Mother's Day - 2008

I know that Mother's Day can bring mixed emotions for so many. Some might not have good memories of their mother; some do not have their mother because of death or other circumstances. For birth mothers, who have given their babies to other families because they loved them so much and wanted to provide a better life them. For those who desire with every fiber of their being to have a baby and cannot. For mothers struggling to do their best everyday, and feeling that they do not measure up some how. Our Father in Heaven loves all of his daughters.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day (although I feel I do not measure up most of the time.) The talks were great in church; they shared stories and thoughts of our first earthly mother Eve, and of Mary the mother of Jesus and as well as other stories of great women in history. After church my family gave me a few gifts. I got a new book titled "Blessings on the Hand of Women" by Boyd K Packer and a CD of music titled "A Mother's Touch", a great tote bag it's brown with pink poka lots (that is what Lindsay calls them.) and a card. I got to take a short nap and then went to Mom's to share a great dinner with her and with her mother (Nana)

Lois (Mom) made Nana a Memory book tilted Mom & Me. When Nana opened her present she cried. Mom had put in a lot of great pictures as well as wrote her memories of her life with her mother Marie (Nana). I am so happy that Mom is putting down her memories on paper, before she forgets, so that we can share them and become closer to each other.

Me & Mom on Sunday, Mother's Day May, 11th 2008, after a wonderful dinner.
I am so blessed. Not only do I have an amazing mother, but that she is also my best friend!
I Love Mom!

The flower corsage I am wearing Kristen made for me in her floral design class.

This is Christi (Me) Nana and Lois (Mom)

Nana had been very sick in March,

she had been in and out of the hospital.

She received blood transfusions, more than once.

She had to work with a physical therapist

until she got strong enough to return home to South Towne

This picture was taken of us in March

I am posting some of the pages of a scrapbook I made for my Mom about the life of her Mother Marie my Nana. I feel so strongly about preserving the pictures and stories of our family. As we spent the evening of Mother's Day with Nana, I could see how forgetful she is becoming as she would repeat her stories. I feel even stronger about working harder to preserve the memories, stories, traditions and pictures.

These are two pages about my Mom

"Just a little more" Ballroom - Spring Concert

This weekend has been the end of the year Ballroom Concert for Provo High School. There were 3 shows, one on Fri evening, and two on Saturday. During the Sat matinee, we had Shelby, Sierra, Katie, Kristen and Donny dancing. Donny danced with Kristen in the Parents routine. It is always a fun show. But for Kristen today will be her farewell, as she will be graduating in just a few weeks. She will be attending UVU (UVSC) studying to become a well baby nurse and dance on their Ballroom Team. We enjoyed having Donna and her boys with us, and Alissa was there cheering on her sisters.

 

Katie, Shelby, Donny, Sierra and Kristen
(and for everyone – Donny still has the moves!!)

 Johnathan, Donny, Donna, Issac and Kristen

Jens, Katie, Alissa, Austin and Kristen

Fibromyalgia - Living with it Daily

I will be writing a four part series about the effect that Fibromyalgia has had on my life.

First to help all of you understand what it is:

About fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex and multifaceted disease causing chronic pain. It involves both widespread myalgia (muscle pain) and localized pain in specific areas, particularly in the muscles around the joints. The musculoskeletal symptoms include pain, stiffness and tenderness. Pain commonly occurs in the neck, back, shoulders, pelvis and hands. The vast majority of the individuals affected are women.

Contrary to popular belief, it is a disorder of muscles, not of joints. Though pain is the main component of this condition, fibromyalgia also involves fatigue, sleep disturbances and mood disturbances, such as depression and anxiety. The condition is episodic, with flare-ups that vary in intensity and come and go over time

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is associated with a wide range of symptoms. Most studies report that these symptoms can be remarkably persistent and pervasive over the years, sometimes remaining as long as 15 years after onset.

Symptoms are typically worse during cold or damp weather, periods of emotional stress and at the beginning and end of the day. They may be aggravated by poor sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity or inactivity, anxiety or stress. Signs and symptoms include:

• Multiple tender points (trigger points). The presence of multiple tender points, usually at muscle-tendon junctions, is a major characteristic of fibromyalgia. These points are more susceptible to pain than the rest of the body.

• Chronic, widespread pain. Another major characteristic of fibromyalgia is tender skin and an overall reduction in pain threshold. The pain is most often within the muscles (myalgia). It may be confined to specific areas (e.g., neck, shoulders) early in the course of the disorder but usually spreads to other muscle groups over time (e.g., back, arms, legs, chest). This pain is often described as deep muscular aching, throbbing, twitching, stabbing and/or shooting pain. It may be accompanied by soreness, stiffness, numbness, tingling, burning and/or a crawling sensation. Though varying in intensity, some degree of muscle pain is always present. Pain behaviors such as limping, grimacing, or guarded movements and postures, may be easily noticeable and impair quality of life.

• Muscle stiffness. This is usually present upon awakening and tends to improve over time, but may remain throughout the day. Often, the joints feel swollen, although inflammation is not present.

• Fatigue. A general, all-encompassing exhaustion exists in the vast majority of fibromyalgia patients. Specific muscle fatigability and weakness is also increased. This fatigue tends to interfere with daily activities and may leave the individual with a limited ability to function, mentally and physically.

• Sleep problems. Includes disorders that prevent deep, restful, restorative sleep. An individual may have difficulties falling asleep or may be awakened repeatedly during the night. Other individuals may get a full night’s sleep, but awaken feeling unrefreshed and exhausted. Specific sleep problems, including sleep apnea (repeated episodes where an individual temporarily stops breathing) and bursts of awake-like brain activity that interrupts deep sleep may be observed.

• Headaches. More than half of all patients who have fibromyalgia report migraines and other headaches.

• Impaired cognitive function (“fibro fog”). Includes memory failure, poor working memory (ability to hold something in mind while using it for another mental process) and impairments in concentration, coordination and vocabulary retention. Research indicates that these individuals perform as poorly as healthy individuals 20 to 30 years their senior, although they retain a speed of mental processing roughly equal to healthy individuals their age.

• Hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity). Many fibromyalgia patients report heightened sensitivity to temperature, odors, sounds, lights and vibration. They also suffer from increased skin sensitivity.

• Mood disturbances. Irritability, depression and anxiety are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Depressed individuals may not be aware of or deny their depression, which can complicate the treatment of fibromyalgia. The presence of these symptoms may be due to many factors, including:

Prolonged pre-diagnosis period
Disrespectful medical treatment
Grief and loss common to any chronic illness
Poor support
Sleep deprivation
Other coexisting chronic health conditions
Severe chronic pain
Neurotransmitter abnormalities

• Difficulty in sustaining repetitive motor tasks. Many fibromyalgia patients report trouble performing repetitive activities such as typing because of increased pain and fatigue.

• Reduced physical efficiency. Decreased physical efficiency, due to a longer time required to accomplish tasks, is common.

• Variations in alertness. Many fibromyalgia patients report a diurnal (daytime) variation in energy levels and alertness and describe a window of opportunity at which they are at their best that typically extends from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other symptoms, including:
Dry eyes and mouth
Rashes
Excessive menstrual pain
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and ear pain
Painful intercourse
Dizziness
Vision problems
Low-grade fever
Below-normal temperature

For more great info

Fibromyalgia - The Phantom Pain Condition - http://www.energeticsinstitute.com.au/page/fibromyalgia.html

The Provo High Ballroom Team's - California Tour

Kristen & Katie enjoyed a week tour of Northern Calif April 16th - April 23rd. They performed at Senior Centers, Elementary Schools, Church groups and at The Great America Theme Park. They spent some time at the beach at Santa Cruz and toured Standford University. They did 2 -3 shows a day. They had a great time. Here are just some misc pictures of their trip.

Justin Williams

This is my nephew Justin Williams; he is an amazing singer, songwriter and artist. As you can see his is drop dead gorgeous. He is also a cancer survivor. I know that Heavenly Father has preserved his life so that his music can and will touch the lives of others. I am one of his biggest fans. Love ya J! Aunt Christi

.

Christi and Justin

Ashley & Tua are Getting Married

Tua asked Ashley on Sunday April 27th if she would marry him. Tua is Tongan. He gave her a black pearl ring. In Tonga diamonds are hard to get, so the pearl is a gift from god, a gift from the sea. We are so happy for them. As we come together in the Tongan culture, we are learning so much. We are also getting a wonderful Son. They are getting married July 26th.

Provo High School Prom - Kristen

April 26th was Prom for Provo High School, Kristen was asked by one of her friends from the Ballroom Team.

Maurice & Kristen went with a large group of kids. Saturday started with an early breakfast at the Holden's home, then roller skating at Classic Skate. Followed by dinner at Ottavio's, Pictures, the Dance and than a Movie. Everyone had a great time. I am so happy that Kristen and Katie have such great friends.

Maurice & Kristen

Crazy Friends -
Having a Great Time!!
Kristen & Kayla

Maurice & Kristen and Kayla & Jens