Joshys coming home!

Josh has served a faithful mission in Russia and its time for him to come home! He will be home around 11 pm on April 2. Just thought you all should know!

Baby Loriks story!

Well I finally have enough time to get on and blog about how baby Lorik came into the world. He is our miracle baby. We were very much not expecting Lorik. Hunter was born February 3rd and we got the news that Lorik was in the baking process in July. I had a c-section with hunter, so to have a subsequent pregnancy so close together can be very dangerous for mother and baby. So we were referred to a specialist who was more prepared to care for a high risk pregnancy. But sadly we were informed that we might not get to keep the baby because of the risks. Naturally we wanted what was best for my health and for baby's, but we weren't sure that achieving both would be possible. Apparently Lorik has some important business here on earth to attend to, because everything ran smoothly through the duration of the pregnancy, however because I was on heparin during my pregnancy and because of the risk of uterine rupture, Loriks birth had to be a planned c-section. Our doctor and specialist decided that the safest way to accomplish a c-section was to do it at 37 weeks gestation. So we planned an amniocentesis for the 17 of February to check for the maturity of the baby's lungs. If the test came out positive then a c-section would be scheduled for later that day. But because we have the worst luck ever, the test came out negative. The test is based on a number score, 50 being mature and anything below that immature. Loriks test came back with a number score of 34. With his lungs being immature, the c-section was considered dangerous and we were forced to re-schedule another amniocentesis for next week. Before we left the specialist ordered a non stress test to check for baby's heart rate and contractions. And as our bad luck would have it, the stress test measured contractions that fluctuated from 5 to 3 minutes apart. Which was a surprise to us because for the most part I was quite comfortable, besides the small inconvenience of not being able to eat or drink and Brandon being the devil and enjoying Pepsi in front of me, I felt fine. But to be safe we were sent to labor and delivery at Orem community to be hooked up to fetal monitors to watch the contractions. For those who have ever been in labor and delivery, you know that everything takes 5 hours to do. Brandon and I came to terms with the fact that we would probably be there all day. For the first few hours I was happy and comfortable. My cervix hadn't changed so we were confident that things were fine and we'd be able to go home shortly. However that was not in the cards for us. I started to get very uncomfortable. My contractions were coming faster and faster. I swear I was so ready to pull out all of Brandon's hair if he had had any. So we waited for a few more hours and nothing changed. The doctors plan of action was to check and see if there had been any changes to my cervix. And sure enough there was. I thought there damn well better be some change if I had just gone though 5 hours of pain. Before we even knew what was going on our visit to the hospital turned very quickly into a emergency. We ran the risk of my life with every contraction because the risk of rupture or detachment, while also risking Loriks life with delivery because his lungs were so immature. Because we were at such a small hospital, they didn't have the right equipment to care for such a premature baby. The only plan in place for Loriks safety was an awaiting ambulance to take him to another hospital that was more prepared with a NICU. So we prayed for the best and went ahead with the c-section because there was little time. We were in the operating room for what seemed like forever to me. All I wanted more then anything was to hear Lorik cry. When they finally pulled him out all I heard was silence. I swear those were the longest minutes of my life. All I could hear was the sound of nurses and doctors going back and forth in the small delivery room in a bit of a rush. And finally what I prayed for...I heard a cry. It was the most beautiful sound, Brandon and I were so happy. Later we learned that Lorik had been in a dangerous fetal position during all of my labor. His head was stuck in my pelvis and with every contraction, it was putting dangerous pressure on his head and neck. When he was delivered his face was so bruised that the nurses weren't sure he was breathing at all. When we took our first trip to the nursery to see him, and he opened his beautiful eyes, all we saw was read. It scared us to death. Because of all the pressure he had burst almost all the capillaries around his eyes. We then started to realize that if he had not been delivered when he was he might not be alive at all. All I can say is that our Heavenly Father must have big plans for him because he was so blessed to come into this crazy wild world healthy. As for Brandon and I we are doing well. We don't get much sleep with Hunter and Lorik being up constantly but were going with it. I was able to get up and walk around after a few days and haven't been bed ridden since, so we have been very blessed and we are so thankful for our miracle baby!

And then the fight started.....

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels.
She asked, 'What's on TV?'
I said, 'Dust.'
And then the fight started...
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My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.
She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds.'
I bought her a scale.
And then the fight started...
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When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace expensive... so, I took her to a gas station.
And then the fight started...
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After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.
The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.
She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'
And then the fight started...
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My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.
My wife asked, 'Do you know her?'
'Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.'
'My God!' says my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'
And then the fight started...
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I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.
"I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please."
He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?""
Nah, she can order for herself."
And then the fight started...
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A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.
She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly.
I really need you to pay me a compliment.'
The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'
And then the fight started.....
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I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95.
I told her the beer would make her look better at night than the cold cream.
And then the fight started....
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My wife asked me if a certain dress made her butt look big. I told her not as much as the dress she wore yesterday
and then the fight started.....
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A man and a woman were asleep like two innocent babies.
Suddenly, at 3 o'clock in the morning, a loud noise came from outside.
The woman, bewildered, jumped up from the bed and yelled at the man 'Holy crap. That must be my husband!'
So the man jumped out of the bed; scared and naked jumped out the window. He smashed himself on the ground, ran through a thorn bush and to his car as fast as he could go.
A few minutes later he returned and went up to the bedroom and screamed at the woman, 'I AM your husband!'
The woman yelled back, 'Yeah, then why were you running?'
And then the fight started.....
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Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into the garage.
I hooked up the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour.
The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day.
I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed.
I cuddled up to my wife's back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, 'The weather out there is terrible.'
My loving wife of 10 years replied, 'Can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?'
And then the fight started ...
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I asked my wife, "Where do you want to go for our anniversary? "
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
"Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said.
So I suggested, "How about the kitchen?"
And that's when the fight started....
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My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed.
I turned to her and said, "Do you want to have sex?"
"No," she answered.
I then said, "Is that your final answer?"
She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying "Yes."
So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend."
And that's when the fight started....

Hunter and the hair dryer

Ok, so Hunter got into the bathroom and got my hairdryer out and started carrying it around the house. This seems appropriate because everyday he gets into the bathroom and gets my pink brush and takes it everywhere with him. So we thought we would document this so we can use it as ransom later. Let it be known that Hunters favorite toy is a pink hair brush and a hairdryer.

Can you believe this winter wonderland?

Look at our driveway! We could not get out of our drive and it was hilarious, the snow was taking in us in all sorts of crazy places except out. And I laughed and laughed and laughed.

Josh sends his christmas Joy and love from Russia

This is the greatest time of year. You can see the love of Christ on the faces of all those who are truly trying to celebrate His birth. His life was the greatest life ever lived and I am so happy to know even the tiniest bit about Him. I love you all, have a very Merry Christmas! Love Elder Lemon

New Moon is coming!

I am so excited! The "rumors" are out New Moon is making its debut December of 2009. Mom we are so going. But not to the Mayan this time. The food was icky. We should have stuck with the italian theme and gone to the Olive Garden instead. Lol.

8 and sometimes not so great, things about 2008

Well 2008 is almost over, and what a year it was. I thought I would give you the top 8 highlights of 2008! enjoy.

1. The election!
Barack Obama winning by this much 52% for Obama, 46% for McCain!
2. The economy
Foreclosures soared, and banks needed a bailout as they became overloaded with devalued assets. The ensuing credit crunch forced local companies to scale back, laying off thousands of workers in the Triangle alone. Unemployment rates hit levels not seen in years, and lagging income and sales tax revenue hurt state and local budgets.
3. High gas prices
Gas prices hit an all-time high in September when the average for a gallon of regular unleaded peaked at $4.05. With Hurricane Ike threatening the Gulf Coast, prices quickly rose to nearly $5 a gallon in some parts of the state, and North Carolina's attorney general began investigating price gouging after consumers complained of paying up to $7 in some places.
4. Sarah Palin
Palin was the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee for the 2008 United States presidential election together with Senator John McCain. Palin was the second female candidate and the first Alaskan candidate of either major party, as well as the first female vice-presidential nominee of the Republican Party. And lets not forget her way to fame through SNL's late night jokes.
5. Caylee Anthony Homicide Case
The case of a missing Florida girl has gripped the country since July, when her family reported her missing a month after she disappeared. Now, with authorities confirming Friday that the remains found this month in a wooded area near Orlando are those of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony. The mother of Caylee Anthony was charged first-degree murder of her daughter, child abuse, aggravated manslaughter and four counts of lying to investigators about the girl's disappearance.
6. Auto Bailout
President Bush approved an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in rescue loans in exchange for tough concessions from the deeply troubled carmakers and their workers.
7. Proposition 8
The Yes on 8 campaign filed a brief arguing that because the new law holds that only marriages between a man and a woman are recognized or valid in California, the state can no longer recognize the existing same-sex unions. The document reveals for the first time that opponents of same-sex marriage will fight in court to undo those unions that already exist. This has caused a lot of arguing between the gay community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, because of the Church's stand on the sanctity of marriage being strictly between a man and a women.
8. Death of beloved prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley
The death of this wonderful leader brings to a close a chapter in church history spanning over 50 years, president Gordon B. Hinckley died January 27, 2008

Gift from space

The night before last I was driving to Kylenes house and guess what I saw? a meteor entering the earth's atmosphere! Most meteors are tiny specks of dust and rapidly burn up in the atmosphere. Some are larger and produce spectacular fireballs that are very bright, and may explode (in some cases with sound heard on the ground). Meteors are common; you can usually observe a few per hour on any clear night, but fireballs are rare. And would you believe it, I actually saw a fireball. The explosion noise really startled me. lol. And I'm not gonna lie I almost ran into a parked car, but it was really neat to see. It was just happenstance that I got to see it, because the storm had recessed over a small portion of the sky and that just happened to be where it entered the atmosphere. cool huh?

Baby Lorik!

This is baby Lorik! isnt he so cute? We think so. This picture we got when we went to out specialist the other day. Lorik is almost 29 weeks, but developmentally is 31 weeks. I think he is very handsome, we will be sure to keep putting up some more of these precious pictures. We are expecting Lorik to make his arrival sometime in the end of February.

Hunter and his elephant

This is Hunter and his elephant. This was supposed to be a present from grandma Dana for christmas morning but hunter put on his pink panther suit and secretly found his presents!!! Well I didnt have the heart to tell him that he couldnt have it. So here he is ridin like a true cowboy one arm up and all. There must be riding elephants in the spirit world cuz he has got this down.

Belated anniversary

On August 31, 2006 Brandon and I got married! And one very long year later we were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple!! On December 8, 2007. Last week was our anniversary, just thought we should announce the good news that were actually still married and going strong! If you look at the picture above you'll see a small staircase, those stairs lead to a special sealing room that many people dont get the special opportunity to use, but we did! We felt so lucky. Originally this room was used as a study for an apostle. Elder Talmage used this very room to write the book, Jesus The Christ. Elder Talmage finished Jesus The Christ April 19, 1915. Elder Talmage quotes, "Had it not been that I was privileged to do this work in the Temple it would be at present far from completion. I have felt the inspiration of the place and have appreciated the privacy and quietness incident thereto. I hope to proceed with the work of revision without delay." Neat huh?!

Russias hero!

Hey Everyone! This is Brandons brother Josh. He's serving and LDS mission in Moscow Russia. I thought all of you would like to know what hes up to. Here is his latest and greatest email.

Everyone I just wanted to tell you how happy I am. Life is falling apart all around me and I have never felt the love of my Savior more in my life. I am in my new area, living in a house that also counts as our branch building, and my branch is incredible. It reminds me a lot of the branch that I had in Mytischi. They had me stand in front of everyone and tell who I was, where I was from, and bear my testimony. It was a great experience and I love being able to use the 11 children in my family to make others smile. As a gift, 3 of the women from my old branch came to visit my new branch. They are the Relief Society Presidency and just happened to come right when I moved. It was great to see familiar faces of people that I love mixed in with those who I will come to love very soon. I have learned that I am the only missionary in our mission that does not even have a member in his area. We only have 2 families in our area, but they are in a city that I am not allowed to go to, so... I don't even get members. I have heard lots of people complain that the members in their areas don't help the missionaries. No more complaining for you, I don't even have them :) It is a great experience though and yes, I am being honest.The Moscow Choir was cut down to having only 4 missionaries in it and I got to stay for some reason. We had a rehearsal last night and have 2 performances this week. I have seen peoples lives touched by the music that we help to bring to them and I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father loves music. The Spirit attends us and it is incredible to watch the Spirit touch the lives of those who listen.Life is great, Christmas is coming, and there is still no snow (that's kind of sad). I love you all, have a great week. Elder Lemon

Sad News

This past sunday, brandons mom was diagnosed with MS. For those of you who are not familiar with the disease, Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation (numbness). With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one's own immune system. Thus, the condition is called an autoimmune disease. There are four different types of MS, Relapsing-remitting, Primary-progressive, Secondary-progressive, Progressive-relapsing. Kylene has been diagnosed with Relapsing-remitting. This form of MS is characterized by unpredictable acute attacks, called "exacerbations," with worsening of symptoms followed by full, partial or no recovery of some function. These attacks appear to evolve over several days to weeks. Recovery from an attack takes weeks sometimes months. The disease does not worsen in the periods between the attacks. This pattern usually occurs early in the course of MS in most people. There is no cure for MS, however there are treatments to relieve some of the symptoms and slow progression. All of these drugs work by suppressing, or altering, the activity of the body's immune system. Thus, these therapies are based on the theory that MS is, at least in part, a result of an abnormal response of the body's immune system that causes it to attack the myelin surrounding nerves. Living with MS can be hard, especially for their family. Thats why we are asking all of those who may know Kylene, and those who don't, to fast and pray for her and her family this upcoming Sunday. She has given so much to her family and others, and now its time that we give back. Please try to keep her and her family in her prayers as often as possible. If there are other ways you would like to help out let us know and we'll let you know what she and her family may be in need of. Thanks All!

Things worth mentioning

Hunter is a pimp. I friggin love him. However, He did knock over a huge glass of ice water on top of my phone, causing it to be dyslexic. This is the third phone we've lost due to water related trauma caused by Hunter James. I cant help but wonder how long these classic acts will continue before every electronic in our home has been raped of its capability to work. I digress.

But look how cute he is attacking grandma kylenes piano.

Fresh out of the womb! The Lemon family blog

Well we've finally done it. Created a blog. We figured we had an obligation to keep you updated with all the babies we keep having. We understand some of you cant keep up. Hopefully this will keep you up to speed.