Happy New Year!

What a whirlwind of a New Years! We had a full week of parties, family, presents, and wedding fun! I don't think I've ever had so much fun in my life or been so exhausted! It all started with a wonderful night at my cousin Ellen's bachelorette party. I got some much needed girl time with my cousins and friends. Brandon and I both had a blast at the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner (which was our first meal without kids since Cora's birth). The wedding was just magical! I was honored to be a bridesmaid and Brandon and I sang in the wedding. Brandon had been very sick with a cold, but was just able to sing in the knick of time! The reception was so much fun! All my family was there and my best friend Courtney. My sister's kids had never been to a wedding and LOVED it. They danced and danced and danced! During the wedding my mom looked over and Precious had a tear going down her cheek. She said, "I know why they are getting married...because they are so nice to each other." What sweet kids! Brandon and I enjoyed dancing and eating and just being with the people we love. Brandon's parents drove up all the way from Texas to babysit our kids, so we could go have a great time. It was such a relief to me. The kids did great, considering I was gone so much. Both kids were thrilled to have the attention of BOTH sets of grandparents and all their cousins, aunt, and uncles. We had a total of 15 people staying in the house! Thank God for our big house. Bob brought up brisket and other food to help feed everyone. We celebrated my Mom's 50th birthday while everyone was here, as well. She wanted a pajama breakfast at Jimmy's Egg. It was hilarious! We all wore our pajamas and had a great time. We also exchanged our Christmas gifts with my sister's family. It was so cute. The kids all gave us knick knacks out of their own stuff, gave us art creations, or little trinkets they bought with their allowance at school. We loved it! They are such a blessing! The other day I was driving and I asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grow up. My 4 yr. old niece Korey said, "I really want to be you; I want to be Aunt Em. I won't spank Cora or Eli." It was so sweet; it definitely brought tears to my eyes.

As everyone was leaving I came down with the stomach flu. It was horrible. I have a history of passing out when I throw up, which happened twice this time. Luckily, Brandon was home the second time and took care of me. I had convulsions, carpal spasms, and numb legs and feet afterwards. I've had carpal spasms when I was pregnant, but not that bad, so Brandon went ahead and called 911 just to make sure I wasn't having a stroke or seizure (he was so calm, but I know he was probably scared to death). My hands were gnarled, numb, and locked. I absolutely couldn't move them for over a 1/2 an hour. It scared me! The EMTs arrived and were great. All my vitals were good and by the time they left I had the use of my hands back, so I chose not to go to the hospital. My brother rushed over to help with Eli in case we needed to go to the hospital. Once again, he was our knight in shining armor! I come to find out it is normal to have convulsions when blacking out (so no seizure thank God) and carpal spasms are caused from hyperventilation (while throwing up). I was able to get rehydrated (although I did lose like 7 lbs) and rested (I was so weak) and am feeling a ton better. Brandon stayed home yesterday to make sure I didn't throw up once I started eating again. He was a life saver! I am just praying the no one else in our family gets it. I really can't handle the thought of the poor kids going through the stomach flu again. Please God...we need a break!