Wordless Wednesday

Knocked My Noodle

If your wondering about the title for this post... it's not my fault. I have a brain injury.

Okay, not really. At least I hope not. (And being a subdural hematoma survivor, I'm allowed to poke fun at head injuries.)

So... Lilly has this OCD thing about having to shut doors. Unfortunately, she hasn't figured out how to open them. So I was taking a shower and I had left the door open so she wouldn't get upset. But then she walks past, closes the door, then realizes I am now in the bathroom alone and she can't get to me. She proceeds to throw a very loud tantrum... steps away from Noah's door where he is soundly sleeping.

So I step out of the shower with one leg and reach over to open the door. But just then I slip and fly backwards. I smacked the back of my head on the tile wall and hit both my elbows on the tub. It happened so fast. I was literally knocked silly.

I instantly had a huge headache. And as I went to get up I just waited for something to hurt realy bad because it was broken. Luckily, that didn't happen. This all happened Saturday morning and all day my head hurt. Then it went away. But Sunday morning I woke up with the worst headache again! This time it didn't go away. It's slowly fading now.

I probably should have gone to the Doctor just to make sure, but I figured everything was fine. If something was wrong that actually needed some sort of treatment, my symptoms would be worse. I've only had a little but of nausea and that can happen with a bad headache anyways.

I just can't believe I did that!

100 Random Things About Me

So... This is officially my 100th Post! What a milestone ;-)

So as is custom in the "Blog World", here is my list of 100 things about me. (I hope I can come up with 100 things to list.)

1. I only have 9 toes due to car accident and a nasty case of road rash.
2. I also have 4 metal plates and many metal screws holding the side of my skull together due to the previously mentioned car crash.
3. Said car accident was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
4. I am completely and totally in love with Coke Slurpees from 7-11. Other flavors or Non-711 knock offs do NOT cut it.
5. I also think double stuffed Oreo's are really yummy.
6. I was on Clomid for almost 2 years before I was able to get pregnant with my first child.
7. My second took 1 try.
8. While most people can survive with 6-8 hrs of sleep, I need 9-11 hrs. Unfortunately I haven't gotten that since before Lilly was born.
9. If I were ever to get "work done" the first thing I would choose would be Butt Implants. (Dang you flat butt gene!!)
10. The older I get the more religious and faithful I've become.
11. When I was about 4 years old I told my friends I was going to marry Michael Jackson when I grew up.
12. I went to 5 Elementary Schools.
13. I moved 16 times before the end of the 6th grade.
14. I've lived in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Colorado.
15. I HATE humidity. HATE IT!!
16. My favorite smell in the entire world is Russian Olive Tree's in the spring time.
17. My favorite colors are Silver and Purple.
18. I love sparkles.
19. I am a chronic nail biter in remission. (At least a temporarily.)
20. I have actually breathed through my ear on a few rare occasions. (Don't even ask me how to explain this... it just is.)
21. I really don't like winter or winter sports.
22. I HATE being cold.
23. I capitalize the weirdest words as I type. I have no idea what determines if I capitalize a word or not but it's definitely not proper grammar.
24. I LOVE science.
25. I love poetry.
26. I love Astronomy.
27. I love to read.
28. I would rather watch TV for educational purposes (documentaries) and read for entertainment purposes.
29. My favorite author is Stephen King.
30. I love the wizzarding world of Harry Potter.
31. I always wanted to be a Prosecuting Attorney until the day before I started High School and watched the Movie The Shashank Redemption. Then I knew I could never live with myself if I was.
32. I love American Sign Language.
33. I studied to be an interpreter and passed the state test but failed to graduate when I ran out of funds to continue school.
34. I am fluent in ASL. (although I might be a bit rusty right now)
35. I'm not afraid of heights but I have dreams were I am.
36. I suffer from Anxiety.
37. I remember the day I understood it was wrong to lie.
38. I will NOT watch scary movies, high tense or suspenseful movies, or any movie that would increase my stress or anxiety level. (my poor husband *eye roll*)
39. I really like Gobstoppers.
40. I've learned that Bungee Jumping gets harder with every jump (who knows when your luck is going to run out!!)
41. I'm not very adventurous because I'm too afraid of getting hurt. (and by that I mean physically)
42. I think men are ten times sexier with no hair... (Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel, Edward Norton in American History X, and my hubby Shane are four HOT examples)
43. I miss my old bathroom that had a window because I love taking a hot shower at night (or in the winter) and feeling the cool air from outside on my face.
44. I was born on the first Christmas Morning that my parents were ever married.
45. I was addicted to watching MTV when I was 5 years old.
46. I had all the video's and lyrics memorized.
47. I still love 80's music.
48. My favorite band is TOOL.
49. I won't miss a concert although I swear I'm going to be smited for going.
50. My second favorite band is Toad the Wet Sprocket.
51. I love Motocross.
52. I love wake boarding.
53. Some of my favorite memories of growing up are of my family going boating with my Grand parents.
54. I love the smell of the canyon.
55. Canyon cook outs with the family and family friends is one of my most favorite family traditions.
56. I wish I had never pierced my belly button when I was younger.
57. I suffer from chronic and acute migraine and cluster headaches.
58. I suffer from insomnia which really puts a kink in my need for 9-11 hrs of sleep a night.
59. My current favorite show on TV is Grey's Anatomy and House (it's a tie)
60. I was the first one to say I love you when I started dating my Husband. And I didn't care if he said it back, I just wanted him to know. (But I'm REALLY glad that he did!)
61. I got engaged on the edge of the rock wall in the marina of Catalina Island. (I was looking at the Double mint House right before he asked me... as I secretly prayed and hoped and prayed and hoped that was what he was about to do.)
62. I love vacationing with my family in Palm Desert.
63. I taught myself how to play the flute.
64. I also taught myself how to play the piano but I'm not very good since I put more effort into the Flute.
65. I LOVE to laugh. (Another reason I won't watch scary movies.)
66. I think Faith needs to be the foundation of all things.
67. While I think a cruise would be fun, I will never be able to go on one. (I've watched the movie Titanic way too many times!)
68. I am the techie one out of my hubby and I. Yet, I know nothing compared to my brother.
69. One of the best things about being married is the inside jokes.
70. I love being a mom more than anything in this entire world.
71. I think about Noah's donor family on a daily basis.
72. I LOVE to sing.
73. I wish I had the time and the $$ to take lessons again... maybe one day.
74. I once went through a stage were Mint Chocolate Chip Ice cream tasted like Heaven. I would eat the entire carton by myself in one sitting and my body still craved more... Thank goodness that passed.
75. I used to be a very private person but through life experiences I've learned to share more and more with people in the small chance they can learn from my choices/mistakes.
76. The best thing about life is family and friends...... and coke slurpees.
77. My favorite place on earth is Lake Powell.
78. I hate it when people play jokes on others. It makes my heart sad.
79. I wish I had a Canadian accent. (I'm serious aboot that!)
80. I still wonder at what age I will become a grown-up.
81. I have a few OCD tendencies but figure who doesn't.
82. I've decided I'm really not that interesting.
83. People used to make fun of me because my eyes were so big and my nose would turn so red when I was cold.
84. I believe the number one greatest thing to have is Gratitude.
85. I remember the night my Grandma Brown taught me that you could see satellites move across the sky.
86. I love sleeping outside but never seem to sleep since I'm too enthralled with looking at the stars.
87. I am seriously running out of things to write.... I guess I am a pretty simple person.
88. I drink my Milk skim with Ice.
89. I've never been to Yellowstone... but I really need to before the Super Volcano erupts!!
90. I love photography. I took some classes in College and would love to have my own dark room if my house had room.
91. I can insert and check placement of an NG feeding tube (Not that I like to.)
92. I haven't decided if the "Awesome Hair Gene" that I inherited makes up for all the other crappy genes I got too.
93. I've always wished I had lived in the early 1900's but have become very grateful to be alive now.
94. I am not afraid to die but I am terrified it will happen before I am ready for it.
95. I really really wish I could move things with my mind (sorry, it's 12:30 am and I have a headache!)
96. I collect Stephen King books. If I could, I wish I could have a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast.
97. My favorite number is 1111 (thanks M!) but I have recently become quite fond of 777 too.
98. I'm not superstitious but it's kinda fun to pretend (as long as it works in my favor!)
99. I have an astigmatism so I see halo's and have terrible depth perception at night.
100. And just to add one more freakish thing to my list..... I am missing 3 permanent teeth. I was born without them (got this weird gene from my mom). So I still have 2 baby teeth and one bridge. (I love the dentist by the way... clean teeth ROCK!)

Why I Blog

"To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest to you that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous education effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many--now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings." --President Gordon B. Hinckley

"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience." --President Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006

In Rememberance

LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley

June 23, 1910 - January 27, 2008

In very sad news today, the beloved LDS Prophet, President Hinckley, returned home to his Heavenly Father today. President Hinckley was a kind and wonderful man. A Modern Day Prophet of God. His dedication to this Church and the Gospel was so humbling. Before he became President, there was less than 50 operating Temples throughout the world. As of 2008, there 124! What a wonderful legacy he has created.

I am so grateful for this man. There have been many of his messages that have made a profound impact on my life and I am grateful for his humble nature and willingness to follow the Lord's example. The sacrifices that he has made for his fellow man is awe inspiring. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had to learn from him.

I am reminded of my gratitude for the gift of Eternal Families, as I know he has returned home to be with his beloved wife who passed on before him.

I extend my condolences to his family and to all those who grieve his passing.

~Crystal

The Bridge Builder

An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,
“You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way;
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide—
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head:
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.”

~Will Allen Dromgoole’s classic poem titled “The Bridge Builder

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALLAS!

Happy Birthday Dallas!

Yesterday was my brother Dallas' birthday! (Sorry I'm a day late posting this!)

Dallas and his wife Nancy and sweet precious Tyler moved to Arizona earlier this year so I didn't get to celebrate with him this birthday. Buxt my parents went down to visit them so that made me feel better.

My brother is one of the sweetest men I have ever known. He has such a big heart and is so loving. It has been such a wonderful treat to watch him grow up and become a man and a wonderful father.

When we were little, Dallas and I always shared a room. I was in the top bunk and he was in the bottom. We used to lay in bed and make each other laugh. One day it would be me keeping him up. Another day it would be him keeping me up. Either way, we were best friends. (Unless we were playing Super Mario Brothers 3. For some reason we always ended up fighting when we played that.)

But even as we grew up and had our own friends, we were still close. We knew we could always count on each other. Once he graduated, we both decided to move out and get an apartment together. I never needed an alarm clock when I lived with Dallas...

I always woke to the sound of him opening a Dr. Pepper. :)

Dallas is so incredibly talented. He knows more about computers than anyone else I know. He has a wonderful job and does several side projects because he is so good at what he does. What is so amazing is.... he taught himself everything he knows! That is how talented he truly is!!

Anyways... Dallas, I have NO idea if you read my blog or not, but if so... I want you to know how much I love you. I am so proud of you. You are a wonderful husband, father, brother, and man and I admire you so much. I hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday.

*Almost* My 100th Post

Editors Note: After deleting a few saved drafts, I realized I was still a few posts away from my 100th post. So this was more like Post 95...

I am amazed that I am currently typing my 100th Memoir of a Mommy Blog post. It's been great therapy for me during the past 7 months. And it has also introduced me to some of the most amazing people I have ever met! One of those people is Leeann over at The World: Through the eyes of ME. And while my next post will be the customary 100 things about me post, I thought I would kick it off with a Thursday 13 that Leeann posted today. So here are the questions and my answers.

1. Would you eat spoiled food from the garbage, or go hungry? This is a tuff one since I have been fortunate enough to never have to go hungry. I would like to pretend that I would rather go hungry but I would think that eventually, I would probably be humbled enough to even eat spoiled food out of the trash rather than starve.

2. Would you make one adult film, if it meant that you would never have to work again? Absolutely not. It wouldn't be worth the price I would have to pay.

3. In your relationship, you find out that a baby has been conceived. One of you wants the baby, the other doesn't. Who has the right to choose? The one who wants the baby. Life isn't a choice.

4. You are in a serious accident in the middle of nowhere and you only chance of survival is to cut off your own arm. Would you do it? I would do anything to return home to my babies and my husband. So yes, I would.

5. Do you think it is important to tell the truth, or spare someones feelings? Integrity is so very important. If you don't tell the truth then how can anyone ever trust what you say? But I do believe that you can tell the truth with kindness.

6. What is something you find yourself constantly thinking about? How absolutely GRATEFUL I am to be a mother.

7. If your house was on fire, what is the one thing you would have to save (of course, I am assuming that all people/pets are safe)? I would say Noah's immuno-suppressant meds but since I can get refills at the local pharmacy, I would have to say my Patriarchal Blessing.

8. Forgive and forget? Or forget to forgive? I have found that you can never truly forget until you forgive. But sometimes forgiveness is a little easier once you have forgotten a little too.

9. Why are you best friends with your best friend? Because I love him unconditionaly and promised to spend Eternity with him. And I'm looking forward to it!

10. Name one challenge you are faced with on a regular basis. Getting enough Sleep.

11. Do you think its possible to only love one person for the rest of your life? I believe it's possible to love many people for the rest of my life. But I also believe it's possible to be in love and married to one person for the rest of Eternity.

12. If you had the skills, what is your dream job? To be a writer. (I could work from home AND make lots of money!!) But unfortunately, I do NOT have the skills.

13. What is your favorite quote/saying/scripture? John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Lilly's Encounter with a Door Frame

Today Lilly became a projectile missile. She tripped (as she was running down the hallway throwing a tantrum) and flew through the air until the door frame prevented her head from going any further. She's okay and didn't even cry too much. But I suspect this might eventually cause two black eyes. When I was her age I had the same encounter (slightly different circumstances though) and the large bump in the middle of my forehead finally went down and gave me two black eyes. Good thing we took pictures last week!

Riddiculous!

Catch the Snitch!

PICTURES!!

My cousin (actually my mothers cousin) is a truly gifted photographer. THANK YOU Angie for capturing the sweetness of my precious babies.

Check out some more of the pictures here.
*Courtesy of Sweet Memory Garden

A New Award

Jennifer over at A "Sample" of Jennifer's Thoughts.... has given me a new wonderful award! It's the Daily Dose Award. It's a tribute to all the blogs that you've discovered that you can't possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog".From Xandra: creator, The Daily Dose Award.

Not only did she pass it on to me, she is also sweet enough to post a prayer request for us as we try to keep Noah healthy in light of Lilly's recent RSV diagnosis. So, a very heartfelt THANK YOU JENNIFER!!

I am going to pass this on... but not just yet. This may be somewhat unconventional, but I will pass it on in a few days. I just wanted to acknowledge the award now in gratitude for Jennifer's thoughtfulness.

Just a Quick Post

I'm not dead. At least I don't think so. Anyways... I just haven't felt like posting. I've been working a lot more and trying to keep things prioritized. But let me tell you it hasn't been easy.

So Noah only has to go to Transplant Clinic every other week now (YES!!!). So this past Thursday was my first Thursday with no Clinic since Noah has been released from the Hospital. Unfortunately, I ended up at PCMC anyways.

Wednesday night Lilly cried a lot in her sleep. We figured she must not be feeling well. And when she woke up early Thursday morning with a fever of 102.5, it was confirmed. The Ibuprofen wouldn't bring it below 101 but she didn't seem to have any other symptoms. She acted sick, had a slight runny nose and a very small barely noticeable cough, but that was it. She was eating and drinking and even playing. But to be safe, I called Dr. Samson-Fang to see what I needed to do to keep Noah safe.

We were instructed that we needed to take her to PCMC to get tested for the Flu. It seemed like the most likely culprit and if she did have it, we would all need to take Tamiflu (the antiviral flu med). Well.... after a short trip to the hospital and then an extra 1/2 hour visiting the fish tanks and the train displays, and a trip to 7-11 for a "good girl" slurpee... we found out it wasn't the flu. Just some other kind of virus probably.

Then late that night, I got a call from the on-call Ped (as my doctor went out of town for the weekend). Turns out that another test that was included in the panel came back positive. I didn't realize we had tested for anything else. So when they told me she had RSV I was floored!

Noah gets his monthly $1800 shot to keep from getting RSV. We are SO careful who comes over and that we don't go out... all to keep from getting RSV. And now Lilly has it? How did this happen!?!??!?!?! Seriously!

Anyways... we are managing and hoping every day that the shot is worth it's weight in gold.

A Poopy of a Day

Last Saturday I decided it was time to clean my house. I didn't have any grandiose plans... just a few basics to get the house in order.

My first stop was the bathroom. Some how... since we moved in last April, we have developed a ring in the toilet. How it got there with cleaning and soft water I will never know. But I decided it's day was done and I went to work. I tried CLR, Zap It, Kaboom, The Works toilet bowl cleaner, Bleach, and a few other items I had on the cleaning supply shelf. NOTHING worked. Well... as you can imagine this really *pissed* me off. And when I get pissed... nothing will stop me. So since I couldn't get that toilet clean the rest of the house was going to get it.

I washed EVERY nook and cranny with antibacterial cleaner. I washed the walls, the floor boards, the door frames, the doors, the blinds, the furniture, I hand mopped every floor, I vacuumed every room and under every item of furniture, I dusted, I scrubbed, I fabreezed, and I spot treated stains on the carpet and a few of Lilly's items.

I was very sweaty, very stinky, and VERY proud of myself.

But since I was so motivated I had the crazy idea that I should also try and potty train Lilly again. So instead of a pull-up she wore Little Mermaid Big Girl Underwear. Until she peed in it. Even with 20 minute intervals to the toilet. So off they came. Then I decided to have her go without any underwear. I thought maybe if she felt the pee come out she wouldn't like it and would try to stop and then go to the toilet. Instead I walk into a puddle of pee in the kitchen. Luckily I hadn't mopped there yet. And yet, I STILL didn't learn. Then I hear it. MOM! MOM! With this pleading tone in her voice. She is standing in her room with poo all down her leg. A huge glob stuck to her butt and a TURD on the carpet. Why do I do this to myself? I sat her down on the little potty we have and told her to finish. I cleaned up and then cleaned her up and I STILL didn't learn. I was so determined. I left her with nothing on and had her agree to me that next time she had to poopoo or peepee she would go to the potty. And She said Okay!

Then about 15 minutes later she came to me and said, "Mommy, where's diapers? I want diaper." So I went and put a pull-up on her. My 2 1/2 year old would rather wear a diaper than Little Mermaid Big Girl Underwear? And I'm suppose to potty train her HOW? Good Grief!

Then... to make my day even MORE enjoyable, while I was washing Lilly's bedroom door, I asked her to stay out so she wouldn't knock the bucket of soapy water over. And what does she do? Comes in anyways, trips over NOTHING, and knocks the whole thing all over the carpet. I just couldn't win.

But my house was clean!

So... what is the point of this whole post? Don't you DARE mention the ring around my toilet bowl! I TRIED I TELL YOU!! I TRIED!!

A New Years Resolution

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's going to be GREAT in 2008!

So I have several resolutions for this coming year. They really aren't New Year's Resolutions as I always have some sort of "self Improvement" goals on my mind. But since it's beginning of what I have great faith will be a wonderful year, here are a few of my new year themed resolutions.

1. Take better care of myself: I am going to drink less soda. I am going to go to the gym more and get to a healthy weight and save myself from having to have my Gallbladder out.
2. I am going to continue to learn all I can about Pediatric Heart Transplants so I can take good care of Noah and help those I meet along the way.
3. I want to spend more quality time with my Husband and Children. Instead of just watching TV I would like to go to the park more. Have Family Home Evening. Play more games.
4. I REALLY want to potty train Lilly before the Summer. I've been trying.... Unsuccessfully.
5. I would like to get more involved with some things that I am passionate about and enjoy such as Photography and Astronomy. I may even decide to write a real memoir of Noah's Adventure.
6. I WILL write my thank you letter to Noah's Donor Family.
7. I WILL make a bigger effort to have a better relationship with ALL my sisters and sister-in-laws.
8. I want to find some way to serve and donate to my local Ronald McDonald House. Like bring in a dinner or host a bingo night.
9. I want to pass on Noah's ARK every day. A: Acts of R: Random K: Kindness
10. I want to read my scriptures more. More meaning EVERY day.
11. Show more gratitude for EVERYTHING in life. And spend each day remembering how precious it is.
12. Always show compassion to those in need.
13. I never want an opportunity to say I Love You to pass without me saying it.
14. I want to be less judgemental and more forgiving.
15. I want to continue to realize my weaknesses and shortcoming and continue to make new goals and resolutions so I can be the best Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, and Person that I can be.
16. I want to be the person I know my parents can be proud of.
17. I want to be the person I know my Heavenly Father is proud of.
18. I want to Pay It Forward.

A long, random list of all the things I could think of at the moment that I am trying to work on. There are a lot more. So if your thinking, Darn it... She didn't mention this and it REALLY bugs me when she does it... Please remember this isn't all. I really am trying to just be the best I can be. But I wish you ALL a VERY Happy New Year. I hope it holds a lot of joy and happiness for you all. That your dreams are realized and your prayers are answered and you find peace in your hearts.

Much Much Love,

~Crystal

A Promise Delivered: Christmas Pictures

Sorry I am late delivering on my Christmas Picture Promise. I really did have every intention of getting them posted sooner but since Shane took some time off, I decided to spend it with him and not on the computer. I am sure most of you understand.

This is our Christmas set up AFTER Santa had made his appearance. He brought Lilly the Car, the Cupboard, and the Mermaid Table. Santa gave Noah a Bumbo seat. The rest of the presents are from Mom and Dad.

Here are my two boogers Christmas morning before we went out to see the presents. Noah just finished eating and taking his meds. And we were in the process of trying to convince Lilly to come out and see the presents. She didn't want to because she thought Santa was still in the living room.

She finally agreed to go out. She was so excited but she wouldn't come out from behind Shane's legs.

When she finally did pop out enough to see what was actually there, she was SO excited! She kept saying "WOW!", "COOL!", "AWESOME!" It couldn't have been more fun!

The first thing she went for was the Little Mermaid Table. I knew she was going to love it. And she did.

She loves her car too. I knew she wanted one of these because there was one at the Ronald McDonald House in Denver and she would ALWAYS play with it. Now, she drives it around the house and sits in it to watch TV. Her own personal Drive-In. It's so cute!

Noah just chilled for the whole 15 minutes he was willing to stay awake.

But we got him to stay awake just long enough to play with his special toy. He loves this rain sound maker. They have one at the hospital and we use it to distract him during lab draws. Now he has his own!

Lilly very quickly figured out what the presents were for and what to do with them. Here she is opening her Guitar! She played with a grown-up sized one in Denver so we had to get her one her own size. She actually holds it the right way and strums and then sings and dances to her own music. I swear it is the cutest thing I have ever seen. And I don't care if I am biased. It really is cute!

She was excited too. She ripped that paper off very fast!

But the overall winner of the day was the $10 plastic play food. She is still carrying it around with her all day. She sat right down and pretended to eat and also named all the food for me. Corn... Banana.... Strawberry.... Egg... Toast. Then she put it in her new play microwave. "It's cookin, Mom!"

Overall it was a wonderful day! It was so much fun watching Lilly really experience the first Christmas she was old enough to participate in. Watching her open her gifts and get excited was the most fun I have ever had on Christmas.

For a full report of our Christmas celebration, check out my previous post.... the one without the pictures.

Much Love,

~Crystal