Connor Mack Jones, May 25, 2007

Words can not begin to describe the depths of emotion and love that I felt from the moment Tasha pointed out Conner's head coming through the birth canal. I had never expierenced a vaginal delivery and for me this was completely extraordinary. Janelle wasn't due till June 10-15th but her blood pressure rose, and her blood work showed that she her liver was not producing enough enzymes. Her condition is similar to preclampsia but is known as H.E.L.P. It is all complicating and the point is that my nephew was born on Friday May 25th at 11:52 am and he weighed 6 lbs 5 oz and was 20 inches long. He had to have oxygen after delivery due to his cord being wrapped around his neck twice. He was also a little sluggish due to the magnesium that Janelle had to have in order to get her blood palettes back up and her liver enzymes normal. It makes the mother and the baby very very very drowsy. Needless to say he is in rare newborn shape and nursing. I spent the night with them at the hospital last night to help Connor nurse and to support my sister. I am tired but the two hours he slept on my chest were irreplacablable. I love this aunt thing, and finally know what it is to love another besides your own. These pictures aren't the best but he has black hair and is very cute!!!! Look for updates from the rest of his huge family.

Bachelor of Arts, Degree in History

Saturday was my graduation from HSU. Friday before graduation my family and I attended an All Nations Graduation where all Native American students who are active on campus received their sashes. The sashes are to be worn at graduation and they symbolize Native American leadership and role models. The ceremony was extremely emotional but deeply personal. My grandmother awarded me my sash and wrote a wonderful speech.

Saturday morning I graduated at 8:30am and I couldn't sleep the night before and I was ready to go at 5:00am. I got ready for the graduation and Grandma took a picture of Travis and I before he took me to school. I wore a traditional cap instead of the other black whatever its called. After graduation my family and I immediately went to the history reception and I received an award for my senior seminar paper. In all the hustle and bustle we didn't get very many pictures after the reception. Oh well.... I wanted one with Travis and the kids for a Thank You card.

After graduation we all headed back to my house where we had a Party. It was so so so much fun. They were eighty people here and we all laughed and cried and celebrated education. I really hope that I can inspire one person, old or young to continue their education. I felt that I could give up so many times and that it would be fine to work in an office from 8-5 but I didn't accept average. Everyone has a passion and a purpose that will make them happy but they have to work hard to nurture their talents, it isn't going to be an easier pathway. That was a rant...

I am having an okay week. I am glad to be done with school but I have to make some changes to a paper and then it will be ready for the President of HSU and the Barnum trustees. Work is getting busier, and Travis is getting ready to go back to work. Saturday night my mom and me head to Napa for a couple of days and I can't wait. Have a great summer.

Birthday Bash!!!!!

Today was Cole and Carly's birthday party. I am exhausted and right now there are people over watching the Mayweather vs. De la hoya fight. It was a very much birthday. I made the kids a birthday cake that was similar to a cow. My aunt had made a horse cake for my cousin and she made it pound cake. It was delicous and inspired me. I made the cake on Friday and frosted in before the party. It was cute and thank God my sister Janelle helped me with the finishing touches.

We had hamburgers, hotdogs, beans, and macaroni salad. It was all very good, and I am bias. The weather was terrific, a little windy but very nice. Travis said that at one point he counted 27 adults and there was at least 15-20 kids. Our new playground got it use. Vickie saddled up Speck, Heidi's horse because Stumpey Cole and Carly's pony was being uncooperative. All the kids got to ride the horse and after cake and ice cream they even roped the billy goat. Yes, we have all these animals and no we don't have to rent animals. Next weekend is my graduation party and I thank God that it is going to be catered. Cole and Carly are exhausted and they are truly very loved....Thank you to all of our family and friends that bought them wonderful gifts and spent the afternoon with us.

Carly is 2 !!!!

Two years ago today my little girl was born at 1:45pm. I remember the Monday night before my scheduled C-section so clearly, we had dinner at Grandma Lois and Grandpa John's and then I went home to try and sleep. I was nervous but I knew very clearly what a c-section was like.

To make a long story short, Carly was my easy nurser, sleeper, and mellow child until about 6 months when she got mobile. She has had a difficult time realizing that I am the boss...but these past two weeks she has listened wonderfully. I love her hair in pigtails and the way she tells me she wants to kiss my cheeks? I would have another 100 of her anyday (Okay, just one) Happy Birthday Carly Ann Carmesin