Check up :(

Last week of school I am dreading the fighting. I went to the Dr. today for my post giving birth check up and found out that I have a hurnia, and now I have to go see a surgeon to see if I need surgery. I have a six week old, summer vacation and my husband can't drive for two more months. Not sure if I can fit surgery into my schedule. I am not in any pain so I guess that is a good sign.

A day to reflect, Memorial Day!!!

Well on Friday my Sister and I went to decorate graves at the Clinton City Cemetery. My Dad's grandparents and great-grandparents are buried there. In another area there is my Sister Laurie, my Mom and my son Michael. Time sure passes by quickly, they have all been gone for years, but it seems like just yesterday they were here with us. I am so grateful to know that someday I will be with them again.
Today I also reflect on the military service of my relatives. I have a brother-in- law who has been in the Air Force for over 20 years, my sister served for a few years long ago, he has served all over the world and in two different wars, in the Gulf War and in Afghanistan. My Dad served in the Army, he met my Mom while home on leave one time. I also have a Sister-in -law in the Army who just served in Iraq and a Nephew who came home from Afghanistan yesterday. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!
When I was 14 we went to visit my Sister and her Husband in Germany. At the time East Germany was still controlled by the Soviet Union. I remember seeing the hardships and being so greatful to live in a country where we have the freedoms that we do. I always get chocked up when I here the national anthem, because it reminds me of the sacrifices of all our military personel and the freedoms that we have to enjoy. I just don't see how people can take that for granted. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

First Sunday back.

Well we finally all went back to church today. It was so good to be back, I have missed it so much. Everyone thought that Emma was so cute, of coarse, and it was good to see everyone. It is amazing how much you can miss feeling that spirit that only is at church. I got to speak in Sacrament Meeting with the rest of the YW Presidency, that was fun. Joel did great with the kids Emma just slept and the boys stayed out of trouble and did not even fight. I forgot how much I love church, It is good to be back.

One Month

Well my baby girl turned 'One Month' today. Time flies by and yet I have a hard time remembering life without her. She is always hungry, she eats 4oz every three to four hours; and is starting to get a little fat on her. She is a very good baby, she only cries when she is hungry. The boys just love her and can't get enough of her. Anytime anyone is holding her the boys have to hug and kiss her nonstop. We are so glad to have her in our family. I just wish I could get more sleep because I feel like a zombie. I try to take naps during the day but that never seems to happen. Oh well eventually I will know what sleep feels like again.

Not again!!!

Well yesturday started like any other day. I took Parker to do his end of the year testing for kindergarten. He only missed one question. Way to go Parker. Joel had the day off so he went golfing with a friend. He came home tired and sunburned. He took a nap then went to my Dad's house to have his car worked on. Next thing I know, my Dad's wife Dona calls me and says that Joel is having a seizure, I told her to just call an ambulance. After finding a babysitter, thanks sister-in-law, I run to the Hospital. They don't know why he had the seizure, maybe he was a little dehydrated. About three years ago he had a seizure as well and they don't know what caused that one either. His one sister and brother have also had unexplained seizures, what is up with this family. It is scary to not know why this is happening. I just don't want it to happen again.

"Mother's Day"

For the past few years Mothers Day has brought mixed feelings. Since my Mom passed away it always makes me miss her even more. Since I lost my son Michael it makes me long for the day when I can hold him again and get to raise him. This year I have a new baby girl and it brings tears of joy for the wonderful children that I have. Motherhood is both a trial and an honor. Some days I want to pull my hair out. Other days I am in awe that my heavenly father would entrust me with the care of his sweet spirits.

I am so grateful for the Mothers in my life. I am who I am because of the wonderful Mom that raised me. She taught me how to cook, sew, love and serve. She was always giving to others, and always looking on the bright side. Even in the last years of her life, when she was in constant pain, I never heard her complain. I love her so much and miss her dearly. I am also grateful for my Mother-in-law who raised my husband. She is always there for me and my family, I cherish our friendship. I am also grateful for my Dads new wife Dona, she is like a surrogate Mom to me. She reminds me a lot of my Mom; they were good friends. Even though she has six kids of her own and numerous grandkids and great grandkids, she still remembers all of our birthdays and is always doing stuff for me and my kids. She takes care of us like my own Mom would.

I am greatful for the Mothers in my life as well as the opportunity to be a Mom. So to all you Mom's out there: Thank you for all you do and

"HAPPY MOTHERS DAY" I Love you all.

Baptism Day

All dressed in white at the church

Can't wait to get ready for my baptism

Today was a very emotional day for me. Partly because I had a baby a little over a week ago, but mostly because my sweet Ethan got Baptized today. He was so excited, he has been talking about it for months. All of our family was there to celebrate with us. Even Joel got a little emotional during the confirmation. Even though it is not necessary for Ethan to be baptized at this time; as the member of the Bishopric who conducted said, Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and I guess that goes for Ethan also.

He loves the water so much I was afraid what he might start playing around once he got into the font. He did good until after, then he started splashing around and Joel had to drag him out. The day started out rainy, then after the baptism it cleared up and got sunny. This reminded me of my own baptism, I remember driving home afterward and seeing the sun shine through the clouds I recall saying, "look Heavenly Father is happy that I got Baptized so he is making the sun shine." I know that Heavenly Father was smiling today as another one of his precious children was baptized.

Tired!!!

Daddy's little Girl

Little miss adorable

Well it has been a week since my beautiful daughter was born. I forgot how hard it was to get used to a new schedule, or should I say lack of one. Little Emma Jean is adorable, I am not biased or anything. Everything went great with delivery and we came home two days later. She weighed 6lbs 11oz and was 20 inches long. Small but my biggest baby. She also has a head full of dark hair, we are unsure where that came from; because Joel, Me, Ethan and Parker were all born with a little bit of blond hair. We have got lots of meals brought in, thanks to everyone for your help.

The boys just adore their little sister, they fight over who gets to hold her. Ethan likes to kiss her, pet her head and say "You are my sister." We are so glad to have her in our home, she is an angel and a blessing. It took so much to get her here I am glad she is finally here. Joel always said he never wanted a girl. But now she is "Daddy's little girl" and he just can't get enough of her. She already has him wrapped around her tiny fingers.

Baby time

Well I had a good Dr. visit today I am dilated to a 4, having contractions and totally ready for this baby to be born. So the Dr. asked if I wanted to have the baby this week or next and I of course said THIS week. So Thursday is the big day. I have to go to the Hospital at 6:30am, that will be loads of fun with the boys. They both really want to be there when she is born. I am excited and amazed that this day is almost here, this pregnancy has seemed really long and full of lots of worry. I never thought that I would make it this far. Here I am at 38 weeks and less than two days away from holding my baby girl. I can hardly wait. She has been such an active baby I can not wait to see what she looks like and what her personality is like. I am going to try to do this delivery medication free; we will see how that works out.

Happy 8th Birthday Ethan

Ethan got a card that plays music and he love to listen to it

Ethan is really into the movie Bolt he love to imitate the hamster Rhino

Today was Ethan's 8th birthday. It is hard to believe that it has already been 8 years since he was born, it seems like just yesterday. Ethan is so excited because now that he is 8 he can be baptized. That will happen on May 2, so hopefully the baby comes at least a week before.

I have some catching up to do

I thought I better get up to date with my Blog, My Sister in Law makes me feel guilty because she is so good at keeping up to date. Well as it goes I am ready to give birth to my third child and first GIRL any day now. My oldest boy turns 8 this Sunday and will probably be baptized in two weeks, if all goes well with the baby. We are looking forward as a family to having a baby girl in our home, I am sure she will be plenty spoiled. It is weird to have pink and purple stuff everywhere, I have been so used to blue for eight years now. The boys are going to be awesome big brothers. I just hope she is born soon otherwise we will have to postpone my sons' baptism and he will be very disappointed if we do that. Besides I already gave out all of the invites last weekend. Well some times in life we just have to roll with it and take each day as it comes, I am more of a planner. I like to have every thing scheduled. In this case there isn't much I can do about it, the baby will come when she is ready. To tell the truth with all that has gone on with this pregnancy I never thought that I would make it this far, I am glad she will be strong and healthy, I can wait for that.

Blogging

41%

Well here is how addicted I am, not to bad

Batman!!!

Here to save the dayIt's a bird It's a plane it is Batman

Look at me I'm Batman Today, little E got another birthday present. He got a Batman costume in the mail. When the package came I showed him the label and said, " Whose name does it have on it?" He said it was his. I then let him open it, at first he thought it was a Batman toy, I had to tell him that it was a costume that he could wear, with a cape and mask. He had been asking for a Batman cape for a couple of weeks, when I would ask him what he wanted for his birthday. So he tried on the costume and the first thing he did was to put his hands on his waist and say, " I am Batman, here to save the day." Then he stood on the stairs and jumped in the air and tried to fly. I think he really enjoyed the costume and will continue to enjoy it for a while. I just hope he doesn't ruin it before Halloween, then I won't have to buy another one for him.

Bubbles!!!

Having fun with bubbles Abby likes them too
Today the boys begged me to get the bubbles out. When they said bubbles our dog, Abby, perked up and got real excitted. I forgot how much she like bubbles. She loves to jump up in the air and try to eat them. She even knocked the boys over a couple of times trying to get to the bubbles.

Balloon fun

Kinda highReally High
Big P was playing with a balloon today, he made up a game called "Balloon Catch". Here are the rules: you throw it up in the air with you hands and bounce it on you head. Whoever throws it the highest get to answer a question. ( what ? I am not sure) Whoever throws it in the air 20 times wins. So we were playing his game and he said, "This is so much fun mom, we could play this for years." I think he still has the concept of time a litte confused.

You are the big #7

Batman CakeCousins having fun
Everyone enjoying E's presents
Wow look how spoiled I am
Today was my oldest son's 7th birthday. It is still hard to believe he is that old. He wanted to have a Batman party, so I made him a Batman cake and he also got a lot of other Batman stuff. He wanted to have his party at the park so everyone could come, and so he could play on the playground. Unfortionatly it was very windy, it was warm but windy. E didn't seem to mind he had lots of fun anyway. Both sides of the family came and I think everyone had a good time in spite of the wind. He also got very spoiled as you can see by the pictures. Thanks to all who came to celebrate it made it a special day. After the cake and ice cream he asked if we could go home, so he could play with all of his toys. He is the one that as soon as he wakes up in the morning asks if we can go by by. So he really liked all the stuff he got.

Babies on the mind

Abby and her puppy So little E has been absessed with babies lately. He just had two know cousins born and he thinks everyone is pregnant. Back in September we told the boys that Abby was pregnant and going to have puppies. Then we took her to the vet and it turns out she had a false pregnancy. She showed all the signs but had no puppies in her. Ever since then E thinks that she is still going to have puppies. So tonight he got his pound puppy and put it next to her and said that it was her puppy. I don't know what else to do to convince him that she isn't going to have puppies.

Up, Up, and Away

Last night I went with the Young Women in my ward to the Special Needs Mutual annual Play.

I have never been before, but always heard it was good. There are over 120 youth and adults who participate, along with their leaders and other youth volunteers. I visit teach two ladies who just turned 30 that go to the Special Needs Mutual, I promised them I would go to the play. They did such a good job. We also have a girl with Autism that is in our Young Womens and she was in the play as a hula dancer, she really got into it, it was cute to see her. The sister of the ladies I visit teach who is in our Young Women was one of the youth volenteers along with another girl in our ward. There was also a lady from my in-laws ward in the play. I know some of the Adult leaders also. It was nice to see so many people I know there.

Watching all those cute people; everyone of them wanting to be the center of attention, made me think of my sweet Little E who someday can be in one of those plays. It makes me smile with pride to know how much this play and the Mutual program itself, can help these people to be more independent and feel like they can accomplish anything. It was fun to see their smiling faces and how much they enjoyed the clapping and attention. They were so happy and loved to show off for the crowd. They all did a great job and I was glad that I could go.

I look at all the girls in my Young Womens and see how they treat people with disabilities and how much they love and include them in their lives; and I am honored to work with them. They are such good examples and have such big hearts for everyone. My ward has always had someone with special needs. The people in my ward are just so excepting and loving of them, I am glad we live where we do.

A great proformance!

He is here!!!

Well He finally Made it. My sister-in-law thought that her baby boy was never going to get here. He arrived today at 11:20am. He was 9lb 2oz and 23 1/2 in. What a big boy, both mine were only a little over 6lbs I can't imagine having a 9lb one, great job Sis.

We went to the Hospital to see him and he is so cute. He looks like a great combination of his parents. Welcome to the busy but wonderful world of parenthood.

Mom holding her beautiful baby boy

Dad and Grandma admiring the litte one.

Little E with his new cousin. (look he has a tongue)

Litte E loves babys and has been asking for weeks; "Can we go to the Hospital to see the baby, I want to hold him." He finally got his chance and was so excited.

Congrates you guys we love you and are so happy for you. Just remember you are not alone, there are plenty of Moms around you can call and talk to.

Easter

Funny Faces

Look at all the cool colors
Reeses Bunnys our favorite
Dad looks half asleep

Well Easter sure came early this year. They say it won't come this early again in my lifetime, wow. The boys had fun dying eggs this week. We had an egg hunt at my sister's house and at my in-laws' house. They got lots of candy which is not good for me; because I have been eating way to much chocolate. They also got two DVDs " The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham." We also were able to watch some good videos about the Savior and his Life, Death and Resurrection. I have been trying to drill it into the boys heads that Christmas and Easter are about Jesus and not Santa and the Easter Bunny.


Today was nice weather I hope spring comes and stays for real.