News!!

I know I said I'd write last week and let you know what gender out baby ended up being...but you all know how life gets and you don't actually get around to writing on time,,,,right?! Well I won't keep you in suspense any longer...mostly because I don't have the time to right now anyway!!:) We are having another........Boy!! Yes, we are excited! Yes, it did take some time for me to wrap my head around the fact that it wasn't a girl because I was so convinced it was. Now that it has sunk in though I couldn't be more happy. I cannot wait to have another boy!! McKenna is grateful to keep her own room, and the fact that she will probably be a little more spoiled since our "Girls night out" will still just be the two of us. Honestly, I am excited for that too. I knew you would all want to see a picture of our baby so I thought I would post it since I love looking at it. I'd better get back to work too, so I'll talk to you all again soon!
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I'm dreaming of a WHITE Christmas!!

Hey all,

So this year I'm dreaming (and that may be as far as it gets) of a white Christmas. Do you think we'll get it? So far I'm not sure, but I'm still dreaming about it. Honestly, I should probably get my head out of the clouds and back into the reality of home life but honestly, I'm too tired. This pregnancy has really been kicking my butt lately. I know I am getting a little older, but I don't concider myself old enough to think I would be so tired. It has been fun to feel the baby move around more, and we are super excited to find out on Monday what we will be having in terms of the gender of our baby!! We are quite certain it will be human, atleast that's what the doctor told us the other ultrasounds showed. This will be our 3rd ultrasound this pregnancy. In the beginning they just wanted to make sure everything was going smoothly. Thankfully it has been this time around. Since it will be our last time, I have found myself thinking "enjoy this, it will be the last time". Bittersweet. The kids are so excited. We have taken our kids everytime to find out what we are having....mostly because they weren't in school. For some reason I wasn't thinking and schedualed it at 9:00am this time. Right after that I have my normal doctors appointment. Which means for the kids to come this time around, Scott will miss a whole day of school and McKenna would miss the morning part. I feel torn not taking them because it's something we've always shared. Silly I know. I shouldn't feel so sad that they won't be there. Mike said that we'd do a special family home evening that night to announce it to the kids, but honestly I still want them there, is that crazy of me to pull the kids out of school just to find out together what we are having? I tried to reschedual the appointment but they couldn't do it. Anyway, we are still super excited. I feel like I have grown so fast this time. When I get into bed, you'd think I'd just ran laps around the house....nope, for some reason just getting into bed is enough to wipe me out. Yes true, I am out of shape, but not that bad....RIGHT?!!:) Well I'd better get going, I said I was going to make banana bread today and I'd probably better try to stick to some type of a schedual before bed time at 8:00p.m. (Honestly, I am tired by then). Bye for now!!

Really, I am thankful!

I know I haven't put pictures on here for a while....I have been kind of busy counting my blessings. This past week was super busy with doctor's appointments. We decided to take McKenna into the doctor again to see what they would say about this stomache ache she's been having for the past year. They put her on a no dairy diet for 10 days. Honestly, I don't think that is what it is, so I took her back a few days later for blood tests. At this time we are wondering if she has a wheat intollerance. Mike's Dad, sister and brother have it, so it may run in the family. My sister-in-law Treasa also has this, so atleast if this is what it ends up being I have alot of people to go to on how to cook with no wheat. It would be quite the lifestyle change for us since our family at this time eats alot of wheat products. I guess we'll do what we have too. Then Cody went to the Cardiologist yesterday and they said he might have something called Treca-Tacacardia.....Don't quote me on the name or the spelling. It is where sometimes his heart beats too fast. Right now they aren't too worried since it doesn't seem to happen more than a few times a month and doesn't last very long. They said if this is what is is though, it will probably get worse and then we'll be able to track it better. Right now, it's not doing any damage though.....I counted my blessing for that, and will be more thankful when we can truely find out what has been bothering McKenna. I also got a job helping the neighbor across the street who has heart problems. It will help pay for some of these medical bills!! I've recently started to feel our baby move on occassion. I wish it was more often, but for now the simple surprise of the baby moving is fun! Life for the most part is not too bumpy, and I am thankful for that too. I am thankful mostly for my life and not someone elses!! I love you all and Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am slowly going crazy.....

Does anybody remember the song...." I am slowly going crazy, 123456 switch, crazy going am I slowly, 654321 switch?" My sister used to sing it alot when we were growing up. Today has been a crazy day. I went to my "job" this morning helping my neighbor. I guess it's a job since I do recieve payment.....anyway. I left early to go to Scott's class party. Went back to work and then left for McKenna's class party. Both of them enjoyed me being there, and I loved it. Cody came along with me and was worn out by the time McKenna's party was over. Then we went to a friends house for a few minutes and McKenna was eating a candy corn and her tooth practically fell out. Yes, there was drama that went along with that too. Ever heard the saying "Go big, or go home?" Well she did both!!:) The kids are excited for Halloween tomarrow and this year it the year that I have been the least ready. Yes, the kids are prepared, but nothing else really is. I think I might go as a convict again this year, for the possibly 3rd year in a row!! Atleast I know it will fit!:) Things have been going pretty well pregnancy wise.....other than the moody days and sleepless nights. Poor Mike, I wonder how he even survives with me some days. I'm sure being busy with callings and military duties helps a bit. I have a doctors appointment on Monday and I am excited for that. Then only 4 weeks after that to find out if our baby looks human!!:) All my dreams point to our baby being a girl, but it will be fun to see if I am right or not. Mike has chosen to say it's a boy, I think to keep things competitive!! I love that man!! Well, I'll keep you posted and should have pictures next time around.

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2 posts in 1 day?!

I know you're all shocked. But I found the pictures from last Halloween and I decided that since I don't have any to post for this year yet, I'd post last years. My brother Nick, was a man being carried in a box....it was the funniest thing ever!! My brother Hunter was Batman, McKenna was a mermaid, Scott was Spiderman and Cody was a Lion. This year McKenna plans to be dressed up as Barbie from Swan Lake, Scott will be a baseball player ( that's what he wants to be when he grows up too), and Cody will be Batman. I tried Cody's costume on him and he didn't mind it except for the cape.....hopefully with him getting some candy he'll forget all about the cape. This year I think I might be a scarecrow. We'll have to see how creative I can get!!

Expecting

No, sorry there is no picture for this post. I guess there could be, but we all know that at this point all we can make out of the picture is an alien baby. Yes, that's what we currently have growing inside me....an alien! No matter, our kids are as excited as ever. This is our last time around (4 is a good number) since my body can't do another pregnancy anyway. We are due April 26, 2010. We also found out this last week that my brother-in-law and his wife are expecting too. Funny, I have to tell you the story. I saw I missed a call from him so I called him back with seeing what was up and letting them know we were pregnant. He told me they were pregnant and I just started laughing. Who knew we were calling to tell eachother the same thing?!! I am super excited for them since this is their first and they will be amazing parents. Anyway, they are due 3 days after us. Talk about close cousins!! You almost can't get any closer than that!!:) Since we have to have C-Sections everytime I told them to let me know when they go into labor and I'll do my best to make sure we don't have it on the same day. Honestly, I'd be fine if they were born on the same day, but it's their first and that's special. I am glad to be pregnant at the same time as them!!! McKenna is set on having a sister so we'll see what happens. I mentioned to her that if we have a girl she will have to share her room. She wasn't thrilled about that, but said she still wanted a sister anyway. I wish in a way there wasn't such a gap between these two if we end up having a girl. McKenna will be 7 by the time we have our baby. Anyway, we are excited and wanted to let you know. We will find out if we are having a boy or a girl on December 7th, so we'll keep you all posted.

Long Time Coming

I know, I know, it's been a LONG time since I wrote last. In a few days I will be 27 years old. Really to me it feels like getting old. It's crazy to think I had my first child almost 7 years ago!!! Yes, that makes me feel even older!:) Today we have McKenna in the Utah State University's Homecoming parade for the dance Company she dances with, LaShars. She is super excited. Then this afternoon we are headed to the Circus. My kids even saw the commercials on t.v. and are super excited! We are going down early so they can see the animals. Life in our household has been pretty smooth lately, which is nice and unusual. Usually there is some kind of crazy stuff going on. A few weeks ago Mike made parachutes for McKenna and Scott's toys. The kids have loved them! Funny sometimes how the cheapest things are their favorites huh?!! Mike also went fishing and caught a 17 inch fish which is really big for Logan River. I think he really enjoyed that surprise!! I'm not sure I've seen a fish that big, although I know fish get bigger than that. I just wanted you all to know that we are still alive and doing well. Sorry it's taken so long to get something posted. I will try to do better!!

My Mom

Although I don't believe my Mom really keeps up with our family blog, I still wanted to send out a special message about my mother. I honestly can't say enough good things about my mom. She has always been there for me even when I was a teenager and probably didn't even notice. She was my "cheerleader" during my tryouts in highschool and my shoulder to cry on during boyfriend break-ups. As I've grown up I've really realized how wonderful she really has been, and what a wonderful example she is. I couldn't have picked out a more perfect mother for me. She is just what I need, and still believes in me. I appreciate her so much more since I've moved out and have kids of my own. I have no idea how my parents raised, and are still raising 8 kids. I love my Mom so much and wanted to let her know that on this special day!!

Just Me and my Daddy!!

These are a few of my favorite pictures of these two together. The top picture Cody is talking to Mike, but for some funny reason kept leaning forward to make sure all of the information made it into Mike's ear!!! It was so cute and funny! What a team!

Easter in Canada

We celebrated Easter in Canda with some of Mike's family and extended family. We dyed easter eggs on Friday night since we do the Easter Bunny stuff on Saturday. I think Mike's grandparents enjoyed having us do that since I don't think they do that stuff really anymore. Mike drew a house and clouds and birds on his, it was pretty detailed. The next morning McKenna was the first one up and quickly woke the rest of us up. They did their Easter egg hunt before most of the other people were awake.....Except Mike's grandparents they are always up early!!! They got TONS of candy and fun toys. Mike got me Kinder Eggs while we were up there. For those of you who don't know what they are, they are chocolate eggs with toys inside.....just to let you know though......YOU CAN'T BRING THEM ACROSS THE BORDER!!! I was saving them to bring home and lost them all. ***Please a moment of silence!**

The kids also got 3D sidewalk chalk. When you put the glasses on it looks really cool! We also went to a park later that day and there were crawfish in the water. We were actually able to catch one to show the kids!

Take that Old Man River!!

Our family went to Canada for Easter this year. Mike's grandparents live up there and the last time we visited Canada I was 8 months pregnant with Cody, we decided we were due for another visit. I seriously LOVE visiting Mike's grandparents! They take such good care of us while we are up there that we don't have to worry about a thing. While we were there we visited the Helen Schuler Center. It was closed, but we were still able to walk around and see the River called Old Man River. Not sure why it's called that.....but, the kids loved throwing the rocks into the river (what kid doesn't like that?). Scott threw a rock and said "Take that Old Man River"! It was just funny. They also found Oyster shells in the mud, a true TREASURE!! I was told that when the center is open there are all types of small animals to see. There was also this big stair case that led all the way to the top of this hill and there was a pavillion up there. I was too tired to go up, (Cody wasn't sleeping well, so Mike and I weren't either) but the rest of them made it!! There was also an exibit for how things worked in Coal Mines.

Sad, Sad day

This weekend was a little rough. I went down to the boutique this weekend and sold one thing....Yes, it was a little disappointing, but then again hardly anyone came to the location, so I can't be too hard on myself. I was so glad to be doing it with my sister and not alone....I would've been bored out of my mind. Then when we got home on Sunday my husband went outside to check on our dogs. Our female dog (Mercades) wasn't moving and was barely alive. We've known that she's had cancer for about the past month. She was moving on Friday when we left home in the afternoon. She was walking around and everything. Then when we get home it was the complete opposite. Honestly, I didn't really like dogs.....and now I really only like the ones we have. We had a boxer before we had Mercades and I had such a hard time with her (Sadie). I was getting to know dogs and she got injured and had to be put down. We got Mercades within a week of Sadie passing away. Mostly I wanted a dog at that time for the kids. I didn't want them to be sad that Sadie had died. It was a rough adjustment period for me. I don't really like change, and then Mike got deployed. I was the only caretaker now. Mercades started to make her way into my heart. One night a neighbor came over at midnight or so when Mike was deployed. It was my friend so I let her in. Cody was probably a month or so old. I went to go and get something out of my bedroom and my friend started to follow me. Mercades put her paws on the couch and growled at my neighbor, letting her know not to enter. From that point on I knew she was more than just a sweet dog. She was really there for us. I know I'm blabbing. I just can't tell you how sweet she was. Poor Ruger is now alone and whines. I'm a whiner too. Just wanted to give you an update, and although it's not a happy one...this is what is up.

It was a day for Cavin'

Two weeks ago, (I know that seems like a long time ago) my brother-in-law Jeff came to our house while his wife took a test at USU. Mike and I had promised our kids all week that we would help them build a snowman. Finally Saturday rolled around.....No more days left to promise that we would do it......it had to be the day!!! So, after getting out there, the snow wasn't quite firm enough or there wasn't enough....I don't remember what they said, so they helped the kids build a snowcave. The kids had a blast. There was a slide down the back side, and although I managed to accidentally step through the side of it, the kids were able to walk on it. They had a really good time until it was time to come inside and change. I think Mike and Jeff really enjoyed building the snowcave since Mike had gone with Jeff to their scout camp, and had build snowcaves. I don't think our kids had seen a snowcave before and although it was fun. I am glad to say that at this moment there isn't enough to go outside and build another one....I am so ready for SPRING!!

I think I must be nuts!!

These past few weeks have been crazy around here. My family has undergone some major changes with the house "falling apart" while I have taken off with my latest new hobby. It all started when my sweet sister told me that she was going to have a booth at a boutique. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun, and was able to get up the guts to ask if I could do it with her. Brina is so sweet and seemed even excited to have someone to do it with. We've called eachother quite a bit over the past two weeks to talk about how our items are going and our ideas. It has been so fun. I'm not so sure the members of my household are enjoying it as much as I am though. I've been pretty sewing alot and not cleaning up much. I feel good that I am able to do something that someone else likes, other than cook and clean. I also think it is funny that when my husband first gave me this sewing machine, about 4 years ago....I wasn't excited about it at all. I NEVER enjoyed home ec. in school.....in fact I pretty much flunked the class, and now I am making something that I am going to try to sell at a boutique. Ha, ha ha.... sometimes I just know I'm going nuts. Anyway, since I've worked so hard on these and have found a passion for making them at the moment I thought I would show them off. Let me know what you think! Some of the pictures are kind of hard to see, but they are the little baby jammies that have the elastic at the bottom.

Long time coming....

Things are settling down a little bit. We have been doing some changes to our house and are finally at a stop until warmer weather. We will be siding our house in spring, and I can't wait. We just added hardwood floors and a new front and storm door. We bought some new furniture and are going to be painting soon....Honestly, it's taken this long to convince Mike that painting is a good idea. I'm not sure he still believes me, but this house needs some personality! We had some family pictures taken as well by my sister-in-law Melissa. She did an awesome job! I can imagine it would be hard to get everyone looking...kids and dogs especially. The one on top is my favorite, but alot of them turned out really well. McKenna slipped and fell the minute she stepped out of the truck. ( something had to happen, only because we were trying to keep everyone clean) We were able to hide the dirt on her pants, and finish the photo shoot without too many more issues. I'll have to upload some more pictures of life around here and get them posted soon before my computer decides it's going on vacation again!!