Friday, November 11, 2011

Esther at 2 months

So another month has past and my little girl is now two months old.

 ( Again more for my benefit than anyone else's and this was started on November 9th and now it's the 12th ...oops that goes to show you what life with a newborn can be like.) 
  • You love to sit in the swing.
  • Your brothers and sisters love to hold you.  
  • You were blessed on the day you tuned 2 months old. 
  • You are starting to show smiles and the kids get all excited when you start to smile for them. 
  • You are still very spitty, and can be quite gassy.  
  • You love your pacifier ( and I love it too) 
  • You love to be snuggled and wrapped up in your blankets.  
  • You sleep well when you actually fall asleep.  
  • You had your first Halloween and we dressed you up as a ballerina. You are so cute!
First picture was taken on October 31st, 2011  and the second picture was taken Oct 23, 2011 -- you are growing so fast, and I know this is just the start of more fun times to come.  We love you Esther!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

1 month old already.

This was started a few days ago ... on October 6th. 
(This is mostly for me so I don't forget how you develop and progress) 

Okay so Esther....

Today you are 1 month old and sadly I'm writing this at the end of the day and you are starting to fuss and need attention.  So hold on a minute while I go and grab you.....


.... I'm back.

Things I've noticed about you this last month that you've been our little girl
  • You have 3 sisters and 2 brothers that ADORE you.  Ethan is always saying how you are beautiful and the cutest in the whole world. And that you are a princess.  And Heidi is always asking me when I talk to her on the phone if you are still cute.  And I think that everyone else totally agrees. 
  • Everyone loves to hold you even if it's just for a few minutes.  And any time you are crying everyone at least your brothers and sisters think it's because you are hungry and they promptly yell out ... "Feed ESTHER mom!! She's hungry"  or "Mom! Make her be quiet".  But really you aren't that noisy and I just have to explain that babies make noise.  
  • Speaking of noise you are starting to experiment with your voice.  And occasionally you will make some noise and it's so pretty to hear. I can hardly wait till you are able to say, " I love you Mom ...You are the best!"  or some variation of that phrase.  
  • You tend to like your binky. 
  • You love for me to hold you. And swaddle you with the pink fuzzy blanket. 
  • You weighed 8lbs 4oz at birth and we aren't really sure what your actual length was at birth there was/is some confusion on that. But your hospital tag said 19 1/2 inches.  And by your two week check up you weighed 9 lbs 3 oz, and you were 20 1/2 or 3/4 inches long.  ( Don't blame me,  I haven't been getting much sleep lately)  ***** I took you in to the Dr. on the 7th and found out that you weigh 9lbs 12 oz. 
  • You have been known so far for two major "blowouts".  Once on our way to see a house with a Realtor and I absentmindedly forgot to make sure the bag was stocked with extra clothes and such and you basically went home naked other than a clean diaper that I did have. 
  • You sleep really well, mostly.  And usually I am only getting up with you once during the night for a feeding.  But don't go thinking you've been miss little perfect by any means.... because we have had a few rough nights where I'm only getting 2 hours of sleep.  But somehow I manage to push through the tiredness the next day and do some of my "motherly duties" for you and for the other 5 children.  
  • You are nursing really well, and pretty much have put yourself on your own feeding schedule, but I do have to keep you on it during the daytime or we have a rough night together. 
It's been a whole month and I've fallen so in love with you Esther! I can hardly wait to see what this next month and all those other months after that bring about.  


    Monday, September 26, 2011

    Part two of Esther's birth story....

    After I heard the first cries ... I could see her briefly and a bit far away. But I could see this little lady had some dark hair and what seemed like a lot to me!

    I was still on the operating table because I still needed to be stitched up but first they did the tubal ligation, so yes -- it's permanent as much as we have any control over the matter. And it's a good thing that we had determined we were done having kids, because the doctor would have recommended to us not to have any more. He discovered the walls of the uterus were very, very thin - which is not ideal for pregnancy.

    And I was also informed that we got Esther out just in time, because the doctor told me that there was some meconium in the amniotic fluid, but luckily not to the point that it was going to cause her problems. I know that I couldn't have done this without the help of my husband and I'm so thankful he was there for the birth!

    So after a morning of feeling lots of contractions that were very painful and hurting I had the baby within 4 1/2 hours of the onset of my contractions...

    Here I am 3 weeks later and I love not feeling pregnant anymore, and my feet have finally gone back to their normal size and my baby girl is so fun to have around. The rest of the kids are doting on her all the time, and the older girls always want to hold her.

    When the kids came in to the hospital to see Esther after school on the 6th ... they were all in 'instant' love with her.

    I'm still having major feelings of being overwhelmed with all the tasks that I should be doing on top of taking care of a newborn, in addition to healing from a major surgery. But I just need to constantly remind myself that it will take time and I will feel "normal" again.

    I can't complain too much though because my little beauty sleeps pretty well at night... especially if she's swaddled! Like last night she fell asleep at 12 am and made noise around 2:30ish in the morning but when I came to check on her, she was still sound asleep. So I let her be, and laid back down and she stayed asleep till 6am. But of course, these nights of sleeping well don't make up for the sleepless nights I had at the end of the pregnancy and even the last few weeks ....


    I would like to put up some pictures... but I think it would be easier to just put together some scrapbook pages and post those instead.  But here is a picture of our cute little girl at 1 week old. 

     ESTHER CAROLINE  
    8 lbs 4oz   19 1/2" 
    Sept 6th


    Monday, September 12, 2011

    Sit Right Back and I'll tell you a tale ....

    PART 1

    What a crazy last few weeks I've had. First off, on Labor Day which was the 5th of September we didn't do a whole lot of anything. Just trying to make sure that the items needed in my absence at the hospital would be in the house, so we took care of picking up those few things that I hadn't gotten to yet. And then come that evening we had already been planning on going to the Orem Owlz baseball game that was happening that evening. Well, it all started off because we didn't know that the game time was an hour earlier than normal. ( I don't know how we didn't notice that before we got to the ball park that night). So when we got to the game it was already the top of the 3rd inning.

    Yes I was at the ball game the night before I was scheduled to have my baby!! I was having contractions on and off all throughout the day but nothing that seemed time-able or regular to indicate I was in labor at all. So I made it through the ball game, and at the end we were ready to leave because we were still waiting to hear from the hospital to know what time to report to get ready for the c-section. So we were leaving the ball park and the event staff was handing out little "fat boy" ice cream sandwiches were GOOD!!

    We hopped in our van and headed home, and halfway home we got a call on my cell phone, but doofus me left the phone in the bag which I put in the back of the van. We missed the call but found out that it was labor and delivery calling me. So I called them back (which I'm surprised that they called that number anyway as I had given them my home phone and Chris's cell numbers to contact us through). They told us that our c-section was scheduled for 9:30 am the next morning and that I needed to be there by 7:30am in order get prepped and be ready in time. All the kids were excited because now everything started to seem so real.... and I, well I started to CRY because all of a sudden here is this time that I thought would never get here, and I wasn't sure I wanted it to happen yet. I'm chalking that up to pregnancy hormones.... haha...

    So now, I couldn't put off packing my hospital bag anymore... I needed it ready to go in the morning!! I had mostly everything together, but I had to double check and then add a few things I hadn't put together yet. We thought we would have a really crazy morning trying to get the kids to school and our 4 year old Ethan to whomever would be watching him. When it dawned on us that I only had to be at the hospital from 7:30 till it was time, and that Chris could easily be a driver and get everyone to school and the sitters etc.... we worked it out to have Chris's sister Amy watch Ethan for us, and we were able to just drop of the older school kids at school about 15 minutes earlier than they should have been there. So that was the plan to shoot for as of the night before.... Well I tried to sleep as best I could.... and knowing how lousy sleep I had been getting for the previous few weeks I'd be surprised if I had any better sleep tonight. Well, after I had everything ready and a bag ready with some supplies in it for Ethan I attempted to get some sleep. Well, I had contractions still coming into the evening and they had all been painful even the ones throughout the day time. So I was just trying to relax and not think anything of it.

    I was trying to get some sleep and trying, and trying... but I ended up having a few contractions almost every hour and they were WAKING ME UP!! they HURT!! OUCH.... Around 4:30 (maybe even earlier but this is when I started keeping track) I realized I was having contractions about every 5 - 7 minutes apart and they hurt like nothing I'd ever experienced before!! Okay well maybe I had experienced it before but I couldn't remember how bad and intense they were from before. Well, I eventually had to start breathing to get through these, and I was crying because they were causing me A LOT of pain. And everyone else was SLEEPING, so I was jealous too!!!

    I tried not to think anything of it, and just tried to work through each contraction, and finally around 5:30 I decided I needed to get my shower, because who was I kidding I wasn't really going to get any sleep. I showered and had a few while in the process of taking my shower .... so I braced myself against the walls for some support.

    Chris was up around 6am and I was in tears and updated him on the condition I had been going through for the last hour and half. Now things seemed to be more serious and real, and we had to get the kids ready ... and take with us, so that Chris could just take me to the hospital, and then turn around and drop off the kids without needing to go home to get them ready or anything. SO .... it was an EARLY morning for our family, we aren't used to being up that early! And I was exhausted.

    So we arrived at the hospital about 10 - 15 minutes earlier than we were told to be there, and when I arrived I said how I was scheduled for a c-section but that I was in labor as well and had been contracting since 4:30am. Once I was sitting in a wheelchair I told Chris to take the rest of them and hurry and get back!! They pulled me into my pre-op room and who ever tried to get my IV started wasn't very good or I just had retarded veins that wouldn't cooperate, so it took three attempts to fnally get one in, and the placement of it couldn't have been worse. It ended up in my right arm (which I am right handed) and it was in the crook of the arm. ANNOYING to say the least.

    But the nurse checked me to see how much time they had to get the OR ready and I was at a 5 by the time I got there, and I was only at a 1.5 on Friday the 2nd of Sept. So I was for sure in labor and being a huge baby about it. I didn't want anymore pain.... !!!! And the whole time I was anxious for Chris to make it back!!

    The Doctor who was supposed to do the surgery at 9:30 wasn't even in the hospital or close by, so luckily another doctor with the same office was there, and stepped up and took over. They got me into the OR around 8:30ish to get the spinal block in place, and once that was in place within just a few minutes I was in HEAVEN... no more pain. Which of course, meant no more control of my legs either. The nurse checked me again and in an hours time I went from a 5 to a 7!! She was not waiting to be born any longer -- today was the DAY!

    Just after that Chris was in the OR with me in his "scrub" gear with the camera in hand and was there to hold my hand finally!! I don't think I have ever loved him more than at that very moment when our eyes met and we knew what was about to take place. And within just a few minutes about 10 or 15 - I heard the first cries of our little daughter Esther Caroline Randolph!! Boy what a set of lungs she has!!

    Pictures to come later.... (Blogger isn't letting me load them right now)

    Monday, September 5, 2011

    Twas the night before .....

    Well tonight is the last night in my life that I will ever be pregnant. Kind of a bitter sweet moment for me. But my body is so ready to have this little angel join our family. I have been having painful contractions throughout the day, but nothing that is timeable or consistent to make me think that I might be in labor. So now that we have gone to the baseball game and got our call on the way home from the game to say that the c-section is scheduled for 9:30am and we have to report by 7:30am. I hope I can get some sleep tonight, which I'll be surprised if I can sleep because of how miserable the last few weeks have been during the night. But at least this is the last night to sleep being pregnant and then tomorrow night I start the whole not being able to sleep because I have a newborn. I've been terribly emotional this entire pregnancy and the slightest little things will set me off into crying. And I kind of feel like that now. I know what I'm doing is special, and that I'll just fall in love with her the minute she's put into my arms. The kids are all EXCITED to meet little Esther tomorrow after school. And it was really hard to actually get them to go to bed tonight, I just hope that everyone can wake up an hour earlier than they are used to in order for me to get to the hospital at the right time. I do feel like an EPIC FAILURE as far as cleaning up the house goes because the kitchen and living room aren't tidied and I don't have energy to do a darn thing about it. Hopefully my kids will kick into gear and get things done while I'm away for a few days. (Crossing my fingers) I still can't believe I'm about to have another baby and a little girl at that!! It's been several years now since I've had a little girl and now that little girl is 9 years old!! Well, this is the one time I've waited till the last minute to pack my bag... actually most of it is done, I just need to make sure that everything is actually in there now. So I should go, and maybe try to wash up the kitchen dishes at least so that Chris doesn't have to deal with them tomorrow. I can't believe another incredible journey is going to begin tomorrow morning. I'm nervous, excited, tired, sad, and scared all in one. But I know with my husband close by I can make it through anything, and with all the friends and family praying for me and wishing my family an I the best... that things will be okay. So I'm signing off for a few days, and when I'm back I'll have pictures to share!!!

    Friday, September 2, 2011

    Maternity Pictures from August 16th, 2011

    So I had a great friend of mine who is talented and just plain AWESOME take some pictures of me a few weeks ago.   Here are some of my favorites.   And now, it's just a few more days until the arrival of our little Esther girl.   Tuesday SEPT 6th will be her birthday ....UNLESS something changes between now (Sept 2nd) and then.   Chris is taking me out tonight for a "last FRIDAY date night" before we have a baby again.  And last night on top of all the regular pregnancy pains and ailments... I stepped on a bee or wasp and ended up with a "sting".   YES it hurt!!!  YES I cried!!!  YES it throbbed most of the night causing me to get very little sleep!!  YES this resulted in me taking a two hour nap today!!   

    But Chris being his funny self ... when he realized that I was stung and I was hysterical and completely freaking out and crying like a big baby ... said something like, " Oh my, I think you are allergic your foot is already swelling up"     REMINDER:  I have had swollen feet for 2 months now.   I wasn't laughing when he first said it, but about 15 - 20 minutes later it came back to my mind and I was laughing in the middle of crying ....If that is even possible.





    I like this picture ALOT... except you can really see how fat and ugly my feet are and have been. haha.



     


    Friday, August 26, 2011

    Tonight was our LUCKY NIGHT!!!

    NO!!!! The baby isn't here yet.

    But we did head out to the OREM OWLZ baseball game again tonight. The weather was great!! We had cloudy skies and the sun wasn't in our eyes, it wasn't too hot, we even had a few rain sprinkles but nothing too heavy.

    But before we experience all the rain sprinkles, we were prepared to pay for parking as we always do, and the parking people waved us on in, so we parked for free. YAY!!!

    While in the ball park, we were waiting for the game to start and one of the staff people asked if we had any kids that would like to do one of their in between innings games. So three of our five (Thomas, Heidi and Katherine)were in the little "HOT DOG" race. One of them represented Ketchup, while another was Mustard, and the other was Relish. And you watched a screen on the scoreboard, and then the kids more or less "spaz" out and pretend to race while basically staying in place. (Heidi was so wild, she even fell down!) We were laughing so HARD. They did a great job and with three of our kids in the "contest" we were guaranteed to come home winners. The result: Heidi who played the part of MUSTARD won the race and won an envelope full of "prizes". There were 3 Little Ceasars pizza vouchers that can be used there in the park. And three upgrade seat tickets. And several other free kids meal coupons that we may or may not use. THe other two kids ended up with a couple of free "Crazy Bread" coupons to use in a Little Ceasars location. Can you say S.C.O.R.E !!! YAY HEIDI. So we redeemed one of the pizza vouchers while at the game tonight.

    Next Katherine ended up with one of the foul balls (AGAIN) I've lost count of how many we've gotten because of her. Oh, and I forgot that they were giving away "PENS" at the beginning of the game as well. So all of us ended up with a pack of three pens with string on them so you can hang them around your neck.

    Then Thomas discovered that some booth was giving away some stuff and saw some squishy balls that just happened to be blue. And he went up and asked them if they had any of the balls, and the people gave him one, matter of fact they gave all of our kids one when they went up to the booth. Crazy times.

    THEN.... there was another contest they were doing between innings and Kaylee ended up winning this one. And got three vouchers to redeem at Trafalga for any 2 activities. SWEET!! ( So as Thomas said...." Tonight was our LUCKY NIGHT!")

    Not to mention the Owlz won the game 4-3 after the top of the 9th.

    What a night. We definitely had some fun. Planning a fun day for tomorrow as well. Hope the weather will cooperate. Not sure exactly what we'll do, but hopefully it ends up being a good fun day for our family. Maybe I'll talk my husband into going out in the evening for one last little date night before the baby comes. haha.. (I'll see how that goes, though)


    Monday, August 22, 2011

    Happy Anniversary to my Mother and Father in law ....Part 2

    We had a great weekend. Well mostly.

    I made it through the entire Anniversary weekend celebrations for my in laws, and now Im ready to have my baby anytime she's ready!!

    We started off with a family picture session on Saturday morning. IT. WAS. HOT!! and right when my little family was up for our family picture, the photographer was starting to take pictures and OUCH.... I was having a contraction right when she snapped the first picture....



    YEah I know I look lovely don't I ?

    But really this is how most of the pictures turned out... not with me having contractions, but just not as good as I was hoping.  But it's okay because we'll have to get a new picture taken for Christmas this year because we'll have our little Esther here within 2 weeks or less from tomorrow.

    So we had group pictures taken of EVERYONE, those didn't turn out so great either ...
    then of course, we had Grandma and Grandpa with all 21 grandchildren -- yeah that didn't work so well either.  I guess the point is that we have everyone in the picture regardless of whether they are all happy or not. 


    We ended back at my sister in laws house for the big celebration open house and there was a decent turn out and lots of extended family that showed up.  So it was really fun to see all of them.  The book I made was well liked by everyone who saw it. Or rather I was told that they liked it.

    Here are pictures of the quilt that was made for them.



    This book was 193 pages  --- consisting of pictures that were donated and given to me to use for this project.  It took up pretty much my entire summer, and suffered from swollen feet most nights because of it.  But I do have to say there was a point that I was working on it, and I really did just want to throw in the towel and stop working on it altogether because I did frustrated here and there.   My house got neglected and is still suffering from the neglect all summer long.  (Except my bathroom is mostly clean right now but that's about it.)



    But I stuck with this project, and kept forging onward, and there was a moment where I was overcome with extreme emotion and got a little teary eyed, because I realized how special this was, and the love and hard work that was put into it will really mean a lot to all of those who look at this through the years. 

    I WAS GOING TO POST A PICTURE HERE OR TWO OR THREE, but it's not cooperating, and I'm going to get off now because my feet are really starting to hurt.  Wish I had a lap top right now, so I could sit back in my recliner and still be able to use the computer. 
     

    Friday, August 19, 2011

    Happy Anniversary to my Mother and Father in law ....Part 1

    Tonight was the part 1 in a 2 part celebration for my in laws 50th Anniversary!!

    My husband and I along with all of his siblings and their spouses or fiance gathered with his parents up in Salt Lake City at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building at the The Roof Restaurant for a special evening. We enjoyed the food, and the company and the conversation, and the time came for the "tributes".

    Each of the children took a few moments to make a special comment or two about their parents and share memories. They all did a great job!! I of course, was crying the whole time and had tears coming out my eyes the majority of the night. But there was definitely a special sweet spirit in that room with all of us tonight.

    I did get a little HOT and uncomfortable but I managed to make it through. I did however have to stand and pace a little in what little space existed so that I could ease some of the pain in my back. After all the tributes were done, we presented to them the two gifts that we had all chipped in for. One being a beautiful custom made quilt and the other .... the project I was working on all summer long. I had gathered pictures from all of my husband's siblings and spent many hours scanning and putting together an Anniversary book for them. It was all digital and we had it printed. I think they liked it, and that's what I've been hoping to hear. It really is a special book, filled with love and lots of memories. One to be treasured for years to come!!

    Now, we get to go tomorrow for Day 2 of celebrating and this will start off with a Family Picture.... I just seriously hope that it goes off without any problems and not too much chaos!! And then onto my sister in laws house for the rest of the day. I'm just hoping that my little baby decides to wait till after tomorrow before she wants to come. It really will make things a lot easier if she waits. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow. Tonight I didn't get too many, but I'll make up for it tomorrow.


    Tuesday, August 9, 2011

    Final week of Summer Break

    Here I am at the closing of another summer break and my kids are about to start school once again. This year I'll have four in school ALL day and one little guy at home for just a few days until we have our little Esther. Then I'll have the two at home. I'm sure Ethan will be such a big help with his little sister that I'll just savor up each moment I get to spend with the two of them.

    So as that time comes closer and closer, I can't help but feel like this summer has just flown by. Mainly because I was undertaking a huge project that I just finished up this last weekend. I'm glad to have that out of the way, and now I can really focus on getting my house dejunked now. The dejunking was put aside when I took on this project through delegation and then got sucked into it. But it can be revealed shortly what exactly it was, but until then it will have to remain a surprise.

    I can't believe my children are growing so fast!! I'll have a first grader, a fourth grader, 6th grader and one in 7th grade this year. I seriously can't be this old already. Not to mention that baby 6, our little Esther will be here in just a few short weeks. But I guess it is possible to have all of this, when I started having kids in my early 20's.

    The one thing about pregnancy that I wish I could capture would be movements this baby has been making for the last several months. I could do without the swollen feet, the pain in my back and other pregnancy side effects that make it feel like a miserable experience. But the movement I love!! Even the hurtful movements like she's trying to bust out of there... haha.

    I'm still not quite ready for the little lady but I do believe I can get caught up within the next week or so and get to where I was hoping to be at the beginning of the summer before I had to take on a huge project that became my life for the last 2 months. But that's okay... it's all working out.

    I'm completely overwhelmed with the thought of adding another child, but know that everything will work out somehow. I just need to have faith and know that I can do this. The kids are all excited, and Ethan seems to be the most excited. With school starting up and a new baby coming really soon.... the house work needs to be getting done on a regular basis, and as of late because of my project things were getting left undone. And by the time I've had a minute to do something, I chose to snooze, or sit down and do nothing instead. So I've got my work cut out for me and need to get a school schedule completed so that my kids will know what needs to be done and when. (And hoping that they will adapt to that very quickly).

    So now I get ready to resume my normal life and get things back on track and develop our schedule all while feeling the life within me moving around as a constant reminder that things are about to change again. Here's to getting things done and not feeling quite so overwhelmed about being a new mommy again.


    Thursday, July 21, 2011

    Summer Happenings ...

    Quick Update: Katherine finished softball finally! Okay she was done a few weeks back, but I'm just now getting around to this. Her team played three games in the state tournament and one of the games we totally got poured on!! We were getting rained on and it was COLD. I know Crazy---- middle of July and it was COLD!! But we were all kind of glad that she was done when she was. So until next year... we're taking a break from that.

    Thomas finished up his T-ball season the end of June, and he had lots of fun as well. Next year he's excited to play as well, and he'll be in coach pitch. (That just means that instead of hitting of a Tee they will get the ball pitched to them by their coach.) And he is often more than excited to hound Chris into playing catch with him once Chris is home from work. And let me tell you that boy can throw like no other 6 year old you've seen. Chris wants to start working him on "pitching" so that he can be a pitcher. Thomas is anxious to play professional baseball in the future. And he often gets excited to watch baseball games with his dad on TV.

    Ethan enjoyed the few weeks of Start Smart Baseball and is excited to play T-ball next summer. And he's getting better at catching and throwing. It's so awesome and neat to watch them grow and develop these new skills.

    Kaylee -- went to Youth Conference the end of June and had a really fun time, and when she came home a few days later, she slept most of the afternoon and into the evening. She was so exhausted! They had such a tight schedule they really didn't have any down time. But she did have a blast and now she's getting ready to go to girls camp next week. (Tuesday - Saturday) I hope she has a blast. She definitely has some great leaders so I know she's in good hands.

    Heidi --- didn't get involved with any sports this summer but really wants to play softball next summer! So I'm looking forward to that, and hope that between all the kids that want to play and having a new baby --- that there won't be too much overlapping in schedules and games. Funny story about Heidi: The other day she wanted to make a pudding pie really badly. So I had the ingredients and she asked if she could make one, and I said she could. So she took charge, and we talked out how to do it, and after discussing how much milk to add and where to fill it up to on the measuring cup, I thought she was good to go. However, when she came back a minute or two later and very quietly said, " um... Mom, I accidentally added water instead of milk." All I could do was laugh... but not too loudly, and then I asked her if I could laugh about that. She said it was fine, and so I laughed. I did tell her that everyone has a moment like that once in a while and some more than others. So we did our best to "salvage" it and then the kids devoured it a few hours later... I'm not sure how it tasted but they didn't complain so it must have been good enough for a kid to eat it.

    Esther... yes that's what we've decided to name our next girl is growing strong and healthy so far, and is due for arrival sometime in the next 7 or so weeks. I feel like I've been pregnant forever now, and am ready to have my body back, and be free of these aches and pains. But I know all too soon that those will be replaced by sleepless nights, and a crying baby... but lots of snuggles and love from another child who has been sent to us, to bless our lives.

    We've been able to attend a few Orem Owlz baseball games and we even sat through one game a few weeks ago .. you guessed it... in the RAIN!! What a fun experience and the kids loved it. We're finding that going to these minor league baseball games is becoming quite addicting and now I can't remember why we never really went to them before this last year. (Oh yeah, maybe because we had young kids and just didn't want to deal with it)

    And that being said, we're headed to another game tomorrow night (Friday the 22nd and next Monday the 25th) Should be lots of fun!! It's such a relaxing family activity!!



    Sunday, June 26, 2011

    A Few Busy Weeks

    So we've been up to a few things lately.  

    Katherine's softball team had a lot of rainout games during the month of May and basically the games all had to be made up in about a weeks time.  So we had three days in a row plus Saturday where we were attending her softball games.  And on top of her games we also had games for our boys too.  So we had overlapping and busy nights for a week.  I'm glad that's over.

    Kaylee was able to attend her first Youth Conference this last week and she loved it.  She was very tired when she got home and just wanted to sleep. So I let her!!  Better to have her get some sleep then have her be grumpy.  

    We also went to opening game night for the Orem Owlz and got to see a great game, and fireworks after the game.  But a bonus happened when we were able to let the kids run the bases after the fireworks.  I'm excited to watch more games even being pregnant.  

    Then later that same week, we went down to Manti for the Mormon Miracle Pageant that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints puts on to help tell some of the history of the church.  The kids liked it, and so did Chris and I. All except the pesky mosquito part.  We did get home after 1 in the morning.  And had two appointments to be at by 9am the next morning.  

    Friday was our 13th anniversary.  We didn't do a whole lot except for hang out at seven peaks for a few hours, and despite my efforts trying to protect my family and myself from the harmful effects of the sun, we all ended up sunburned, except the two younger boys.  Chris has it bad on his upper body, while I look like a lobster on my bottom half.  So between the two of us, we're a completely sunburned person.  OUCH!! 

    After we came back from Seven Peaks, the two of us took our turns showering off the "pool" water so we could slip away and spend some time just the two of us.  We went to Cafe Rio ... YUMMY!! for dinner, and really enjoyed our meals.  Afterwards, we just spent some time running a few random errands, and trying not to be totally uncomfortable as the unknown sunburns were making their marks on us.   

    So Saturday the 25th we spent the morning at Thomas's last T-ball game and then came home and took it easy for the most part.  Later that afternoon, we attended our ward's block party and had a great time.  (Chris didn't go, but I don't blame him and Ethan was sleeping at first so I left him at home with Chris)  The kids had a blast with the face painting, the pony rides, the balloons and friends ---- I had the chance to chat with a few of my friends while the kids were occupied.  It was really nice.  

    It's been a long weekend and a few nights of lousy sleep because of the sunburns, but now I can feel that I'm getting a little better. 

    Today (June 26th) while at church, I started having some swollen feet and ankles.... so my feet have hurt most of the day, but I've also been able to get a good nap in while I had my feet elevated.  I slept really good.  

    Now I'm thinking that maybe I should schedule in a nap everyday from now till the baby gets here.... and then after if I can.  haha... 

    And I think that SUMMER is officially here, because it certainly has been HOT!!  I sure hope I can handle the next two months without completely dying.  It's amazing to me, how when I'm pregnant things seem so much more unbearable .... gee I wonder why!!??

    Pictures to come later....

    Friday, June 17, 2011

    Random summer/pregnancy thoughts

    Okay so I've been pushing along the last few weeks since summer has started for my kids and for me, for that matter.

    We had the first week as a break with no waking up early to have anyone anywhere on time. Then the last two weeks for four days each week, I've had to have two of my kids at the school for their summer reading camp. Which hasn't been bad either. After that we head up to a local school where they provide lunch free for kids. Which my kids have enjoyed. (So have I, because I don't have to come up with anything for lunch)

    I've also woke up a few mornings this last week and completely forgot that I was pregnant. I know, how can I forget?? Trust me, I don't know how it happened, but I can assure you that it didn't last forever. I woke up and was shocked to see that I had a swollen tummy and then it all comes rushing back to me. OH yeah... I'm growing a little person inside of me.

    And as this pregnancy started as an unexpected surprise for us, I also feel confident in knowing that this baby will also be the caboose for our family. We know this baby is a little girl, and though I was fighting back the tears when I found out, I'm now overly joyed to welcome a little girl again to our home.

    I still have moments though, when my other girls are in each others faces and fighting or just having a hard time getting along for whatever reason, that I start to cry because I know another girl is on the way. I'm hoping though that she will have a mellow personality and that she won't be full of Drama like her older sister Heidi is. (and sometimes Kaylee and Katherine).

    I feel this lady moving around all the time, and my kids are telling me how big my belly is now. (To them it looks HUGE and to me, I feel huge). Ethan is so excited to be a big brother, and he's always so concerned about the baby. He likes to come up and rub my belly and he says .."baby".

    We're down to 3 more months until she'll make her grand appearance, and I think I'll still need all that time to mentally get ready for being a mom to a precious little child of God again. I'm totally overwhelmed at the task at hand again, but knowing that this is the last one, make me want to be better at remembering these things.

    So here are a few more pictures from the pregnancy.

    Taken May 12, 2011  --- 23 Weeks 


     Taken May 26, 2011  -- 25 Weeks




     Taken June 15, 2011  ---  28 Weeks


     And here's my brave belly picture at 28 weeks. 
    Can hardly believe I have a little human growing inside there.












    Saturday, June 11, 2011

    Last Day of School part 2

    So earlier this week I was working a few more pages for my daughter's last day of school, I went to load them onto blogger, and lo and behold the internet didn't fire up.  Long story short, found out that my modem quit working.  Now we are up and running with a new one, and I'm very excited about that.


    I try to think what my life was like before I had internet.... but you know what?  I can't survive without now!!  We do our banking online, we get our weather online, we buy things online, we pay bills online.... and the list seriously can go on and on.

    So now, I'll post those lovely pages and get started on some more.







    Thursday, June 2, 2011

    Day 2 and Day 3 of our summer.

    SUMMER HISTORY ---- don't read if you are easily bored and don't really care.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Okay so Day 2 ---- we headed up to the Orem Library and registered for their summer reading program as well. Since our Provo City card can be used there as well. And of course, I couldn't leave there without the kids begging to check a book out from there. So we left with four books. On the way home, we made a spontaneous stop at a park to let them play and they had a fun time. The girls (Katherine and Heidi) had activity days at 4pm and they ended up making banana bread. It was really good, because I sampled some when they brought it home. I then was asked if I could help out with the Young Women that night because they were working on their sewing project of making PJ bottoms for Girls Camp later this summer. Well.... we are at square one with Kaylee seeing as how the wrong size pattern was picked for Kaylee in the first place. So now, I'll help her here at home to get her pair made before camp. And while I was there with Ethan and Kaylee everyone else was at Thomas's T-ball practice.

    Crazy night. But it was fun!

    Day 3 --- Pretty lazy morning ... and I feel so unmotivated to do anything. Kind of stinks that I don't have any energy to get anything done. Oh well... I am happy because I did purchase a photo prop I've been looking for in my price range and that was pretty much the hi-lite of the day until I went to book group tonight. But I only made it there, after we had to drop Katherine off at one field for a GAME!! and for her pictures at 4:30 -- and then have Ethan at a different field for his first night of Start Smart baseball/tball whatever you want to call it. He was SO EXCITED!! Next time I should remember to take my camera and get a picture. After his thing was over, we went back to the first field where Katherine was at and caught the last of her game, and she made it to first base because of a walk, and then the next player had a GREAT hit which allowed Katherine to run all the way to home and score. (Well, she really would have been out but the catcher dropped the ball - so Katherine got lucky)

    She later asked me if she was safe or not, because she didn't know. Kind of fun watching her play. Came home made dinner and then out the door I went to book group and stayed for three hours. It's amazing how time flies when you are in good company and good discussion, not to mention the GOOD FOOD!! I didn't read the book yet seeing as how it was in-transit most of this last month. Little did I realize that it was coming from Great Britain when I ordered it off from Amazon. Maybe it said where it was coming from and I missed it, but seriously I didn't have a clue till the package arrived and it said Great Britain ---blah blah... something Royal Mail.... yeah... so I just barely got it like Friday or Saturday last and didn't have time scheduled in this week to read it. But it sounds like a great read that I'll for sure get in when I'm spending hours nursing a baby in a few more months.

    And now my girls are having a sleep over with a friend and I'm going to go to bed. I know boring, but for me ... it's history. My history and when the kids ask me what they did during the summer.... BAM --- I can show them this and they'll never forget what they did.


    Oh not to forget, but Kaylee ended up spending most of her day with her friend Serena and ended up going swimming and had a lot of fun. She was with her for about 7 hours today. I'm so glad that they have friends that I feel they can spend time with and won't be doing things I feel are inappropriate. It's great to see her going off and doing these things and having lots of fun.



    Tuesday, May 31, 2011

    First Day of Summer Break

    Now that school is over and summer break is upon us, I am past all the yucky stage of this pregnancy, and the YEARBOOK for this year is done, I just might have a chance to catch up on my personal scrapbooking.  But first I want to try and keep track of what exactly we do this summer, granted most days will be "BORING", but at least for me it will help the next three months go by somewhat quicker, I hope. 

    Because that's how much time is left before "little sister" will be here.  No... we don't know for sure what name we are going to use yet.  We have some we are considering, but nothing set in stone and probably won't have one for sure until after she is born. 

    So today, I had my kids work on their bedrooms for 1 hour because they seriously need worked on.  So ... the girls set the oven timer for one hour and they worked really well.  It also kind of helped that I decided that ALL the blankets that were all over their room we would take to a laundry mat just to get it all done NOW.  So they got excited... and now tomorrow, we'll visit the laundry mat again to do the multiple loads of clothes that they have gathered from all over their room and off the floor and such... but I really want to get this DONE so that we can play most of the summer with minor details of maintaining the house. 

    The kids played some Uno attack after their hour was up, and they have walked a lot of miles (or they rode their bikes) so they can log their walking for a primary activity that is running all summer long.  They are pretty excited about it.

    We thought Katherine was going to have a game today finally since there wasn't any rain, and after showing up at the ball park and not seeing anyone there... I finally called the rainout hotline, and lo and behold... they canceled the games and the pictures for today... so that makes 5 games canceled because of the rain that they will now need to try and make up.  CRAZY TIMES. 

    So we let the kids play for a little while and Chris played catch with Katherine for a little while until she ended up getting hit in the arm trying to catch a ball.  I ran Katherine home so she could get some ice on her arm,and went back to the park and after waiting a few more minutes everyone was ready to go.  Chris walked home with Heidi and Thomas while I drove Ethan home.  (The kids were asking if they could walk)

    We came home and then made a trip to the library, which is sure to be the first of many this summer. Now we are stocked up on picture books to read to the boys and will make another trip back probably next week. 

    And here are the first of many pages that I will do in the upcoming days. 







    Wednesday, May 18, 2011

    Sad.

    Probably not the post you want to read about... but this is what I'm thinking about. 

    Sad. Why? 

    A friends son was shot in the head and she found him on her front door step several hours after he had been laying there. 

    And after being in surgery, found out that he probably wouldn't survive. 

    He passed away yesterday (May 17th).  And they have donated his organs. 

    I can't even imagine how I would be dealing with this, and wish to let her know that I love her, and pray that she might feel some comfort right now.  What a hard time. 

    And to think this happened only a few blocks from my house.  And I was in that very spot just hours before the this took place. 

    I can't believe what goes through anyone's mind to be such a coward and not show their face or own up to what has happened.  I hope that the person responsible is caught and dealt with justly. 

    I am glad to know that I can help this family out in the coming days as funeral arrangements are made and that maybe by doing this service, she might know of my love for her. 

    Even though this son was 32, I am still thinking of holding on tight to my own children.  Because we really never know how long any one really does have here on Earth. 

    Wednesday, April 27, 2011

    It's a .....

    GIRL!!! 

    I was in denial at first because I was really hoping for a boy to even things out.  Ethan was a little sad that 
    we found out this baby is a girl, but then I had to let him know, he gets to protect her and look out for her.  And when someone is being mean to his little sister he can tell them to be nice.  So I think it'll take some time, but he just might warm up to the idea.  So now, time to bring on the frill and lace again.  It's been a long time since I've had a little girl.  Seeing how my youngest daughter now is 8 and half, and will be 9 by the time this little girl arrives.  Crazy!!  
    At least we got to see fingers on one of her hands and her cute little feet and everything looks good so far.   Name choices :  hmmm... we are thinking about Esther as a first name and really liking Rose with that name. = Esther Rose??    (Family names all around!)  According to their estimated weight of the baby she's about 13 oz already so almost a whole pound.  Yay... 

    Tuesday, April 19, 2011

    More for myself than anyone else.

    So I've been busy working on yearbook pages in photoshop elements for the school my kids attend. We're coming down to the last few days/weeks, and my stress level is starting to PEAK!!

    We've got birthday's coming up, volleyball games to attend, hunting for Easter eggs, and dying some as well. Lots of stuff is going on in the next few weeks, not to mention the item that I've been waiting for since, I found out I was expecting baby #6. So that maybe this child can go from being called baby #6 to "my little girl", or "my little boy". That's right I'm halfway through this pregnancy already and I have a list at least two pages long of things that need to be done before the baby arrives.

    My anticipation of finding out is so huge right now, that I almost can't stand it. And I know that I'm going to be "hating" myself all day next Wednesday the 27th of April because I scheduled the ultrasound for 4pm that day!!! Did you hear me? I said 4 pm!!!

    I did it mainly to accommodate schedules and such, so that the kidlets can all be there as well as my husband. But I know I'm going to be like a kid at Christmas waiting to see what the "big" gift is. Hopefully I'll be kept preoccupied with getting the yearbook finalized (or mostly anyway).

    I've been feeling the baby move for almost 7 weeks now, and the movements are getting stronger every day. I can't believe how much movement I feel ALL THE TIME!! This kid is already all over the place in that little space it's in.

    I've started a major project of "CLEAN UP THE DESK AND THE AREA AROUND IT" just yesterday, and now I can really see progress. The area underneath where our lovely feet are supposed to go, was cluttered with "CRAP". It's all gone now!! And I cleaned out the floor space where the paper shredder is supposed to go, and plugged it back in after being unusable for the last few months. I know-- huge slacker I am!! The part of the desk where the monitor sits, is now dejunked ... but unfortunately most of that mess just moved to the love seat to be "gone" through tomorrow.

    I seriously have visions of a clean home that is spotless, and clutter free... but man oh man, it sure is hard trying to get there!! But hopefully with the new baby coming, and spring here ... I'll have some huge nesting instincts kick in and I can get a huge jump on a lot of the "clutter-free" cleaning that needs to take place. I have so many examples around me, that I just wish I could be like Samantha from Bewitched and twinkle my nose and it's immaculate. But alas, that isn't the life I get to live, so I have to be patient and do I dare say..."long-suffering" in waiting for that to happen.

    Friday, April 8, 2011

    Emotional pregnancy hormones.... (probably part 1 of many more to come)

    I can't believe the roller coaster ride I'm constantly on right now. These darn emotions are almost kicking my tush.

    It's crazy how the slightest little thing will make me tear up and start crying. I really don't know why this happens to pregnant women. Or at least I hope it happens to more then just me. But this go around seems to be hardcore with the emotional roller coaster.

    I'll hear a phrase, and BAM! I see a picture ... BAM! I am faced with being told that something I thought was right isn't ...Bam!! (Okay I don't like being told I'm not right when I'm not pregnant ... but in a grocery store at 8:30 in the morning..doesn't bode well to help me believe the rest of the day will be okay)

    And HELLO, taking a trip to the grocery store doesn't normally bring on the urge to cry. But this morning it did!! Now, I don't want to say "they were right, I was wrong, or the opposite" because seriously, I'm still trying to find out if I really was misinformed. But seriously, these feelings that bring on the tears really are getting me this pregnancy. I've never been this bad before, (Not that it's bad, but it happens so often).

    I'm starting to feel the first little flutters over the last few weeks, and now I'm feeling more excited now that we are having another baby. BUT --- I'm still terrified at the same time. I know ...a lot of you are probably saying "what's one more when you already have 5!" That's just it, I have to start over with all the parenting stuff on another child. Maybe there is hope with this little one that I'll actually get it down, and this will be my "perfect child". haha...

    So it's nice to hope for! But I know there will still be rough moments, and the moments where I'm at my utter worst and feel like ... crud! But I'm realizing that's okay, I'll do what I can, and the stuff I have no control over, I'm not going to fret about.

    But there is so much to do to get ready for this baby --- it's almost overwhelming. But if I can just get through this yearbook project, and then get into May, I think life will start looking a little more hopeful that those "baby tasks" will be able to be done before the baby comes.

    I'm getting excited to that the ultrasound is set for the 27th of April so just under three weeks till we can find out what this little one's gender is! It's a special day too, because Kaylee, our oldest, is turning 12 that day!!

    Crazy month of APRIL!!


    Sunday, April 3, 2011

    A good Monday Laugh....

    Okay I laughed so hard when I read this on a friends blog, so I've copied it and had to post it on my own.  So when I need a good laugh, I can come and re-read this.   Thanks Christina!

     

    Thinking of Having Kids? An 11-step Program 

    This is one of those email shares that is authorless -- if anyone has a source, please let me know.

    Lesson 1

    1. Go to the grocery store.

    2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

    3. Go home.

    4. Pick up the paper.

    5. Read it for the last time.



    Lesson 2

    Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...

    1. Methods of discipline.

    2. Lack of patience.

    3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.

    4. Allowing their children to run wild.

    5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.

    Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.



    Lesson 3

    A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...

    1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)

    2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.

    3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.

    4. Set the alarm for 3AM.

    5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.

    6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.

    7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.

    8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.

    9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

    Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.



    Lesson 4

    Can you stand the mess children make? To find out...

    1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.

    2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.

    3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.

    4. Then rub them on the clean walls.

    5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.

    6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?



    Lesson 5

    Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.

    1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.

    2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

    Time allowed for this - all morning.



    Lesson 6

    Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.

    1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.

    Leave it there.

    2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.

    3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.

    4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.



    Lesson 7

    Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.



    Lesson 8

    1. Hollow out a melon.

    2. Make a small hole in the side.

    3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.

    4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.

    5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.

    6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

    You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.



    Lesson 9

    Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.



    Lesson 10

    Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.



    Lesson 11

    Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

    This is all very tongue in cheek; anyone who is parent will say 'it's all worth it!' Share it with your friends, both those who do and don't have kids. I guarantee they'll get a chuckle out of it. Remember, a sense of humor is one of the most important things you'll need when you become a parent!

    Monday, March 28, 2011

    My third OB appointment.

    I had my third OB appointment last week on Wednesday March 23rd.

    I haven't really gained any weight -- which is fine with me, since I started this one about 20 pounds heavier then I wanted to be. My blood pressure was fine ...actually I think they said it was kind of low. And asked if I was having issues with dizziness very often. Of course, I said YES. Because I have had those issues.

    We listened to the babies heartbeat and Ethan's expression when he hears it is just so priceless. He really is excited for a new baby to come!

    They measured me for the first time this checkup and I measured at 17 when they think I am only 15 weeks along. (That's a story all on it's own) I have self proclaimed my due date to be Sept 6th rather than the Sept 14th date that the early ultrasound gave. So according to that, I was 16 weeks and measuring at 17 isn't such a big deal then.  But who knows, we'll find out more at the next appointment.

    So the DR. said that's a big growth. Matter of fact thats a HUGE growth!

    But now we have our Ultrasound scheduled for the 27th of April. Which is Kaylee's 12th birthday!

    My morning sickness isn't as severe as it was a month ago. I still have issues with nausea but at least it isn't 24/7 as it used to be. And I'm starting to have a little more energy then I did in February.  I still get tired pretty easily though.  And my five kids seriously keep me busy.                                                               

    Here are a few pictures that I've taken so far.


    6 weeks- a few days after we found out we were expecting.
    Taken January 18th, 2011 

    This is around 11 weeks. 
    Taken February 18th, 2011 

    And this is the most recent one taken around 15 weeks. 
    Taken March 17th, 2011


    Thursday, March 24, 2011

    How we Found out we were Expecting our 6th baby.

    This was typed up back in January but I couldn't post it yet, because we hadn't told our families at that time. But now that the cats out of the bag... here's the "HOW we found out" story of this pregnancy.  

    One week I noticed that I was extremely tired, and couldn't seem to stay awake. Didn't think anything of it since I'd just completed or at least tried to complete, a P90x video workout. My living room was clean still from the weekend, and I had time to do the workout.

    Afterwards though, I was so sleepy tired. I thought it strange but pushed it aside. I just got a nap and felt better, slightly. But even stranger was the constant falling asleep around 8pm every night when usually I'm up till at least 10:30 or 11:00pm. I was falling asleep like this every night for the rest of the week.

    I kept asking myself why in the heck I was so tired?? Well, afterall I was busy with coaching a girls basketball team after school every day intermixed with games and felt that maybe I was just getting burned out from that and needed extra sleep.

    Then move onto the end of that week and Chris was reading in "Fit for Life" on the energy section and asked me if I thought I was lacking energy. Well, duh... of course I was!! I was so tired all the time and just couldn't function.

    I ended up going on a run, in the car,  to the dollar store that evening and decided to pick "IT" up. You know what I'm talking about. The "IT" that may change your life and the way you feel about where you are in your life.

    I had also realized that I hadn't had the visit from every woman's monthly visitor yet and I started getting nervous. For you see... I WAS DONE!! My husband was DONE!! Our kids were at a point where the two of us actually felt like we had some freedoms that we haven't had in a very long time. This was so not in my plan especially not right now.

    But, nevertheless, I brought home the test, and was going to just wait till the next morning to take it. But something kept pulling at me to take it then. I take the test then and waited only but a few seconds to see the first line appear..... I was like that is the "Control" line right?? I turned the test device around and realized that the "control" line hadn't been reached yet. But that the line I saw was in fact the TEST line and then a few seconds later there were TWO Lines.... TWO LINES!!! Oh. MY. GOSH!!

    I was scared to death to tell my husband because I thought he'd freak and hoping that maybe this test was just a false positive just threw it in the garbage and hoped it was wrong.

    I went to church with my family the next day, but all I could think about was this new pretty 'terrifying" situation I was now faced with, and so far only I knew about it. I was crying in church... not the obnoxious out load where everyone knows someone is crying but the more silent but full of tears crying that my husband could tell something was up. He wrote me a note and asked what is wrong. But I looked at him and met his eyes... and I just started crying more. I couldn't bring myself to tell him for about 10 -15 minutes.

    Finally I answered him back and said, "You'll hate me! But I think our "accident" is here. I'm sorry!"

    He looked at me and with a slight grin on his face said, "Really?" I said, "Yes" (all while tears are running down my face)

    I asked him if he was mad at me and he said, No. (Why would he be??)

    But he did tell me that just earlier that week he had been thinking that maybe now it was time. And that he just kept putting that feeling off.

    From that point on we decided we wouldn't tell anyone unless they started asking. I couldn't last very long without telling "a few" people. So I told someone at school so I had someone from there that "understands" me right now. And I ended up telling a few people at church. So at least now I feel like I can talk with someone and not have to go through this silently.

    But the decision is easy now for us, because we know we are done after this baby. That's right I said BABY!!! We're expecting baby #6. And I think I'm still in denial right now ...






    Sunday, March 6, 2011

    My testimony and a little announcement.


    Well the cat is out of the bag now!! I've been dying not being able to let it out so publicly.  But these are the way in which we let our parents know.   Now there won't be any holding me back talking about this pregnancy on here from now until the baby comes.  The due date I was given according to an early ultrasound was Sept 14th, but I don't think that's really accurate.  I'm thinking the due date is more like the 6th of Sept.  So I guess I'll just have to wait and see what the next few months bring.  I have had morning sickness or rather the "pregnancy sickness" pretty bad the last 6 weeks, but I think it's finally staring to taper off.  I've been extremely fatigued as well.  But what else can I do, I already have 5 other kids I am already a mother too.... good thing they are a bit older and can help take care of themselves on the days I feel really nasty.  And the poor kids eat a lot of cold cereal for dinner when I'm trying to be really lazy and not put forth much energy.  Oh well, hopefully I'll start getting more energy back, because I have a lot of WORK/STUFF to do before baby comes.  And some major purging of junk to make room for this new little one.  I'll post the story of how we found out another day, but just know things are relatively okay for now.

    It's a little lesson in accepting the Lord's plan for us along with his timing, and not just thinking our plan is all that matters.  I'm grateful that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and that I know families can be together forever through the priesthood authority that was restored to earth through the prophet Joseph Smith.  As frustrated and as stressed as I may get sometimes or days, my family really is my greatest blessing and joy.  I'm excited that I can be with them after this life as long as I live the way my Heavenly Father wishes me to live, by obeying the commandments and reading my scriptures, by praying and serving those around me.  I believe the Book of Mormon is a correct and true book. For the spirit that I feel while I'm reading the passages within it can not be duplicated any other way. 

    I know there is a true prophet called of God on the Earth today, and I support him and his counselors and my other church leaders in their callings and in their service. 


    This is part of my testimony and I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

    Friday, February 25, 2011

    A dumb little squeal....and several hours later.

    I can't believe it's Friday already, and it's the end of February.

    Yesterday, I had an appointment to take my Van in to have a squeal checked out.
    The appointment was at 10am and that wasn't a problem to get to. I had my two boys with me, and Thomas was already in his school clothes so we could take him right to school if the van took that long.

    Well after arriving at 10am they pulled our car back within a few minutes and by 20 after 10, they came in and let me know what the problem was. (ENTER SHOCKED LOOK) We needed to have the serpentine belt replaced and the pulleys that it sits on, and the tensioners.... and all these parts plus labor were estimated to be around $310.00 to fix. After contacting Chris on the phone to double check if we could go forward and fix this now, he said yes, and the work was under way.

    I asked the office guy how long it would probably take, and was told it'd be about an hour and half. No problem. It should be done around noon .. I'll just take the boys over to Carls Jr. across the street and get lunch and let them play.

    So off we went to Carl's Jr, to get some lunch. We ate, we played, we got tired and we were there for an hour and half waiting for the call that our van was done. We never got the call, so I told the boys it was time to go and check on the van. So now it's 12:30 and Thomas is now 15 minutes late for Kindergarten, and he's begging to go to school.

    I get back to the car shop and find out that they discovered another problem on the same system that needed to be replaced as well. This was going to be an additional $65.00. And with a car that has as many miles as ours and it had never been replaced yet, it was no doubt time for a whole new system.

    They didn't have the part right away so they had to order one, and wait for it to be delivered. No telling how long that would have taken. But unfortunately I was waiting in the office when it arrived and it took about a half hour.

    But before the part arrived I tried calling my sister in law for a ride but she had all her van seats out and had them replaced by a car load of things she had to take somewhere. So no luck getting all of us in one trip, so I said never-mind, and tried to think of something else I could do. I didn't have anyone's phone numbers on me and didn't have access to a phone book... because lets face it, cell phone numbers aren't listed in there anyway.

    The guy had offered to take us, but I declined that option. So the boys and I decided to walk to Amy's house (the sister in law that I called) who lived about a 20 minute walk away. That was after I was told the van would be another hour or more to finish up. So scrap that, I wasn't waiting around anymore. The boys were good sports, and we walked the block where the back of the hospital is, and got to see the helicopter up close. They really liked that.

    We were starting to get COLD, so we went into the building and cut our way across to the front side of the block so we didn't have to spend so much time outside. IT really helped. We got nice and warm and then only had to walk outside about as much time as we had already spent walking before we entered the building.

    When I got to her house, she was kind enough to let me borrow her van that was loaded down with things other than seats, and drive my son to school. I left Ethan with her while I took Thomas. And Ethan was more then okay with that, seeing how he was getting to play with his cousin Isabella.

    Thomas was really nervous about going so late, but luckily he didn't throw a major fit like some of my other kids might have. He was excused on his Tardy, because we had no way to get there before that. Oops. So he was an hour and 15 minutes or so late for school, and he only goes for a few hours a day as it is.

    I went back to Amy's house, and stayed there for a while, because what else would I have done....walked back to the car shop and wait? No thank you. So we got to visit for a little while as I waited for the phone call that my car was done.

    Then Dan,her brother and my brother in law, showed up to drop something off, and we chatted with him for a few minutes, and before he left my phone started ringing. I was getting hopeful at this point!! And then Dan went out the door to leave while I was on the phone, as the car shop was telling me the car was good to go.

    I got off the phone and let Amy know, and said -- I wonder if I can hitch a ride with Dan!! I ran out the door and he was opening his car door, and I asked if he wouldn't mind giving me a ride to where my car was so I wouldn't have to walk again. I left Ethan with Amy, and didn't even get a chance to tell him I was leaving. Oh well.

    So now the time is a little after 2pm and I am back at the shop.

    Pay for the repairs, get the car and yes.. the noise was completely gone!! Yeah, it worked.

    Needless to say I left home a little before 10 am and didn't return home until after I picked up the kids from school a little after 3ish, and was home by 3:30.

    A long day. But I can't complain, because I felt well and not sick (because I was sick with a cold a few weeks earlier) and the boys were good sports. However, I was extremely tired by the time I got home, but couldn't go to sleep just yet, I still had one daughter at the school for an after school activity.


    PS>>> I am considering myself extremely blessed that I was able to drive my car to the shop rather than having it break down somewhere and having to pay for a tow as well. Because the problems with our car, if we didn't get them repaired, the belt could have snapped off, the pulleys could have popped off, and then the car would just stop moving wherever it was at. That wouldn't have been any good at all. So even though it was a stressful day for me, it could have been worse, and I'm thankful that it wasn't.