Eric Whitacre - Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 2.0, 'Sleep'

My husband, Chris, decided that he wanted to participate in this adventure.  So after listening to him practice and record and repeat a bunch of times, this is the outcome. He's in the upper left hand "bubble" right in the beginning.

So pretty.  I'm so happy he decided to do this.

Kelly

Since when.....

Is having an opinion or a question about something a crime??

Lately, I stupidly asked the question on the 10-14 year old board on Ivillage: "I've noticed that..." In short, the question was about these women who have children in that age group, participating in SO many after school activities.  I got some nice remarks and then a couple of these women told me that "It's none of my business why my kid does this or that." 

Okay.......well then, it was JUST a question.  I didn't mean anything by it, wasn't comparing my children to yours, etc.  I just don't understand why people get all bent out of shape when someone asks a question.  Isn't that the way we learn??

I also posted a "I wish" thread on the same board.  See, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis on 3-21 (my dad's birthday..just had to point that out) and was feeling a little lot sorry for myself.  With everything else that has been going on with Sam, Nathan and myself, this just added insult to injury.

So, after I posted what I wanted to say, there were these women who kept on harping on the fact that my RA is treatable (no duh..), that I can still lead a very productive life (umm.. I KNEW that!) and that I should just shut up and "get over it" (okay...ummmm...yeah right, let it soak in for a bit first will ya?) Needless to say, the thread got deleted because of my vent I put up there and everyone was jumping on my case.

I learned a valuable lesson here. Do not, under any circumstances, post your opinions or ask for some support on IVillage. Yes, I have a friend on there but it's just not worth it.

I have opinions and I like to voice them.  I was given that right when I was born.  Please don't take that away from me. 

Happy Birthday Sam!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY!!!!!

Today is the day, 11 years ago, I was BEGGING my doctor to "take him OUT!!" I was so uncomfortable and big. Little did I know that at 10:37 p.m. I would give birth to my last child. Sam is 11 today. I cannot believe that 11 years have gone by. Here are a few highlights: - Sam is in 5th grade - He loves his big sister to death - plays insane amount of video games (we call him a "gamer" but he hate that) - loves pizza goldfish - loves riding his bike - loves playing with the 2 Siamese cats we have, and believe it or not, the cats tolerate it. LOL - loves playing in the snow (as we have none at present, he's content riding his scooter and bike) - likes going to Aunt Jill and Uncle Tom's farm house in Door County Happy Birthday Lovey!!!!! As funny as you are, we are so glad to have you in our lives. Love Mom

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Obviously this is an old old picture of me and my parents. But this is the only picture I have scanned into the computer at the moment.

Today would have been my Dad's 78th birthday. I miss him so much!!!!!

So, today I celebrate my Dad's birthday with much love.

Kelly

Random happenings at home!

This is what typically happens on any given night in the Otto household.

Sam playing with the massive amount of Legos in the basement.

Birthday boy with his latest gift. An Xbox 360 gaming system.

Look!! Nichole is being a teenager!!

Know what today is??

Today is Nathan's 14th Birthday!!
I cannot believe that he's taller than me but not quite as tall as his dad. He's into computers and how they work. Loves to listen to all kinds of music (as long as it's not MOM'S music LOL). He's very curious about things and how they work. When asked, he goes above and beyond what is expected of him. When I'm sick, he makes sure I've got things to eat and drink and reminds me to take my medicine when I'm supposed to. He doesn't have to do that, but with a heart like he has, he does.

Nathan is a smart, kind, loving, curious child. I'm so glad that he's part of my life. I'm so incredibly proud of him.

Happy Birthday Buddy!!
Love you,
Mom

Now I don't know what to think..

I get this form letter in the mail today from the Rheumatologist and it basically says that all my blood work came back NORMAL. WTF??  Then why in the hell do I feel so bad?? I had an almost pain-free week and I must have done too much because when I woke up this morning..........BLAM!!!  Pain shooting from the joints, skin, dry eyes, etc. Now what in the heck do I do??  I KNOW for a FACT this isn't in my head.  This is REAL pain I'm experiencing and people just don't understand, which makes me incredibly mad!!

All of Sam's blood work came back NORMAL. Now what?? He's still has this headache and stomach issues and something just doesn't seem right.  I don't know what it is, but my "mommy gut" tells me there is something wrong.  So NOW we go for an EEG and to the Pain Clinic at the end of the month.  I'm SO frustrated it's not funny.

Now that I got that off my chest, I feel a bit better.
Please say good thoughts for the people in Japan who are dealing with this horrible natural disaster.

Have a good one.
Kelly