Doctor Visit

Levi has been a little sick the past couple of days and on Saturday he started complaining about his ear hurting. He got medicine for the pain and we hoped he would be okay. Saturday night he screamed and screamed. It took awhile for him to calm down, but he finally went to sleep. He woke up a couple of times and then in the morning Michael got up with him. Then, Michael came in and said his ear drum had ruptured. Levi's poor little ear had blood and pus coming out of it, yet he was so happy. All the pressure was gone and he couldn't complain. We decided to take him to the doctor and they gave him some medicine and told us to go see his regular doctor in 5 days. We are hoping Levi's ear will heal well and there won't be any problems. He is happy and that is all that matters.

Christmas Morning

Christmas has come and gone and we had a wonderful time. We enjoyed spending Christmas Eve with friends and ate amazing food. Christmas day was great too. Levi got up early, but did go back to bed. We finally got up and Levi was so excited about his presents. He was spoiled this year and got some neat gifts.

He got a train table with trains and a work bench. He loved the trains and loves all the tools. He thinks he needs to fix everything. He also loved the pajamas from his Grandmas and the the car rug. He got a fun book from his aunt and overall he was spoiled. Thanks everybody for a wonderful Christmas!

Nearing the End

So as I am nearing the end of this pregnancy, I am getting very anxious. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and I am dilated to a 1! Yeah, I know I could be at a 1 for along time, but I am excited. My contractions have been going on for months now and they have been getting more painful and the lower back is starting to really ache. Michael has been sweet and given me many back rubs to ease the pain. I am also starting to really clean my house again and getting all the baby things ready to go.

Levi is having a hard time realizing that his crib is NOT "his" anymore. He tells me he wants to sleep in it and the baby will sleep in the big boy bed. I have been so proud of Levi, because he lets me sleep and be lazy, while he plays. I have been so tired and sometimes in a lot of pain that I just lay on the couch. I am going to have to make being stuck at home up to him. He has been such a good helper also. He helped clean the house by dusting and picking up all his toys. I can't quite do anything without Levi wanting a part of it too. He is such a good boy.

Well I am off to take a nap and pray that the baby will come soon, but not to soon. I think I can hold out until the new year. Happy Holidays!

Ward Fun!

This past week we have been busy going to different ward functions. They were all great and we had lots of fun.



On Wednesday we took the youth in our ward shopping for some less fornunate families. They each had to pick out gifts for children. They did so well. It was fun to see what they picked and how excited they got. Thanks to Diana, Heather, Jeremy and Brad for helping and making it run smoothly.

On Thursday we had our Enrichment and it was wonderful. They had dinner and a wonderful program. It was great to feel the Christmas spirit and enjoy being with the sisters in the ward.

On Saturday, we had a great ward party. It was very well attended and we had great food (and decorations) and the children were excited for Santa Claus. Levi was a little grumpy, but he cheered up and soon was running all over the place. It was fun to not have to cook dinner and see everyone having a good time.
Good Job Alex and Heidi!



On Sunday I went to the Stake Christmas Program and it was wonderful. We have so much talent in our ward and stake and it was so nice to listen to everyone sing. It was a busy week and I am ready to slow down. Hope everyone else had a great week!

Fun with the Baileys!

We have had a busy two weeks. The first of December our friends the Baileys came down from Ohio so Troy could graduate. The Baileys jsut graduated from the nurse anesthetist program and are going to live in Ohio. Levi has been so excited to see his best buds, Andrew and Parker. They all play really well together and we had so much fun eating and laughing. We also got to meet the new addition to the family Dylan. He was born this past summer and is so adorable. We spent most of our days doing fun activities. Levi really enjoyed chasing the boys and sitting on them. We are excited to see the Baileys in a couple of months and wish them the very best. We miss you, but hope that you enjoy getting a paycheck.

Senior Mission

Michael's mom called yesterday and told us that Michael's grandparents are going to Palmyra, New York on a mission. We are so excited for them. They have to buy an RV to stay in and I know that they are looking forward to this. They have already served a mission in Nauvoo and were wonderful missionaries. We just want to say congratulations and we miss you Grandma and Grandpa Beardsley.

Thanks

I know I am late on the Thanksgiving post, but I wanted to thank the Bell family for having us over for dinner. It was delicious. Michael, Levi and I had so much fun eating all the good food and playing games. Levi loved playing outside and did not want to come in. I can't say enough about the good food that we ate. It was a good thing that I was only in charge of pies. Thanks so much for making us feel like a part of the family. We really enjoyed ourselves and just want to say Thanks!

Sleeping Beauty!

The other night I went to check on Levi before I went to bed and found him like this. He looked so cute.

Christmas Is Here!

Christmas is on its way. I have been so excited that I have had our Christmas tree and decorations up for 3 weeks. I love having the lights on at night and Levi gets so excited. He wakes up in the morning and tells us to turn the Christmas tree on. Happy Holidays everyone!

Dinner Help!

So I need to preface this with: I really do not like to make dinner. I end up making the same few things and I just really don't enjoy making dinner. Now this is not all the time. There are times that I love to have dinner ready for Michael and I love to have people over and make dinner. I enjoy making dinner with other people, but I have my weeks where I dread the dinner hour approaching.(I do love baking though) My request is this:

If anybody has simple, easy recipes that they enjoy, would you mind sending them my way? I need new dinner ideas that are easy and that are tried and true. I know many of my friends are wonderful cooks and many of you enjoy cooking and so I need your help to get me excited about cooking. Please send any recipes. I would appreciate the help and I know that Michael would also. Thanks! I will be looking forward to trying new things.

My e-mail is mjkarren@comcast.net

What Color Crayon Are You?

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors. You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius. Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way. While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme. Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Work, Work, and Play

Michael has been really busy at clinical. Vanderbilt has been working him hard and keeping him late. When he gets home, Michael is so tired and Levi is way past bedtime. I keep him up just so he can see his Daddy. Levi has really missed his Daddy and is getting pretty bored of Mom. Yesterday, Michael had off and so we decided to spend the day together. We took Levi to the Adventure Science Center (one of his favorite places). He had so much fun. They had a huge train track set up for display. It was really fun to watch the trains go around and Levi just loved it. He also loved playing with the trains in the toddler section. Michael and I sat there and talked for over 30 minutes because Levi just ignored us and played. He was so much fun. Michael took him to the top where you have a great view of Nashville. It was a great morning. Levi and I took naps (Michael went to the school to do some work) and then we went out to dinner. It was really fun to play with Levi and give our attention to him. He is our pride and joy. Now Michael is off to work and who knows when we will see him. Love you Daddy!

Michael's Birthday Cake

So for Michael's birthday our good friend, Alex, made this cake. I thought it would be really funny and Michael would be embarrassed, but he wasn't. He did enjoy the cake. Thanks Alex, it was yummy.

Happy Birthday Michael!

I just want to say Happy Birthday to my sweet husband. He doesn't care about birthdays, but I do. Michael is 27 years old. I can't believe how the time has flown by. I remember meeting Michael on a blind date set up by his Grandma. I remember thinking to myself "Wow, he is tall." He was so funny and so much fun to be with that we continued dating. We spent lots of time at families homes and that was great because I got to see how he reacts to my family and how he interacts with his. He proposed in Feb 04 and we were married in June 04. He has been a wonderful friend and husband to talk to and do fun things together.

Michael is also a wonderful father and I love to see him in that role. Levi loves his daddy and is so excited when Michael gets home from school. Michael has always loved children and I am so grateful. I love it when he holds Mia or Desiree at church. They adore him as he does them.

I have been blessed to have a thoughtful husband who loves me and takes me as I am. When I am moody, emotional, angry, and just plain mean, he loves me. I am so excited to spend eternity when him and continue to get to know him.

Michael, Levi and I love you and wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Two Wonderful Moments

I have been thinking about Levi and the baby lately. They both amaze me and I just can't get enough of them. (even though sometimes it seems that Levi is driving me crazy)

The other day I was really enjoying spending time with Levi. I can't believe that he is growing up so fast. He soon won't be my baby anymore and I am having a hard time with that. I love when he gets up and runs to give me a hug. He is polite most of the time, saying "please" and "thank you" quite often. As I was watching him this day I can't help, but think about how much I love him and that I don't want him to grow up. I miss holding him all day and having him be dependent upon me. Now he runs, jumps, yells, and does most things himself. He is such the talker. Michael and I really have to watch what Levi hears, because he repeats everything and remembers everything. He is so fun to watch when he plays by himself. He will have his own conversations and just be content to play alone. I love when he calls me Mommy and I have to laugh when he gets bossy (which is quite often). He is also such a great helper. He loves to help Michael and me with anything. I could write so much about him, but it would take a long time. I feel blessed to be his mother and am just amazed each day with him and what he is learning.

I also have been really excited because the baby is kicking me like crazy. When I was pregnant with Levi, we never felt him kick. My placenta was on top and he wasn't a mover. Well, when this baby started kicking I was ecstatic. Just the past couple weeks he has been much more active and I can feel and see him move. I am in awe at what a wonderful miracle this is. I am super excited to have another baby, but will miss feeling the baby move inside me. I often sit on the couch and just stare at my belly waiting for the baby to kick and communicate with me. I love it and Levi is starting to really like it too. How blessed am I?

I'm Quirky -Tag

Tell about 6 quirks of yours.

1. I sit with my toes curled under a lot. It drives Michael nuts.
2. This also drives Michael nuts. I move my mouth around all the time. I don't know that I am doing it, but apparently I am.
3. I like to have people over and then clean my kitchen. After everybody leaves, it is my time to relax and think. I load the dishwasher a certain way, wash dishes, clean the counters. Sometimes I will dance to music as I am cleaning.
4. After I clean the bathroom I don't want anyone to use it. I want it to stay clean for at least a couple of hours. This does not always happen.
5. I am a worry wart. I have to check to make sure lights are off, everything is unplugged, the door is locked. I will check the same thing multiple times. I know a little OCD
6. I hate when my hair is ratty and full of knots. I want to go and comb my hair and have no one talking to me when I am combing it. I get a little angry.
I tag: Diana, Nancy, Katie, Kristin, Mom, Tauna

Hotel here we come!

These are from the hotel's swimming pool and room. Levi loved swimming. He always wanted to go and never wanted to leave. He really liked playing in the bubbles that were in the hot tub.

Corvette Factory in Bowling Green

While we were up in bowling green we went to Mammoth caves and Michael went on the corvette factory tour. He had lots of fun, so the next day we decided to take pictures with some of the cars. The cars were really nice and so pretty. Levi liked looking at the cars, but didn't like taking pictures.

Mammoth Caves

Halloween Surprise!

Yesterday when Michael got home from the school he brought up a big box for Levi. It was from his Grandma Adams and he loved pulling everything out. He loved the fruit snacks and the books. Michael was happy for the snickers. Thanks Grandma for the great package. We love you. This video is for Grandma. Levi is thanking you.

Big Boy Bed!

On Wednesday, Michael set up Levi's big boy bed and he has been doing great. He loves to get in and when he wakes up he waits for us to come and get him. I can't believe how big he is getting. I am so glad that he likes his new bed and stays in it. I know that will not always be the case, but he is doing great so far.

Ward Halloween Party!

Last night we had our ward halloween party, but Levi didn't seem to like it. He cried and clung to me. He didn't want to play any games at first. He finally got happy and had fun with the basketball game. He also loves his friend Aiden. They both looked really cute. He got lots of candy, which Michael and I have already eaten. It was a fun night.

Halloween at the Zoo!

On Friday, we went to the zoo, because they do trick-or-treating there. It was cold, but we had fun getting candy for Levi. He liked riding in his stroller and the lights they had up.

Husband Tag!

1. Where did you meet? In Idaho on a blind date, set up by his grandma.

2. How long did you date before you got married? From our first date we dated a year and 4 days

3. How long have you been married? Four and half years

4. What is your favorite feature of his? I love his laugh and his hands!

5. What is your favorite quality of his? He is such a good Dad and he helps me all the time.

6. Does he have a nick name for you? He calls me Honey a lot

7. What is his favorite color? Blue

8. What is his favorite food? His mom's homemade fries and steak (they are so yummy) and mexican

9. What is his favorite sport? Hunting ( Is that a sport?)

10. When was your first kiss? I think our third date. We were at my front door.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Go for drives, four-wheeling, going out to eat.

12. Do you have children? A 2 1/2 year old boy and expecting another boy in January

13. Does he have a hidden talent? He is a great carpenter.

14. How old is he? 26, almost 27 in a couple of weeks

15. Who said I love you first? I don't remember, but he probably did.

16. What is his favorite type of music? Rock

17. What do you admire most about him? He loves kids and is so cute with Levi. He sings to Levi and is always playing with him.

18. Do you think he will read this? Yes!

I tag Diana, Tauna, and Mom

Levi's New Favorite Toy

So a couple of weeks back my friend Jessica and I went to a big garage sale. She picked up a play kitchen for her 1 year old little girl. Just last week, she found a brand new play kitchen by the dumpster. She was so thoughtful and knew that Levi loves to "pretend" to make food for us, so she gave us one of the play kitchens. Levi absolutely loves it. He was so excited and hasn't stopped "cooking" for us. If only he was cooking real food so I wouldn't have to. Thanks so much to the Newmans for this wonderful gift. Now I have to find a spot to put it.

Go Devon Go!

On Thursday night Michael and I went to one of the Young Men's show choir performance. Our friends the Holmans watched Levi(Thanks) and we went on a date. They had lots of food from different restaurants and a silent auction. It was fun to bid and I did get one item. A massage, haircut and lots of hair product. The show was great. The kids sang and danced and they did an amazing job. There is some great talent out here. Devon, you did great! We really enjoyed the whole show and we love supporting the youth in our ward. They are amazing and Michael and I love working with them. They are so good to play with Levi and are so sweet and polite. Thanks Devon for the tickets and can't wait to see you again!

HoneySuckle Hill Farm

So we have had quite the week and I am hoping to blog about it all, so it may take a couple of days. On Tuesday we went this pumpking farm and usually Levi loves this place, but he screamed a lot. He was scared of the tractor and wanted to be held, which is getting difficult because of the large belly. He did however enjoy the sandbox and the horse swing. He had fun with his friends, Aiden, Lucas, Maya, Desiree, Matthew, and Thomas. It was really hot and really crowed, but we are glad that we went. Thanks Mere for setting it up. Don't make fun of the fat face.

Just Like Dad!

Lately Levi has loved pulling out magazines and reading them. The other day Michael received his Car and Driver magazine and sat down to read it. Later Michael checked on Levi and Levi was sitting on the couch reading the magazine. He looked so proud of himself.

Silly Pictures