Update on Eliza

Beginning of June Eliza was very sick and ended up hospitalized. It took her another week and a half to get the bug out of her system. Through the course of her illness she lost over 2 lbs. That's a lot for even a baby her age of average weight. But Eliza has always been a little peanut.

Now, here we are... a month and a half later. She's done well, but she's sick again. My poor baby can't afford to lose more weight. I need to start giving her milkshakes at every meal. We get a lot of comments about me not feeding her. I HATE it!!

Here are some marshmallows nearly the size of Eliza's head. SEE!!! SHE EATS! This is even after a full dinner.

Freedom Run Provo

Today my mom, my sister-in-law Carrie, Christopher, and I participated in the Provo Freedom Festival 5K. This was Christopher's and my first 5k and we were very proud of ourselves. We had to get up really early and it was very chilly for July 5th. 55* is great for running, but our cheerleaders on the sidelines were pretty miserable. Here are some of the pictures Bret took and the link has the professional pictures from the photographers along the 5k route.

Darci watches the hot air ballons while waiting for the runners

Our cold little cheerleaders

Grandma crossing the finish line before the rest of us.

Christopher and I crossing the finish line together.

Karen, Carrie, Marissa, and Christopher after the race.

http://www.zazoosh.com/members/viewGallery/2784

Grandma Nelson's Legacy

On Friday, June 25, 2010 my sweet Grandma Shirley Nelson passed away due to a brain anyuerism. She was my last living grandparent and we were sad to see her go. My children had the opportunity to get to know her really well and were sad to see her pass, too. It is truly bittersweet as I think of her reunion with my grandpa who passed away in 1977. What a great reunion that must have been. She lived a life dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ and dearly loved all her friends and family. She loved to serve others and had a strong testimony of prayer. She could be feisty when she needed to be and humble and gentle, too.

The kids and I drove to Las Vegas for her funeral on Wednesday June 30. Thursday morning I went with my mom and aunts (Dana and Theresa) to help dress my grandma and to do her hair and make-up. I was so honored to be able to do this for her. Thursday night was a family BBQ at my brother, Justin's, house. It was great for us to all get together and talk of our memories. What an amazing legacy my grandmother has. 30 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren. With the knowledge of the gospel this was more of a family reunion and less of a grieving time.

Friday was a beautiful funeral and a luncheon. All the grandchildren and great-grandchildren sang "A Child's Prayer". Then we all drove back to Utah for her graveside services being held the next day. It was a quick trip, but the kids did so well and I was so glad to be able to honor my grandma that way.

Christopher at the viewing. I wasn't sure how appropriate it was to take any pictures at the funeral so this is the only one.

Darci enjoying the pool and 105*+ heat of Las Vegas

Xander preferred the hot tub. CRAZY KID!!! That's cousin Stella behind him and 3rd cousin's (Tatum's kids) Gavin and Owen next to him.

Eliza's backyard and pool time

Christopher started our time in Las Vegas needing water wings or a kick board for the pool. By the end of our time there he could swim in the deep end and do cannon balls off the waterfall.

This is our cousin, Rachel. She is 5 years old and a sweetie. She was showing Darci how to jump off the rocks.

Round-up Days Parade

The boys were able to join the church primary in marching in the city days parade. The theme for everyone to base their float around was "What I Saw". Our ward's float was "What I Saw Outdoors in Utah" and the float was delicate arch. It was super hot both days and they did SO well! Darci and Eliza just enjoyed everything about the parade.

Flowers

I've been very proud of my yard and gardens this year. You can see a lot of it in past posts that have pictures taken outside. But here are some of my flowers. My lillies were planted for a dear friend's daughter, Lily, whose spirit has touched me so deeply. You can read all about her at www.lilyharper.org/lily

My Bobcat

Tonight Christopher recieved his rank of Bobcat at scouts. He also recieved his archery and BB Gun belt loops. He is loving scouts so much and it's fun to watch him learn and grow through this.

I got my pin.

Christopher gets his whiskers.

Reciting scout law

He recievved an archery belt loop. This was one of his favorite activities. LOOK AT THAT FORM!

Rafting was another favorite activity. He's the one at the back of the raft, front row to us, with the green hat.

"School's out for Summa"

Today we had perfect summer temps and everyone was feeling well and in good moods. We set up the kiddie pool and enjoyed a day in the backyard.

My 3 year old shouldn't be posing like a 50's Hollywood pin-up girl. Time to invest in a gun and learn sharp shooter aim for those teen years.

Summer wouldn't be summer without your Harts mug refills.

Christopher's Baptism

What a special day this turned out to be. After the week we have had we needed this bright moment in our lives.

Christopher just glowed and he and his daddy looked so wonderful in white. All the family in Utah were there and, since Christopher was the only child in our ward getting baptized, he was the center of the program. Grandpa P gave a talk on baptism and gave Christopher a nice quad. Bret performed the baptism perfectly and Xander and Darci had perfect front row seats to see their brother's great example. Grandpa A then gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost, and Christopher was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a beautiful day that is a milestone marker on our family's eternal progression.

Afterwards we had everyone over to our house for a BBQ and outdoors visiting and play. It always nice to have the love and support of our families.

My poor baby!!!

Some of my worst moments as a parent are when I'm helpless to keep my kids from hurting. On Wed ( the 2nd) Eliza ended up in the Emergency Department and then the Rapid Treatment Unit of Primary Children's Hospital. She had been feeling crummy for a little over a week. We had even been into see the pediatrician to check for an ear infection. Our dr believed it was cutting molars and that she might possibly be coming down with something. Really, it had seemed like she was getting better. Then, out of nowhere, she spiked a high fever and in the course of a couple of hours started throwing up repeatedly. She had to endure horrible tests to rule some things out. An air enema looks as horrible as it sounds and breaks even the hearts of those performing it. As always, all the drs and nurses at PCMC were wonderful. It took some major anti-nausea medication to stop her body's throw up reflex, IV antibiotics, 12 hours of IV fluids, and proof that she could keep down drinking fluids to be able to bring her home. We left almost 24 hours after getting there with a diagnosis of intestinal flu and an ear infection. She's still weak and we have to encourage and push her to drink still. We hope she continues to mend and heal without further setbacks.