continue to work on my Dance, Dance Revolution skills...

The shot below was after we went to the 'best movie theater ever' according to the kids. We watched Kung Fu Panda 2 at a theater where they serve you food and drinks. The kids absolutely loved it!

Fort Wilderness, Day 2

We spent all day today with Kenney, Alyssa and their family to celebrate Alyssa's birthday. We ate breakfast as a family, then some of us went our separate ways for a while. Chris, the boys, Aislinn and I went to Hollywood Studios for a little while but it was REALLY HOT, so we headed bacy to swim at the Wilderness Lodge pool with some of Kenney's family. We had a lot of fun. Following a nice afternoon, we ate dinner at Kenney's family's cabin and went back to the lake and watched the fireworks. It was a long day, but it was a lot of fun.

Don't we look like we are having fun?

Fort Wilderness, Day 1

We arrived at Fort Wilderness around noon today. We got our cabin and rented our golf cart and then spent some time at the pool before going to the Hoop-Dee-Doo for the dinner show.

We all absolutely loved the show and the dinner.

Time to have a great weekend!

Date at Magic Kindgom

Chris and I headed to the Magic Kingdom tonight for dinner with Holly, her kids and Mom. We ate dinner at the Crystal Palace, one of our favorites and then did some rides with them. We all watched the fireworks together too and then Chris and I stayed a little longer and did the Jungle Cruise and Pirates.

Tomorrow begins family weekend at Disney! We can't wait to escape for a little.

Kindergarten Dual Language Performance

The Dual Language program for Kindergarten was tonight they treated us with wonderful music and dancing!

Below she is talking to her friend while they wait to get handed their reading recognition certificate and their Kindergarted completion certificate.
The students had been practicing for a while and it looked like they really had a good time.

It is hard to believe that my baby will be in first grade. (At least I hope she'll be in first grade. It all depends on if she felt like telling the teacher what she knows...)

I love

Chris got home from work today before dark and jumped in the pool with the 3 youngest kids.

It made me smile to stand and watch.

I shall have joy in my posterity.

I'm planning

I have a surprise getting worked up for all the kids and Chris for this upcoming weekend. We need to have a nice time and forget about all the stresses at home. I hope it will all fall in to place...

No better, but no worse

Unfortunately, Aislinn had to have some more Motrin today during church. Her teacher and Primary President brought her to me during Sunday School and said that she felt hot. I gave her the Motrin and like I thought, she perked up and was happy after it kicked in.

I am still concerned that she is not right. I can't wait for this to pass.

Kerstyn's First Piano Recital

She played beautifully and I know I was the proudest Mama in the room!

Kerstyn has really taken to playing the piano and I know she has a lot of potential.

Her teacher's name is Terry Sullivan and she has quite a crew of students. We all enjoyed listening to each student play.

The whole family!

Pirates

Since we have a job as parents to preview entertainment, Chris and I went to see the new Pirates movie tonight. ;)

We had a nice nap in the beginning. Luckily the movie picked up towards the middle. We enjoyed it and are glad that we went, but I didn't think it was the best one.

However, it was nice to have a date with my best friend.

Baby shower turned GNO

We were going to have a surprise baby shower for our friend Kristen at Chili's tonight. But she went off and had the baby the day before, so we changed the shower to a GNO.

We had a great group and a wonderful time. It is wonderful to have such great friends. I feel really blessed.

Off

We took up a whole middle row today during sacrament meeting. It was really nice. However, Aislinn was sitting next to me and she was just 'off'. I ended up having to give her Motrin during the meeting and when that kicked in, she perked up, like always. However, it's not looking good. :(

After church, I crawled in the bed myself, since I woke up not feeling too well. I'm going to keep an eye on Aislinn and keep trying to get myself to not get sick. No time for that...

Surprise Party!

Holly and I started planning about 6 months ago for this special day. Mom turned 70 on Friday, May 13 and we knew that we needed to celebrate. Today, we did. She was blessed to have all 4 of her children here today and her only brother.

I believe that she was surprised and I hope that everyone had a good time. We ate and swam and visited all day long!

Family, it is what it's all about!

Getting ready to celebrate!

Holly and her family left Ft. Benning this morning around 9:30 and arrived at our house around 4:30. I was over at a birthday party with the 3 youngest children when they got here, but I met them in the driveway and I was so glad to see them. Holly is not only my sister in law, but a great friend, and I was glad to have the opportunity to spend some time with her.

Around 6, Janie arrived and I got back from picking up Lauklan from his party. We gave Janie the instructions and left her with 7 kids... If anyone can handle it, she can.

Holly, Dane, Ammon and I went up to the office to pick up Chris then we all headed down to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. We had a wait, like always, and the boys headed to Brookstone. When I got there, for checking out some other stores, this is how I found them...

We had a very nice dinner and got home around 9:30. We needed a good night sleep because some serious partying is planned for tomorrow.

Girls are fun

You can't really tell, because I didn't get a good picture, but we had a great time at Chili's tonight. It was a really nice group of us consisting of Frances, Maria, Donna, Jennifer, Delia and me. We laughed and ate and laughed some more. It was just what we needed!

We're excited

President and Sister Carter and heading out in about a month and a half. Their name was on the missionary plaque in the building yesterday and I snapped a picture for them, and me. Man, I'm going to miss them more than you can imagine!

If our boys get a mission president and mission president's wife like Doug and Debbie, they will surely be blessed! I cry about every time I think about them being gone. But, now I focus on the visit that we will make to Argentina while they are there.

I kind of made them my second set of parents. They are people who have forever imprinted our lives. So many lives will be blessed and have been blessed by their service. Their testimonies and faith are an example to many.

Mother's Day 2011

Chris woke up bright and early this morning and he and the kids made me a wonderful breakfast. It was way more than I could eat, especially because I don't usually even eat breakfast. But, what I did eat was delicious and the thought was super sweet.

Chris had also bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and had them in a vase. Mom (Grandma) had delivered a sweet bouquet of flowers to me on Friday. I'm feeling pretty loved...

Church was very nice and the afternoon and evening weren't full of too much bickering. ;)

Happy Mother's Day 2011!

Thor Date

Chris and I went to see Thor tonight. We didn't get to have dinner before because I was running around like crazy getting Greyson to a birthday party and then Brennan to the Garrett's for a sleepover.

I sent Lauklan and Aislinn to EDEP and I picked up Greyson when school was over and took him to the party. I wasn't thinking clearly, because the party was until 6 in Tavares and I obviously couldn't get back to Round Lake to get Lauklan and Aislinn by 6. So, Grandma came to the rescue and picked them up for us and took them home.

Janie arrived about 6 and Grandma left. I got home with Greyson about 6:20 and dropped him off and then ran Brennan to Eustis for the sleepover.

I think I finally arrived at the office about 6:50 and Chris and I hustled to Apopka to get the movie. We had buttered popcorn for dinner. Tasty! ;)

Uncomfortable

Chris and I attended a Customer Appreciation Dinner for USB bank tonight. We get invited every year to this even which the banks hosts to give appreciation to the attorneys and CPA's and a few realtors that refer business to them.

They always have a comedian and this year was no different. However, what was different was that he got a group of 5 attorneys and 5 CPA's and they played a game like Family Feud. Chris was picked to be on the attorney team and I think that he was bright red from the moment they called his name to the moment he sat back down next to me at the table.

I knew how uncomfortable he was up there and I thought he did great. I do know though, that the whole time, he was counting down to the second he could sit back down outside of the spotlight. How cute!

Chris is great in his element. He can talk and talk and talk. But, put him in a different situation, and he is shy. I think it's cute. I love that man.

I can't even express...

How upset, disappointed, overwhelmed, frustrated and sad I am right now.

I called the surgery coordinator this afternoon around 1:30 and she told me that Monday, May 9 would not happen for Aislinn. Apparently sufficient time was not available.

She scheduled Aislinn for, are you ready? .................................. J U L Y 21!

Yes, you read it right, July 21. That would be over 11 weeks away. She did put us on the cancel list, but said that something 'big' would have to cancel, given that Aislinn has a 'big' surgery.

I cried. I don't have anything else to say.

Surprise visit

Dad sent me a text this morning to see what we were doing today after church. I told him nothing except hanging out at home. So, they came over and we hung out together! It was absolutely wonderful to have them with us, the only bad thing was that Chris wasn't there until about an hour before they had to leave. But, we'll take what we can get. Family time is certainly precious.

These parents of mine are absolutely amazing! I'm so thankful for them. The kids thing they're pretty darn great too! Happy Sabbath, for sure!

Clean then play

We got up this morning and headed up to the church to help clean the building. After that, we headed to Blizzard Beach for some relaxing fun. Both objectives were achieved. We left the church cleaner than it was when we got there, and we left Blizzard Beach after having fun and relaxing.

Chris and I got Ashley to babysit tonight and we went to see a movie. What a nice day!

Here's a maybe

I spoke with the surgery coordinator today about Aislinn's upcoming surgery. She thinks that they might be able to get her in next Monday, May 9. I have to wait until this Monday to know for sure. Otherwise, they are going to schedule her for the next available time, which isn't until July. However, there are cancellations all the time, so we will just take what we can get. All involved agree that it is best to not wait since another infection is on it's way. Like always...

Let's try it again

We had Aislinn's appointment with Dr. Rich today. We were blessed that they worked her in earlier than the mid-May appointment and Chris was able to come to the appointment too. I am so glad!

We went about a month ago and had the VCUG done, as many of you know. They did see in that test that Aislinn has Grade 1 reflux. After visiting with Dr. Rich today, the time that she had reflux before was Grade 3 and most children with Grade 1 reflux don't have anything done except changing patterns of going to the bathroom and diet. However, since Aislinn has her history and has continued to struggle with UTI's and they have been severe, Dr. Rich believes, and so do Chris and I, that they need to go back in.

This time, they will go in much lower and in the front. The incision will be a little lower than a c-section incision. This will allow him to take the good right ureter out and re-implant it to remedy (hopefully) the reflux. He will also find the remaining duplicate right ureter and remove it.

He believes, along with us, that that extra ureter is somehow contributing to the infections.

This surgery will take about 1 1/2 - 2 hours typically to complete and about 2 days recovery in the hospital. Sounds eerily familiar, huh?

I'll keep you posted on the date. In the meantime, she will stay on antibiotics to hopefully keep her from getting another infection. We'll see...

Shipley Law humor

One of my jobs here at the office is shredding papers. Well, it is not fun. At all! I sometimes spend hours hunched over and kneeling before that thing. So, a few of the employees thought they would help me out...

If you can't see the picture taped on the front of the shredder, it is Tom Jones in a striped Speedo with no shirt on.

Funny, huh?

Easter Shipley Style

The Easter Bunny arrived at our house Sunday morning and the kids were pretty excited about it. Me, not so excited about it... ;)

We went to church and I conducted the choir in the prelude music which I thought went really well and added a nice spirit to the meeting. During Relief Society I had the opportunity to teach the lesson, which I really enjoyed and I'm hoping that people enjoyed that too. So, needless to say, it was a busy church day for me.

Following church, we ran home for me to pick up the ham that I had baked and we headed over to Grandma's to eat, and eat, and eat. The kids also made Rice Krispie Treat eggs.

It was a very relaxing day and all of us enjoyed it. We even managed to not have too many episodes of fussing. Imagine that!

Above is Grandma with the kids that participated in the Rice Krispie making and below is Chris and Brennan chilling out.

Chris attended church in Belleview this morning, but arrived at Grandma's about the same time we did. We all enjoyed a wonderful Easter day.

Family time

I got to spend some time with Mom and Dad today. Daddy arrived home around 3 this morning and around 10 we managed to get ourselves to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. It was nice to have just the 3 of us. What was even better is that I got them to agree to go on the cruise with all of us next January! We are going to have a great time!

About noon, I went up to a Greek Restaurant to visit with my friend Charity. She and I met in 9th grade and had a great time all through high school. She is one of the two people that I kept in touch with all these years. I'm glad that we had the opportunity to visit even if it was just for about an hour.

I arrived back in Mount Dora about 6 and Chris got back from Typhoon Lagoon with the kids about 6:30. Chris and I headed to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner date night while Nashua and Nellie took care of the kids. I love to have date night with my hubby.

Tom Jones!

After getting the kids situated and running into the office for a few hours, I headed to Mom and Dad's to be able to take Mom to see Tom Jones tonight.

Here we are getting ready to leave the house and head to Clearwater Beach to eat at the restaurant that Logan works at.

This picture was taken at the restaurant that is situated right on Clearwater Beach, we were looking out at the water and it was beautiful!

Following our tasty dinner, served to us by Logan himself, we went to Ruth Eckerd Hall to watch Tom Jones. I took Mom to see him 2 years ago when he was here and I'll tell you what, that man can sing! I've never seen so many crazy women, around the age of my mother, in one room! I'll leave it at that... ;)

I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus

The choir, though small in number, sang the same arrangement of "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus" for a special musical number today during Sacrament Meeting. It is the same arrangement that President Carter asked us to sing when Elder Andersen came for the Special Stake Conference. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang it again during this last General Conference. It is powerful. It is moving. It is great.

Well, needless to say, we're not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. But we do sing with the same zest and spirit as they do!

I love that I have the opportunity to share my talents and love of music. I'm truly blessed.

Only 5

After running to Publix this morning, the kids, minus Brennan, and I headed over to Blizzard Beach to spend the day.

We had a really nice time and the weather was absolutely beautiful!

The only way it would have been better is if we had Chris and Brennan with us. But, they were off doing whatever it is Boy Scouts do. It think it would be safe to say that there was some fires and building stuff that went on...

Girl date

I went out to dinner tonight with my friend, Stephanie Shaw. She has and is a great friend to me. We share points of view with each other on many things in our lives, the gospel, our children, you name it, we share it. I love to be with her and Chris and I double date with her and Carl off and on. But, tonight, it was just her and me. Chris left to go camping with Brennan's Boy Scout Troop and I still had our babysitter scheduled, so Steph and I went out to eat.

You know me, I love food!

We ate at some Mexican restaurant in Altamonte Springs. She said it was in Altamonte, I honestly have very little idea where we were because she was driving and I had no idea where we were going. She has lived here a long time and she goes roads that I don't know. So, I just enjoy the conversation. ;)

I feel very blessed with great friends during this time in my life.

One of 'those'

Today was one of 'those' days. You know the one. Where all you want to do is hide. Yep, that was it. I was overwhelmed and sad. Frustrated and concerned. Nothing was going right for me.

Luckily, tomorrow is another day and hopefully it will be better.

Happy Monday!

We're in full swing here at Shipley Law Firm. You'd think this was a 'community' area. However, it's not. It is Chris' office with two paralegals, Mary and me taking the picture. Fun times.

Danette and 50

We had 7 of us tonight load up in my van and head down to The Cheesecake Factory. It was Danette, Pam Shofkum, Kristen Higley, Maria Valentich, Debbie Clayton, Donna Boatwright and me. Can you say "Cool group?" ;)

The group was great and we all had a good time. However, we would have had a better time if we had a male waiter. Really, don't ever give us a female waitress. Ever.

I'm so glad that Danette got her whipped cream.

I had Kristen snap this picture while we were enduring our 70 minute wait, and I fully intended to get a group shot in the restaurant, but I failed on that. I was too busy eating my Red Velvet Cheesecake. Sorry...

Happy Birthday Donna!

I have been Donna's visiting teacher for probably 6 years or so. We have become great friends and she just celebrated a birthday. Well, you know me, I love an excuse to go out to eat, so I got a little group together so we could go to Chili's to 'celebrate'.

We met at Chili's tonight at 7:30. It was a great little group of us consisting of Lorena, Katie, Debbie Clayton, Danette, Donna and me.

We laughed until we cried. Yea us!

LEGO

The boys are really into Lego's right now and every once in a while they save the allowances and buy some cool stuff that the find in the catalog.

I'll just say that I am currently afraid to enter the boys 'wing' in the house. I'll just stay away, that way it is safe for everyone... ;)

The results

I got a call from Dr. Montane, Aislinn's nephrologist, this morning. She was calling to tell me the results of the VCUG and Aislinn does have Grade 1 reflux. Dr. Montane said that we need to get in as soon as we can to see Dr. Rich, Aislinn's urologist, who also has done all of the previous procedures on Aislinn, as soon as we can. She was optimistic that Aislinn will only need the collagen injection again, however, that is a call that Dr. Rich will make.

Here's how I feel. I am glad that they found something that they can address. Obviously, Aislinn has something going on that keeps getting her sick. However, I am not convinced that doing a procedure that has already been done and now needs to be done AGAIN is going to be sufficient. But, I'm not a urologist, so I will go with what they suggest and we'll see what happens.

Now, we wait to hear when our appointment is and pray that Aislinn doesn't get sick again in the meantime.

This is truly tiring and trying and I'm not even the one that experiences the physical pain of these infections.

Conference fun

We had a great time watching conference this weekend. We are so blessed to have leaders to help lead the way!

Now, we walk forward in faith, trying each day to do better than the day before.

Water park

We loaded up all the kids this morning and even one extra kid and headed to Blizzard Beach!

It was a great day, and very needed.

It is nice to have a day to spend as a family doing fun stuff.

We got home in time for Chris and Brennan to get cleaned up and head to the Priesthood Session.

We needed this day and I am glad that we got it.

VCUG

We prayed.

I prayed, and prayed.

Her name has been on the temple prayer roll and she received a blessing.

We went to the test and I was a serious wreck! I needed a pill to calm myself down, but I didn't have one, so Grandma met us there to help me. It was a blessing!

Aislinn was a ROCK STAR! She did exactly what they asked with minimal fussing! That was a blessing for sure.

We don't know the results yet, they told me by the middle of next week. So, on my way home, I called the nephrologist, who ordered the test, and told her nurse that the test was done. I will call every day until I get the results.

The results could be good or bad. I want them to see something. I want them to find out what is wrong. But, I know that she could need another surgery. However, if we can finally find out what is wrong, maybe they can fix it. Again...