Coming to a Close

LONG and BORING VERSION: 
Summer is coming to a close a lot sooner than I anticipated this year.  It has been really crazy to think that the whole summer is just about gone.  In a month school will be starting for my two oldest and I just can't believe it!  One will be in 1st grade, the other in Pre-K (thanks to her Oct birthday).  I have got to admit that I am also looking forward to it.  All of you out there that said my girls would be the best of friends being 15 months apart?!  Um.... sorry, but you were wrong!  They couldn't be bigger enemies!  They have been fighting constantly this summer (with a little bit of getting along) and I am beside myself with what to do with them.  Thankfully the heat took a break yesterday and blessed us with a BEAUTIFUL day where the girls could play outside for a little bit in the afternoon.  It was great to be able to send them out for a little and not worry about them coming in with bright pink faces and sweat everywhere.  This 100 degree heat index stuff is just too much!  Not to mention I haven't been able to get Melanie to write much of anything and Julia doesn't have any interests in learning anything other than the letters to spell her name.  Not really sure how that will pan out for them once school starts.  Really hoping their smarts show up when it's time to get to work!

With summer coming to an end, that means this pregnancy is too!  Man, I couldn't be more relieved about that either! There are quite a few pregnant ladies in the ward at church that have been suffering through this heat with me all summer long.  Soon, we will be put out of our misery - hooray!  I started taking the deep water classes at the Y again in hopes of re-creating my "miracle" with Julia.  I am really shooting for a pretty short labor this time around.   I do have to admit I am a little concerned though - with the discomforts I have had lately, I am hoping that things will go well once baby decides to join the family.  This little one has been the most active baby by far and I am really hoping that she doesn't end up being breech of anything of that sort.  Look at me.... blah blah blahing away on the blog.  Goodness gracious!  Who wants to read my ramblings?!  Probably no one.  So..... how about I just summarize....

Short Version:
 The summer is almost over for my girls and I haven't been able to convince them to do too much school work in preparation for the new year.  With school almost starting, it also means it's almost time to have this baby!  I couldn't be more excited about that - this pregnancy has been no picnic.  This baby is the most active and I have had the most "complications" this time around.  REALLY not looking forward to possibly needing to do it again.  The sacrifices you make for your children I guess.  HOWEVER, I AM going to find a way to get a little "cosmetic" surgery on these scary veins once I'm all done - a small reward for the trouble I've been through.  Here's to a quick labor and some peace and quiet once school starts!

Turning 6!!

Our oldest turned 6 today, I cannot believe it!  Little Momma is definitely a smaller version of myself in a lot of ways.  Many of which I am at times not very proud of I'm afraid.  It is a humbling reminder of the many things I really need to work on - that is for sure!  She was so excited all day long and made sure to tell EVERYONE she saw at church (and out of church) that it was her birthday and she was 6.  The things she wanted for her birthday?  Blue purse, makeup, ONE barbie, and some jewelry.  She did get some of those things, but we stuck to the more practical things..... new bike helmet (the dog had gotten hold of the last one a few times too many and she was outgrowing it anyway), backpack for school, and some school necessities for her upcoming year in 1st grade!  Thank heaven for grandparents!  Her grandparents knew the key to her heart and got her some bath and body works things as well as a little bit of jewelry.  Thank you grandparents!!!  We are very happy to have her in our family.  She is so grown up sometimes!  You will find her mostly lending her siblings a helping hand and trying to act "big".   She is very happy about going to first grade and in being the big sister to a "new baby sister" this fall.  I just know she is going to be a GREAT help!  Happy Birthday, we love you!!!

Final Chapter for Harry

The time is quickly approaching for the last installment in the Harry Potter series.  I am pretty excited about the release of the final movie this next week.  Maybe if I can convince some friends to go with me - I might even stay up for the midnight showing!  Either way, I'm going to be seeing the movie next week sometime.  Really excited to see how "Hollywood" finishes off the story.  Those of you who haven't read the book yet, there is still time!  Pick it up and read it real quick - I know it's thick... but you won't be able to put it down!

pregnancy can be weird

This pregnancy has really been unlike any pregnancy that I have EVER had.  Granted, I've only had 3 other ones.  So, my experience is quite limited.  I was pretty sick in the beginning up until almost 20 weeks.  "Morning sickness" didn't last all day long nor was it just in the morning.  Some days I would feel sick in the morning, others in the afternoon, and then still others I would just feel awful at the end of the day.  I have been pretty exhausted during this pregnancy too.  I'm grateful that my first two children (daughters) gave me all the stretch marks I seem to need - however, these last two pregnancies (my son and the current baby I am carrying) seem to want to damage my veins in this 9 month long process.  My son I'm not extremely mad at, since the vein damage was minimal.  This child, (claimed to be a girl), however is doing a number on me.  The worst part?  I still have 11.5 weeks left! That is WAY too much time for more damage to occur.  I must say no matter what gender ends up being delivered from this maimed 20 something year old body of mine, there are FANTASTIC names picked out for him/her.  DESPITE THE FACT I WISH I COULD GIVE IT SOME AWFUL MIDDLE NAME - maybe I could give them a second middle name that is truly awful?   Whatever this baby ends up being, it'll have one great name for sure.  Oh, and this baby has been SO active this pregnancy.  I can only slightly compare it to the amount of movement I felt with #2 (Julia).  Lately, I am still tired and really don't feel motivated to eat much.  It is really a strange feeling.  What pregnant lady wouldn't be thrilled about food?  Yah, I know.  This pregnant lady can only get slightly excited about some fruit.  I know the salad hanging out in the fridge should get consumed before it goes bad, along with the leftovers..... but I am really not motivated.  I just want to lay down and sleep - for like..... a week!  Then maybe get up and have a smoothie, followed by some fruit salad, maybe a snack of watermelon, and finish off the day with more fruit salad.  How I love fruit salad!  Oh, and the heartburn I get from eating ANYTHING other than fruit is awful!  That's enough to keep a lady away from the table for sure.

As a HUGE side note though, I am kinda hoping that this desire to only eat fruit and not go after the really bad stuff for my body..... is going to keep my weight gain LOW.  So far I have gained 15 lbs and I am trying to fight that dial from moving up too much higher.  For the next 11 weeks (hopefully less) I will be keeping my fingers crossed!!

Our Little Man

Ok.... so besides having the "sweetest girl" for a daughter, as well as a daughter whose eyes will literally knock your socks off, I have a truly amazing little boy.  Basically, I am just an extremely blessed lady at present.  Before any of you get the idea that I am saying my life is perfect..... NOPE, my life is definitely filled with challenges.  Sometimes those challenges come in the form of my great little blessings.   Lately, I am just really grateful for the great blessings I have and want to share why I think they are so amazing.  Our little guy still doesn't say much at almost 22 months old, but he most definitely seems to understand more of what we are saying TO him each day.  I am constantly amazed by how much he understands and how his personality is developing.  He can be quite the whiner at times - usually it is for his mom.  There are times the boy just wants to be held and no one but mom will do.  He does prefer to fall asleep on his father though - if he has to fall asleep on someone.  He must really enjoy nursery too (thank you nursery leaders!!).  Singing songs and reading books are things he really enjoys doing.  When we are in his room, he'll grab a book, and back up to sit down in your lap for you to read it to him.  It is the cutest thing ever.   Then, he'll try the hand motions to certain songs we sing as a family.   Another thing he really enjoys is "wash hands".  He likes hand sanitizer and will say "aash hands" each time he wants to (which is generally one after the other after another).  The boy's hands are clean at least 80 percent of the time!   Keela ("dog-dog") is also another favorite, he'll give her hugs and kisses many times throughout the day.  Little man doesn't each much, but could drink fluids all day long - water (sometimes), juice, gatorade, chocolate milk, orange juice, all the great things in life.  He is ALWAYS thirsty.  His diapers prove it too!  Hunter also has a great love for shoes.  He puts on pretty much anyone's (including his dad's size 13's)!   sunglasses and purses, baby dolls, he really enjoys anything!  Now remember, he has two big sisters - so cut him some slack.  Hunter really likes balls though (a true boy).  Anytime you make him laugh, he'll get the hiccups afterwards.  Oh... and he loves dancing to just about any kind of music.  What a great little guy, huh?  I know... I am really really blessed.

Scout Camp

So the hubby is off at scout camp and I am here with the kiddos and the dog.  I am really proud of him and the work he has been doing with the scouts.  He hasn't really had any experience with being a scout master before this year, but he had a blast as a scout and I really hope this week has been fun for him.  He is definitely the kind of person that will go and do (unless it is chores around the house...=) ) what needs to be done.  See a need, fill a need basically.  I talked with him late last night and he said pretty much all of the guys there at scout camp this year are first time campers.  WOW!  I guess the older boys went and did a high adventure thing (sailing) a few weeks back. I didn't realize that he was camping with a bunch of first timers!  I hope that the boys end up having a pretty good time and that they all come home a little smarter and better prepared to become men.  I can't wait until my hubby gets back.  Being pregnant with 3 kids to tow around is definitely the pits when you are alone sometimes!

I know the sweetest girl....

For those of you who know me (or at least read this blog every so often), I kind of rag on my second born sometimes.  I don't want any of you to get the wrong idea about her, she is a great kid, a WONDERFUL kid.  My qualm is that she is a BUSY/CURIOUS kid.  That is where we run into trouble with raising her.  This post isn't going to be dwelling on that part though, so.... forget you read it, ok?!   My second born has got to be the sweetest, most genuine person that I have EVER met.  My best friend can give her a run for her money..... but as far as kids go..... my daughter is definitely the sweetest person on planet earth.  She has a huge capacity to love, give, and be kind to those around her.  She doesn't intentionally run around hurting people or treat them rudely.  Most times she does that only with her sister, and after being provoked at that!  Her nature is to love, not hurt and that touches my life each and every day.  The circumstances in which she arrived here in our family were not the ones the hubby and I wanted for her to have (not the right timing), and as such she already had kind of a tough arrival.  She is the gem that comes from adversity.  She is extremely intelligent and a huge blessing to our family.  I recently received a letter in the mail stating that she was accepted into the Pre-K program at the elementary school down the street for this fall.  I am so excited!  I think she will do well in school and it wouldn't hurt for her to learn a little bit of control, right?!  Plus... it'll give her mommy a chance to be at home with just one child for a couple weeks before the baby gets here.  WE LOVE YOU JULIA!

Aunt Jocey

4th of July - before fireworks at the Bay

Sparklers in the backyard when Mom mom and Pop pop came

Fireworks at the Bay - it was a nice night for it!

We had the chance to "kidnap" my little sister, Jocelyn for almost two weeks of fun beginning the end of June.  The girls were so stinkin excited to go pick her up 3 wednesday's ago.  We decided to meet half way between our houses to cut down on the driving time and hopefully on my end.... the whining children.  It was great to have her here.  We got a chance to go to the bay, McArthur Mall, see Cars2 at the theaters, and just hang out.  I feel bad that our weeks weren't more "action packed" but with a house of 3 kids and a dog that sheds..... you kinda got your work cut out for you!  We also tried getting to the community pool a few times to only find out that the pump is STILL not working (it has been at least a week straight!).  Honestly.... the nerve of some people in 90-some degree heat!  We have had quite a few thunderstorms as well lately.  Definitely makes for some really creative ideas on what to do.  Can't really play outside without sweating like crazy, then, if it's pouring down rain and thundering.... pretty much an inside day.  Ugh.... this summer hasn't been the most accommodating, that is for sure.  I would have loved to see more beautiful days (i.e. 70s, breezy, sunny).  Thank you for coming to hang out Aunt Jocey!  I was able to get some stuff done without the kiddos that I would have had to ask for help with from someone else if you weren't here.  LOVE YOU!!

Father's Day and a Birthday

Yesterday was Father's Day (I hope you all remembered).  It also just happened to be my best friend's birthday as well.  First, I'm going to talk about Father's Day though.

Ok.... so I know there is a a shortage of super awesome dad's in the world, although I am happy to say I wasn't one of the girls in the world that got shorted.  I most definitely have the most amazing dad in all the world.  I know a lot of you really do believe yours is the best, and I'll let you pretend all your want! (just joking with you.... I am sure there are a lot of dad's that are just perfect for THEM)   Even though I do this pretty much every year, let me tell you why my dad is just perfect for ME.  Growing up, my dad had the kind of jobs and callings in the church that allowed him to drag his little girls with him if they wanted.  I have countless memories of delivering news papers at super early hours of the morning with my dad - learning how to toss those babies out the car window and have them land in a decent place so the subscriber could find them!  No, I wasn't the kind of helper that chucked the paper in the bushes like you see on the movies.... if I did that, my dad would kindly pull over, and have my get out to fix the problem.  My sister and I would also go to early morning seminary with my dad a lot growing up.  He taught seminary for a little bit and we loved waking up really early to go with him.  At that time, it was held at the church building, in one of the sections of the multipurpose room (cultural hall/gym).  We would peek over his shoulder on scripture chase day and run to our favorite seminary students and tell them which scripture it was.  Afterward, most of the kids went to the highschool not even a mile away.... so my dad would pack 8 kids (including my sister and I) into our Buick Regal and drive them up to school.  I remember laying across the laps of quite a few seminary kids until we got them to school.  Some days we would stop at the donut place just behind the church - that lady that worked there always said the same thing to us.  (she was oriental)"Oh..... you are so cute..... have some donut holes"  My sister and I got free donut holes every time we went (yet another perk to going to seminary with my dad).    Mostly we just loved spending time with him.   While he served court papers for a good chunk of our childhood/teenage years  we would often go with him if we had a day off or half day of some sort.  It was neat going to the "City" with him (Baltimore) to pick up more court papers and drop off receipts of delivery.  There were many people who knew us and saw us grow up for a few years.  He liked to try to lose us in the maze at city hall sometimes - but we always knew where we were going.  My dad was pretty good at hiding out though.  I learned a lot about my father's kindness in those trips.  There were many homeless people near where we would park downtown and my father would leave some of his lunch with them whenever he could.  Another thing we really enjoyed was going to the Orioles games.  When we first started going, they actually had a decent team, but, we're fans..... so even though the players aren't the greatest anymore..... we still enjoy going to see them play and remember the good old days when they actually won games and had Cal Ripken Jr.  (haha)   My dad always had his family as his priority.  He did a lot of service too which sometimes interfered with family time, but he always tried his hardest to be at our games, meets, choir concerts, band concerts, etc.  There are very few that he missed.  Our dad was/is our number one fan.  I remember once someone asking if my dad ever yelled at us.... you know what?  He NEVER did.  His voice could get serious sounding and his spankin's would hurt for sure.... but he would never yell.  One look from him with the following words, "I'm disappointed in you" could break a girls heart for DAYS.  He was goofy/funny/corny too which is a girls worst nightmare sometimes but always guaranteed to put a smile on your face too.   I will never forget how he would mimic the looks on our faces when we were angry or mopey and we would laugh it off and get over it.  We realized how ridiculous we looked and how much of a waste it was for us to be feeling down.  He believes in us, he taught us that we were special, important, wonderful daughters to both him and our Father in Heaven.  And....You know what?  We believe it too!!

Now... on to my best friend and her special day.  I could say so many things about Erin and how she is the most wonderful person in the world that could ever be your best friend.  Words cannot express how much she has been a blessing in my life.  I moved halfway through high school, and for anyone who has done that.... you know it stinks and it feels like your life is over and as a 15 year old, it pretty much is.  She befriended me the FIRST day of school in my new high school and we have been friends ever since.  She saved me from a very bitter last two years of high school and made it full of fun memories and good times.  I was determined to hate this new place we moved to and to not have any fun.  Boy am I glad that Erin came along.  She is an amazing person - pretty much anyone who knows her could tell you that.... I know I'm not revealing a secret or anything.  We went off to college in separate parts of the US and I honestly thought we might not be able to keep in touch as well.  I am so happy to say that despite going to different colleges, getting married at different times in our lives, and living in separate states hasn't kept us from keeping in touch.  I wish I could go out on girls nights with her more often and definitely see her more often, but I know that she is just a call away if I ever need to cry or vent about anything.  I have called on her a few times to just cry too!  She always seems to know what to say to help me feel better and strengthen my faith when I am going through trials.  I love her and her family more than they will ever know.  She graduated college (something I am still striving to do) and is an Elementary School teacher and an amazing one at that.  I know that the children she teaches will be forever grateful for her and will hold her on their top teacher list for the rest of their lives.   I don't think I could ever touch as many lives as she has being a teacher.  She is amazing, and her students are lucky to have her.  She got married to a great guy almost a year ago and he has no idea how truly lucky he is to have her in his life.  I am sure that their lives together will be wonderful and that he will learn a little more each day about how wonderful I already know she is.  Thank you Erin for always being there for me and for all the wonderful times that we've had.  I hope to see you real soon and I hope you had an AWESOME birthday yesterday!   You truly deserve the best.

Ever Feel.......

Like your body can't take much more of a beating before it is utterly DONE with childbearing?  I mean done in the sense of just flat out giving up..... no more delivery, this body is tired.  I definitely have been a little worried about that lately.  I'm stuck in a really hard place.  The need and want to do some sort of exercise, but restricted to swimming almost exclusively.  Gravity can be a really awful thing sometimes.  I will just chalk it up to bad genes..... it's my ancestors fault I have issues with my veins, not mine!   Too bad they don't make zero gravity bubbles for expectant moms to float around in the last 3 months of their pregnancy. Hmmmm... maybe I'm on to something.   Oh, which brings me to slightly better news.  I am 26 weeks.... TODAY!   Starting my third trimester finally and really trying to keep those pounds off.  If anyone has ever successfully controlled their weight gain during pregnancy, lend me your advice PLEASE!  I hope I don't have 13 more weeks to go.  I know the time will just fly on by due to the summer months.  Every summer - about the end of August, I think to myself..... wow.... where has the time gone?  Seeing as it's almost July.... time is going to be my ally for this pregnancy.  I did have a dream the other night that I gave birth to a boy instead of the supposed girl that is said to be developing in my utero.  Only time and a birthday will tell.


That the biggest mistake you ever made was allowing the husband to buy an updated video game console?  By updated, I mean going from an outdated Xbox to the newer version?  Pretty much the silliest thing I have done yet (other than buy him the xbox 7 years ago).   What is it with guys and video games?  Vicious cycle, I tell you.  I guess you can also tell when you've been married for a while - the husband plays video games while you head upstairs to go to bed.  The next day, after work, the husband heads to bed and you continue to take care of the house, kids, responsibilities (basically the same as a deployment) - then he wakes up after you pester him enough times and is up all that night on the xbox because he slept during the day.  Honestly.... I think it's just messed up.  Now.... of course if you turned the tables a bit and said it were me crafting all night and then sleeping during the day when the hubby got home, then up that night crafting again.... there would be NO problems with that.  At least I would be creating..... just like President Uchtdorf counseled the women of the church to do.  I would have a product to show for my time and efforts, something to hang up in my home or gift to another.  Whoever came up with the idea of video games really belongs behind bars..... right along with the guys that waste their time playing them.  Arghh.   Or maybe a life of servitude doing all the chores a stay at home mother has to for the rest of their lives?!  I think the second option would definitely be time better spent.  =)

Mommy/Daughter Date

This past Saturday, I got the opportunity to take my daughters to see RIO at the $2 theater on base.  Since my little man is desperately trying to become a "terrible two" and doesn't yet sit through a movie - I figured we would save the $2 bucks it would cost to get daddy in only to end up taking little man out and enjoy some time with my girls (all 3 of them!!).   So what if one of them hasn't been born yet?  It was still an outing where everyone on it was a girl.  I am still incredibly tired and really haven't seen the "nesting phase" come yet.  I am really hoping I am on the verge of that one, because I have a sinking feeling I am really going to need to de-clutter and prepare for a move.  Needless to say, I started falling asleep during the movie.  Mel was tired and wanted to sit in my lap (what is left of it at least) and I started passing out. Julia of course was glued to the movie and turns to me and says, "Mom, I LOVE this movie!" - that kept me awake for a few minutes.   As the movie was coming to an end (and I was nodding off) Julia leans over to me and says, "THEY JUST KISSED!!"  to which I snap my head up and say, "Oh no, really?!"  Wow, really boring rendition of what happened during our outing, but pretty much wraps up the experience.  Both the girls really liked it and I have to admit it wasn't bad.  The only thing that really bugged me was the guy cast to voice "Blu" the male Blu Macaw in the movie.  I just couldn't get past how annoying his voice was - they should have gotten someone else.   Harsh?  Yeah, I know.... but I am entitled to an opinion, right?   I really enjoyed the time with just them  (aside from when they were picking on each other) and look forward to doing it again sometime. 

Memorial Day outing and Today's "mishap"

Yesterday, after getting a very rare treat (after the kids woke up and went downstairs -by themselves I might add) the hubby and I slept until 10am!!  Yikes!  That made our day start later than expected, which found us stuck in traffic on the way to the Williamsburg Outlets.  We spent a couple hours there (and a little bit of money) sweating like crazy people in the 90 some degree weather.  Parking was awful, but our "treat" was some carmel corn from a vendor there.  We decided to eat out as a late lunch/early dinner thing and had a great meal at TGI Friday's.   Afterwards we were able to come home and have a little bit of time to relax from the day before sending the children off to bed. 

Today's crazy fiasco (so far) was spending a little bit of time out back playing with bubbles and the sprinkler.  I cannot see the entire yard due to the shed being in the middle of our yard, so when Julia snuck off, I thought she was playing in the water again.  Until she rounded the corner (I was blowing bubbles with Hunter) with dirt coming out of her mouth - to which I asked if she ate some and she OPENED her mouth showing a tongue COVERED in mud!  She had it on her hands and her face and I lost it.  She went straight inside to wash - got a nice spank or two and was thoroughly lectured.  She got to spend more time thinking about it in her room too.  Almost 5 years old and STILL eating dirt.  The girl can't eat a decent lunch, but she can "lunch" on the dirt in the backyard.  Real nice.  I am so grateful my son hasn't done it....yet. =)

The Little things

Blogging has been extremely difficult for me lately.  This year has been filled with emotional roller-coasters.  Not to mention the "delicate emotional state" I am currently in (read: pregnancy).  There have been challenges, disappointments, and just down right awful days.  On the upside, we have had some really beautiful, wonderful days as well.  Since there have been quite a few challenges in my life lately... I have found it difficult to be "up" about life and the things I was going through.  I feel that because I am LDS and have the gospel, I really have no excuse for not being happy and inspiring to those around me - but.... I have come to find that I need to do some reflecting on myself and that sometimes we just have challenges we have to work through before we can experience the greatest happiness.

  I keep thinking about what I titled this blog "Our Everyday Adventures" and I remember why I started this blog.  Yes, I am being bold when I say this but: ANYONE who knows my children know that there are certain personalities in my family that cause each day to be an "adventure".   This evening, I was talking with my mom on the phone and she said that it is always interesting talking to me.  ok.... not the exact wording, but, mostly to the point.  Basically, what she was getting at is that there is always something going on over here.  Problem is.... most times it is drama related or stressful and honestly not "laundry" I really want to hang out here in the blogging world.  Generally, I am a pretty outgoing person and I really try to have a life with low drama levels.  However.... Heavenly Father felt it was wise/or funny..... not sure which one yet...... to stick my personality in YW!!!  Normally, I would say - awesome opportunity, wonderful chance to feel young again!  Woohoo!  In the years since I have matured since my time in YW, the level of respect and responsibility in our youth has diminished.  I am honestly BEYOND shocked!  Maybe it is just an east coast thing, but the ways in which our youth talk to us at times are just horrific.  Cell phone use is a constant, allowing for simple yet IMPORTANT communication and "etiquette" - for lack of a better word - has been lost.  I know that respect cannot be an entirely foreign thing in most of the houses in the LDS community.  Mostly because I grew up in that generation - ok.... so maybe just AFTER that generation.  =)   Afterall, my oldest child will only be 6 this summer.   My challenge is knowing where my boundaries are.  Do I correct a youth who is speaking disrespectfully or not conducting herself properly?  Or, do I pray like there is no tomorrow that their parents will do something about it?  If I deem it necessary to correct someone, how do I do it?  In the society in which we live, it is a constant struggle to know what would be deemed appropriate in a world where our youth do as they please.  These spirits have been sent now because they were MORE valiant than us!!  Why is it that they seem to be showing less and less respect?  Are they slipping off the straight and narrow?

Anyway..... those are just some of the puzzling questions I have been mulling around in my computer network (brain).  If anyone has suggestions, please leave a comment for me!  It is challenges like these that make serving the youth difficult.  It is teaching me very quickly that when my children don't listen to me now and it bothers me.... it isn't going to end!!!  There are girls 10 years older than them who still don't respect and listen to what is being taught/spoken!  Now, not all of the YW are a challenge.   Some are easier to serve and more easily understood.  Some are almost never a problem. It is the few that ruin it for the whole at times. Isn't that so true of life as well!?  It's amazing to see the parallels in life.

There is a lot of "military activity" going on in our ward - and will continue to over the next few months.  Many families both military and non-military will be relocating in different parts of the U.S/World.  Our family may become one of them.  We will relocate as far as commands are concerned, but how far of a distance has yet to be determined.  I know I have been saying this for YEARS, but, I really hope (and pray) that we are located somewhere NEW.  More importantly than that though, I want to go somewhere that will help my husband to continue to advance to make more money for our ever-growing family AND somewhere where my children will receive the best education that they can in the most positive atmosphere possible.  We are still waiting on hearing what our options are, if they are almost the same as what has been recently released, I am afraid that we don't have many options.  Moving would also mean leaving days/weeks after I deliver this little baby girl.  For those of you wondering what life as a military wife is like - especially during a deployment - there is a WONDERFULLY touching book out (from deseret book) called "Band of Sisters" by Annette Lyon.  It is beautifully written and definitely reflects/communicates the worries and coping strategies of many military wives.  Some of what is shared in the book are ways in which I cope at times.... others are ways I have observed other women cope during deployment.  I encourage you all to read it - with tissues nearby of course.  The life of a military family is no piece of cake.

Hunter has been doing a lot of growing up lately (or so it seems).  He is trying to say more words (although none of them are completely clear) and shows that his understanding of what we are trying to communicate is becoming greater.  He loves to try on shoes.  Any shoes sitting by the door downstairs (or anywhere he can get to) are put on his feet at least once during the day.  He will walk around in them (no matter if they are his sisters or his dad's size 13's!) and smile.  He really enjoys his sandals that I got for him while I was visiting my sister in Oregon.  Since the weather has been so warm here lately, he wears them the most.  Today during sacrament meeting, he took his sandals off and was wandering around in the pew (sp?) barefoot and loving it!  At one point during the meeting, he turned around and proceeded to play peek a boo with someone sitting in the overflow (we are the back row kind of family).  He was enjoying himself so much that he started to laugh when he saw the person looking at him as he peeked up from behind the back of the pew.  For those of you who haven't heard my son's laugh, it is one of pure joy.  His laugh carries and definitely commands the attention of anyone within earshot.  Being that he his almost 2, he gets fussy and this particular game had him quite amused.  So much so that he had stopped fussing, so.... I tried to shush him so he would be a little more quiet and allowed him to continue his "game" for as long as he was interested.  He got to the point where instead of poking his whole body from out behind the back of the pew, he would only lift his head enough for his eyes to see over the top and watch the man playing the game with him.  I could almost see a foreshadowing of a really amazing game of hide-and-seek or paintball in the years to come! One of the best things about my little man is that he still cuddles.  He doesn't ALWAYS do it like he did as a baby, but, he still enjoys laying his head down on your shoulder when he is tired and giving hugs and kisses.  Mostly, I guess, he likes me.  Knowing that tickles me pink.  Minus the drawbacks of ALMOST being terrible 2, I almost have the best of both worlds (a two year old who loves me and WANTS to be cuddled and a newborn who loves me and NEEDS to be cuddled)! 

My girls have been mostly wonderful lately as well.  I really can't stand the knock-down-drag-out fights they tend to have (not sure I phrased that saying right) but once I scream loud enough for them to knock it off =)  things seem to get a little better.  When they are in better moods, it is great to see them get a long and to watch them help their brother or play with him in the playroom.  Those "good" moments may be far and few between some days, but when they happen, I can't help but be proud and amazed by the children that I have been entrusted to raise.  Life doesn't get much more humbling than that: knowing that the Lord trusted YOU enough to raise the children He has given to you (especially since we are working on our 4th child!!).  That is a LOT of responsibility.  Yes, there are days I think of giving them back and saying - FORGET IT! THIS JOB IS TOO HARD!  or - I can barely take care of the ones I have and I am having ANOTHER ONE?!   Raising three daughters is going to be no easy feat.  I know what my parents had to go through to just get rid of me.... they had two more to get rid of AFTER me and I can only imagine the headaches they have gone through.  Here's to hoping I can make it through it - and that they live long enough to experience their own "headaches".  

As I wrap up this "novel" of a post, I am going to try harder to share our "everyday adventures"  as often as possible on this blog and fulfill the reason I started this in the first place.  Stay tuned for some fun adventures!  My life is never boring!

Life

As I tried to figure out what in the world I would name this post, I decided the only thing I can name it is: life.  Why?   Pretty much because that is all me and my family have been caught up in lately.  This week was a week full of doctor appointments, (a check up for my little man, check up for me and baby, and school physical for destruco girl) shots, blood draws, and even a urine sample!  Doing all of that has helped us figure out a few things.... that little man's chin injury (he fell off the back of a children's rocking chair and busted his chin on the kitchen floor) is healing well - and may possible not make much of a scar, that the baby I am carrying is STILL a girl and doing well, and destructo girl is healthy, ready for school, and her ruptured ear drum from about a month ago is looking like it's healing.  She will still need a follow-up appointment with the doc, but I think she trusts him more now which will hopefully equal a nice pleasant appointment for next month.  Shots went as well as could be expected.  Little man was running a bit of a fever for the following couple of days, but has broken that since.  Destructo cried a bit, but I think we talked her into being a brave girl.  Not to mention that she doesn't need any more  S.H.O.T.S. until she's 10!!!  Yipee! 

Sometimes in life I get the feeling that I am going through a taffy pull.  I get stretched to the max with responsibilities and running around, then I get some breathing room.   I am hoping this week is that "breathing room".   I just tend to run faster than I am able - and that is a HUGE understatement.  I honestly find myself constantly trying to be SuperMom.   Yeah, I know.... she doesn't exist.  She truly is just a figment of EVERYONE'S imagination!!!  Yet, there is still part of me that says... but if I could just get everything organized the way that I want it, life would run smoothly.  This pregnancy has left with me with little to no energy or desire to "nest" as of yet.  I am really hoping it kicks in soon so I can get to work on a lot of my "to do's".    Some of the current health concerns with this pregnancy are best treated by "rest and lying down".  I have a yucky vericose vein in a really difficult spot to support, along with a fibroid inutero which both scream "don't be on your feet or participate in strenuous/high impact activites".  Hmmm.... last time I checked motherhood is full of just those kinds of activities!  Then other aspects (such as the keeping my weight gain low) screams exercise.  Thus, I am stuck in the middle being pulled in each direction until I pick something to do for the day.  

I recently purchased some discounted photo books for the kids (yes, I did need to put forth a little effort in order to put them together and have them ready to create) since I haven't been scrapbooking in ages.  That way there is some documentation of at least their first year of life!  Ok.... ok, it is to help make up for my laziness the past few YEARS.  The kids really like checking out pictures of themselves as they have grown up.  I am looking forward to seeing their reactions as they look through the pages of a book all about them.  It'll feel a little bit like Christmas day for me - I love watching their faces as they look at something that they really like.

Ultrasound Verdict

Our family woke super early in the morning to go to a super early ultrasound to hopefully find out the gender of our baby.  My first OB appointment (and thus my first ultrasound) was done at 15 weeks.  During that Ultrasound, we discovered that the baby's legs liked being shut tight.  Today... at my 20 week ultrasound, we found that that still is true of this baby.  After a trip to the bathroom and jumping up and down.... we finally got a LITTLE peek.  Our tech's best guess??  GIRL.  As if we didn't already have enough of those in our family!!  After horrific traffic on the way home to get #1 to school, I spent most of the rest of the day going through the girl and boy clothes that I have.  There are several other women in the ward having boys... so I figured I could loan some things out to them since I have TONS of super cute BOY clothes and slim pickins in the girl department due to loaning out most of them.  Now on to figure out if this addition will be our last until our children are grown and get married.  Not to mention... we are still searching for a girl name!!  

Strawberry Pickin!

Around these here parts, May is the month for Strawberries.  Since we have an awesome person currently helping us out with playgroup ideas, we took advantage of the day set aside to do some strawberry pickin of our own.  We showed up a little early so we could finish before little man needed his nap.  We came away with 5 or 6 lbs of strawberries!  Destructo girl mostly walked the rows and looked for friends - although to give her credit.... she was a really great bucket holder for me, little man stuck close by our side and didn't start picking berries on his own until the very end.  As you might assume from those sentences, yes..... I did most of the picking.  Unfortunately I didn't pick up enough sure-gel at the store and needed to make another trip so I could finish making jam.  By the time all was in order in the kitchen, little man had fallen and busted his chin open and needed my attention - so the last of the canning was left for the next day.  Argh... because I had to wait an extra day.....a good portion of what was left of the berries was too overripe to use.  Ugh!  I am not sure how often I will find myself canning much of anything until my little munchkins are in school.  This is about the best pictures you are going to get with this bunch.  LOL.

Easter Sunday

We had a really wonderful Easter Sunday.  Both the hubby and I spoke in church that day - I am proud to say that I learned a lot from the talk that I prepared.  I think I probably took up a little too much time and J had to cut his talk a little short.  I covered the Last Supper up until Christ's crucifixion and J took over from there.  The children did really well while we gave our talks and I am so proud of them for being good examples that day.  I hope that through what we taught them about Easter and what they heard that day (both from us and their teachers) helps them understand what happened during that historical week.  I have a testimony of our Savior.  He lives and He knows us.  He is always there to lift us up when life throws us curveballs and He LOVES us - so much so that He gave His life for us.  I am blessed to be a member of Christ's church today and to have the opportunity (sometimes it is a challenge) to be an example of Him each day. 

Easter Egg Hunt

So.... yes our church put on an Easter Egg Hunt, but we chose to try one out in town this year.  We took the kids to a field at a nearby high school and waiting around for about an hour to "start the hunt".  We got some treats from the vendors there and even got a picture with the Easter Bunny!!  The girls got quite a few eggs and little man even got a few too (Thanks Dad!)

And the Hunt is on!  These kids did a literal clean sweep right down the field!

Little man and Daddy trying to get some of the passed over eggs

Look at the LOOT!

Spring Break

After my trip to Oregon, #1 had her spring break from school.  We had some really beautiful days that week so we went to the beach with some friends one day.  It's so nice living pretty close to the beach, I think we will have to take many more visits there this Spring/Summer!! 

Where these two ended up by the time we needed to head home. 

Little Leah sporting her Swim-apparel

Ready for the waves!

As soon as we got there.... this is where she was - without a life vest, oh yes.... she marched right back and put on the vest after I called her.

My silly little girl

He finally figured it out - dig dig!!

A Vacation and a Visit

Please ignore the fact that it has been several months since I have last posted and drool over the sweet little girls I got to visit (and the pretty grown up girl too of course)! 

Last picture as a family of 4 - Baby Kaitlyn was born later that day.

My husband was the best and let me take a trip to see my dear little sister and her family in Oregon the end of March thru the very beginning of April.  I had such a great time seeing that side of the country and dipping my feet into the Pacific Ocean (both a first for me)!   I had never been further west than Utah/Idaho until this trip.  Besides the flights to Oregon being pretty bumpy and in trying not to toss my cookies during the flight (I was still experiencing morning sickness) I arrived in one piece and was VERY grateful to be on the ground again.   I saw my sweet sister who would be induced the day I flew back home if she didn't have the baby before then, and she was SUPER tiny (cutest pregnant girl EVER).  I really enjoyed my time with my nieces - they wore me out by taking me to see some of the sights and by asking me to read them books.  Whew! 

Multnomah Falls - standing in the rain!

Trip to the Coast - it was overcast that day

Proof that I have been in the Pacific Ocean

At Tillamook - the Cheese Factory!!!  We ate lunch there and Cambri was loving the place up! especially that "squeaky cheese"

Tulip Festival, only part of the field had bloomed - it was rainy that day 

Portland Temple - I got to do a session while I was there - and it's within walking distance from my sister's place (JEALOUS)

The sisters - both pregnant, only one having a baby that day

The group that came to meet me at the airport when I got home.  I missed them so much!