Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Life update

I don't know why this week has been so crazy. I feel like I haven't had more than two minutes. I don't really know why. It just seems to be one of those weeks. I think I am still a little drained from being sick a couple weeks ago. Kimmie got sick at about 3:30 this morning. I really hate waking up to sick kids. She was fine by about 10:00 although she was already out of school and I didn't want to risk it. Johnny is doing well although Bethany is out of town this week and he hasn't stopped asking when they will be getting back. He is so sad that his best friend Tyler is in Disneyland. I will be really happy to let him know that they are starting their trip home tomorrow.

My legislative bill cleared the house! I am so grateful for everyone's support and letters. As soon as I know the Senate number I will ask again to write you senators (I think it changes numbers for the senate although I don't know). We cleared the house unanimously. I can't believe that we have gotten it this far. Last year we kept getting railroaded in the house committee and it kept getting pushed back on the house floor list. I am really proud that we are making a difference.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Legislation

I am working with the Epilepsy Association of Utah supporting HB 361. I need your help. This bill requires pharmacies to contact the doctor before switching patients from a name brand to a generic medication or generic to generic medications for seizure patients. Seizure control is a very delicate thing. One out of every 100 people in the State of Utah will at some point in their lives have epilepsy. Seizure control is found by approximately 80% of patients for the most part seizure control is found through medications. Determination for the right medication for a particular person may require many trial-and-error or off label use of certain medication to gain seizure control. The consequences of break through seizures can be far more devastating to an individual's health, his productivity and to the cost of the illness to society than the recurrence of symptoms of other non-epilepsy related medical conditions. If a medication is switched because it is the bioequivalent does not always mean it will be the therapeutic equivalent. Doctors need to be aware when a patient calls them and tells them they have had break through seizures that a different medication was used to avoid any unnecessary costs on the patients, doctors and insurance companies ends.

I have dealt with this with seizures for both Kimmie and Erik. As a few of you may recall Erik was switched and went through a shower door during a seizure. Kimmie was switched a few weeks ago causing her to become really violent due to the increase in partial seizures. We forced Target to carry the medication that she was on despite their new contract with a new manufacturer.

Please write a note to your legislature telling them that you are in support of HB361. The note doesn't have to be long or say anything except that you are in support of HB361. To find your legislature go to http://le.utah.gov/Documents/find.htm. This is headed for the House of Representative floor hopefully by the end of this week or the beginning of next week.

Articles of Faith

Kimmie's primary class has been learning the articles of faith. I am so excited for her new teachers. One of the gals even volunteered to make a CD with the AOF songs on it to help her since she picks up on music really easy. I am really thrilled with the changes for her class! But that is besides the point. Her class will be learning the Articles of Faith. Erik having taught that class a lot before knew that was one of the objectives of that age group so a few weeks ago we started practicing. Although we didn't get very far. Kimmie learned #1. Although if you ask her to recite it she says that God is a bad word and we are not suppose to say it. So her version of #1 is we believe in Jesus's dad the eternal father...

It is soooo cute!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Presidents Day

My kids were really funny about Presidents day this year. I didn't even know that they even understood anything about President's Day. It isn't like we have done anything special for the weekend every year or anything it is just another day off of school. I know that is hard to believe but it doesn't hit the top of my holiday lists.

Anyway, apparently Kimmie has learned a lot more about President's Day than I thought that she had. She learned in school about Lincoln as a young boy in a coon skin hat!?! Anyway, she had decided that President's Day was to wear silly hats. Johnny decided that the day was about the church presidents and not the presidents of the United States. The two of them had a big discusion because Lincoln was never a president of the church so we shouldn't be celebrating him. Johnny also informed me that it was a really sad day because we can't celebrate President Hinckley but that we have to celebrate President Monson and mom doesn't have a FHE game about him yet.

I can't believe the things that they come up with.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Sickness

Sorry that I haven't updated in the last week. I got this supervirus that is going around. The doctors think that I had broncitis (how ever you spell it), although they said not all of my symptoms pointed to that. Erik heard on the news about this supervirus that has been hitting. Guess what I got it. I haven't been so sick in years. I even had help with my kids every day due to not being able to get out of bed long enough to take care of them. I really started to not feel well on Sunday night and I ended up in the ER on Monday. I really don't recommend that. I am so glad to be on the mend. I think I ran myself down too far with the crop and things to get well. Thank you for everyone that came and helped. I really appreciate all of you and taking care of my family. I was talking to someone in my ward today and apparently she helped me on Wednesday morning (although I don't remember). She asked if I had enough help. I told her I must have because I don't remember much of last week. Thank you for all the extra help and prayers.
All my love...

I am Charlie Brown

I received this e-mail from Laura. I thought it was fun.

Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble? A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.

Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results. Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.

1 . Whic h one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)
2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts )
e) Pop (3 pts.)
3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)
4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)
5 What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)
6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts)
d) Dark Blue (2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)
7. What do you prefer to eat?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 pts.)
e) Salad (5 pts.)
8. What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween (1 pt.)
b) Christmas (3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)
9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
d) Hawaii (4 pts)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)
10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)
Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield: You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to rememb er, yo ur happy spirit may hurt you or others.
(17-23 points) You are Snoopy: You are fun; you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you' re never out of style , you are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learn ed Bei ng married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times
(24-28 points) You are Elmo: You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.
(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants: You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part Stay away from traitors and jealous people and you will be stress free.
(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown: You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.
(44-50 points ) You are Dexter: You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!

PS. just in case you know Laura she is SpongeBob

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Kimmie Update

I am doing my updates all in one day! I haven't updated in a few weeks so sorry. Life has been totally wrapped up in CBYC that it has been a little crazy at home. With that being said I still have good news from the home front. We met with a new doctor at PCMC yesterday. He has informed us that with all of the seizures that Kimmie has had the gland that controls her eating was damaged probably in her first one hour seizure. Which is why she is so skinny and why she hates to eat. She isn't eating to eat, she is eating out of habit or because we are making her. She never really is hungry. So they can put her on meds but due to the meds she is on we hate to add one more medication. They also informed me that this wasn't caused by her meds but may have been brought on earlier due to one of the meds we had her on when she was little. That gland is controlled by hormones and now that she is getting older hormones are starting to come into play it kicked in the major problems. Her body isn't retaining any of her food. It just passes right through her. So we can artifically make the desire to eat (hopefully). We are adding CornStarch to her diet, just as we would a new medication. Although it is cheaper with no co-pay issues. Corn starch apparently makes you feel more hungry and stays into your system longer than anything else. It also makes other foods stick to it. The doctor warned me that she will put on weight with this! I am really overly excited. Finally an answer to all of this!

Crop Update

I am so relieved that CBYC is over for the year. We had a really nice turn out. It wasn't completely without problems again this year but nothing really big. I am so very grateful for an amazing committee. I really appreciate all they did to help me. We raised more money on our raffle than we ever have before! I am just thrilled that we had a lot of people. Thank you everyone for your support. I really appreciate all that you have done to support me in this. We are making a difference!

Survey

I received this survey from two different people in two days. So I thought I would post my answers...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I was named after the nurse in the hospital's daughter. Since I came three weeks early and one Christmas Eve my parents hadn't decided on a name. My mom wanted to call me Christmas Joy. My Dad thank heavens vetoed and so did the nurse. She said she named her daughter Krista. So therefore the name Krista Joy came into play. I shortened it to Kris in high school when no one could get it right.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
This morning when nothing seemed to be going okay. Or yesterday when I found some answers for Kimmie from a new doctor.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING
Most of the time.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Two born to me and one I married
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Probably
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
I do but I don't think quick enough on my feet to use it much. I also think I should have said... about two minutes after the topic has changed
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
No I am afraid of heights. So are you insane suggesting I would get up that high and fall on purpose?!?
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Lucky Charms
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
NEVER!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Most of the time, until my family is sick then I'm not strong enough.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Vanilla (boring or traditional you decide???) I also like root beer float, strawberry cheesecake or creamsicle Ice Creams.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
smile and hair
15. RED OR PINK?
pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I hate that I speak without thinking a lot, especially when I am mad. I hate the extra 30 pounds on my rear, thigh and stomach. I also hate that I get in over my head on projects and need people to bail me out (when will I learn to simplify?).
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
My aunt Ann (especially right now I missed her at Crop smiling and making funny faces while I stood in front of all those people to talk, it is also Wednesday our lunch day).
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Sure, why not.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey Pants and my black shoes (sorry Lara I don't own grey shoes)
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
McD's french fries
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
A guy at work whistling, and the copy machine
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
GREEN
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Homemade rolls (christmas bread wreaths), my kids right out of the bath tub, spring rain showers, and ditto of Lara's sexy cologne on a good looking man! The cooler of a local flower shop
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Bethany, arranging pick up for my kids so that I can be here at work.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Abso-freakin-lutely!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
I am not a sports lover but if I have to watch. Football in person, and Basketball on TV.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Blonde is the original but today it is medium ash blonde
28. EYE COLOR?
Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Ice cream or hot breads right out of the oven
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Has to be Happy Endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Sydney White
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Red with a white sweater
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both, of course!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Anything I don't have to make. Although I love Erik's cherry cheesecake (before the messed with the receipe), chocolate cake with chocolate icing
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
who knows.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Don’t know.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
See question 16 I have no time. I am over my head in too many projects to read. Although yesterday I was reading in the waiting room with Kimmie and I got through 3 Dr. Seuss books, a Nick Jr. Magazine and 4 bed time stories with bear.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Millennial Vision advertisement for our work computer company
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T. V. LAST NIGHT?
I watched the movie Sydney White last night and fell asleep to MASH
42. FAVORITE SOUND? My kids laughing
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither but if I had to choose Rolling Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Probably Orlando Florida
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
People like my scrapbooking and my flower arranging but I am too much of a perfectionist to enjoy my own work (add that to #16).
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Scottsdale, Arizona
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Anyone and everyone!