Cuties

This was sent while I was at my leadership meeting on Thursday, just before all the chaos. Love you guys....your SO darn cute!

This Experience

I'm still on meds, so don't be surprised if I have to make a few edits down the road. So I announced the news of our 3rd baby on the way a few days ago. Things were feeling pretty safe and we were feeling really excited to get to hear the baby's heartbeat in a couple days (would have been yesterday...an appointment I was planning to take the girls to). Two night prior, I returned home from a Relief Society Leadership Meeting and noticed some spotting. I was immediately alarmed and called the on-call doctor. She was able to provide some comforting words, but also placed in my thoughts the possibility of an Ectopic Pregnancy. I got in for an ultra sound the next afternoon (blessing #1 the girls weren't there). The radiologist quietly explained how she was not seeing a fetus in my uterus, but the testing showed that my uterus was 10-11 weeks in size and there was a yolk sack and lots of blood. She checked other areas to find my right side being normal and my left side pretty messed up. My fallopian tube was pretty wide and had a lot of fluid and my ovary was extremely abnormal. It was a comfort when the radiologist asked which ward I attended at church. She was also LDS and wanted to make sure I had the priesthood and good visiting teachers/ward members available to me (blessing #2).

The doctor came in and explained all she could. She thought it was possible I had a tubal pregnancy and some things which were spotted which were very abnormal. She mentioned I needed to have some blood work drawn and I needed to be immediately transfered to hospital for surgery. Jeremy and I headed to the hospital and my dad appeared shortly after to provide a blessing of comfort and healing (blessing #3). I was in surgery for about 2 1/2 hours.

So apparently, I'm a pretty interesting case! I had told the doctor about my previous surgery when I was 19 (a ruptured appendix found 7 days after the rupture) and some scar tissue I was told I have. She said the adhesion's were everywhere! My abdomen, my organs, she even said my fallopian tube was kinked and twisted. They were able to clean all that up including straightening out my tube (that's blessing #4).

They had to do a DNC, for I had a miscarriage. It happened when I was about 5-7 weeks, but my body has been acting pregnancy and will probably continue to do so for about 6 weeks. I'm down for two weeks, unable to drive and minimal walking...no chores...blessing #5 :)

The doctor explained that with all the scar tissue they found and how messed up my insides were....what a miracle my two children are (blessing #6...we already knew, but it's always good to be reminded). She also explained that after all the clean-up they were able to provide...my chances of pregnancy are extremely high (blessing #7).

My feelings about all this: I know all things have a purpose. This was supposed to happen. Jeremy and I were not planning to have another child. Our little surprise was a complete blessing in the fact that it takes Jeremy and I a long time to have a child. This was 1 slip up. This "slip-up" made us recognize our purpose and that we WANT and need to try for another child. If things don't work out we need to always recognize and show gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the little miracles we already have. They are wonderful little girls and add so much joy to our lives! Even though I'm sitting here in pain from the 4" incision...my spirits are high and I am thankful for this experience. Thanks to all of you who have shown your love to me and my family. You all are wonderful and we are grateful you have a part in our lives.

Memorial Day

Announcing the News...

Last Saturday, we had a great day planned. It was going to be a beautiful day. We were heading to a parade in the morning, a t-ball game shortly after and Grandma and Grandpa were going to join us. Jeremy and I were excited to have a great family day! While talking in bed the night before, Jeremy and I decided to make the most of it. We cooked up a nice breakfast and shared some exciting news with the girls. The news went as follows:

Jeremy asked the girls if they would like to share a room with a baby (not the plan by the way). Neither of them caught on. They mentioned their cousins Mya, then Tori, then baby Julia (Arica's baby). Jeremy and I were laughing and Ally was frustrated that she didn't understand. So we mentioned a new baby. What would you think if you had a new baby brother or sister? Ally's eyes were wide open and looked at mom's belly...but was still a little confused. Daddy's then mentioned that a baby has been growing in mommy's tummy and we'll be having another child join our family. Kaitlyn was then REALLY confused....she looked at my belly...realizing it's not big enough..."daddy you're teasing!" Ally was in shock "WHAT! really! Oh my goodness! Mom's pregnant! This is CRAZY!". We asked Kaitlyn if she would be excited to have another baby in the family. She said, "yes...but your NOT having a baby mom!" She was in denial for about three hours! Ally kept reassuring her that mom and dad would NOT lie about this. Daddy and I agreed. Finally, when we were at the t-ball game, I heard Kaitlyn mention to Grandma the following: "guess what? mama can't have much candy because she has a baby in her tummy" right after that she sits on my lap and says with a giggle "your boobs are going to have milk" it was SO precious! I was so glad to hear all of it...I never heard another word of denial.

The girls continually kiss my belly and are sharing the news with everyone they know. We knew once it got out to the girls it would be no secret. It sure was pleasant to get the word out. Our little surprise is expected around the 13th of December.

Baby Chicks

For a long time we've talked about getting some chickens and reaping the rewards of fresh eggs. Some friends from church had many hatch and were happy to send 5 our way. When Ally and I went to pick up some supplies, the local farm store was chirping away. We were SO surprised to see hundreds of little chicks down 1 isle! I sent a text Jeremy's way and we decided to pick up two more...this time black ones! They are supposed to lay upto 2 a day! We've had them in the house for the last week and so far they haven't stunk up the house. We are very happy to have them and hope everything works out fine. The girls have had a blast holding them and watching them grow and I think Jeremy has had a blast being our little handyman (creating their little chicken coop). More pictures to come soon. Keep up the good work hunny!

Kid Swap...night two.

Two nights in a row?! One of my best friends in the world is Arica! We're glad that our girls share the same friendship. We decided to do a date night kids swap. Jeremy and I went out last Friday and Arica & Jason went out on Saturday. The girls got two nights in a row with their friends and had a blast. I've watched baby Julia a couple times, but never all her girls at once. The night was fun, but I do have to say the hour Julia slept was great....popcorn, chick flicks and kids quiet! There's hope to my future...if I can care for 6 kids...my three should be a piece of cake, right?!

Ally's School Work

Kaitlyn's School Work

Ally's Latest Masterpieces

Can you tell if she intended to draw a lion head (look from a distance) or a dress with added flare? Thought it was pretty neat! The bottom right: she was so excited when a man came in to her class and taught her how to draw a duck, cow and pig. Can you tell which is which?

Kaitlyn's Creations

Mother's Day Surprises

I'm so lucky! Have I ever mentioned I have the SWEETEST girls on earth! Well I do! Ally picked out the flowers with Daddy (along with my yummy breakfast surprise). She also made a little frame in class that tells why she loves me "My mom loves me, she cares for me, she snuggles with me". In her trial day in 1st grade she made a mothers day card and colored a nice picture. Kaitlyn came home from school a week before mothers day with a special gift. She made me wait until Mother's Day to open my surprise....OH the suspense...It was a special plate she colored and a great card with 3-D flowers! She did a great job! In primary on Mother's Day they both made candy bouquets (a great idea!). Thanks family for making the day so special!

Sneaking In to the Patch

I couldn't resist! Kaitlyn's pre-school class planted their pumpkins a week or two ago (they get to pick them in the fall). They were right down the street from our house and I HAD to take a walk and get a picture or two. Kaitlyn never did see me and boy did I feel like the stocking mom! Kaitlyn was always hand-in-hand with Ms. Amy. It looks like she had a good time. Her teachers showed the class a robin eggs and took them on a nature hike (as you can see below). Kaitlyn was a little surprised when I asked her about those two things (wondering how on earth mom knew that)! She's in a great program with awesome teachers and tutors. I am so thankful for the program she is in!

Reminiscing....here's Ally

Okay...so the other day I created a post with pictures of our mothers and grandmothers. It took FOREVER to locate a picture of Jeremy with his mother. It was seriously in the last file I looked in (almost 4 years worth). I have to say I did have a lot of fun coming across several old photos of the girls (including Kaitlyn's broken arm and our Day out with Thomas, below). Here's one of Ally on Easter 2006....so precious! Love ya babe! Can't believe how little you used to be.

Reminiscing...here's Kaitlyn

I felt like the most horible mom in the world when Kaitlyn broke her arm. Ally, Kaitlyn and I were watching Seasame Street on my bed, I turned to grab something (seriously 5 seconds) and Kaitlyn fell off my bed (she is SO fast). Couldn't believe it when the doctors said she had a broken arm! Never knew a cast could be SO CUTE on a 1 year old. This was only a couple days after her first birthday.

Reminiscing... A Day out with Thomas

Back in the summer of 2006, my mom and I planned a little day trip with my grandmother. It was a day out with Thomas including a ride on the train. When the forcast for the day was 103 degrees my grandmother decided it would be best for her health to stay home. I couldn't let a ticket go to waste so we took my neice, Audrey. She and Ally are little buddies and they cherish their time together. I promised Katie a long time ago I would get pictures to her...so this is my way doing it (tacky, I know). Maybe I'll even send it in an e-mail and be nice....I'm SO bad at printing pictures...the ink runs out WAY too quickily!

To ALL women on this Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!







We are extremely grateful and love each of you very much.
Have a wonderful day!

Aunt Julie & Toby's BIG DAY

Congratulations!

Julie and Toby,

We were so glad to be able to join in your special day!
Congratulations from all of us!

Lucky to be a Mom

I am the luckiest mom in the world!



I'm so lucky to be the mother of these delightful children! Ally and Kaitlyn bring so much joy to my life, each day is full of sweet surprises.
Love you Sweethearts!

A Day With Natalie

Natalie has been a friend of mine since our freshman year in high school. She hasn't been in the area much since we graduated (college and moved north). I also haven't been able to help celebrate her birthday in quite some time. This weekend she came down for her baby shower and I was able to join family and friends at an awesome restaurant the same evening. It was great to catch up and I'm glad I had the opportunity to see her. Hope you had a FABULOUS birthday Natalie!

to eat OR not to eat

This was a battle a few weeks ago. Kaitlyn did not want to eat the food I prepared. We sat togethre for about 45 minutes...most of Kaitlyn's food still remained. We made her sit there until the food was gone and told her not to fuss. She was determined and chose her own option...to fall asleep. We let her sleep for a while, but awoke her soon after and fed her the bites required to get down. She was angry and I may have been a little drastic, but it's the only way to teach her. She hasn't created a fuss since that incident.

The Athletics 2009

The Quilo's

My sister-in-law Katie introduced me to this idea about 10 years ago. I've made a few through the years, but have never mastered the dimensions for folding quite right. This time I got it and I'm happy with the way they turned out. Two friends are expecting baby boys and I'm glad I found the time to make them. Now I need to find the time to do them for my own kiddos...I told them maybe for Christmas :)