You may or may not believe this -

I am coming back to the blogging world.  I have a heck of a lot to catch up.  So ... stay tuned.  It's going to be exciting.  Okay, not really.

Lunch with Braxton

I got to go to Braxton's school today and eat lunch with him. It was a lot of fun. David got home from work early and we also had Ben this week because he had his Spring Break, so we all were able to show up and eat with him. On the menu: Cheeseburgers or Teriyaki Rice Bowl. Yep. All I have to say about that is ... I'm glad I send him with a cold lunch. Today was the first day he had hot lunch this whole year and I wasn't too impressed. In fact, I've heard that the same company's who do school lunches also do jail lunches. That's what it reminded me of ....

On the bright side of things, Braxton was so happy to have all of us there with him. It was really fun.

I love Brax so much. He is getting so big and I am having a hard time coming to grips with how big he is acting. I'm sure soon he won't want to give me kisses on the lips anymore ... or sign "I love you" to me, or blow kisses my way. So, I'm taking ALL that I can get now. Any day now he'll probably say, "Mom, can you drop me off at school a block away ..."

I'm so glad this boy is my son. I need to do better about cherishing the small, simple, but perfect moments.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My Mom's birthday was today! I love this lady. She has been so good to me and I'm so thankful that she's my Mom!

LOVE YOU, MOM!

It's a Girl!

So, as many of you know, it is now official. We are having a baby Girl! We are so excited. (Especially me)

This is kind of how it all went down - with a little bit of history, too.

I had marginal placenta previa with Braxton. As I got bigger, the placenta pulled away from my cervix and it wasn't an issue. Then, with Malachi, when we had our ultrasound, the placenta was about 1 cm away from my cervix. So, with this baby, I wanted to be checked out, too.

You see, we are planning on having this baby at home, like we did Malachi, with my AWESOME midwife, Rebecca Williams. But, since she (Rebecca) is a midwife, she only has an older ultrasound machine, not the newer ones. She isn't trained in that field, so she doesn't measure any parts or anything like that. If we want that done (which some people don't) than we have to make an appointment elsewhere.

I had thought a lot about NOT finding out the sex of the baby. I figured I'd be a tad disappointed to hear "it's a boy" again. However, I knew that the moment I held him in my arms, I would be happy. So, why should I be slightly bummed for 19 weeks, when really I'd be happy with the outcome either way. I mean, I really do love my boys!

I also figured that with having a natural childbirth - maybe it would be the extra "oomph" that I needed during that last few minutes (that last a lifetime) to finally get to know whether it was a girl or boy.

On March 31st, I was getting Braxton ready for school. I had laid his clothes out and was gathering some schoolwork when he told me this: "Mom, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately." "Really? What's that?" "Well, I really hope that you have a girl. Because, I mean, you've already had two boys and I bet you'd really love a daughter. So, I hope you have a girl mom. For you." (Remember, this is coming from my seven year old!)

That made my heart kind of melt and I thought about how I really would LOVE to have a daughter! As the day passed, I kept thinking about what he said. Later that day I had to run to Costco to get some contacts. I walked past the baby section and saw an ADORABLE girl outfit. I hesitated buying it. I knew that if I did get it, I would just be jinxing myself. But, I knew that in three and a half months, I more than likely would not be able to find it anymore. So, I gave in and bought it.

As soon as I got home, I called to schedule me an ultrasound. I atleast had to know that we were in the clear with the placenta issue. And, I figured if by chance I "happened" to see that it was a boy or girl -- well, there isn't really anything you can do about that, right? =]

When I called in, I was surprised, but they said they could get me in that day. I wasn't sure I could get a hold of David in time, so I scheduled for the next day. Which just happened to be April Fool's day. But, I wasn't thinking about that at the time.

So, we went in. We told the sonographer about my hesitancy in finding out. She was SO adorable! Instead of looking at me like, "Lady! Make up your mind." She seemed so concerned and sat there thinking. She finally said, "I keep trying to think of ways that I could tell you ... but, they won't work" I said, "I know, I was thinking, 'well just tell us if it's a girl and don't tell us if it's a boy ... but then we'll know it's a boy if you don't say anything.'" She was like, "I know! I was thinking that for a while too." She then just said, "Well, let's begin. And everytime we get close to that area, we will have you look away."

To make a LONG story very short. The baby wasn't cooperating anyway. Legs crossed the ENTIRE time. She'd jiggle my belly, had me get up and use the restroom, had me stretch, switch positions, to get the baby to MOOOOVE, but to no avail. Nothing. She sincerely looked at me and said, "Well, to be honest, I don't know the gender of your baby. I haven't seen anything." I then mentioned I had to use the restroom again ... so she had me get up and go. At this point, I just wanted to know because the baby was being SO stubborn! In fact, it was about this time that she let out a sigh and said, "Oh boy ..." As in, "wow this baby is stubborn" But, it kind of startled me and she quickly exclaimed, "not as in, it's a boy ... as in 'oh boy! I just can't get a good look!" She felt awful, but it was actually pretty funny!

David and I had time to discuss a little bit, while the sonographer walked outside. David reminded me that if it was a boy, Malachi would have a little buddy to play with. That actually made me very happy. Part of me, wanted to really cry. I guess because this could be our last baby and I wouldn't know what it was like to have that girl. I mean, I don't know about you, but 5 kids is enough for me. I could call it good!

The sonographer came back in. I told her that we had decided that we wanted to know for sure if the baby would cooperate. Again, no cooperation on the baby's part! She had yet to get a really good measurement of the spine. So I got up, went to the bathroom again, and did some more jumping around to try and get the baby to MOOOOOVE!

However, little to my knowledge, while I was in the bathroom. The sonographer and David had a "little" discussion. I guess while I wasn't looking, they got very close to the gender area and saw no little boy parts. So, David whispered, "I have been looking VERY closely - and I can't see a penis." She added, "I know, me too. I think it's a girl, but I don't want to give her false hope. I will not call it until I am absolutely positive."

They wrapped up their little conversation as I walked out the bathroom door. I could tell she was drawing him a little diagram, but I thought it was just to help him know where to look. So, I didn't think anything of it.

I laid down ... AGAIN, and we began our last search. She mentioned she only had a few minutes left before she had other appointments. I began to think to myself, "I guess we really aren't supposed to find out." A few more seconds went by and I heard her make a noise. I immediately knew that she had seen. My heart raced and I tensed up. She quietly, but happily exclaimed, "It's a little girl!" Then she said it again a little louder and threw both hands up in the air, "IT'S A GIRL!" I looked up at her, and said, "Are you serious?" I also began to cry. She then said, "After ALL we've been through, do you think I'd do that to you?" I really got teary then and she started to get teary-eyed too! She was SOOOO sweet. David was in a state of shock a bit - and he gave me a big hug and kiss and said, "I'm so happy that you get your little girl."

The sonographer also mentioned that the picture was a great shot and that she was 100% sure that it was a girl. That made me feel even better.

It was such a moment! That's why I went into so much detail. I don't ever want to forget how wonderful it was.

Then of course, we had to play a joke on everyone since, after all, it was April Fool's day. My mom said she had a feeling it was another boy - then became so ecstatic when I said "April Fool." David's sister, Dawna, laughed and said, "haha ... you guys have the all boys curse, too!" But, boy did she NOT think it was funny when she found out we DO get a little girl and she is stuck with three boys. (Who's laughing now, Dawna! lol) And Ayla, well, Ayla was definitely upset that she was outnumbered 4 to 1! And, I don't blame her! However, she about died when she went up to her room, saw a little girl outfit and a note from her soon-to-be baby sister. She wanted to make sure that we weren't April Fooling her with it being a girl, though. Smart girl.

Really ... it was a wonderful day. I can't wait to meet our little baby girl ...

I love you little Brielle. We'll be seeing you soon!

(Oh yes, and as for the picture ... her little bum is in the upper left corner of the picture. Then, one leg is going out to the right and the other almost straight down. And, as you can see, there is nothing in-between her little legs!)

This and That

So - your mouth may be on the floor right now. Being that it has been over 6 months since I have posted anything. Definitely NOT because nothing has happened. EVERYTHING has happened and then some.

I do want to apologize. Mainly to myself! There are a lot of things I'm sure I have forgotten - my problem, is I feel unless there are pictures to post, it isn't going to be fun for any of YOU. But honestly, this blog is for ME. I am pretty bummed - for some reason when we installed our new Microsoft Word program (the latest) it has screwed up our camera and our camera will not download pictures. So, we have over 6 months of pictures just waiting to be downloaded =[ Very sad!

So, I will make this quick and when I get pictures, I will post more about them later. But, just to recap:

Braxton turned 7 the end of September. We had a fun little family party with him. He loves the show WIPEOUT and so, I made him a "wipeout" birthday cake AND had made an obstacle course in the backyard. We timed each family member and the one with the shortest time got a prize. I'm pretty sure it was candy. Then every other family member got a prize (more candy) for being a participant. It was pretty fun!

November 5, 2010 was an AMAZING day. I'm not exaggerating. David, me and Malachi were able to be sealed in the Bountiful, Utah Temple. It was such a great day. I am so thankful that we are a family and that we will be together forever. It was so wonderful to experience the sweet spirit that our little boy brought to the ceremony. I'm not sure if he was just in awe of the pretty chandelier hanging from the ceiling or if he could see some family members are on the other side - but he kept point up toward the ceiling and smiling. It was such a great time for us and a wonderful memory. (Wish I could post pictures!!!)

A few months before we were sealed I had quite a few impressions that we should start thinking about adding to our family. David and I had talked and figured that, yes, the time was probably quickly approaching, but had no specific feeling on when exactly. Just that the time was near.

After our sealing we discussed it again and thought that the time was definitely approaching. I guess, our little one was anxious to get here, because November 29, 2010, I found out we were expecting again. Even though, we knew it was going to happen soon, we had no idea that it was going to happen THAT soon. We were quite surprised - but anxious and excited too.

We had a wonderful Christmas and told the kids about our new arrival on Christmas Eve. Oh yes, I also celebrated my 29th birthday in December as well. (Can't wait to be 30. I know, I'm weird!)

In February David celebrated his 35th birthday! He requested carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. It was delicious! I also made him homemade Cafe Rio chicken burritos and I just have to say that it was mighty swell food! Seriously, I'm so surprised that it turned out as good as it did. The salad dressing and the rice was my favorite part. My mom was able to stop and eat with us (she was headed through town) and she even like it too. So, I give myself a pat on the back for that one.

We found out in February that Braxton had Bronchitis. About a week or two later David went into the school doctor and found that he had a very severe sinus infection. Then, a few weeks later, Malachi and I were both told we had walking pneumonia. I had been feeling like crap for a VERY long time - but I had attributed it to being pregnant. We all got on some STRONG anitbiotics and felt better! It was amazing the difference once I felt better. Lucky for me, I had gotten over the "morning sickness" - so at least I didn't have that to deal with on top of everything else.

Ayla seemed to be the only one who escaped the "bug". She did feel sort of sick for a day or two - but it never turned into anything that we had. I'm glad for her because it really was awful!

It was either the end of February or beginning of March - but David was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Elder's Quorum. I don't want to complain too much for fear of being struck by lightning, but BOY is he busy! I can only imagine what the Bishop's wife must feel like. Between work, school, and his calling he is gone many nights. I miss him! However, I am thankful that I am married to someone who is willing to serve in the church. I have seen our family benefit greatly through the blessings we've been receiving. I am very proud of him for doing so much for our family and for others!

Ben turned 7 in March, too! Six months out of the year, we have two boys the same age. We got Ben for just a few hours on his birthday, since it was a school night. We just had a family dinner, really. We promised him we'd do something funner once we were together again. However, the flu bug then decided to hit our family! I honestly think it might have been the roto-virus. It was AWFUL. Nothing quite as fun as having "pukes and shoots" at the same time. Poor little Braxton. He was so sick. For 8 straight days he was having bathroom issues. We did get the throwing up under control on the second day - but man, alive! We (okay, I) did a lot of laundry that week. Then, on about day 5 or 6 for Braxton, Malachi out of nowhere "blew chunks". Who knew a little stomach could hold SO much? Wow! So, then Malachi was sick throwing up for about 3 days. Luckily it wasn't all day long. He'd only throw up two or three times during the day. But, he had bathroom issues as well. I think he was all cleared up in about 6 days though. So glad it didn't hit him quite as hard. I was worried sick that I would get it - but luckily, I avoided that as well! Whew!

So, that is our last six months in a VERY small nutshell.

OH WAIT! Forgot my favorite part. I won't go into a lot of detail here. I'll do a different post about it. But on April 1st we found out we are having a baby girl! I was so excited I almost couldn't make it out to the car. I felt light-headed and strange. I am so thrilled to have a baby girl! I can do her hair and dress her up! I dream about the day we go on a mommy/daughter date and get manicures and pierce her ears. (I'm thinking about 8 years old) Who knows! Who cares! It can just be done now.

David was a little shocked to say the least. He, of course wasn't sure, but felt pretty strongly that it was a boy. He was so happy for me though. It was really sweet.

We of course, played an April Fool on Ayla. He went and picked her up early from school. Told her in the car that we had gone to the ultrasound appointment (we didn't tell ANYONE we were going. We didn't know until the day before) and that we found out we were having another boy. Ayla was of course bummed. She is feeling quite out-numbered. He told her to get her feelings out while she was driving home. He told her I was also having a hard time and was quite disappointed and didn't want to make a big deal about it in front of me.

While they were gone, I went and got a "girl" outfit that I had bought just a few days earlier (just in case) and layed it on her bed. I then wrote a little note from the baby girl and told her that (the baby girl) appreciated her waiting patiently for her arrival, but that she couldn't come until her 3 older brothers had come first. Then she said I can't wait to see you in a few months!

Ayla flipped out! She was so confused. She came down the stairs with tears in her eyes and we said, "April Fool's." Her response, "Which is the joke? That it's a boy or a girl?" It was pretty sweet. When we finally told her it was definitely a girl she was so happy! It was fun.

Okay -- So THAT is the last 6 months in a nutshell. =] I will definitely post more soon ... but without pictures.

Wow, time flies. When you're having fun AND when you are sick!

Well, it sure has been a while since I last posted, so I am going to try my hardest to do some cathching up. I will attempt to put them in order. Oh boy. Wish me luck!

Two years of marital bliss

David and I had a really wonderful anniversary. Last year, we went out to eat at "The Roof" on temple square. It was beautiful! We picked the perfect time, right as the sun was starting to set. The Temple looked gorgeous and David said, "You know, we should do this every year." I liked the sound of that! Then he added, "only next year, let's go do a session at the temple first, and then come and eat here." So, that is what we did. Let me tell you folks, it was perfect!

David and I decided last month that we really needed to be better about attending the temple on a monthly basis. So, I had heard (when I got married the first time, to be exact) that some people try to be in the temple with their spouse every year on their anniversary at the same time they were married. I thought that that would be so cool to do. But, it never happened. So, as David and I were sitting there thinking how we are going to accomplish this goal, I said, "I know, let's try and go on the 8th of every month. That way, it feels like we are celebrating another month of marriage!" He thought that seemed pretty good so we gave it a shot. When the 8th falls on a Sunday or Monday, we will try to go the Saturday before. We've done it for 3 months and I have to say, it's made it easier going. Dunno why. It just has 8 )

Our anniversary did end up falling on a Sunday, so we went the night before. Thank you Ayla and Auntie Deb for watching Mr. Malachi for us!