So...12 Days of Christmas Past::2006

Live Nativity::Christmas 2006::San Jose, CA

 

In 2006 we were back to San Jose for Christmas.  I was large with child, expecting Second Daughter a few months later.  Christmas Eve we got together with family (that's Brother In-Law in the background and Cousin as Joseph) and did a living nativity.  We did not do that in my family when I was a kid so it was really fun for me to watch!

 

First Daughter was Mary, Husband was the donkey, and First Daughter's first doll (cabbage patch) was Baby Jesus - you can see her (him) in the purple crib (manger) in the lower right corner.

 

Christmas "shopping" was easy that year.  First Daughter was very excited about certain things and had very simple expectations.  I ended up wrapping some of her favorite toys, and her favorite movie (Wizard of Oz) so she could open them on Christmas morning and get excited.  She didn't have any expectation for new toys so she was so excited.  It actually was the best.

 

But we weren't complete cheapskates that year - we did buy her new stuff too.  She was into princesses so she got a couple dress up dresses and shoes, a crown and play jewelry.  We just multiplied her stash of presents by wrapping already owned gifts :)

 

That is the only memory I have of that Christmas.  My pregnant brain must have forgotten everything else :)

 

 

 

So...you may also like::

::So...12 Days of Christmas Past::2005

::So...12 Days of Christmas Past::2004

::So...A Day in my 2005 Life

 

Thanks for stopping by!

So...12 Days of Christmas Past::2004

Well...I know I don't really need to say the obvious, but blogging doesn't seem to be my strong suit these days...my attempt to do the 12 Days of Christmas Past leading up to Christmas obviously didn't happen...BUT - I've never been good at letting a "goal" stay unfinished/open ended, so I'm just gonna do it anyway, even though Christmas is over.  Hopefully I get through them before the next holiday comes around...well, New Years doesn't count cause that's, like, tomorrow...or the next day...

 

Christmas Eve with Husband's side of the family::San Jose::2004

 

Christmas 2004 was with Husband's family in San Jose, CA.  I was pregnant with First Daughter and we had just found out she was a girl days before we arrived.  We brought a video (yes, it was a VHS) of the ultrasound with us so that everyone could watch and see if they could guess the gender.  Of course nobody could because ultrasounds don't really look like anything.  We thought it was such a clever way to reveal the gender, but looking back it was a little silly :)

 

This was my first time being somewhere relatively warm for Christmas.  It was different, but fun.  It was my first Christmas not being with my own family.  But being there felt like home, as it always did, and we had a wonderful Christmas.

Mother In-Law got us all matching jammies.  The sweatshirts were GDI (Husband's dad's company) sweatshirts, and I still wear it to this day.  I love that sweatshirt. 

All of Husband's family was there except one of his younger brothers who was serving a LDS mission in Washington at the time.

Christmas Eve dinner was at Husband's aunt's house who also lives in San Jose.

It was my first Christmas experiencing the traditional Christmas Brunch that Husband's extended family does every year.  It was fun and yummy and it's a tradition that we still look forward to every year.  We have one out here in Utah with his family members that live here.

I remember that we were there for a really long time.  Perhaps the whole two weeks of our winter break?  We watched lots and lots of movies, and I learned how to knit. 

My memories of that Christmas are pretty sporadic, but I do remember it being wonderful.  I have always loved being with Husband's family.  I am a very lucky woman to have married into such an amazing family. 



So...you may also like::
::So...12 Days of Christmas Past::2002
::So...12 Days of Christmas Past::2003
::Monday Memories 063::Wedding Eve

Thanks for stopping by!

So...12 Days of Christmas Past::2002

Me & Husband::Boston::2002

This year marks 12 years of Christmases together, Husband and I.  This first one, we weren't engaged yet, but we were a short 1 1/2 months later.

That Christmas marked the end of a long 7 months living apart from each other.  We dated for 4 months, I went home to Boston for the summer, he went home to San Jose for the fall semester, then we were reunited in Boston for Christmas and headed back to Provo together.

This was a very interesting/trying time in my life and in our relationship.  I knew that I was in love with Husband and wanted to spend the rest of my life and eternity with him, but not everyone was as enthusiastic as we were about the idea.  That fall semester, I knew that we were getting close to getting engaged and was desperately seeking a confirmation that marrying him was the right thing to do.  I knew I wanted it to be the right thing, but I wanted some divine confirmation.  That holiday season - Thanksgiving with his family and Christmas with mine - was when I received my answer.

It wasn't anything grand and glorious or even really that obvious.  It was just a peaceful feeling of being at home when I was with him.  Even though I didn't have a whole lot of support from my family, I knew that it was right because I felt that he was now my family and I couldn't imagine a life without him.

This picture was taken in downtown Boston.  Our whole family went into the city together on the T.  Mom made matching red fleece scarves for all of us.  Husband had given me that winter hat for Christmas (and the Harry Potter box set!!)  I don't exactly remember what we did in the city - probably went out to eat and probably shopped - but I do remember it being ridiculously cold.  And I remember not caring one bit because I was so happy to be reunited with my man and having fun holding his hand and strolling through the city. 

My other memory of that Christmas was staying up late with Husband, cuddling on my parents' living room love seat, looking at a Christmas version of an "I Spy" book.  We did the entire book, which I think is the only time in my life that I've completed one of those books in one sitting.  It was easy because I loved every second with him, especially being close to him, and I was so happy to be with him again.  It really didn't matter what we did as long as we were together.

I loved the end of that trip because we didn't have to say goodbye to each other.  We got to fly back to Utah together!  We had had our fair share of weepy goodbyes at airports that year, and I loved that this visit didn't end the same.  In fact, we didn't ever have to say goodbye again because we were engaged the following February and married the October after that, without any time apart in between.

I don't remember many details about that Christmas.  I really only remember all the excitement, anticipation, and twitterpated-ness I felt that year being so in love with my husband-to-be.  This picture brings back some hard memories, but mostly the wonderful, giddy feelings and memories. 

I love being in love with Husband.

He's my favorite.

So...you may also like::

::So...It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

::So...Photo Diary of the Past Decade

::So...Because of Him

Thanks for stopping by!

So...Let Me Catch You Up

So...obviously I haven't been doing a whole lot of blogging lately.

But a whole lot has been going on.

In August the kiddos started school.

First Daughter - 4th, Second Daughter - 2nd, Third Daughter - Kindergarten.

They love school and are doing great. 

In September I celebrated my 31st birthday.

I went out to breakfast with a bunch of friends, had lunch with my sister in-law, and had Red Mango with my family for dinner.  It was perfect!  I felt very loved and loved all the yummy food and wonderful people.

We completed another busy soccer season.
We were lucky to have beautiful weather throughout the season.  I sure love watching my kiddos run around that soccer field.

A new daily activity for us is to go watch the trains.  Son#1 absolutely loves trains and we have found a few spots where we can get an up close view of the trains going by.  It really is a highlight to our days.

The girls are taking piano lessons from me this year.
I was really nervous about how that would go, but luckily it is going amazingly!  So much better than I expected.  We really enjoy the one-on-one time together, and they all are doing really well practicing and progressing.  This is the first year for Third Daughter and she is doing great!

At the end of September, Husband and I broke away for a couple nights to go to CA for one of Husband's friend's wedding.  We were able to go to the temple with his family that lives out there and that was wonderful.  Even though it was a very quick trip, it was very nice to be kid free for a little while and enjoy family and friends (and beautiful CA weather) together.

The day we got back from CA was the Ogden Temple dedication.
It was a special day for First Daughter because she is now old enough to attend the dedication.  I really loved going with her and our cousin Andrea.

We have been having the most amazing weather, and the most amazing sunsets and sunrises!
I really love the view every night and can't help but take pictures.  I send them to my mom because she loves clouds. :)

Speaking of beautiful weather, the kids have been spending most of their afternoons outside with friends.  First Daughter loves to ride her ripstick and the others love to ride their bikes.  This weather won't last for much longer, so we're soaking it all up while we can.

 We really love fall.  Son#1 has discovered leaf piles and he just loves to lay in them.

Two weeks ago I ran my fifth half marathon.  It was the Pink Series half in Park City.  The weather was perfect and the scenery was beautiful.  As for the course - not my favorite.  It was pretty hard.  But the company was fantastic.  I have loved training with these ladies and so proud of how our little team did!

This fall park season has been really fun for Son#2.  He can climb up the stairs, walk around the park, and he loves going down slides.  Playing at the park is one of my favorite things to do with my family.

Last Saturday Husband and I celebrated our 11th anniversary.  Things didn't exactly go as planned, but we were able to spend the evening together anyway and that's all that matters.  We spent some time talking about what we love about our marriage.  It really made me so grateful looking back on our life together, how we've grown, and what makes our marriage so incredible.  I love this guys more than ever and still feel like he is my greatest blessing ever.  I stand by that statement.

And last but not least...

Third Daughter lost her first tooth!  And as a matter of fact, she lost her second one just today!  She was so excited to get a visit from the tooth fairy, even though our tooth fairy is pretty forgetful and almost always doesn't come the first night.  Oh well...we forgive her :)

 

Well, now I've pretty much caught you up on all that's going on around here.

Life feels pretty good.

I am loving being mom to these kids and wife to my husband.

Which is good, because I spend a whole lot of time doing those two things :)

 

 

 

So...you may also like::

::So...We've Been Busy!

::So...Me

::So...Craziness and Silent Treatments

 

Thanks for stopping by!



So...Killing Me Softly

So...this allergy season is killing me.
Killing me.

I don't know what is in the air that my body so badly dislikes, but I feel like I want to itch my eye balls with sand paper half of the day.  And the roof of my mouth.  And the inside of my ears.  I haven't worn makeup for about a month now and it's kinda funny how many people ask me if I'm OK when they see me.  The no-eye-makeup-swollen-watery-eye-balls look is not so flattering and kinda makes me look like I've been crying for weeks.  I don't really have an excuse for the hair, except that if I'm not going to do my makeup, why do my hair?  Or get dressed for that matter? :)
This is my logic.

Which reminds me...

Whenever First Daughter catches me in the bathroom getting myself dolled up, she always says, "you look prettier without makeup on, Mom."  It is the sweetest thing.  I love that she knows and sees that beauty is more than a pretty face.  I hope that she always remembers that. 

She also caught me this week checking Facebook and she said, "You're on Facebook?  I thought you didn't do Facebook."  It may have just been me, but I thought I heard a hint of disappointment in her voice.  I admit, when she said that, there was a part of me that wished I had stuck to my anti-facebook commitment.  I want my kids to know that it is OK not to be doing the same things that everyone else is doing.  That's kinda what my not-being-on-Facebook thing turned into, but now that's not there.  Hmm... I may have to reevaluate this decision...

Spring break was last week and it was so nice to have some time off and some good weather to enjoy.  It got us all very excited for the summer.  I'm a lot less organized coming into this summer - no camps or swimming lessons lined up - but we do have one big family vacation/reunion that we are very much looking forward to. 

I'm getting the feeling that this summer is going to be a regrouping time for us - a time to get into a rhythm around here and for me to get a handle on things again.  We could use some focus-on-our-family time.  Son #2 was born right in the middle of a very busy time and then school started right away and we've kind of just been holding on for the ride all school year.  We've been getting by and getting to where we need to be and doing what we need to do, but we're still in survival mode and it will be nice to restore some sort of order (as much as we can).  I keep looking for more and more ways to simplify our lives and opportunities to teach our kids to find fun wherever they are and to be content with their circumstances.

I'm working on this myself - learning to be content, see the abundance, and be filled with gratitude.  I love everything about my life.  It is definitely not perfect, but it is beautiful and wonderful and full.  I'm not always good about remembering this, but I want so much to be better at it.

I don't know how I got so lucky, but I am married to the most amazing man.
He is my most favorite thing in the whole world and my greatest blessing.
My kids are too, but they can be annoying sometimes...believe it or not, Husband never annoys me.

Except for when he goes and loses 40 lbs. in 2 1/2 months without doing anything except eating less - that's kinda annoying, I'm not gonna lie, but I love him anyway :)

And speaking of annoying...
You know what's annoying?
Allergies.
I'm so done with them.



So...you may also like::
::So...My Day Job
::So...Megan in Real Life
::So...Crazy, Messy, Beautiful

Thanks for stopping by!

So...Happy Friday

::tonight is date night - so excited to go out with some family members and eat so yummy food::

::we went to the park today with some friends we haven't seen in a while - it was so wonderful::

::half marathon training has officially begun and I am so very excited about it::

::I have learned to love running with friends - it is a wonderful thing::

::my hyacinths and tulips are blooming.  spring is coming!::

::vacuumed out the car today - even under the seats - and it felt a-maz-ing::

::we are back to blasting music in the car with the windows down - one of my favorite things to do with the kiddos::

::it feels so good being back at the gym::

::soccer season starts next week and our lives will get crazy busy.  grateful for so many opportunities for my kids to be involved doing things they love::

::working on engaging more with my family when I'm at home - Third Daughter and I collaborated on an art piece for our kitchen to help remind me::

::my hidden stash of Reese's mini cups are dwindling.  this is not good news::

::did I mention I was excited for date night tonight?  cause I totally am::

 

Happy Friday everyone!

 

 

 

 

So...you may also like::

::So...TGIF

::So...9 Years

::So...Ten Years

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

So...A Blessed Day

Today was Son #2's blessing day. 

It was a beautiful day. 

I love my family.

 

We were surrounded by so many loved ones that came to support our little guy and our family.  We felt so grateful to those who could be there with us and equally grateful for those who could not.  We recognize how blessed we are to have so many dear friends and family.  We just love you all so much!

 

The blessing was beautiful.  Husband did a great job and gave a beautiful blessing.  He blessed him to recognize the blessing that his family is; to get to know and to grow close to his great-grandfather whom he is named after; to prepare to serve a mission and grow in the priesthood; to learn right from wrong from his mother and how to be a man/father/priesthood holder from his dad; to know how much his older siblings love him; and many other choice blessings that are in store for him.

 

Baby blessings are so inspiring.  So much hope and potential in these new, perfect little people and such an incredible blessing to be a part of that.  Babies and families are a gift and a miracle.  I am so thankful to be a part in this beautiful plan.

I was reminded again today during the blessing how this little guy was meant to be in our family.  I thought about the many strong impressions and confirmations (and dreams) that brought Son #2 into our family and how clear it has been that he has always been a part of our family.  I know he is a strong, special spirit that is meant to do great things.  I am honored to be his mama and thankful that he is here - healthy and strong - blessing our family every day.

 

I love you little man. 

Happy Blessing Day.

 

 

 

So...you may also like::

::Monday Memories 053::Blessing Day

::So...Life In the Fast Lane

::So...The Lord's Hand

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday Memories 063::Wedding Eve

We had a wonderful tenth anniversary - the four oldest kiddos spent the night at Brother & Sis Inlaw's place, we had dinner in, watched a movie, spent some time in the hot tub, and slept in the next morning.  So simple and so wonderful.  I didn't realize how much we needed a night like, but we really did need it - nothing to do but just be together.  I really really loved it, and loved being with this guy -

Husband & I singing "Summer Lovin" the night before our wedding, Oct 2003

 

This picture was taken the night before our wedding ten years ago. 

For our wedding dinner we went casual and had pizza and karaoke at my parent's house with all our extended family.  There was a lot of extended family there, even though we were married in Boston which was very far from where all our extended family lived.  We were so thankful that so many were willing and able to make the trek out there to celebrate with us.  We know there were others that also would have been there if they could.  We felt very loved and very blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.  We still do!

 

Our pre-wedding party was so fun.  It was a great way (we thought) to break the ice between two families that didn't know each other very well.  Most people took a turn at the microphone and were able to get a little goofy in front of everyone.  It was really fun.

 

Husband and I are seen here singing "Summer Lovin'."  Husband is so much better at karaoke than I am.  Like, so much better.  But even though I have about a five note range and I'm embarrassingly bad at singing karaoke, I really love it.  It's so fun!  And like everything, it was so much more fun singing with Husband.  He has a gift for making me (and most people) feel more comfortable.

 

Other performances I remember from that night - my parents singing "Sun Rise, Sun Set" from Fiddler on the Roof (so serious...), Uncle Ed singing "It's Still Rock N Roll to Me," me and my sibs singing "You've Got a Friend" - a childhood memory of ours, Husband's Little Bro belting "O Darling," my grandpa being there and singing, my new-to-be Father In Law turning karaoke into a real sing along when he jammed along on the piano to anything by the Beatles, Billy Joel, or Elton John (he's awesome), and lots of singing along and laughing by everyone.  It really was a fun night and got us pretty excited about being a part of two incredible families.

 

One thing I love the most about being married to Husband is how he is able to lighten up any situation.  He always knows how to have a good time and laugh in pretty much any situation.  He doesn't take himself too seriously and he is teaching me to do the same.  He's just a really fun guy to be around which has made the past ten years pretty awesome.  I'm a pretty lucky girl.

 

We'll have to make sure to include karaoke in our 50th wedding anniversary celebration.

And perhaps we'll do a "Summer Lovin'" encore.

 

 

 

So...you may also like::

::So...Ten Years

::Monday Memories 051::Boyfriend Mix

::Monday Memories 006::Summer Lovin'

 

Thanks for stopping by!



So...My Husband is the Best

Excuse me while I brag a little about my Husband...
He is wonderful.

We had a pretty lousy night last night with the kiddos.  We both took multiple turns getting up with kiddos who needed drinks, had bad dreams, needed to be tucked in again, had climbed into our bed, and Son who was crying about who-know-what.  We both ended up not getting very much sleep.  It was just one of those nights that happen every so often.

Earlier today Husband texted me like he usually does in the late morning::

Husband:  How's Son today?

Me: He's fine

Husband:  He seemed scared last night.  Don't you think?

Me:  Yes.  Maybe he had a bad dream.

Husband: Yeah.  How are you feeling today?

Me: Like I didn't sleep last night.  I feel kinda nauseous.  Maybe he was sad he didn't have his blankie.

Husband: Yeah.  I'm sorry you didn't get any sleep.  I'll come home early if I can and take the kids out so you can take a long nap.  We can go to CJs.

Me: Oh well I probably should just go to bed early so I can sleep well at night.  Thank you though.

Husband: But I'd like to do that if you'd let me.  I know not sleeping sucks.  Even more if you're pregnant.


I told you.
He is wonderful.

And then when he came home at 4:30 and started getting the kids ready to go, he made sure I knew that I couldn't do any housework while he was gone.  I needed to sit or lay down, read a book or watch a movie.  I needed to take it easy.

I gave him a big hug and said, "You are such a great dad."

His response was, "Right now I'm trying to be a good husband."

Oh I love him.
He is so wonderful.
He is such a great man and an amazing husband.
I am a very lucky woman!

And right now I'm enjoying one of my favorite things in the world - a quiet house :)  I am keeping my promise and sitting on the couch, chatted with my sister on the phone for a bit, watched "Chopped," and now I'm blogging.  It has been nice to slow down a bit and just relax.  Gives me the moment I need to breathe and regroup, but makes me love and miss my family so I'm ready to jump back in as soon as they're back.  It's amazing how just a couple hours of quiet can make such a big difference. 

Thank you thank you thank you to my sweet husband.
I know this pregnancy thing take a toll on you too, and I so appreciate your selflessness and concern for my comfort and well being,



So...you may also like::
::So...Husbandly Insights Into My Soul
::So...Midday Texts Between Lovers
::So...Large With Child
Thanks for stopping by!

So...Their Dad

"The only thing better than having you as my husband, is having you as their father."

 

Celebrating Dad today with peanuts + root beer, steak on the grill, and a kid dog pile on the bed.

We all feel very lucky to have this guy as the dad of our family.

He's pretty awesome and we love him a lot.

 

Happy Fathers' Day!

 



 

 

So...you may also like::

::So...Thinking About Fathers Today

::So...Prayer & Parenthood

::So...Let There Be Lists!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday Memories 051::Boyfriend Mix

Boyfriend Mix::
This Is Your Song::Ewan McGregor from Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
1000 Miles::Vanessa Carlton
Lady::Styxx
I Feel Like Making Love::Boston
Pardon Me::Incubus
Blurry::Puddle of Mudd
Business::Eminem
From Chaos::311
Everything::Lifehouse
All of My Love::Led Zepplin
I'm Like A Bird::Nelly Furtado
Don't Tell Me::Madonna
Out Loud::Dispatch
Glycerine::Bush
I Will Love You::Fisher
Stairway to Heaven::Led Zepplin
Kissing You::Desiree


I found this mix I made for Husband back when we were dating in a pile of random CDs. 
I couldn't throw it away without documenting this playlist for posterity's sake.
These songs were meaningful to us - our own little inside jokes, memories, and messages to each other. 

Most of them I remember, some of them I don't at all. 
Like that Eminem song...what? 
I have no memory of why that song was meaningful to us (and warning - it has a lot of bad words in it...) but maybe it made us laugh???  We were kind of like that back then. 
I think it's something we like about each other - our not-so-perfectness.
And we both were in-the-closet Eminem fans then (me more in the closet than he) which we liked about each other too.
We appreciated genius talent in any shape or form.

Anyhoo...
Husband is who introduced me to the music from Moulin Rouge and I loved that he loved a musical.
I have vivid memories of him singing at the top of his lungs along with this version of the Elton John classic.
Have I told you Husband has a great voice?
Well, he does - and I love when he sings that song to me.

The Vanessa Carlton song was meaningful to us because we spent 7 months in a long distance relationship.  The lyrics to 1000 Miles are self explanatory.
The Puddle of Mudd song was meaningful for the same reason, although when we sang it was changed the lyrics "there's ocean in between us" to "there's 3000 miles of land between us."
We thought it was funny and clever and we loved singing it to each other.

We listened to lots and lots of Incubus and 311, so naturally I threw a couple of our favorites from them in there.

We both loved Led Zepplin (which made me love him even more) so two of our favorites were included.

I loved Bush and I knew he would think of me whenever he heard Glycerine.

I threw in a couple of my favorite love songs - Everything, I Will Love You, and Kissing You.

The others are songs I remember hearing a lot on the radio in the car together, singing them together, and some making us laugh (like Husband singing "I'm Like a Bird" in his best Nelly Furtado voice).

Husband and I have always shared a love for all different types of music.
It's something I've always loved about him.
I love that we can ride in the car together and just listen to music and love it.
I love that we can rock out together and sing at the top of our lungs to anything from classic rock to musicals.  It is so much fun.

Music has always marked and tabbed chapters of my life.
These are some that remind me of the wild and crazy days of dating the man of my dreams.
Our taste in music may have changed since then, but listening to this mix still brings back all the awesome feelings and memories of that time.



So...you may also like::
::Monday Memories 006::Summer Lovin' our dating days.
::So...Best Mix EVER always a favorite.
::So...Things I'm Learning Through Motherhood::02 i am the mother.

Thanks for stopping by!

So...You Know Your Husband Works in IT When...



1::his job title is more of a job explanation than a title.

2::you think you know what your husband does until you actually try and describe it someone.  then you're not so sure you know...

3::you can't get through a date without a phone call, email, or text alerting him that some server is down.

4::you have your own at home server.

5::you each own more than one apple device.

6::he wears shirts like this to work:

7::he actually owns a shirt like this.

8::you actually bought that shirt for him because you knew he would love it.

9::you find something like this on his desk next to his computer:

9::or this:

10::you bought them for him for his birthday.
11::you know whether he fights for the Alliance or Horde.
12::you know when he has a deployment, you probably won't see him until the next day.  or the day after that.
13::you regularly have purchases on your bank statement from Woot or Newegg.
14::his mind is full of lots of random information.
15::you're amazed by how much he knows and what he can do.



So...you may also like::
::Monday Memories 038::Husband's WoW Cake i tried :)
::So...Truck for Sale we loved that truck.
::So...Husband I Miss You Already i don't like it when he's gone.

Thanks for stopping by!

So...16 Favorites

tulip festival at Thanksgiving Point

01::family pass to Thanksgiving Point.
02::longer, warmer evenings.
03::open windows at night.
04::Son's opened mouth kisses.
05::taking a day to appreciate our mothers.
06::the opportunity to be a mother.
07::baby #5 growing and kicking away.
08::third trimester - the countdown begins.
09::sunday dinners with Brother & Sister-Inlaw-To-Be.
10::summer right around the corner.
11::a new blog banner.
12::maxi skirts.
13::game night with friends.
14::a dreamy backyard space to play in.
15::my husband.  he's my favorite.
16::an eight year old girl.



So...you may also like::
::So...16 Favorites april 2013
::So...16 Favorites march 2013
::So...16 Favorites february 2013

Thanks for stopping by!

So...Growing a Baby is Not Nothing

"You are so lucky you have such easy pregnancies..." is a phrase I have heard many times from my mother. 
I never quite know how to respond to this. 
Thanks...?
Oh, I know...?
Actually, here's what's difficult about my pregnancies...?
I usually end up saying something like "Ya, it definitely could be way worse - I feel really lucky..." which is totally true, but I always feel awkward saying it.

The truth is, I am very lucky to have good pregnancies.
I haven't ever had any complications.
I have given birth to four healthy babies.
I have normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar, normal etc. etc.
I'm not high risk of anything.
For the most part, I feel pretty good.
And my body goes back to normal when it's all said and done (for the most part...)

But honestly, is there anything easy about pregnancy?
Worth it - absolutely yes, but easy? I'm gonna have to say no.

I am lucky that I don't have a super hard time physically.
I feel sick and yucky, but I'm not super sick or sick throughout the entire pregnancy.
I get big and uncomfortable, but my body still works and I don't have any major pain.
I have trouble sleeping, but have found remedies that help.

The toughest part for me during each pregnancy and post-pregnancy transition is not being myself.
I feel more limited in my energy, physical abilities, and emotional capacity.
That is the hardest part for me.

There are many days during pregnancy that I feel like I don't do anything.
Some days that is true - I pretty much lay around, avoiding all the things I "need" to do, and I feel like a lazy bum.  Those days usually end with me feeling pretty lousy about my lack of productivity combined with discouragement knowing that I couldn't have done much more.

I usually make some comment to Husband about how lazy I am and apologize for not getting anything done.  His response always is "you didn't do nothing - you're growing a baby."

Yes I am.
I am growing a baby.
And that's pretty hard work.

And so this fifth and final time around, I have finally learned to give myself the break Husband has been telling me to give myself for many years.  It is OK if I'm not doing all the things I normally do.  Like today -  got kids on the bus, cuddled with the other two in my bed to watch cartoons for a couple hours, sat on the porch watching kids play, sat on the couch when it got too hot to be outside, watched some more cartoons in the afternoon...

Not every day is like that, but some days are. 
And it's OK.
In fact, it's OK if I spend a day doing nothing but laying on the couch - because I'm not doing nothing.  I am growing a baby. 

And that's a pretty important thing to do.
And I am so grateful that I get to do it.

And just because it makes me happy...

sweet Son getting tickled by dad on Mothers' Day

So...you may also like::
::So...A Tired, Pregnant Woman's Runaway Mind its runs faster when i'm tired.
::So...This Pregnant Woman's Best Friends and they still are.
::So...Tired with third daughter.

Thanks for stopping by!

So...I Love This Man

Husband on his birthday, Feb 14, 2013

Oh how I love this man.
He is one of the best people I know.
He is honest, hard working, kind, genuine, funny, easy-going, compassionate, unassuming, and just plain old fun.  He really is the best.

We've got something great going on.
I feel so honored to be loved by him.  I really do.
He is more amazing to me the longer I'm married to him. 
I really caught myself a good one :) and feel so very blessed.

I love him so much I cut the center out of his birthday cake for him.
It's his favorite piece.
Now that's true love...

Tonight I get to go to Recipe Share (see...he loves me too) and I am really looking forward to it.
I'm a little burnt out and could use a break away from the littles.
Though I love them dearly, I need a break away from little people that constantly need things from me.
And I get a little tired of constantly reminding them not to not whine and complain. 
I know I need a break when that's all I seem to hear.  :)

Recipe Share is a group of ladies in our neighborhood that get together to eat, visit, laugh, and share recipes.
A great pick me up full of good friends and good old fashion fun just being together.
I haven't been able to go for a really long time and I miss it. 
I could use a good laugh tonight. 
Combine that with good food and it's a win.
So thankful for my tag team partner in crime so I can sneak away for a bit tonight.  :)

I'm bringing thai chicken pizza.  Oh yum!



So...you may also like::
::Monday Memories 038::Husband's WoW Cake his 29th.
::So...What We Did on Valentine's/Birthday his 33rd.
::Monday Memories 016::Birthday Boys their 30th.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday Memories 038::Husband's WoW Cake

Husband's 29th birthday

 

Husband's birthday is this week.  On Valentine's Day! 

It's the best celebrating the birthday of the man I love on the lover's holiday. 

Really, it is. 

It's fun to shower him with birthday presents, candy, hugs, kisses, and valentines.

 

On Husband's 29th birthday I made him a "fancy" cake. 

Well, I attempted...

He was really in to World of Warcraft in those days, so I made him a WoW cake - or at least tried to. 

And then I didn't have enough frosting to frost the whole thing...the cake got all crumbly when I tried to frost it...I only had a 2 candle and made a 9 out of the other candles...and the kids thought it said MoM...

 

Like I said, I tried.

I no longer try to make cakes that aren't the shape of a cake pan :)

 

I don't remember what we got him for his birthday that year.

But I'm sure that we heart attacked his car and I made him a candy gram.

It is tradition after all.

 

I think back at that time in our lives...

We had been in our first house for less than a year.

We were very tight on money.

We were weeks away from Second Daughter's birth.

It was a great time in our little family.

We grew up a lot that year.

 

This week for Husband's birthday we will go out for a Birthday/Valentine's dinner on his actual birthday and then have a family celebration on Friday night with cake. 

Chocolate with peanut butter cream cheese frosting.

He's going to love it!

 

It's going to be a great week and another great birthday memory!

 

 

 

So...you may also like::

::Monday Memories 018::Overly Excited his birthday 2009.

::Monday Memories 017::My Valentine his birthday 2006.  a fun tradition.

::Monday Memories 016::Birthday Boys his 30th birthday 2008.

 

Thanks for stopping by!



So...Here Batta Batta

Another Friday night.

My favorite night of the week.

Last Friday Husband and I spent the night at Mountain West Burrito and then the batting cages.  The warm summeresque evening and the batting cages reminded me of days before marriage and four kids.  It was such a fun date.

 

I have only been to the batting cages one other time.  Years ago with Husband before he was my husband.  I don't remember much from that date, but I do remember being scared of the fast ball and hitting very few of them.  This date was much more successful.  I hit almost every one!  Perhaps I have grown a little more confident in my age and was not as distracted trying to impress a boy.  :)

 

Tonight we are going to see the latest 007.

Husband is thrilled.

I am too. 

I get to be with him, and that's my favorite thing to do.

I'm one lucky girl.

 

 

Happy Friday everyone!

 

 

 

So...you may also like::

::So...9 Years and a tag.

::So...TGIF amen.

::So...I Love This Weekend it was a good one.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

So...TGIF

It's Friday people.
Can I get a "Hallelujah?"

This week has felt wonderful.
Tiring in all the best ways.
Being busy working hard doing great things.
And now the weekend is here!

This morning Third Daughter is having a play date.
She doesn't get many of those, but when she does she's ecstatic.
I can hear the little girlies up in the playroom chatting away.
Girls are so fun and I'm so glad I have three of them.

Son is taking his morning snooze.
He is nine months old today.
I can hardly believe it.
My plan for today is to get to the mall to get his picture taken.
He has yet to get a photo taken in a studio and I think today may be the day.
Hopefully it works out :)

Fridays are early out days at our kids' school.
This afternoon we may head over to the library to exchange our basket of books for some new ones.
We're not quite done with our read-a-loud book The Boxcar Children #2 so we will be renewing it.
I will not be checking anything out for myself.
I am still plugging away at The House of the Seven Gables for book club.

I love taking the kids to the library.
I love that they love reading.
I love reading with them.

Our week of no electronics has been wonderful, but will be coming to an end this evening.
The girlies will get to have movie night with a babysitter and they will be watching the new Tinkerbell movie.  Perhaps with some kettle corn.
Part of me wants to keep the TV off.
I don't think we will, but I think we will be implementing some sort of limitations.
Having the TV off is so nice.

Husband and I have date night tonight.
Ahhhh....
Dating my Husband is the best decision I ever made.
Continuing to date him is a close second.
Not sure what we'll do tonight, but it so doesn't even matter.
That's the beauty of date night.
We get a babysitter, and we are free.
All we know is we'll be together and that's all that matters.

Being with Husband is my favorite thing to do.
He truly is my best friend.
He is my favorite person to be with.
He is my favorite person to talk with.
He is my favorite person to sit with.
He is my favorite person to flirt with.
He is my favorite person to laugh with.
He is just my favorite person.

Happy Friday everyone!
Hope you have a fantastic weekend.



So...you may also like::
::So...16 Favorites holding husband's hand.
::So...Resolutions Revisited date night has moved its way up.
::So...TGIF almost four years ago.

Thanks for stopping by!

So...9 Years

 

Tonight for date night we are celebrating 9 years of marriage. (our anniversary was yesterday)

Today I tagged our laundry room wall for my man. 

It was so romantic.

 

I'm not sure what we're doing tonight, but it doesn't even matter.

Friday night is my favorite night because I always get to spend it with the man I love.

Date night is the best.

 

Happy 9 years Husby.

I love you oh so very much.

We've got something pretty awesome goin on.  :)

So...New Day

Today I feel much better.

I have an amazing husband.
He gets me.
He loves me.
He lets me have bad days and does what he can (and more) to make them better.

Last night after Husband was home and the kiddos were in bed, I headed to the gym for some walking/running/reading/stress relief. It was the most wonderful thing.
My body is still recovering from the near 10 pound baby it delivered, but it is healing and feeling anxious to start moving again. Last night was just what I needed. It was wonderful.

And then Son decided to sleep pretty well for a sick 5 week old.
He woke up at midnight, and 3:30, and then 7.
It was glorious!

My overly emotional daughters woke up happy today.
Halleluia.

And even though there is snow and ice on the ground, the sun is shining.

Thank you for the sweet words of encouragement and concern.
It meant a lot to me.

And I'm pretty sure Aunt Kathy is 100% correct - I am super tired.

Last night while looking through old pictures (I get nastalgic when I'm having hard days) I found this one and for some reason it made me really happy.

watching the Sound of Music with curlers in their hair I love these little girls.
And even though being a mom is super hard sometimes -
it is super awesome.
And I love it.


So...you may also like:
::Monday Memories 019: Winter Outing
::Monday Memories 017: My Valentine
::So...Guest Posting::On the Floor

Thanks for stopping by!