Our Family: Week of 1/6-1/12

Looking back at pictures, I guess this week was all about Grace.

Of course, that's what Adam says about every week.

;)

***

On Monday the kids headed back to school.

Winter break had been so wonderful.  It was relaxing and fun and productive.

I miss these little punks when they are at school!

But, they were excited to go back and see their friends and teachers... and I was a little excited to get back on our routine.

So, they went back.

{And my baby failed his NST (non-stress test).  So, I was a wreck all day}.

***

I usually get my appointments over with in the morning, but I had already committed to having some of Josh's friends over to play on Tuesday morning.  So, after a fun-filled toddler morning and lunch, I headed back to the doctor for a repeat NST.

And he passed within 12 minutes (though I had to be monitored for 20 minutes per the NST rules).

Apparently, baby boy likes to sleep-in like his brothers and was having a sleepy morning yesterday.

;)

Grace had a project assigned over winter break about any subject that was interesting to her.  She chose butterflies.  We put the finishing touches on her project and her paper, and got it ready to present on Wednesday.

***

We went to the school early to make sure we were on time for school on Wednesday, since Grace was presenting first thing in the morning.

And it's a good thing, too.

Because at assembly we found out the Grace had been chosen as "Owl of the Month!"

Every month their school chooses a core value they work on (this month it is "responsibility") and a child from each grade who models that value.

We were so happy for her!

After assembly she presented her mobile and paper, and did a fabulous job.

My kiddos love to perform.

I have no idea where they got that.

;)

***

On Thursday we came home to find some of our neighbors walking up to our house.

They wanted to buy our car.

We've had this baby for 10+ years.  Back in September it needed to be registered, but it has the "check engine" light on, and with our crazy-pregnancy-expenses we never had the extra money to fix it.

They were willing to fix it, and wanted it.

So, we sold Debbie.

And I cried that night because Heavenly Father has been so good to us.  Every time we have really needed help during this pregnancy, we've been blessed with extra hours at the hotel, babysitting jobs, and (now) an offer to buy our car.

It meant a new carseat and the hospital deposit were taken care of, and I didn't have to worry about it anymore.

We have been so blessed.

***

Last year, I found a program and set out to read all 4 standard works in a year.

I had never read the Bible before, and thought the program looked do-able.

So, I did.

I read almost every day (I had to play catch-up on some crazy days) for the entire year.

On December 31st, I sat down and read my last chapter in Luke and the last chapter in 3 Nephi.

Then the kids had a problem that I left to deal with, and I amidst our party-ing and fun that night, I forgot all about scriptures and reading the last 2 chapters in Ezekiel and Isaiah.

Until the next morning.

I'm such a crazy all-or-nothing kinda person and I was crushed when I realized I hadn't finished it in one year.

So, I put off those last chapters for a few days.

And then my logical awesome-ness of a husband told me that I was amazing to get so close, and it would be sad not to finish.

So, I finished on Friday.

Reading all 4 standard works in (almost) a year was an incredible experience that really strengthened my testimony and love of the scriptures.

I'm going to work on topics this year, because (logically) it would be overwhelming with a baby to read all 4 standard works again this year.  But, someday, I will tackle it again.

***

Back in September I went to pick up the kids from school, and found out that Grace was in the process of trying out for cheerleading.

My heart wrenched as I watched the try-outs.  There were a lot of girls trying out, and many that were experienced in gymnastics and dance, and I didn't want her to have her little heart broken.

But, she was determined.

A few days later we found out that her sweet coach must have seen how her eyes gleam when she dances, how hard she tries to do gymnastics, and her excited spirit... and she made the team.

She practices every week and is getting soooo much better!

On Saturday they got to cheer for the school volleyball team for the first time.

It was darling!

That night, we took the kiddos out to the store and picked out a carseat as a family.

We've been trying hard to include them in every bit of this pregnancy.

It's been fun, and I hope it makes them feel like they are completely a part of this experience.

Tonight, we are making bets on weight/length and amount of hair/hair color.

(It's the right thing to do in Vegas).

And in 3 days we will add a 4th little punk to our household.

Our Family: Week of 12/30 - 1/5

On Monday I went to the doctor.

On Thursday I went to the doctor.

The remaining days I complained about having to go to the doctor.

;)

When I had my first ultrasound at the beginning of the pregnancy, the doctor commented that the baby was about 2 weeks bigger than it should have been... and that perhaps my due date was off.

Well, he's still 2 weeks big.

So, because they're worried about his due date being off (and because of my history of pre-eclampsia), I get to have 2 non-stress tests and doctor's visits per week.

It stinks, yo!

***

A long time ago, Josh asked exactly when the baby was coming.

As he was unable to understand exactly how far "January 29th" was at the time, I told him, "After Christmas."

The day after Christmas, he woke up bright and early, and asked me if I was going to get the baby out of my tummy.

So, we made a countdown to when he is going to be a big brother.

Every morning he diligently pulls off a ring, throws it away, comes back and counts the ones left.

It's pretty adorable.

I hope he is still excited when the baby is actually here.

;)

(And if you're looking at my closet, yes, I have a Rubbermaid/Sterilite tub/labeling problem).

***

While I was at the doctor on Monday and Thursday, Mike and the kids did yard work.

Adam told me, "I don't think the baby cares if we have weeds in our yard."

I told him to go pull some more weeds.

Because it builds character.

And because nesting doesn't make sense.

The baby doesn't care if the tile under the refrigerator is cleaned either, nor does my Mom, but I still have a deep-rooted belief that it needs to be cleaned.

***

On Tuesday we went to our friend's house for a fantastic New Year's Eve party.

They have THE best view in the city of the fireworks show put on by the casinos on the strip.

It's an awesome show, and we look forward to it every year... and this year was the best yet.

Besides the fireworks, we laughed and talked and ate and broke out dancing skills (including Mike, who must have been drunk on a combination of soda, sugar, and 24 hours of no sleep), with our friends who have become like family to us.

It was perfect.

***

On Wednesday more yard work was done.

I need it to be done!

We got the last of the Christmas put away and organized in the shed.

We cleaned the house.

We rode bikes, played games, colored, and dug in the sand.

And because these kiddos of mine had been so ridiculously awesome about the yard work and house cleaning, we rewarded them with a trip to the dollar theatre to see Despicable Me 2.

***

It was more of the same on Thursday and Friday and Saturday: cleaning mixed in with lots of playtime and relaxing.  Adam and Grace had earned free buffets to Cici's at school, so Mike took the kids Friday night out to dinner there.

A pizza buffet isn't all that appealing to me at this point.

Most especially because this guy and I are such good friends even when I don't eat greasy, tomato-ey food:

Pizza would do me in for sure.

***

Grace has been begging for a haircut for a long time.

We haven't cut her hair in a year and a half, and I loved her long hair.

But, it was un-even, and she was dying for shorter hair.

So, on Saturday I watched a 4-minute video on YouTube, became an instant hairstylist, and cut 3 inches off.

It's too cute.

January 2014 Scripture & Quote

About a year-and-a-half ago or so, I was praying about a problem, and a scripture came to my mind that brought me peace about the situation I was praying about.

It made me think about how many times a scripture or song was brought to my mind as an answer to prayer or when I was sad or discouraged.  Which made me think about the importance of memorizing scriptures.

So, I decided to fill my little punks' quick minds (which can so easily memorize every word to songs like "What Does A Fox Say" and "Radioactive") with scriptures and quotes that I adored, in hopes that one day they could be brought to the front of their minds when they needed help.

Last year, we recited our scripture and quote every night before family scripture reading.  They quickly memorized them.  At the end of the month, there was a small treat for those who could recite them to Mike and I.  We were amazed that even Josh picked up on them so easily.  I chose scripture mastery scriptures last year, and quotes I loved.

Our 2014 family theme is, "Be Kind."  So, all of our quotes and scriptures are going to revolve around kindness.  And, man alive!  Are there ever some beautiful scriptures and quotes about kindness.

January 2014 Scripture:

Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another; tenderhearted; forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

January 2014 Quote:

"Be kind; for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Ian MacLaren

Our Family: Week of 12/23/13 - 12/29/13

On Monday, our puppy ran away (again).

The door keeps being left open, as people come over and the kids go in/out, and when I don't catch it in time, he slips out.

We spent the evening looking for him and putting up signs.

We haven't had any calls yet.

The kids are so sad (Mike and I are, too).  

But, if we can't have him... I sincerely hope that he was found and made a wonderful Christmas gift for someone on Christmas morning.

***

On Tuesday, we spent the day cleaning for Santa, while Mike went to work.

These guys are awesome cleaners, when a guy in red is bringing them presents that night.

;)

After Mike got home and rested up a bit, we had our traditional Christmas Eve party and dinner:

Followed by acting out the nativity (Mike was Joseph, Josh a shepherd, Adam a wise man, Grace was Mary, and I narrated):

And brand-spankin' new pajamas:

We set out the reindeer wreath, cookies, milk, and (new) letters for Santa, where the kids declared the ONLY thing they wanted for Christmas was Buddy (our puppy) back.

;(

We wrapped the doorway with wrapping paper, went to bed, and Santa came, and made the living room look magical:

***

On Wednesday, the kids woke up bright and early... and I held them off until 8:00.

Poor Mike had been awake for 24 hours straight the previous day, and needed to catch up on some sleep.

And, by some miracle, these guys let him.

We had a wonderful Christmas day that included us un-wrapping many wonderful and generous gifts, me crying about the said wonderful and generous gifts, talking with family, lounging in our pajamas all day, snacking, a family bike ride, and having fun with new toys.

I loved it.

It was a beautiful Christmas full of miracles and love and everything good.

Just the way Christmas should be.

***

I made myself a deal that I wouldn't deal with the baby at all until after Christmas.

I was having a really, really hard time and was completely stressed out and panicky in November about the holidays and the baby and finances and pregnancy and all sorts of stress-filled goodness.

When I get stressed, I make a chronological list of what has to be done, and set myself deadlines when I have to get things done by/start on stuff.

It's organized procrastination, I tell ya!

It worked in college, anyways.

;)

So, on Thursday we slept in, and then I proceeded to go into full-on cleaning/organizing/nesting/list-making/planning mode.

And made my family jump right in with me.

(Because they are awesome).

And because I'm a crazy-pregnant-Mama/wife.

We stayed in crazy cleaning/organizing/nesting/list-making/planning mode the rest of the week.

Which is a good thing because on Friday I went to the doctor, and they went ahead and scheduled an eviction date for this little boy:

January 15.

Merry Christmas!

So.  It's been a year since I've blogged.

Which makes me super-sad for all of you.

(Just kidding)

But, really, it does make me sad because a) It's really hard to keep in touch with everyone; and b) We love looking at our past blog posts... it's our family history, and we've lost a year of it.

***

I've been trying to come up with a nice, but super-inexpensive, gift for family this year.  Everything that I thought of was either too cheesy, too cluttery, or out of our budget.

Today during church, I came up with an idea that won't clutter anyone's home and will still allow me to pay for my OBGYN's sports car:

I'm going to blog again.

I am committing to blog once a week as our gift to our families this year.

I'm hoping that doesn't sound terribly conceited.

Once a friend gave me a framed picture of herself for Christmas... and I thought that was pretty conceited.

Hopefully this isn't like that kind of gift.  ;)

But, we've been told by several family members this year that they miss hearing about us.  Giving the gift of time and communication, especially with baby #4* coming, and most especially because we don't live near family, seems appropriate.

So, Merry Christmas!

We love you all!


*P.S. If we've been that bad at keeping in touch of you, and you don't know: we are pregnant with Baby #4.  Surprise!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Josh!

Postdated from December 2012


Our car was dead, Adam had a football game, and Mike had to work until 7.  BUT... my sister was awesome and helped, and we managed to squeeze in a little birthday celebrating with my favorite 3-year-old.

He chose all of his favorite foods to eat: pancakes for breakfast, mac 'n cheese for lunch, and pizza for dinner. When I asked what he wanted to do that day, he said, "play at the park."  Adam's football games are played at parks, so after the game we stayed for awhile and played.

After Mike got home and we ate dinner, he opened gifts: a Thomas jacket, a Thomas the Train set, Thomas the Train plate and other fun Thomas stuff, and some cards and money.  He LOVED all of his gifts!

He wanted a Thomas the Train cake (sensing a theme here?).  I had wanted to make an actual Thomas, using a loaf pan, but opted for doing a scene with one of his toys... because, well, it was easier.

Josh loved it!

We had a fun day celebrating with our birthday boy!

Oh... this boy is as strong-will as he is sweet; as big of a mess maker as he is a big helper; he loves playing dolls with Grace as much as he loves playing Beyblades with Adam.

He is athletic, kind, crazy, smart, loving, daring, sweet, stubborn, and fun.

We love him so much!

November Randomness

Postdated from November 2012

Poor baby got super sick.  High fevers, bad cough.

***

I voted!  I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't been a registered voter since moving to Nevada (5 years ago).  I'm even more ashamed to admit, that this is because I didn't want to do jury duty (and have to figure out rides/childcare for the kiddos).  I know, I know.  But, I buckled up and registered and voted.

***

I took the kids to Toys 'R Us for the first time in their lives.  We spent hours there looking and playing.  They all declared it the best day ever.

***

We went and checked out the fall display at the Bellagio.  We are making a big effort to avoid The Strip, as the kiddos get older, but we've worked out a way to get to the Bellagio with minimal Strip driving (because we adore the observatory and fountains).  The fall display didn't disappoint: huge pumpkins, a talking tree, and chrysanthemums.

***

Mike had a (rare) Saturday off and we surprised the kids with Burger King + the play area time after Adam's football game.

***

Grace's photo of the return of Cuties (clementine oranges).  These guys can't get enough of them!

***

These two don't find Adam's football games to be very entertaining... so they make due with entertaining themselves.

***

My bookworms' favorite part of a Sam's Club trip is not the samples, but the book section.  They beg to go there each time.

***

More football.  I can't get enough of this guy playing a team sport and loving it.

***

Good report cards = FREE Krispy Kremes.  We are so lucky Adam and Grace always share.

***

Love him!

***

Adam is his den's "Denner" and leads the boys in flag ceremony at Cub Scouts each week.

***

It's a small troop, but these guys collected lots of hats, scarves, and blankets for the homeless.  They packaged them up for the stake drive.

***

More football practice.

***

This cutie made an adorable thankful turkey.  She was so proud that it was hanging on the hallway bulletin board for all to see.

***

Reading at football practice.  She is not liking 3rd grade reading level books, so we've been reading together a lot.

***

Our car died.  Of course it was on an extremely rare date with Mike.  But, man alive, am I thankful for our car insurance roadside service. 

My Seee-ster Visited Us!

Postdated from November 2012

Kayty came to visit us for over a week!

We loved, loved, LOVED it.

She helped me sooo much AND I got someone to watch girly shows and talk with... too fun!

(Also, she didn't make me watch Star Wars this time... an added bonus).

;)

She is so fun and we are always sad when it's time for her to leave.

Stockings... Finally!

Postdated from November 2012


I have always wanted to make stockings for our family, but never really found a pattern/fabric I was in love with... so we used cheesy red stockings that we got clearance-d from Target years and years ago.

Three years ago, I sewed this quilt top:

It wasn't big enough to do anything with, though, so I left it in my sewing basket.

As I was getting out the Christmas decorations, and looking at our cheesy stockings, I remembered the quilt top and decided to turn it into stockings:

I LOVE how they turned out!  They make me smile whenever I see them.

I am planning on embroidering our names on them this summer, and then they will officially be done.