Parvovirus What?

Last week, Abbi woke up with the strangest looking symptoms. Red cheeks and a lacy rash that covered her entire body. Itchy, annoying. We took her to Urgent care where they diagnosed it as probably being an allergic reaction of sorts. Possibly a virus. The doctor felt it was probably due to the cheap purple fingernail polish Abbi was sporting at the time, or one of the variety of Valentine's Day tattoo's that decorated her arms. Doctors orders: Benadryl.
It's Monday, a call from the school nurse. "Mrs. Ford, I think you need to come pick Madison up. She is complaining she doesn't feel well, and she has a rash on her limbs. Looks like fifths disease".
A light bulb moment! I knew Abbi didn't have an allergic reaction. She is never that simple. I head straight to the computer. Google: Fifth disease.
Fifths disease or Parvovirus B19;
A mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. An ill child may have a low-grade fever, malaise, or a "cold" a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.
The good news... once the rash appears, they are no longer contagious.
The bad news...If I am infected, the virus can cause severe anemia to our unborn baby. 9 out of 10 result in miscarriage.
I went to the doctor today and they did a blood test to see if I am immune to the virus. I am hoping that at some point I have already been exposed and this will not be an issue.
Now we play the waiting game.
Not fun.

One more thing...

Happy President's day...and Valentine's day...and Chinese New Year (go dragon)! Okay, so if that's not enough, does anyone want girl scout cookies? Madison is a Girls Scout Daisy this year and is working towards her cookie badge, whatever that is? Between my nausea, lack of time, and down-right laziness...she hasn't sold a box. So if you feel sorry enough for Madison yet, I will be taking orders tomorrow night at the church, 7pm. Come find me! $3.25 a box, delivered on Friday. Any questions? Don't bother.

What...No pictures?

It's not a stretch to say I haven't been the most efficient blogger lately. This is apparent not only in my blog (or lack thereof), but also in my everyday life. My house is dirty, my kids are especially dirty, and I keep running out of gas. Lazy? Perhaps a bit. But mostly just pregnant.
That's right folks, we are expecting baby #6. Although planned, a bit over planned actually, I wasn't prepared for harboring a fetus in my thirties. What's the difference between twenties and thirties you say? Besides the obvious ten years, I am not really sure? But I do know that this baby has completely knocked me on my butt, my ever expanding butt too. 27 lbs in 4 months, a new record, even for me. It's safe to say I won't be featuring my belly bump rolls on my blog anytime soon. Just keep posted for mutated 3D images of our newest addition. It's the best I can do.

Punky Brewster?

Remember Punky Brewster?



I do, I live with her!

Surprisingly enjoying!

Last night Abbi and I attended the Stake PJ party for all Activity Day girls. I'll admit that this wasn't something that was top on my priority list of "things to do", Yet, I always find myself being surprised by how much I actually enjoy these activities once I am there. Their main focus was on PJ'S...Prayer, Journal and Scriptures. We all wore our comfy pajamas and settled in on pillows and blankets strewn about the gym floor for some pizza and talks given by youth leaders. One of the speakers, Kathy Hansen, really captivated my attention. She shared a story of her family discovering a birds nest under their house deck. Each day they would take a peak to see what these birds were up to, and one day they noticed there were five blue bird eggs. They kept a close watch on these bird eggs until one day they had hatched. A few weeks had gone by, and soon enough these five little birds were learning how to fly. Stretching their wings and fluttering over the back lawn. Mom and Dad bird were close by, keeping a watchful eye out as their babies struggled to find the ability to make it off the ground. To their horror, a magpie was lurking in the tree not far from where the little birds were. One by one the magpie flew down and snatched the little birds out of the grass. The Hansen family was doing everything they could to distract this magpie from getting the babies, but it didn't help. Only one of the baby birds made it away. The only thing that could have kept these birds out of harms way, was their own ability to fly.

Kathy likened this story to that of our testimony of our Savior. Only WE have the ability to "fly" or to gain a testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the end, it doesn't matter what testimony our parents have, or our leaders , or even the Prophet. In order to find our way back to our Father in Heaven, we must have our own testimony.

I am thankful that I have a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Although my wings may flutter now and then, I have the ability through Prayer, Journal, and Scriptures to find my strength and keep flying.

School Pictures

Last week Isabella had pictures taken at preschool. I forgot. The picture speaks for itself. Surrounded by an array of 4 year old's with hair curled, new clothes and shoes, nothing short of perfection. Then Bella. Perfect in her own way. Last year's Halloween shirt (although it's November), leggings on her arms (eliminates the need for a jacket), and slight remnants on her cheek of a once was princess tattoo. At least she's got personality!

Happy Halloween!

What a great Halloween, we had such a fun night. Our good friends, the Mansell's, invited us and a few other families over for a yummy dinner before trick-or-treating. Sloppy Joe's, homemade french fries and frog eye salad...what a perfect Halloween dinner, YUMMY!

My fifties girls...Madison & Abbigayle

Cutest ever Little Red Riding Hood... Isabella


The flower that didn't smell so good...Gabrielle

The trick-or-treating crew...

(top row) Ethan, Kylie, Alli, Abbi, Mckell, Madison
(bottom row) Kitty, Bella, Annie, Kimberly & Gabrielle
Special thanks to the Mike and Loren for supervising kids while trick-or-treating and to Jason Butts for scaring the crap out of me and Stacey!

The Loot!

After a good round of trick-or-treating, we came back to the Mansell's for some good old sledding. Where else, but Colorado, can you trick-or-treat and sled all in the same day?

Mike, as we all know, is still a kid at heart. The Luge was way too tempting to resist. Check out what happens when a 35 year old tries to sled in the front yard...

Funny, I know!

This...is how it should be.

The sugar buzz in all but gone, and all that remains are the wrappers from half- eaten candy bars. Now that's what I call a great Halloween night!