Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 In a Nutshell

This has been quite the year.  On February 14, I found out that I was pregnant.  I was 4 weeks pregnant, and I had suspected I was pregnant for about 2 weeks.  I was generally just not feeling good but no pregnancy test would come back positive that early.  I was very excited, because I knew that I was supposed to have one more baby.  I was blessed with my daughter's birth on Oct 5.

On Mar 17, my son turned 8.  He was baptized that day.  It was also our last complete day that we would spend in Olean.  We would leave the next day for parts unknown... it was supposed to be NV, but we ended up in UT.  I believe this is where we are supposed to be.  My husband loves his job here and my sister loves her job, and I loved my job.  I made some very good friends while I was working, people I hope to always have in my life.  I am currently self-employed, working from home doing orders for the company I used to work for.

When we arrived in Utah, my other brother-in-law and sister-in-law opened their house to us and let us stay until we found a place to live.  It took us a few days, but we did it.  It was very kind of them to do this for us.  When we were moving from NY, my sister asked me what I was looking most forward to, I said meeting my sister-in-law and my new nephew. 

We moved into our apartment on Mar 24.  We had many people help us, people that we didn't even know.  People from the Church ward we would be attending helped us out, even though we had never met.  It was wonderful the service that was given.  We have wonderful people in our ward.  We live in a 3rd floor apartment.  If I had been thinking, I would have insisted on a 1st floor, because I worry about the children falling over the balcony or something.  I know, I have anxiety issues.  The children aren't allowed on the balcony.

On Apr 30, my daughter turned 7.  We had my brother-in-law and sister-in-law as well as their children over to celebrate with us.  We had done a combined party for my 7 and 8 year-old before we moved, so they could enjoy their birthday with their friends back east.

I started feeling like I had bug bites in mid June.  I was wondering how the mosquitoes got in and why they were choosing me as their prey.  It was about the time that my Mom and my Aunt Georgia came to southern Utah to visit.  We met them down in St George.  We enjoyed a couple days together and then we had to return to where we lived.   It was wonderful to see them again.

I knew by the end of June that something was quite wrong.  I saw a doctor and explained that it was the same thing I had in my last pregnancy.  I had been diagnosed with severe eczema and folliculitis.  The doctor decided I had folliculitis.  He gave me antibiotics.  It continued to get worse.  I finally went to a dermatologist.  He did a biopsy, then another to confirm the first.  I was diagnosed with Pemphigoid Gestationis.   This is a pregnancy rash that occurs in 1 in 50,000 pregnancies.  It is very rare.  I was placed on Prednisone, and I continue to take it now.  When I get to 10 mg, it gets worse again.  I am at 10 mg again now, and am hoping to just continue to survive the itching and it will adjust.  We shall see.

My husband found his current job in mid May.  He interviewed while my sister, my children and I were in Washington state for my brother's 40th birthday.  My husband started work on May 31.  It was a wonderful thing.  I had initially planned to stop working when he started, but I loved my work and my co-workers so I continued to work until 9 days before my baby was born.

My sister, my children and I flew to NY on Aug 11.  They didn't know we were making the flight until the night before we left.  We were surprising everyone at home...except Mom knew.  It was wonderful to get home (to NY) again and see the family.  I will never forget the looks on their faces when they saw us.  Bob gave the children all a really big hug, he was the first one we saw.  Then Dad... then Roland and my nephew... then Jim and Colette.  Susan and Mom picked us up in Cleveland.  That night, the boys softball team had won their division championship.  We missed it by a few minutes.  The next morning Breann came over with my nieces.  We were home for City Cup weekend.  Colette's team won the Women's City Cup.  I was so proud to be there, and Colette did so well... I think she won it for the team.  It was a sad day, Aug 20, when we had to head home.  We drove the van back.  The kids did amazing on the long days in the van.

The children started 2nd and 3rd grade the day after we got home from NY.  They were supposed to start the week before, but we wanted to see the family.  My daughter has the teacher that my son had last year.  She is a wonderful teacher, and my daughter loves her.  She is a wonderful teacher.  I haven't had the opportunity to meet my son's teacher yet, as parent-teacher conference was the week that I had the baby, but she seems to be a caring teacher.

The best thing that happened this year was the birth of my daughter.  She is such a good baby.  All of my children have been.  She was born at 9:46 am, weighing 6 lbs 3 oz and 18.5 inches long.  She was such a tiny little thing.  She has grown so much.  She now smiles at us and is very interactive.  She is on the verge of laughing.  She discovered her feet the other day, which was cute.  She couldn't help but keep looking at them.  She had a zebra outfit on, and each foot had a little zebra on it.  She was really trying to figure it out.  She loves bath time.  She had a bit of the rash transferred at birth, but it cleared up quickly and didn't seem to bother her.

My mom came out to visit from Oct 9 to Nov 2.  It was wonderful to have her here for that long.  We stayed up together and found new shows that we enjoy watching.  "Chopped" and "Sweet Genius" on the Food Network.  "Psych" on USA or Ion.  We also watched a lot of sports, whether it was college basketball, football or the World Series.  Having Mom here made it possible for me to get some much needed sleep.  I think she left here sleep deprived.  She made the children chocolate chip pancakes frequently.  She cleaned my house.  She drove me and the children around.  She cooked for us.  It was so hard to say goodbye to her again.

For Halloween, my 8 year-old was Mario, my 7 year-old was an Indian Princess, my 3 year-old was a bumble bee, my newborn was an angel, and my husband was dressed in the outfit they gave him to come in the c-section room with me.  I was just me.  I don't get dressed up.  We went to a trunk-or-treat... I left the baby with my mom.  We gave out 3 Musketeers, Kit-Kats, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Tootsie Rolls.  When those were gone, we came home and the children went out and I stayed with Mom and the baby.

My 3 year-old started school on Nov. 2.  He has wanted to start school since he was 2.  It was a great day for him.  He loves school and always wants to go.  He isn't a huge fan of the Christmas break.  He got a Toy Story backpack.  He loves that he gets a snack at school.

We had our first snowfall of the fall on November 5.  It was quite substantial.  I had to clean off the car before I went to pick up my sister from the airport, as she had spent the week up in Washington watching my brother's children.  We haven't had much snow this fall/winter...knock on wood.  Hope it stays that way.  I am no fan of snow.  It was in the 40s for Christmas :) 

We spent Thanksgiving at home.  My husband had to work, so we ate when he got home.  He brought my kids to my in-laws for dessert and my sister and I had a piece of pie at home.  Somehow I managed to lose weight the week of Thanksgiving.  I am doing Weight Watchers currently.  We will see next week how Christmas and New Years fared on the waistline.

My youngest son turned 4 on Dec 20.  We got him a cake, hot dogs and chips the Saturday before.  He wanted his cake to have Gummy Bears and eyeballs.  We got a cake that had a poinsettia flower on it (the eyeball) and bought gummy bears and put them on the cake.  On the 20th, we brought them to an indoor playground and had pizza and pop.

For Christmas Eve, we did the traditional stuff.  My sister and husband brought the kids to see "The Adventures of Tin-Tin."  I stayed home with the baby.  She had been up til 4 am.  Then we went and ate pizza at NYPD pizza and went and looked at Christmas lights.  Santa came while we were gone.  The children opened all their gifts.  They appreciated everything they got. 

My brother-in-law brought my nieces over on Christmas.  It was wonderful to see them.  My 14 year-old niece loved to hold the baby.  She is very good with her.  I could not believe how much the girls have grown up.  They are wonderful young women.  The 9 year-old niece did very well playing (wrestling) with my 4 year-old.  I kept telling him to leave her alone, but she said she didn't mind.

On my birthday, we went out to a Mexican restaurant.  It was tasty.

Tonight we plan to celebrate New York New Years.  I don't want to keep the children up til midnight.  We will have shrimp, fudge, cheese, crackers, cheese ball, M&M's, and sparkling grape juice.

The worst thing in 2011 was needing to say goodbye to my family.  Many of them planned to move out here this year, but they are having a hard time selling their houses.  The economy is horrible.  I look forward to all of us being together again!

I hope that everyone had a great 2011... and that 2012 is even better!  Tomorrow I will be listing my New Year's Resolutions.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  Today was a wonderful day.  The baby stayed up til 5 am this morning, she was up til 4 am yesterday.  My sister sat up with her this morning while I got a few winks of sleep.  I woke up at 10:35 am, church starts at 11.  It was quite interesting.  I managed to get my hair done, my daughter's hair done, get dressed, get the baby dressed, and only be a couple minutes late to church.  I was quite impressed with myself.

We did the family tradition yesterday.  Well, the baby and I missed the movie, but everyone else went.  Then we went out for pizza, came home and cleaned so Santa would not be disappointed, then went and looked at Christmas lights.  While we were looking at Christmas lights, Santa came.  We got home and the kids opened gifts.  They were so happy with everything they got.

It was wonderful to see the sparkle in the children's eyes as they opened the gifts.  They showed gratitude with every one they opened.  I am so thankful for my children.  I am so thankful for my family and for everyone that made this Christmas as nice as it was.  We had some people give us gifts anonymously.  I am not sure if they read this or not, but if so, thank you so much!

My brother-in-law and my nieces came over to visit this afternoon.  It was wonderful to see them again.  I haven't seen my nieces in several years.  They have grown up into wonderful girls and one is a great young woman.  She enjoyed getting to hold the baby.  It was nice to see them again, and I hope to be able to visit with them before they go back home.  The children enjoyed getting to play with their cousins.

We are blessed to have had our Savior, Jesus Christ, born to make our return to Heavenly Father possible.  He marked the way for us to return.  He showed by example those things that we are to do.  He is a perfect man.  He lived his life serving others, He did not care if people were rich or poor, short or tall, fat or thin.  He lived for all. He loved all.  He died for all.  He was resurrected for all.  He took all our sins and felt all our pain.  Today is a wonderful day to remember all He has done for us.  I am grateful for all He did. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Kissed My 3 Year-Old Goodnight for the Last Time Last Night...

This morning I kissed my 4 year-old for the first time.  He woke up and I told him Happy Birthday and gave him a big kiss.  I then asked him what he wanted for breakfast, he didn't want anything, he wanted the DS.  I located that and let him play.  A few minutes later, he decided he was hungry.  I asked what he wanted and wanted Rice Chex.  That is my favorite cereal of all time.  I practically live on it.  I went and got him a bowl of Rice Chex and he ate a lot of it.  Then he decided he wanted me to feed him.  I thought it was the least I could do for his birthday.  We sat on the couch as I fed him and his baby sister.

He played the DS a lot today.  He sat close to me and had me read the different things to him as they would pop up on the screen.  I don't really understand the games, but I guess it is good to know what the things say.  At about 2 pm, we decided to see if the van would start.  It has been having battery problems lately.  It started, so we headed off to the doctor's office so the baby could get her shots.  When we arrived back at the house, it was bathtime so they would be ready for pictures.  The baby and him had a bath. 

We always do birthday pictures.  I decided we would get one of the four kids together.  I made the appointment yesterday.  We arrived about 25 minutes early.  The appointment was at 5 at Wal-Mart.  We were done with pictures by 5:10.  This is the first time we ever finished so quickly.  I was happy! 

After the appointment, we headed to the indoor play center.  We got a pizza and pitcher of soda (root beer) for his birthday.  The kids played and I sat at the table with the baby.  It was nice to be there again with the children. 

We celebrated his birthday on Saturday, but it was nice to do something with him on his actual date of birth.  I think he had a good day!  My 7 year-old daughter got a balloon and then my 4 year-old announced that he gets everything on his birthday.  Didn't really seem to work out that way!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Birthday Celebration

My 3 year-old will turn 4 on Tuesday.  So hard to believe!  He is such an amazing little fella.  I have been blessed with 2 amazing little fellas and 2 amazing little girlies.  We celebrated his birthday today.  He wanted a cake with gummy bears and eyeballs.  My sister and I set out to fulfill this wish.  We went to Macey's (a grocery store in the area) and purchased a small cake.  When I say small, I think it was no more than 4 inches in diameter and 2 layers.  It was a white cake with butter cream frosting. The cake had a giant poinsettia flower on the top... thus the eyeball.  We bought some gummy bears and put them all over the cake.

My sister and husband brought the 3 older children to the indoor play area and I stayed home with the baby.  They were gone for about an hour and then returned home.  During that time, I did some work on my computer. When they returned home, we put the gummy bears on the cake and then sang Happy Birthday.  He opened his gifts.  He got a Webkinz Tree Frog, a race track with 2 cars (the big hit of the party), and a set of his own anti-plastic dishes, made from corn and dishwasher safe, by Zoe b Organic.

For supper, he wanted hot dogs, potato chips and strawberries.  That is what he got.  I also bought black olives because I know he loves them.  He ended up eating most of them, which is fine.  He had a horrible time trying to open his hot dog bun.  The top half ripped apart, which frustrated him. Luckily, bread can be squished back together.  So that is what I did.  I then put his hot dog in the bun for him.  He could eat hot dogs and strawberries all day if I let him.  Yesterday he ate 4 hot dogs right out of the package.  That is something I did as a child, but I couldn't imagine doing it now!

My sister and I went and picked up a few things at the mall this afternoon.  It was packed.  We got a good parking spot though.  It is crazy how busy it gets this close to Christmas.  We also wrapped gifts this morning.  This evening we went on a walk around a .47 mile track.  It was getting dark so we only did one lap.  We will have to go earlier next time.

I gained 1.4 pounds this week.  It doesn't make any sense to me because I am sticking with my points.  I just think I am fighting a losing battle with Prednisone.  I guess it is better that I lose it and then gain it, than just keep gaining.  I look so forward to when I can finally be done with the medication!  I think I need to discuss the weight gain with the doctor and see if there is any way to counteract it.  We shall see!

It was an overall good day!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Cloth Diapering Mommy Bloggers Needed for a Review/Giveaway

I am currently a cloth diapering mommy.  It is going well and is saving us money.  I would recommend cloth diapering to any parent who have a child or children in diapers.  They have come a long way since the cloth diapers I remember when I was a child.

A fellow blogger "Midnight Mommy" is looking for mothers who use cloth diapers to give an honest review.  Please click here to read more about possibly reviewing cloth diaper products, if you are interested.  Thank you!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Christmas Concert

My daughter recently had her Christmas concert.  She had been practicing 3 mornings a week.  My 8 year-old son had also been going.  For whatever reason, he decided not to sing in the concert. 

I was able to go and watch the rehearsal during school hours, and then my husband went that evening and watched.  It was very impressive.  When I walked in to the room where they were rehearsing, it took me a couple of minutes to spot my daughter.  I looked up and down the risers until I found her.  She must have seen me right away, because once I found her, I smiled and waved.  She smiled and waved back. 

My 7 year-old daughter loves to sing.  She will sing in the bathtub, shower, in bed, wherever she is, she will sing.  She told my mom that she wants to sing a solo at school.  I have no doubt that will happen.  She sings well, and she has that outgoing personality that she could just get up there and belt out a song without thinking twice.  I am the opposite.  I would see all the people sitting out there and possibly start to cry.  I wouldn't really cry, but I don't think I would be able to move my mouth.  They would be thankful, since I am not a good singer anyway.

They sang several fun songs for the concert.  I think most of them were the usual... Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Jingle Bell Rock, and a few others.  She stood up there with a big smile on her face and sang.  I would have enjoyed watching my son sing too, but I can't make him sing if he doesn't want to. 

She would like to be a professional singer someday.  I tell her she can do anything she wants.   I am proud of her for sticking with something she loves.

We went to a grocery store today and they had Santa Claus there.  My 7 year-old and 3 year-old were with me.  They both got a picture with him.  We have to go back to get the pictures.  It certainly is getting close to Christmas.  This is an exciting time of year. 

I lost 1 pound this week.  I was happy.  If I average a pound a week, I will be to my ideal weight according to Weight Watchers, in 51 weeks.  That will work for me.  I am still taking Prednisone, so every pound I lose is an effort. 

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Scary Stories

I think we all know some Ghost Stories.  I don't know of anyone that hasn't had a dear friend or sibling tell at least one. 

My kids have told each other some.  In thus doing, they scared themselves as well as each other.  There were many nights when both of my children would wake up and come wandering to where I was sleeping.  I knew quickly what was going on.  Someone else talked about ghosts.  The question was who.  This time it was my oldest son.  He not only managed to scare his sister, but he scared himself too.  Although he knew he was making it up, it still scared him.

We live in an apartment complex.  He had her (and himself convinced) that one of the empty apartments was haunted.  I offered to bring them to the apartment and let them see that it wasn't haunted.  They wouldn't even show me which one it was.  I guess they didn't want to go anywhere near it. 

When I was younger, there was the China Doll.  My mom had one.  It was in the attic.  So, upon hearing the story about the China Doll, I never wanted to see that thing again.  I would not go into the attic.  Not at any price.  I have no idea where that doll is now, neither does my mom.  There was also "Now I've Got Ya, Now I'm Gonna Eat Ya."  In the end, you realize that it wasn't as scary as they made it seem, but until the end, it was quite the scary story.

It has been a couple months since they scared each other.  I am hoping that it never happens again. 

I didn't run yesterday.  I did run today.  I ran a mile.  I walked .41 miles after that.  I was happy.  I have no idea how long it took.  I just wanted to complete a mile.  I didn't take Prednisone today.  I am hoping that I don't need to take it anymore.  We shall see!  I itch, but if it goes away, I will not take it again.

Monday, December 5, 2011

My Fitness Battles

I am going to start out by saying that I have been morbidly obese in my life and I have been my ideal weight in my life.  I am going to be honest and say that I have been obese more in my life than not.  Right now, I am categorically in the obese section.  I had a baby 2 months ago, today.  She is an amazing little one and I wouldn't change having her for the world, even if I never lose this weight, she is well worth it to me.

In 2009, I decided to take control of my weight.  My brother and I joined a competition at the YMCA as a team.  It was Jan. 2 and I weighed 233.4.  That isn't the most I ever weighed in my life, but it was a lot more than I wanted to weigh.  I am 5'6" tall.  At this time, I had 3 children, born in Mar 2003, Apr 2004, and Dec 2009.  I lost 40 lbs right before I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd child.  Then I never lost the weight after him.  I decided it was time.  With my brother as my partner, I didn't want to let him down.  In the next 10 weeks, I managed to lose about 38 lbs.  He lost closer to 50.  We came in second place.

During this time though, I went to the YMCA daily, if not twice a day.  I would get on the cardiovascular machines and go with all my heart.  I would see glances in my direction sometimes from people that were fit, that would make me feel uncomfortable.  All the people that worked at the YMCA were nothing but helpful.  They did what they could to help me succeed.  If I didn't know how to use a machine, they would take the time to show me.

I started running during this time.  I was so happy when I first ran a quarter-mile.  Since my brother was my partner, I called him first.  So excited!  He was excited for me.  That quarter-mile was the first of hundreds of miles I have logged on my feet.  He was so supportive of me, he would call and see what I did and ate daily.  I needed that accountability.  As I watched The Biggest Loser one night, they made these people run a half-marathon, unaware.  They found out that day that they would be running.  I figured that if they could run a half-marathon, I could run a 5 K. The furthest I had run before this was a mile.  It about killed me to run the 5 K without stopping, but I did it.  I set the treadmill to the 5 K program and started running.  That was my biggest running accomplishment in my life.

Our 10 week competition ended halfway through March.  On April 9, I had surgery to remove bone out of 3 toes, because I have hammertoes.  That kept me from running for 2 months exactly.  I decided during this time that I was going to do a half-marathon.  I went to RunnersWorld.com Smart Trainer and put in my times.  It came up with a schedule where I would start by running a certain distance at 4.3 mph.  I remember this because of how low the speed was.  I probably wouldn't have remembered it, except I had an older gentleman on a machine next to me that would just keep looking at me in disgust.  It wasn't just one look, it was several.  At this time, on the first day, I was 201 lbs.  Yes, I gained a few when I couldn't do much on my feet.  I wanted to curl up into a little ball and cry, but I hate crying, especially in front of people.  I ran the distance at that speed, and yes, I was a sweaty mess by the end, but I did it with him glancing at me in disgust.

I continued my running schedule for the 16 weeks and then there were 2 more weeks before the half-marathon.  I continued to get glances from people off and on.  By the time my half-marathon occured, I was a rather permanent fixture at the YMCA.  I lost 20 pounds and people were noticing me.  I would get asked about my running and why I was doing it.  I had people rooting for me.  I was the "running girl."  It was mid-October when I did my half-marathon.  I ran it in 2:33:55.  Yes, I am not fast, but I didn't walk at all, and it was a hilly course in PA.  I was proud of myself.  Many of my siblings were there at the finish line, as well as my husband and 3 children.  I felt as if I conquered the world.

I have gone on to complete 2 marathons, several 5 Ks and a few 10 Ks as well as a 17.75K.  Now, after having my daughter, I weigh 206.2 lbs.  There, it is out there.  I am not ashamed of that weight, I have a beautiful daughter to show for it.  I have been taking Prednisone since mid-July, and it causes weight gain and difficulty in weight loss.  I am going to start running again, today.  I will be happy with whatever distance I get.  I ran .83 miles at her 6 week date, and about got sick.  I am going to take it easy and get back up to the half or full-marathon again.

I moved to a new city in March.  I am 1900 miles away from the YMCA that I talked about.  I think that it is important to try out different fitness centers.  I have been to centers that were made for women only.  The problem with that was that they didn't seem to have as much as other fitness centers.  I like to have a pool, free weights, a variety of cardiovascular machines.  I know that there are fitness trainers that seem to abhor overweight people.  I had one in my past.  He tried to kill me, I really think he would have liked to see me dead.  I chose him because I wanted someone that would push me to do my best.  I think he pushed me to see if I would die.  I couldn't walk for a week.  I didn't die, but I did switch trainers.

I would love to get back into shape and become a fitness trainer.  I think it helps if someone has been through the challenges that those of us who have been or are overweight.  I don't wish it on people, but I think it helps people to be empathetic.  I think that being overweight, we have to accept that there are people that are just going to be rude.  We have to know that we will get mean glances and hear rude comments, but we shouldn't let them ruin our desire to get fit.  It is sad to think that we should expect these things, but I have lived through them before, and I will live through them again.  At the end of the day, my family loves me regardless of everything, and that is what really matters.

It is like I tell my loved ones... when I first started running, people would make rude comments and yell out asking why I even bother.  Then they were probably the same ones yelling comments in approval after I had lost the weight.  There are just people like that.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Where, Oh Where, Has My Energy Gone?

I know that it is Saturday, and I know that I should already know what we will be eating tomorrow, but I have no clue.  I woke up and went to Weight Watchers this morning...gained .4 pound.  I then got in the car and drove back home.  My husband had to be somewhere at 9.  I normally go to the grocery store right after Weight Watchers.  Not this week, there was no time.

My problem is I feel so blah.  My throat hurts, chalking it up to post-nasal drip.  I am exhausted.  No reason in particular.  I wake up and take care of my little one when she starts to stir.  I don't want her to think that I don't hear her.  She sleeps quite well most of the time.

So, I sit here and write my blog instead of getting up, putting my jeans back on and heading to the store.  I took a shower about 2 hours ago.  Instead of getting re-dressed, I put my pajamas on.  That was probably a bad idea.  Once I get them on, I never want to take them off again the same day.  My daughter is sound asleep on my chest, which is another wonderful reason not to move.  My husband went to the gym with my 7 year-old daughter, another great reason to not leave.  As you can see, I have a lot of good reasons not to leave.

My most powerful reason to get up and go?  I need to get something to eat for tomorrow.  We have food in the fridge, but not really anything that would go nicely together.  The other problem, this is the weekend, and on the weekend, I allow myself to eat ice cream.  I prefer Great Value Rocky Road.  Why?  I love the chocolate covered almonds... they are like candy.  They are really tasty!  We don't have Rocky Road, we have mint chocolate chip.  It just isn't the same.  I had a little earlier.  I must get some Rocky Road ice cream.  My daughter hates it... she likes Dreyer's Rocky Road.  She can have the mint chocolate chip :)

I think we will have pizza tomorrow, I will go and buy it tonight and cook it tomorrow.  We will have the Wal-Mart pizza.  Not the frozen pizza, but the pizza they keep refrigerated near the Deli.  They also have cheesy breadsticks over there too.  I am going to get those.  I have never had them, but when I have seen them in the past, they have looked tasty.  I also plan to get some lunch meat, so we can have sandwiches.

Today my husband took my older two children to see "The Muppets."  They really enjoyed it.  My sister took my youngest son to see "Arthur Christmas."  That was also good.  Everyone seemed to like the movie they saw.  I stayed home and watched football.  I hung out with my baby girl.  Now I am watching BYU vs Hawaii.  BYU is losing.  I'd like to see them win.  I'd like to be there in person :)  I have never been to Hawaii, it is one of 5 states I haven't made it to.

Hope you all have had a good Saturday!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Christmas Tradition

Can anyone believe that it is December?  It is actually December 2nd now!  I don't know where November went, but it went quickly!  I have 22 days to complete any Christmas shopping that I have to do.  Our family tradition is to open gifts on Christmas Eve and leave Christmas Day to remember the reason for the season.  Santa started coming to our house on Christmas Eve when I was around 7 years-old, it seems.  I think my parents had a long conversation with him explaining that they didn't appreciate getting up in middle of the night to open gifts. He listened and has followed through with making a stop at our house on Christmas Eve ever since.

Christmas Eve is a wonderful day in the house.  We go out for pizza, in NY it is always Pizza Hut.  Here in UT, it will be somewhere else.  The nearest dine-in Pizza Hut is over an hour away.  Yes, UT consists of lots of take-out Pizza Huts.  We are trying to decide what pizza place will be getting our business.  It also depends on the weather that day.  I am not going to travel too far in snow.  We do have a favorite pizza place in Ogden that I would like to go to.

Next, we see a movie.  I am not sure I will be participating in the movie viewing this year.  My baby will be a little under 3 months old and may not make movie viewing enjoyable to others.  I missed the movie 4 years ago when I had a baby that was 4 days old.  It is okay to miss the movie to make life better for other movie goers.  After the movie, we hangout at home for a little while until it gets dark.  We then go and look at Christmas lights.  In NY, we would go to a park that they put a lot of decorations in and walk around.  We would then drive up a hill and look down at the city.  The city always seems magical that night.  We then drive around town and look at lights that people have put up at their houses.  Santa comes during this time so excitement builds up with the children (and the adults) with every house we see.

We then return home and open gifts.  It is wonderful to see the happiness in the children's eyes with the gifts they open.  Santa is a good man and his wife must be wonderful too!  We then have doughnuts and orange juice.  By this time, we are usually so stuffed that we put the fudge and Hickory Farms Beef Stick on hold until Christmas.  I love Christmas time.  I am going to miss sharing it with my family back East.  The tradition will continue here though.  When I lived here several years ago, I made sure to keep it going, and that will not change.

Just a reminder, please vote for The Dilleys at www.facebook.com/homedepot.  They are my in-laws and could really use the help.  You can read their story there as well.  You will have to scroll past the pictures to find the button to vote.  They are one out of nine families chosen for the Gift for Good for a $20K home makeover.  You can vote daily through Dec 9.  Thank you!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I Need Your Vote... and a Power Nap at 8:15 P.M.

First of all, I am requesting a favor from my readers.  My in-laws (the Dilleys) have been chosen as 1 out of 9 finalists to receive a home makeover worth $20,000 from Home Depot.  They could really use the help in updating their home.  Please take the time to read their story and cast your vote here: Vote for the Dilleys and click on the Gift for Good . I would also appreciate it if you would share the link with others.  Thank you all in advance!

Last night, my 3 year-old son went to sleep at 8:15 pm.  I was thrilled, as he had been staying up until midnight.  My 8 week-old stayed up til after 1 am on Monday night.  I was looking forward to a good night's sleep.  Not a great night's sleep, but at least a good night's sleep.  Fast forward to 9:30 pm, I was watching the end of the Duke vs Ohio State Basketball massacre.  I hear the pitter-patter of my son's feet running down the hallway.  I almost cried, not seriously, but I thought about it.

I tried to convince him to go back to sleep upon his arrival in the family room.  I told him he was really tired.  I told him he really had to go to sleep.  I offered him bribes.  He wasn't falling for any of my tricks.  I might have had a little more luck if there wasn't a computer turned on, which he took control of quickly.  At 10 pm, I wanted to watch "Chopped" on the Food Network.  I am a huge fan of that show... I started watching it after the birth of my 8 week-old.  I ended up watching "Wow Wow Wubbzy."   I hoped that would put him to sleep.  That was on for an hour.  I hoped to watch the next episode of "Chopped" at 11 pm.  Instead, I watched "Nihao Kai-lan,"  then I watched "Little Bill."  I completely missed both episodes of "Chopped," and he was still awake.  Oh, I forgot to mention that my baby was awake by this time too.

I switched the channel to the "Late Show with Craig Ferguson."  I never watch that, but I was hoping it would bore my 3 year-old to sleep.  Nope... at 12:30 pm, I switched to "Storage Wars."  I enjoy this show as well.  He was asleep by 12:45 am.  My baby had fallen to sleep a little after midnight.  I believe I managed to fall to sleep a little after 1 am. 

My 3 year-old woke up around 8:40 this morning.  I am not sure if this means he will be going to sleep early tonight because he will be so tired after not getting enough sleep.  Trust me, I didn't wake him up, I fully planned to sleep til at least 10 am after waking up to get my older children off to school.  I have no problem falling back to sleep these days.  I think I will be scared if he does go to sleep any earlier than 9 pm. 

I am not sure how I will sleep tonight.  We have a high wind watch, sustained winds of 45-60 mph with gusts up to 75 mph for tonight.  We have a huge pine tree right outside my apartment.  With the winds howling tonight, I will hope to get some sleep, but it isn't too promising to get a good night sleep.  So, in the end, pray for the tree to stay intact.

I did get to spend quality time with my 3 year-old last night when everyone else was sleeping, so that is the bright side. Life is good! :)

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Christmas Lights at Temple Square

On Friday night, the Christmas lights at Temple Square were officially turned on for the season.  My sister told me on Friday night and I said we should go.  Fast forward about 24 hours, we were on our way to Salt Lake City.  It took a little while to get everyone ready and excited for the trip, but we did.  My sister first treated us to dinner at JB's restaurant.  I managed to eat something that didn't agree with me, but I didn't let that get in the way of a good time.

I bundled up my baby girl.  She was in her outfit, the thing I zip her in to and then put her in the car seat, and a blanket, with a little knit cap on.  I wanted to be sure she didn't get to cold.  It was in the low 30s, so it was quite frigid out there.  The rest of us had on coats, except me, who thought that it would be warm enough with a jacket on.  I was just an little wrong!

As we were walking from our van to see the Christmas lights, my youngest son kept saying, "Are we going to see the Chris-A-Mis lights?"  I thought it was really cute how he was saying it.  He definitely got a chuckle out of me.  I assured him that we were going to see them. Once we got back with his Aunt, he didn't want to hold anyone's hand except for hers.  We made it quite clear that there were too many people and that he had to hold our hands so he wouldn't get lost.  I held the baby the whole time we walked around the Square.  I wanted to be sure she was wrapped appropriately.

There were thousands of people on Temple Square.  It is quite the attraction at Christmas time.  They make it so beautiful.  I think it is beautiful without the Christmas lights, but the Christmas lights make it even more beautiful.  It is fun to hear the ooooh's and aaaaaaah's of the children when they see the lights.  It is almost like the Fourth of July!

My computer went to the computer doctor over a week ago. It needed to get warranty work on the DVD player.  Since the warranty ran out yesterday, I thought I should get it done!   I am still waiting for it to get back.  When it does get back, I will be able to post some pictures that we took on this trip to Salt Lake City.  Until then, you just have to take my word for it that they sure know how to decorate Temple Square. 

On another note, my 7 year-old daughter, my sister and I had our hair done yesterday.  It turned out well for all of us.  My sister got more cut than she anticipated, but in the end, it was a good cut.  I got weighed yesterday morning and lost 1.4 pounds for a total of 10 pounds.  I am super happy about that!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thoughts on Black Friday

Today I am thankful that I didn't go out to get any of the Black Friday Sales.  I never woke up intentionally to get  the deal, or stayed up all night, but if for some reason I was awake at a horrible time of the morning and it could help me get a good deal, I would head out. 

I remember getting pushed and bumped though when I was 37 weeks pregnant with my 3 year-old son.  I didn't like that.  I decided then that I would not go out on Black Friday until after 10 am, when most of the crowds have died down.  I have not left the house today, to be honest, I don't plan to leave it.  I can never remember anyone pepper spraying or robbing someone else when I was out there.  There are certainly crazy people in the world, and I am thankful that I have not encountered them.  I will be honest, I would like it to stay that way. 

There is no sale big enough to cause me to want to harm another person.  There is no sale big enough to cause me to want to be harmed.  I will continue to watch my television that is not plasma or HD, and I will enjoy it.  My children will continue to own a Nintendo 64, we will not be updating that console anytime soon.  I do not own a Droid phone or the latest Tablet computer.   I don't see the point in replacing any of these things... they still work, why spend money to replace it?!

I am thankful for my children who understand that we don't need the most updated technology.  I am thankful that they understand the difference between needs and wants.  Yes, they do get things they want sometimes, but I make sure that they always have the things they need.  Life is good.  We have a roof over our head, my husband has a good job, we have a healthy family.  I can't ask for much more than that!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

My 8 Year-Old is Thankful...

Today is my son's turn to say what he is thankful for.   I am going to quote him, since he doesn't want to type it out.

"My family, video games.  I am thankful for technology.  Linc (somebody from Legend of Zelda)." 

I asked him if there was anything else, he said nope.

So, that is his list for the day.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Monday, November 21, 2011

My 7 Year-Old is Thankful For...

Today it is my 7 year-old daughter's turn to state what she is thankful for.  I am going to let her write it in her own words, so here she goes...

my sister, my brothers, my roommate, music, movies, TV, victorious, pool, art, dolphins, sea animals, land animals, animals, family, friends, sun, moon, stars, school, world, fun, spelling, books, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, sports, computers, printer, money, phone, Universe, writing, crayons, markers, paint, mail, New Years Eve, thanksgiving, circus, pens, cotton candy, teddy bears, blankets, beds, home, sky, clouds, cribs, water, soda, key board, games.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

My 3 Year-Old is Thankful...

This morning I asked my 3 year-old what he is thankful for.  He said nothing.  I told my sister that would make a wonderful blog...  She then re-worded the question for my 3 year-old.  She asked him what he is happy for.  He started a list.

1. His big brother
2. His big brother playing DS with him
3. His baby sister
4. His big sister
5. His Aunt Brenda
6. His Mommy
7. His Daddy
8. Going to school
9. His bed
10. Eating and drinking
11. Mario games
12. and his family and friends in NY.

This is a pretty good list for a 3 year-old I think.  I was proud of him for being able to think of things that he is happy for.  I am sure they are not in any specific order.

I am thankful that he is a good, healthy little boy.  I am thankful for the sense of humor that he already demonstrates.  He reminds me a lot of his Uncle Jim.  I can see that he will be a lot like him as he gets older, which will make him a good man.  He has a sparkle in his eyes that I miss when he gets sick.  He is a hard little guy to punish because he will look at me with a big smile on his face and ask for one more chance.  I am thankful that he enjoys having books read to him.  I am thankful that he enjoys being with the family.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving Day right around the corner, I can't help but think of all I am thankful for.  This has been quite the crazy year, to say the least.  We decided to move to Nevada and rented a Penske truck with the destination near Reno.  We would drop the Penske truck off there after we unloaded it into the house that we were planning to rent.  The day we picked up the Penske truck, we found out that the house we were going to rent was not going to work out.  They wanted 6 months of rent, up front, because neither Keith nor I, had a job lined up.  That would have about equaled the amount of a down payment to buy a house.

At this time, I knew I was pregnant.  I had given birth to my first two children in Ogden UT.  I knew that I loved the midwife that I had seen during those pregnancies.  I had wanted her to deliver all my children, but my third was born in NY.  That was fine, I had a wonderful doctor there.  If I were still in NY, I would have had him deliver my fourth baby as well.  I think he is the best OB/GYN in the area.  So, when the house didn't work out, I told my husband that we might as well move back to UT, so my midwife could deliver this baby as well.  So, the day that we were leaving, we decided that our final destination would be UT instead of NV.

We loaded up our children and off we went.  My 3 year-old rode with my husband and I, my 7 year-old (6 at the time) rode with my sister, and my 8 year-old rode with his Grandpa.  This was pretty much for the duration of the trip.  I had purchased a Nintendo DS for each of them, so they would have something to do on their trip.  That made the trip much better for all of us.

Upon arrival in UT, we stayed with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.  They were kind enough to let us stay for a few days while we found and secured a place to stay.  We found a place quickly, because I knew that my father would be leaving in a few days, and I didn't want him to worry about where we would live.  The night before Dad left, I was in tears.  I knew that it would be a while before I would see him again.

I found a job quickly and started working with a wonderful bunch of women (and a man).  They quickly became good friends of mine.  It made my life better to have met them.  It was an extra bonus to be able to make some money while my husband looked for work.  I had initially planned to only work until he found a job, but I enjoyed going to work and the people I worked with.  I worked until 9 days before I had my baby. My sister now works there in my place.  I was blessed with a supervisor that understood when I wasn't feeling well, and tried to make me comfortable even during the worst time of my Pemphigoid Gestationis.  She is a wonderful woman and I am blessed to have her as a friend.

I am thankful today that we have a place to live and my husband has a job.  I am thankful that I was able to have my daughter here in UT, I am not sure I would have been diagnosed correctly if I had still been in NY.  I was misdiagnosed when I was pregnant with my 3 year-old, since it is such a rare condition.  I am thankful that my children attend a good school and have good teachers.  I am thankful that my 3 year-old was able to start preschool.  He loves it!  I am thankful for the friends that I have made here. I am thankful for a healthy family.  I am thankful that my husband found some money today that he had thought he lost on our move. The only thing that I miss is my friends and family in NY.  If I could move them all here, this would be the perfect place to live.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Getting Ready For Thanksgiving

Today was the first day I went out to start the Thanksgiving shopping.  It is going to just be the people that live here that will be eating.  I am used to huge gatherings where I bring some stuff to Mom's house to help with the festivities.  I got a 15.77 pound turkey.  We enjoy leftovers and look forward to making turkey sandwiches.  I wonder how it is to freeze turkey and eat it later, we may find out!  There are only going to be 6 of us eating.

I bought 2 boxes of garlic mashed potatoes and 2 boxes of Turkey Stove Top Stuffing.  I figure that I might as well make it easy on myself.  I also bought a bag of cranberries, because I was taught how to make cranberry sauce in my 1st grade class and made it yearly, until my son was in 1st grade.  I let him make it that year, and then my daughter was in 1st grade the following year and both of them made it.  I am passing the mantle on to them and my daughter reminded me she needs to make it, so we bought the cranberries.  I always enjoy my mom's giblet gravy, but I have no clue how to make it, so we will have a Thanksgiving without gravy, I believe.

I need to see what kind of pie my husband wants for Thanksgiving because I am only going to buy one.  I don't want to have a couple pies, because I know I will help eat both of them, I would rather just eat one.  I can tend to be gluttonous at times.  I am hoping that knowing that I have to weigh-in at Weight Watchers a couple days later will keep me on track.  I don't like gaining weight at weigh-ins, who does, right?

My husband volunteered to work on Thanksgiving day.  He gets out of work relatively early, so we will be having Thanksgiving for dinner instead of lunch like we always did. It is okay though, he will be earning holiday pay and he will be home for dinner which is good!


My children are looking forward to Thanksgiving because they get several days off.  My son is excited that he won't have to go to choir.  He liked it for the first couple of weeks, now he isn't a big fan of it.  After their Christmas production, he will no longer attend.  My daughter loves to sing.  She wants to be a professional singer... or a background singer.  Those are both things I never aspired to. 

My baby is crying so I am going to end this.  Have a good night!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Running For The First Time Since Finding Out I Was Pregnant

My baby turned 6 weeks-old yesterday.  With that, I was permitted to start exercising.  I guess I thought that meant that I could attempt to kill myself in a 10 minute time-span.  I decided that I would take it easy...set the treadmill for 10 minutes and run the whole time to see how far I could go.  I kept the treadmill between 4.9 mph and 5.5 mph, to take it easy on myself.  I managed to run .83 miles in ten minutes.  I thought it was quite an accomplishment, seeing how I hadn't run since Feb. 11, 2011.  I walked the rest of the time to get a mile of exercise in. 

I then walked home.  On the way home, I felt a weird sensation in my belly.  I knew I had to get to the bathroom quickly, I managed to get to the bathroom and then had to call to my daughter to bring me a bowl.  I was sure that I might puke.  She ran and got me a huge Tupperware bowl.  I am sure it was have been sufficient if I indeed had puked.  I asked for my water bottle.  After sipping on that for a few minutes, I felt much better.  I was able to leave the bathroom and come back among the living.

I then made myself a bowl of Crispy Rice cereal with milk and whipped cream (I love that stuff).  I ate that and continued to feel better.  I was able to prevent myself from puking.  I hate to puke, but I know sometimes that I would feel better if I did.  This wasn't one of those times.  After eating smoked oysters, puking helped me feel better.  I used to love those things, but I think I am allergic to them now.  I had eaten them twice a few weeks apart, and puked within an hour of eating them each time. 

So, the moral of the story I guess, is that although I can still run, I shouldn't overdo it.  I do plan to run a half marathon in the spring of 2012.  I have to figure out a training routine and know that I am starting over.  My children have been very supportive of my running in the past.  I look forward to getting back the endurance and cardiovascular health I once had.  I knew that it would be a long road back, but it is one that I am ready to follow.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I am a Sport's Fan

I have grown up watching football, softball, baseball and basketball.  For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan.  I remember "Love Ya Blue" paraphernalia around Houston.  This was when the football team was the Houston Oilers and their uniforms were a light blue. I knew that I didn't like Dallas Cowboys.  I even liked the Cowboys less after the Buffalo Bills debacle in the Super Bowls in 1993 and 1994.

 My dad coached my older brother's football team in elementary school.  I am sure this is where my love for football was born.  I loved watching my brothers play.  I remember running the laps with the boys and doing the exercises.  There has been a story told that I even tackled one of the players.  I don't remember that.  I was pretty young.  I remember being on the cheerleading squad... although I am sure I enjoyed watching the games more than cheerleading.

My first word was "ball."  This is because my dad was a softball player.  He would play several nights a week.  I guess that I would just see the lights on at a ball field and I would start saying "ball, ball."  I watched my dad play ball until we moved when I was 9.  He started playing again when I was in college.  My younger brothers played on the team with him.  My sisters, my two younger brothers, my dad and I all played on a co-ed team together for a softball tournament in Allegany in 2008.  That is memorable, although we didn't do very well.  It was the first game I had played in since I was 9. 

My dad also played church basketball.  I remember watching him play and knowing that the ball going in the hoop was good.  I didn't really understand the fouls and penalties until I was much older.  My older brother played high school basketball for a season, and then my youngest brother played high school basketball for a few seasons.  It helped me to start understanding what the fouls were about.  I started watching professional basketball when I was in college.  I picked the Utah Jazz as "my team" because I was in college in Utah.  My younger brothers played basketball at a church last year.  I went to as many games as I could.  I have a decent understanding of the game now.

Having lived in Houston for the first several years of my life, I attended most home Astros games.  I was there in the era of Nolan Ryan, Alan Ashby, Art Howe, Jose Cruz, to name a few.  Those are names I remember right now anyway.  My brothers all played baseball.  I enjoy watching the World Series and I became a Mets fan in the years I lived in NY.  Although I still like them, I get stuck watching the Colorado Rockies now.  I enjoy that as well.  I guess I don't really have a team that I am a fan of, I just pick a team that I want to have win on a given night.

I mention this because I sit here and watch football by myself.  I don't know how it happened, but I managed to marry someone that doesn't care to watch football, or any other sport for that matter.  My children couldn't care less about sports either.  They may think I am crazy as I sit and scream at the television.  Today hasn't been a good day in football.  The Bills once again lost to the Cowboys... not only lost, but got crushed.  It was quite sad.  The teams I have wanted to see win haven't been able to win. 

I hope, perhaps, my 3 year-old will enjoy watching the games with me as he gets older, or perhaps, my newborn will grow up and want to yell at the television with me.  It can be quite energizing!  We shall see.  I miss my family in NY a lot.  Sundays during football season only make me miss them more.  We would all sit around and yell at the television together.  It was wonderful to have my mother here for 3 1/2 weeks after my baby was born.  We would watch the sports together.  We got to watch the World Series (would have loved to see the Rangers win), and many college football games and professional games. 

That is just something about me.  Sports has been a part of my life.  I imagine it always will be.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

"Santa Has No Legs and No Car, and He Has Horses!"

Yesterday my youngest son really wanted a new video game for his DS.  I told him he should put it on his Santa List.  He started crying and it was quite clear that he didn't want to wait that long to MAYBE get the game.  The next words that came out of his mouth made me laugh...

"Santa has no legs and no car, and he has horses!"  Then he went on, still sobbing, telling me, "Santa got hit by a car and died."

I tried to hold back laughter as I could not figure out for the life of me where this was coming from.  I told him that if Santa got hit by a car and died, it would be all over the news.  There would be crying children and parents everywhere.  It would just be a horrible day, week, year...  How horrible it would be if Santa died! 

The utterance of Santa having horses did make me laugh.  I had never imagined flying horses... or a horse with a red nose, but that did cause me to imagine those things.  My 7 year-old daughter was here for the whole thing.  She was laughing hard.  She couldn't believe what he was saying about Santa.  I think she was relieved when I said that Santa hadn't been hit by a car.  It would ruin the season.

The Christmas season is quickly approaching.  I try to get the kids to start their Santa list so I can make sure he gets it in time.

I am thankful for this season, where we get to reflect on the birth of Christ.  It seems that people are a little happier and nicer (except when they are pushing and shoving their ways for the best Black Friday sale).   I have been blessed to have a wonderful family where we have many Christmas traditions.  Although we will not be able to be together this Christmas, we will keep up the traditions. 

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Veteran's Day and Other Thoughts

First and foremost, I am not sure if I will be blogging tomorrow or not, so I wanted to put out a special thank you to all the Veterans out there.  My father is a Vietnam Veteran.  I am thankful for his service to our country and service that all the other Veterans have given.  Without them, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy today. 

My baby is 5 weeks and 1 day old now.  It is hard to believe how quickly this time goes.  She grows every day, I am sure.  She is almost not fitting into her newborn clothing anymore.  When I brought her home, I wondered how long it would be until it actually fit her.  We were looking at preemie clothes at one point.  I am glad we didn't purchase those, she would have probably fit in them for about a week.

My older children still adore her.  I didn't know if it would wear off quickly.  It hasn't.  They still wake up and the first thing they want to do is hold her.  I usually give in, even though she is still sleeping, because they have to leave for school and won't see her for several hours.  My youngest son doesn't care to help with the dirty diapers anymore though.  I guess that was just a passing thing.  No one really cares to help with the dirty diapers for that matter.  My sister does change them if I am busy or gone.  My husband will change them too, if I am no where around.

Beat the Clock cleaning is still going well.  The house stays maintained.  I guess we need to add a little extra time to declutter a few places that could use it.  I seem to be in charge of the daily things... dishes and laundry.  I don't think that would get done otherwise, and neither are pleasant if they are not cleaned!

I am not used to the quiet time when my three oldest children are at school, on a side note, the word S-C-H-O-O-L just doesn't look right to me, but I know it is.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that my 3 year-old is not here.  I think that will take some time to get used to.


My sister and I got to hang out with a college friend last night and her 2 youngest children.  I brought my newborn with me so she could meet her.  It was a wonderful evening, we went out to eat at JB's Restaurant.  We spent about 1 1/2 hours there talking mostly, eating a little.  She lives in MN now, but whenever we have possibly been able to get together we have.  She is like another sister to me, she made my first year of college bearable.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

First Day of Preschool

Today was my 3 year-old son's first day of preschool.  He has been waiting (not so patiently) almost a year to start.  When I asked him if he liked school he said yes, and that he has 3 teachers. His favorite part he says was eating some more, and eating some more, and eating some more.  He also said cleaning up.  I must get their secrets!

He doesn't go to preschool all day.  We started getting ready to go right after lunch.  It didn't take too long.  I knew what he would be wearing.  He hates to wear his coat though, so that was a bit of a time-consumer.  I have to admit, I would love to live somewhere that I would never have to wear a coat.  Since we haven't moved to that location yet, I insisted that he wear his coat. 

I promised him that I would buy him a "Toy Story" backpack when he started school.  Last week, when we found out he would be starting school, I ordered the backpack from Amazon.com.  It shipped to me in 2 days for free... how nice!  He was so excited to get it. 

When I brought him to school, I had to fill out some paperwork about who to contact in the case of an emergency.  I also had to turn in his immunization record showing that it is up-to-date.  So, I went in for a few minutes and got everything taken care of. As soon as he entered the room, he started playing with the toys.  There was a little girl in there already so he went to where she was.  When it was time for me to leave, I told him I loved him, to listen to the teacher and good-bye.  He said bye and continued to play.  I am thankful to know that he is comfortable in the room. 

I walked back to the van, holding my newborn in my arms, knowing that she will be my last child that I ever bring to school for the first time.  I placed her in her car seat and we drove home.  It is a short drive and she fell sound to sleep by the time we got here.

I have been blessed with four wonderful children.  My older two children enjoy school.  I hope the 3 year-old loves his school career as much as he does right now.  He says he likes all the kids there and I am excited for him to make new friends.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Beat the Clock

While my mom was visiting us for 3 1/2 weeks, she took the time to get my house clean.  It is the best it has looked since we moved in.  With daily maintenance, it takes about 10 minutes to get it clean at the end of the day.  On Thursday night, it was time to get the house clean again before the kids went to bed.  I asked my husband to set the timer for 10 minutes.  This was so the kids could know that it didn't take very long to clean the house.  My daughter started crying, my older son didn't want to help, and my youngest son just refused.  I was at my wits end.  

Mom called about 8 minutes into it, and I started to cry.  This helped the kids want to clean.  They don't like to see my cry, and my hormones are still not all balanced yet after the birth of my baby, because I generally wouldn't cry over this either.  Mom didn't like to hear me crying on the phone and she asked if I wanted her to talk to the children.  I said sure.  I don't know what she said to them, but by the time I came out of their room, they were off the phone and apologizing.  The house got clean and it took less than 10 minutes.

The next day, Mom called and suggested that we play "Beat the Clock."  This would entail setting the timer for a certain amount of time, and if the house was clean in that amount of time, each child would get a quarter.  I was willing to try anything.  I like having a clean house.  So, that night, when my husband got home, I pitched the idea to him.  He approved of the idea and the amount of money the children would get paid. 

That night, we pitched the idea to the children and they were all excited.  I explained this would mean that they could earn $1.75 each a week.  It also meant that if they didn't get it done in the 10 minute time limit, they would have to give us back a quarter.  They agreed.  This would ensure that they didn't make to much of a mess daily, or if they did do something that would take longer, they would clean it up so they wouldn't lose their money. 

So, the timer was set for 10 minutes.  We started cleaning.  Sure enough, it was done in 10 minutes.  No crying (by me or my daughter), no whining, children asking what else they could do...  what a great time!  They were very pleased with their 25 cents at the end of the ten minutes. 

To my surprise, last night I was talking to my brother on the phone.  My 3 year-old started interrupting the conversation to ask if we could play "Beat the Clock."  That made me smile, and I explained to my brother what he was talking about.  He thought that was awesome.  I explained to my 3 year-old that we would wait until it was closer to bedtime.  We played again last night, it took a few seconds longer than 10 minutes, but they still got their 25 cents each. 

I am thankful for a clean house and for children that are enjoying the chance to help keep it clean.  I am thankful for my parents that care enough about me to think of a way that might help my children want to help out around the house. 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween Excitement

My kids look forward to Halloween most of the year.  It is almost as exciting as Christmas around here.  Perhaps it is because you get an all-you-can-eat buffet of candy for free... I am sure that is what used to excite me!

For Halloween this year my two older kids wore the same costume as last year.  My daughter was an Indian Princess and my son was Mario from Super Mario Bros.  He is a big fan of that character.  My 3 year-old was a bumblebee and my baby was an angel. 



Trick-or-treating began at 5:30 PM with a trunk-or-treat.  This is when people park their car along a rode or in a designated parking lot, and kids just go car to car instead of door-to-door.  After the children finished that, and almost all the candy in our bowl was gone, we left.  My newborn didn't go trick-or-treating, she hung out at home with Grandma. My children wanted to go around the apartment complex.  My husband, who had been up since 5:30 am, took the children around until 8 pm when it ended.  They got a ton of candy! 

I don't dress up for Halloween.  I can't remember the last time that I did.  I am pretty sure I was in college and it was for a Halloween dance.  My husband dressed up this year, he wore the outfit they gave him at the hospital to wear into the operating room when I was getting my c-section.   I think it looks good on him :)

I joined Weight Watchers today.  I have 46 pounds to lose to get to wear I want to be... I will keep you all updated on that as well.  Being on Prednisone has made even the post-pregnancy weight loss slow.  I am weaning off of that, and hopefully the weight will start coming off quickly.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Home Alone with the Baby

My mom has taken my 7 year-old daughter and 3 year-old son to see the Smurfs Movie.  My 8 year-old is hanging out with his dad, cousin and uncle, which leaves me here with some time to blog.  My newborn is sound asleep beside me. 

She has grown so much in the past 3 1/2 weeks.  It is hard to believe that she has been alive that long.  Here is a picture of her from a few days ago.  She has probably gained a pound since birth, she is doing good, and filling in her newborn outfits. 
 Her sister loves to walk around with her.  I get very tense and hold my breath, but remind myself that I was walking around with babies at that age also.  My mother remembers me carrying one of my sisters (who were 21 months younger than me) down the hall... I was 2.  I can't imagine her reaction to seeing that.  I don't let me 3 year-old stand up with the newborn.  Mom had no idea that I had gotten one of my little sisters until I was marching down the hallway with her.  They are twins and mom was tending to one of them and I guess I decided to help with the other.  Yes, they both managed to survive.

Her brothers love to hold her.  They hold her for a few minutes at a time, then they want to run around and do what little boys do.   Sometimes I give her to my 8 year-old and a few minutes later I look over and she is laying on the couch beside him while he is watching his sister play on the computer.  He is still making sure she is okay, she just isn't on his lap any longer.

I have loved to hold babies for as long as I can remember.  Holding a baby has always been soothing to me.  There is nothing like feeling the little stomach moving up and down as they breathe.  Hearing the little sounds they make as they sleep. 

On another note, my husband brought the 3 older children to a Halloween Party last night.  They all had a great time.  They got to play games, got popcorn and candy.  I had to convince my youngest son that he had to be the bumble bee again.  He tried on his older brother's Mario costume and though it was long, he was able to scrunch the legs up so it wouldn't be too long.  He wanted to be Mario in the worst way, but that would have left my older son without a costume.

It is weird to be in a quiet house.  I have grown accustomed to my children being around.  With a sleeping baby and all the children gone, there is no noise except for the sound of the television and my fingers on the keyboard. 

I am going to try to be better about blogging.  As I have mentioned before, this is the journal that I am keeping for my family, but I have fallen behind in the last few weeks.  Life is busy as a new mommy (again), but this is something I love to do, and I think it is important.  I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Two Weeks and One Day Old

I need to be better about getting on here and updating my blog.  It seems like the days are only a few hours long now that I have the newborn.  I am so thankful that my mother has been able to be out here to help out during this time.  I am recovering well from my c-section. 

The baby turned two weeks yesterday and had her two week appointment.  She is now 19.4 inches long (she was 18.5 at birth) and 6 pounds 12.5 oz (she was 6 lbs 3 oz at birth).  So, she is growing wonderfully and really appreciates her nursing time.  She is a wonderful little girl, like her older brothers and sister.  She cries to let us know when she wants or needs something. 

We had to bring her to urgent care last Friday because her umbilical cord seemed to be having some problems and she developed my rash, quite severely, after her sponge bath.  The rash has cleared up, thankfully, but she has very sensitive skin.  The dermatologist and pediatrician gave me shampoo and body wash to try on her yesterday.  I saw the dermatologist to discuss my taper off of the prednisone. 

Her big brothers and sister adore her.  They enjoy the time they get to hold her.  Her big 3 year-old brother even likes helping to change the poopy diapers.  It is like nothing I have ever seen before.  I remember when I had little brothers (I don't remember my sisters as babies), and I would about puke when there was a poopy diaper.  They love it when they are looking at her and she starts to smile.  She has a beautiful smile. 

It is amazing to watch the older brothers and sister look at her.  You can absolutely see the love in their eyes.  One of the first nights we were home, my 3 year-old got next to the Pack-N-Play bassinet and just watched her.  He watched her for at least 30 minutes, quietly.  It was one of the most precious things I had seen.  He has loved babies for as long as I can remember.  Now he has his own baby in the house and he is very concerned about her well being.

The older two children have been so good with her.  They make sure that I know when she wants to eat, when she should be changed, when she wants to be held.  They have brought their friends over to meet the baby.  We have welcomed them into our home, for a minute or two, to meet the new little one.  I am concerned about germs, especially after one of the little friends came in coughing.  We let them see her and then send the kids out promptly. 

Our car was finally fixed and picked up from the shop yesterday...3 weeks after it broke down on the interstate.  Although it is nice to have it back, it would have been much nicer if it hadn't needed most of the engine repaired.

I just wanted to do a quick update.  We are all well.  I hope this finds you all healthy and happy as well.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

My Daughter Was Born Oct 5, 2011

I haven't been on to blog in the last 8 days because I became the proud mother of another baby girl on October 5, 2011.  I found out on Oct 4, at a little after 5 pm that I would be giving birth at around 9:30 am on October 5th.  This news came after having the amniocentesis and the results coming back that the baby's lungs are fully mature. 

My husband drove me to the hospital.  We got there at 7:30 am as we were advised to do.  I had to be there 2 hours before the c-section.  They connected me to the monitors, the IV, got all my information they needed, had me sign forms.  I started filling out all the paperwork.  He put on the surgical outfit that was given to him to go in the operating room with me.  He sat there and kept me company while I waited.  I get nervous before the c-sections, because you never know what can happen.  It is a major surgery.  I don't worry much about me, I worry a lot about the little one that will making a grand entrance.

My sister and my children arrived at the hospital around 9 am and we hung out in the room together for a little bit.  My sister had brought them up to the hospital so they could be there when their new little sister arrived.  They went to the cafeteria for breakfast shortly before I was rolled off to surgery. 

I was brought to the operating room at 9:15 am, so they could prepare me for the surgery.  I had to get a spinal tap and they had to keep track of all my vital signs.  My blood pressure always dips very low after getting the spinal taps.  I get quite nauseous.  My husband sat on my left side, holding my left hand, rubbing it and keeping an eye on me.  When I announced I was nauseous, he relayed it to the anesthesiologist who gave me medicine to help out with that.  My husband has been there for all the baby's births.  He has always been concerned for my well-being during that time.  It is most likely the only major surgery that a loved one can sit in on.  I can see how it could be nerve-wrecking for a husband.  Anticipating the birth of a new child and knowing that your wife is going through major surgery, they always warn you of the possible outcomes of the surgery... one being death.  It is not something I want to think about when delivering a baby and leaving 3 children in my hospital room.  I do trust my midwife completely and I also know that my life is in God's hands.

My midwife and the doctor arrived in the OR at approximately 9:35 am.  The anesthesiologist told me that the doctor was pinching me and wondered if I felt it.  I said that I didn't.  He announced the time as being 9:40 am.  The doctor and midwife discussed my scar tissue from the previous 3 c-sections and said it would take a little longer than usual.   I didn't mind, the only thing that mattered was giving birth to a healthy baby girl.  I could feel a lot of pressure and pulling, but that was all.  Right before she was born, I felt them pressing hard up by my sternum and rib cage.  The anesthesiologist told my husband that it was the time to look if he wanted to see, my husband politely declined.  He isn't too keen on seeing me cut wide open.  I would not be either.  Then we heard those sounds every parent looks forward to... the cry.  I always cry too when the baby is born.  It was announced that she was born at 9:46 am.  She entered the world weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces with a length of 18 1/2 inches.  She is my smallest baby.  The doctor draped her over the curtain and then took her into the next room to take care of her.  She has a lot of dark hair and dark blue eyes.  My husband asked if he could go, and of course, I said yes.  He took a lot of pictures of her getting weighed and getting taken care of, while I was being put back together.



After they did everything they need to, my husband brought her back in.  I gave her a kiss and ended up with some of the eye goo they put on newborn baby's eyes on my lips.  I guess I missed her forehead!  As they wheeled me back to my room, my husband carried the baby.  He was just admiring her.  He is a wonderful daddy.  When we got to the room, a little after 10 am, everyone was back in there.  The children didn't eat much, I guess.  They passed the baby around, the camera died while my daughter was holding her new baby sister.  She was the first one to hold her.  My children loved every minute of getting to hold their new sister.  Then it was time for the two older children to head back to school.   I gave them goodbye kisses and told them I'd see them later.

My husband brought them to school, my youngest son and sister stayed with me.  I let my shared the baby, let my sister hold her.  I love getting to hold the little ones and I know she does too.  She would have to work the next couple of days so I thought it would be nice to let her get some Aunt/Niece time.  That evening, we got on Skype with my family back east so they could see the newest addition to the family.  I wish they lived a lot closer!

I am so grateful to have 4 healthy children.  I am grateful that my baby girl was born healthy and strong.  She is a beautiful little girl with a loving spirit.  I am grateful that my older children love their baby sister.  I have not seen any semblance of jealousy which is wonderful.  I am grateful for a husband who takes the time to be a father to the children.  He is great with the older children, making sure they get outside to play,  having a c-section limits what I can do tremendously.  

My mom changed her flight plans, so she would arrive Sunday, Oct 9, instead of Sat, Oct 15.  That was wonderful of her.  I love having my mom around, and I will have her here for over 3 weeks.  Time goes too fast though!  I am thankful that my mom is retired and can spend this much time with me, and that my father loves us enough to let her come out for this long.  I know it must be hard for him to have her gone for this long.  I wish he could have come too... as well as all the other family out there!

The little one eats well and sleeps well.  She doesn't cry, unless she wants to eat or get changed... or to let us know she woke up.  She has a beautiful smile, and I don't believe she smiles just because she has gas.  I believe she remembers where she was before she was here.  I believe in pre-mortal life, that we lived with our Heavenly Father in a family situation.  I believe that we know those who have passed away before we were born and those that have yet to be born.  I believe that babies remember those things and those people and it makes them happy.

This morning, while we were sorting through some laundry, my 3 year-old announced that "mud makes the baby pop out."  I didn't realize that he associated my falling last Monday, with the baby being born on Wednesday.  It made me laugh though, and I told my mom that when his wife is pregnant, and he starts getting anxious to have the baby born, we will have to warn her to stay away from muddy inclines :)

I will blog more later.  I just wanted to get a quick blog in about her birth.  A lot has happened in the past 8 days, as I am sure all of you with children remember.  I have taken the time to sit and admire my little one and just look in her eyes and imagine what life will be like for her.  As a parent, I hope that life gives my children all the good things.   I know it won't be perfect for them, but I hope and pray it is a wonderful life for them.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I Fell Yesterday and Had an Amniocentesis Today...

Well, yesterday after I posted my blog, I had to pick up my oldest son and go to the dentist.  My youngest and I were walking to the school to pick him up.  There was a muddy incline between the apartments and the sidewalk, so I told my son to let me go first to make sure he didn't fall.  My intentions... get to the sidewalk and hold his hand while he came down.  What really happened... I put a foot down and immediately slipped and fell on my back and rear.  So, being the mom that I am, I got up, muddy back end and all, and continued walking to the school.  I didn't want to be late for the appointment.  My youngest said something to the effect, "You falled, Mommy.  Not me."  He made it down without incident while I was still laying there trying to collect myself. 

I got to the school, got my oldest son, and we walked back to the dentist office.  If we had the working car, this would have never happened, but neither here nor there.  We have a broken down car so I get to walk.  After getting to the dentist and getting his tooth filled.  We came home.  I called my doctor's office, whose nurse told me to go to the hospital to be monitored.  I called my husband, sobbing, telling him what I did.  He came home from work, drove me to the hospital and stayed for about an hour before he had to come home to make sure the kids had someone here when they arrived home. 

The baby is fine.  I am sore.  That is what matters.  I don't care about me, I care about her and her well being.  I would much rather feel this way than have any of my little ones feel this way.  Just a reminder... if you think something could make someone else fall, it is likely it can make you fall too!  I forgot such a thing...I thought I would be more stable than I was.  I wouldn't have risked hurting her, or myself, had I thought that would be the outcome. 

This morning I had an amniocentesis.  We are checking to see if the baby's lungs are mature yet.  If they are, she will be delivered shortly, if not, we will wait.  For those who have read some of my past blogs, I have a rare pregnancy rash (Pemphigoid Gestationis), which affects 1 in 50,000 pregnant women.  I have been on 40 mg of prednisone since July.  The rash has reappeared on my belly, it hurts and itches.   I feel that it is better for the little one to come out sooner, rather than later, so she isn't subjected to the medication any longer than necessary.   I also worry about the side effects of the rash on the baby.  I figure if she is healthy and her lungs are mature, she should probably come out, rather than risk the complications if suddenly the amniotic fluid gets low. 

After the amniocentesis, my 3 year-old and I had to go back up to the Labor and Delivery floor to have the baby monitored again for an hour.  She did just fine.  Everything still looks good for her.  We are now waiting for the results of the amniocentesis.  She could be born tonight or tomorrow if the tests show her lungs are fully mature.  If they are not mature, she will wait to be born until they are.  I am excited to meet the little one and hold her in my arms.  I wonder what she is going to look like.  I wish my family (all those in NY and WA) were going to be here to see her at birth.  That is the sad part to me, I don't know when a lot of them will meet her.  Thank goodness for Skype though!  I plan on introducing her as quickly as I can to them, via Skype.  What an amazing piece of technology!

I will introduce her to all my followers too, as soon as I get the time.  Don't be offended that I won't give her name, I do it, because perhaps, I am an over-protective mommy.  I don't want to have my little one's names out in public.  I will post pictures though.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a healthy baby girl! 
Thank you!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Ten Things I Am Thankful For

I think it is important to take the time to think about what we are thankful for.  Sometimes it is easy to forget when the day isn't going quite right, but we have been blessed with so many things. 

1.  My family --  I have been blessed with wonderful parents.  I am the second of six children.  I was raised in a close-knit family.  We were raised to tell each other we love them, and we mean it.  You never know when the last time will be that you will get to say that to someone you love.  Use the words, and mean it!  I hope to get to say those words to everyone in my family for many years still to come.  I have a wonderful husband that I was blessed to marry on Sept 7, 2001.  We have 3 amazing children (the 4th will be here within the next 10 days).  I look so forward to meeting our 4th child.  I am so fortunate to have the three that I have already been able to hold and love.  I hope that they know how much I love them and that I would do anything for them.  Without my family, I would surely not be the person I am today.

2.  My Heavenly Father and Jesus -- Without them I would have nothing.  I firmly believe this.  I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We believe that Jesus Christ suffered for all of our sins that someday we can return to live with Them in Heaven, if we live correctly and repent when we do things that we shouldn't.  We believe that They love each of us regardless of choices we make.

3.  Friends --  I have wonderful friends for which I am very thankful.  They understand who I am.  They know that just because I don't show up at their house daily, weekly, or even monthly, that I do love them.  When I do get to see them, it is like no time has passed.  We catch up quickly and look forward to the next time our paths may cross.  A lot changes with children, and not in a bad way, I have just learned that I don't have the time that I did beforehand to go and visit with friends.

4.  Employment --  I am currently on leave from work.  If they need my help with anything, they know that they can give me a shout, and I will be happy to help out.  I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to work with wonderful people down in Salt Lake City.  I am thankful that my husband has a good job that he enjoys.  It is nice that he doesn't complain about the back pain he used to endure at his previous warehouse job. In this time of economic depression, it is nice to have an income.

5.  Health --  I am grateful for the good health of myself and my children.  There is nothing worse than being ill or having a sick child and not being able to do anything about it.  We have been blessed to live in an age where there have been so many medical advances.  With proper diagnosis and care, people live much longer than they used to. 

6.  Home --  There are people that don't have a place to call home.  I am thankful that I have never been one of those people.  It is nice to have a place for shelter from the elements, a place to lay my head at night, a place to cook food.  This is something that can easily be taken for granted, until it is gone.  I hope to always have a place to call home.

7.  Education--  I am grateful that I was able to receive an education.  That, at times, seemed so meaningless, especially in childhood.  There were a lot of mornings my mother had to fight with me to get me out the door and to school.  There were times she would get me to school, only to have me walk out the other set of doors, and go off and do what I wanted.  Well, I wouldn't say I really wanted to walk several miles anywhere, but I would rather do that than go to school.  Don't get me wrong, I still graduated in the top 10% of my high school class, there were just times I really didn't want to be there.  There are so many children worldwide that don't even get the chance to go to school to learn the basics... reading, writing and arithmetic.  I couldn't imagine where I would be today if I hadn't pursued my education.  Take advantage of your opportunity to learn!

8.  My Blog --  I do this blog to keep a record of (almost) daily events in the lives of my kids, my husband and I.  For so long, I tried to keep journals for everyone.  It didn't work out so well.  Maybe a few entries a year.  This has made that so much easier.  It gives an account of what we have done that day or the previous day.  It is fun for me to sit down and write about my thoughts and the happenings.  I think the children really appreciate it.  My family enjoys getting to read what we have done recently and it gives me a chance to let my friends know what is going on as well.  I am still learning the whole blogging concept, but I am enjoying every step of the way.

9.  Cars  --  You never realize how much you rely on a car, until you don't have one.  I am thankful that we have our minivan out here and my sister has her car.  My husband has been using her car to commute to work and she uses the minivan to drive to the commuter train in the morning.  I am left carless, until our car is repaired.  We are praying that it is the repair that $1000 less than the other option.  We believe that we found an honest car repair shop.  It will be nice to have a vehicle here again, especially with impending doctor's appointments.

10.  Exercise --  I have not been able to do much exercise in the past 8 months due to the pregnancy.  I am sure I could have, but I miscarried a baby on May 26, 2010, after having done some running on a treadmill.  I know that it was probably a coincidence, but I didn't want to take a chance this time.  My exercise has consisted of going for walks when I have felt up to it.  With the pemphigoid gestationis since mid June, I have not felt like it very often.  I know that after I have this little one I will be able to reinstitute my exercise regimen after I heal from the c-section.  The pregnancy is definitely worth the lack of exercise. 

What are some things you are thankful for?  This isn't an all-inclusive list by any means.  I just wanted to list ten things that came to mind.  We live in a time that sometimes makes it easier to think about everything that is wrong.  I wanted to take the time today to list things that are blessings in my life.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Ogden's George Eccles Dinosaur Park

Yesterday my sister took us to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden, UT.  I didn't know what to expect when we got there.  I have to admit that I was very impressed with it though!  I have always been intrigued by dinosaurs.  In Washington DC, the only museum I really like is the Museum of Natural History, and that is because of the dinosaur exhibit, as well as the mammal exhibit.  As a child, I remember going to a museum in Houston, TX, that had dinosaur bones as well.  I have no idea what that museum is called. 

The kids, my husband and my sister seemed to be equally impressed with the dinosaur park.  We spent at least an hour walking around looking at the different sculptures.  I have to admit that the first thing I saw was what won my heart.  It was an exhibit that had a T-Rex and a momma Triceratops with two babies.  I loved the babies.  I would love to get a robotic one that size and let it run around my house.  It is the cutest thing I have seen that could be pet-like and non-allergenic.  There is a picture of my youngest in front of the baby triceratops. 


After wandering around inside for a little while, we headed outside to see what was out there.  They have several different dinosaurs outside.  My sister took several pictures of the different sculptures (I believe they are made of rock or cement, we aren't allowed to touch them.).  My children seemed frightened at first, they thought the dinosaurs were real.  I think they caught on after a little while that they weren't moving, therefore, they weren't real.  We didn't tell them one way or the other.  I think it would have taken away from the experience.

We found this dinosaur and we decided that it was probably the dinosaur that would be closest in height to the children.  The children wanted a picture in front of it to see.  Perhaps we will have to go back yearly until they are taller than that dinosaur.  I don't have any idea what kind of dinosaur this is. 

We continued on our way and found a rather hefty looking dinosaur.  My parents have a dog that resembled the dinosaur (minus the horns and the height).  My children promptly called it Duke (after my parent's dog) and we needed a picture with that dinosaur as well. 

It is a fun park to walk around in.  You don't know what will be around the next corner.  It is fun to see how life-like the dinosaurs are.  It was a fun time in the park and I look forward to going back. 

After the Dinosaur Park, we headed to the indoor playground for pizza.  The kids got to play for about an hour and a half and then we headed home.  It was a fun day for them.  I enjoy getting to go out and have fun with my children. 

My husband was able to attend the Priesthood Session of the Semi-Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last night with a friend that lives here in UT, that had previously lived in NY where we did.  It was a wonderful time to go and listen to leaders of our Church.  This being General Conference Weekend, we have been able to listen to leaders of our Church for guidance and inspiration. 

I hope you all have a great Sunday!