Made It

I made it to New Beginnings and it all went smoothly. The room looked
so beautiful although I don't think the pictures do it justice. All the
speakers did great, the girls sang wonderfully and we had a great
turnout. I was so grateful for all the other leaders' help to make it
such
a great night. Our theme was "She is a Young Woman of Virtue" and we
introduced each girl with a video that Becky made and then she told two
interesting things about each girl along with a virtue that she
embodies. Our colors were pink and silver and we had made each girl a
beaded bracelet with a tiara charm on it. They turned out so dainty and
nice.

I feel such a huge relief that that is over now. I feel like I could
have the baby now! The nurse did call yesterday and they don't have
room for me on Friday, so I am scheduled for early, early Tuesday
morning. Now I just want to make it until then. I'll keep everyone
posted!

Room in Progress

**It's not letting me upload photos, so I'll try to add them later, so check back!

The stripes got painted on the wall in the girls' room and they look good. He did a great job--I was happy with him and the company. Tonight we (it took my parents, Brian and me!) put up the wall quote and I put up the letters above their beds. In a few months, Ellie will eventually go in there in a matching bed--right in the middle. I just need to find a few other things for the wall and we'll be done with their room.

I also put up the quote board above our back doors. I am glad this baby is coming otherwise these things never would get done!

I had a doctor's appointment this morning and I am dilated to a 3. I will just be thrilled if I make it to New Beginnings, then I guess I'm ready to go! I will hear tomorrow morning for sure, but I am hoping to be scheduled to be induced on Friday. I can't believe it might be this week. I want to try to take it easy, but I want to get some last minute stuff done, too.

Eliza went to the dentist today (Brian's dad) and had her teeth cleaned. She loved it and did great. My mom had an appointment, so Eliza just went with her. She had four little cavities between her molars and he filled them and she did great I guess--no anesthetic and no complaining!

We had to get a new water heater yesterday. Brian went out into the garage to go to work and water was pouring out the top. We had a plumber come right out and the bottom line is that we have a new water heater. The one good thing is that I'm glad it happened when we were home and not at the hospital or out of town or something.

I think that is all that is new.

Saturday

Valentine's Day flowers from Brian

(before of the girls room) and (in-process of the girls room)

Today started early with the painters coming to work on the room. It looks good so far. I was nervous about the pink because that is such a hard color to pick. But we think it looks like a good color. They are going to come back on Monday to do the stripes. I can't wait for that part.

Today Eliza went with my parents and her cousin Abby to Encanto Park to the "Enchanted Island" to celebrate Abby's birthday. They had a great time. Libby was sad she didn't get to go, but she had fun playing outside with Brian.

This morning I went with my friend Meg to use my gift certificate I got at my shower and we got pedicures. It was so fun to relax for a bit and chat. I got a French manicure with pink instead of white. Then the lady did a very cool pink and white flower with black accents. Love it and it says "All girl" for delivery day! I also decided at the last minute to get a manicure, too, so that was enjoyable. I got a regular French manicure for those.

After that, I came home and we ate lunch, then I did some writing. I am really trying hard to get the writing done for this next Autumn Leaves book before the baby comes. I hope I make it--I don't want to have to think about it in the hospital or soon after even. I got an e-mail a couple of days ago and my boss wants two mock chapter intros written for another possible book project they might be doing. And it's due Tuesday, so I am stressing a little bit!!

This afternoon was my nephew Tommy's 1st birthday party. It was a dog theme and he had a dog cake, cookies and "puppy chow" to eat. They played pin the tail on the dog and dog-dog-cat (like duck-duck goose). The girls got "doggie bags" for their favor bags. Very cute!




Tonight after dinner we did baths and bedtime. Everyone is sleeping! So on to tackle my to-do list. It's getting shorter and shorter.

Ellie used to give kisses but hasn't for a while. Today she started giving them again, but only to Brian so far. Lucky. We need to work on the open-mouth factor though!

Too Cute

Today Eliza had preschool and while she was there, Ellie, Libby and I did a few errands. One of them was to the mall where I went to the Croc kiosk to look at the Mary Janes. My intention was to get them for Eliza, Libby and me. But they had them in Ellie's size and they were irresistable, so I didn't get any but she did! They are all too cute. And Ellie loves them!

After picking up Eliza, she and Libby went to Terri's house to play for a while. I was able to go through my paper in the den. I ordered a few verticle storage holders, so I am ready for those to come so I can really organize all my paper. Brian had a late appointment today, so I picked the girls up, grabbed some McDonald's and picked up my cousin to babysit. We came home, then Brian and I went out. We went to our Bishop's home where we had our Ward Council Christmas party. He likes to do it at the beginning of the year since everyone is so busy during the holidays. We had delicious Mexican food and played a couple of games. It was a fun time.

Baby Shower, Heart Day, etc.

Tuesday night was my baby shower. A few friends from the ward coerced me into having one. I am glad they did--it was a good time. We just had a few people from the ward there. The theme was "chocolate" and they served, chocolate covered pretzels, donuts, yummy punch, and a chocolate fountain, complete with marshmallows, rice krispie treats, bananas, strawberries and peanut butter balls to dip. It was delicious! And the company was great, too, just being able to sit back and relax and chat. They played a little game that had questions to get to know me a little better and that was fun. And, of course, they were generous to me and brought some amazing gifts. I got a ton of darling outfits for the baby, a photo session from Becky that I am so excited for, a very very cute album that my good friend Leslie made--in pinks and browns and my mom spoiled me with a soft baby blanket, burp cloths, sleepers, shopping cart cover, baby bath stuff, and the cutest "album". It uses a Pottery Barn Rolodex and you make each Rolodex card into a mini, mini layout. It is so so cute. I included a picture along with other pictures from the shower. Eliza got to come and she seemed to really like it.

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. I gave Brian some jeans and a new polo shirt. For dinner, we surprised him with a special dinner--we got take out at P.F. Changs. He loves the food there, but he doesn't get it very often since I can't do Chinese food very often. Then that night Brian took Eliza and Libby on a little daddy/daughter date to Dippin' Dots for ice cream. We were all going to go, but Ellie was ready for bed and it was getting later. So I stayed home with her. For Valentine's Day, Brian brought home some tulips, which I absolutely love, and some certificates for several treatments at a spa. I just have to find the time to go!!

This morning we had a camp meeting for girls' camp and it is going to be fun. We got quite a few things planned so now we'll be able to focus our planning more since we know the direction we are going.

This afternoon my friend Kristi had Eliza and Libby over for a little play date and I got the den cleaned and better organized and I got a big chunk of the baby clothes in the closet and put away. Woosh! We are getting close!

Tomorrow is Friday! Yay! We'll have preschool, do a few errands and have datenight.

P.S. I can't figure out how to get spaces between my paragraphs. It shows in my text box but doesn't come through when I publish it. Sorry about that.

Paint Color Decided

Why is it so hard to pick out paint colors? I wish they made paint chips that were poster size. I think that would be much easier! I finally decided on a Dunn Edward color--Spun Sugar for the main part and Minimal Rose for the stripes. I hope it turns out good and I like it. I think they have a hint of purple in it so it will save it from being too bubble-gum looking. We shall see on Saturday!

Today I had another doctor's appointment and I am still the same as last week. I thought I'd be dilated more, but I am okay still being at a 1. I have to make it through next Wednesday and I think I will! Now it will be a matter of deciding to have her next Thursday or sometime the following week. I can't decide.

Tonight some friends of mine from the ward are throwing me a baby shower. I dragged my feet about having one, but it's just going to be small and just a few people from the ward. I felt silly having yet another shower for a 4th girl, but she needs to be celebrated, too. I'll post later how it goes.

Weekend

Libby got a fever again! While Brian was gone on Saturday we went out and started to do some errands, but by the second one, Libby was starting to be clingy and acted like she didn't feel great. So we hurried home and she had a high fever and just acted sick. So she rested all day yesterday and today. Thankfully she seems much better today. We have to keep her well before the baby comes!

Brian said the snow trip was fun. He came away with some soreness, but no broken bones!

Today was church and Brian and I had to tag-team again since Libby was sick. I had to teach YW so I went for the last part. Then I took Eliza and Ellie to my parents for Sunday dinner. Everyone came over so it was fun. Brian had a fun daddy-daughter day with Libby.

This week is going to be busy trying to get some things on my LONG to-do list done before the baby comes. Brian is really excited...let me tell you!

Back Home

Sedona

view from breakfast

down by the creek at the hotel

in the hotel lobby (notice the oily hair!)

our room

Brian and I got home this afternoon from our Sedona trip. It was a fun and relaxing time. We dropped the girls off at Brian's parents' at about 10 on Thursday morning. Then we headed up to Sedona. It didn't take us long to get there--it's such a quick drive up there. When we got there, we stopped at the Gap outlet, then went to lunch at Wildflower Bread Company. The one they have there has such great views of the red rocks. Right after lunch Brian dropped me off at the spa at L'Auberge where I enjoyed a "Bee Pure Facial" and a "Head and Scalp Massage". The facial was so relaxing and seemed to go on forever, which I loved. Then after the facial, I went into another room for the head massage. That was heavenly, too. In both treatments--it is going to sound a little strange--but they massaged my ears. It felt so good! Sounds weird, but I am sure you would enjoy it, too. After the head massage, my hair was sooooo oily. I showered there and tried to get it out, but it was still there. So all night my hair looked oily. This morning I shampooed it twice and it finally looks back to normal. While I was getting pampered at the spa, Brian when mountain biking. He learned of a good trail from someone at the hotel, so he tried it out. He said it was hard, lots of uphill, but so pretty. And he only crashed three times. As soon as he loads pictures from his phone, I'll post his bike adventure pictures.

After we both got done and cleaned up, we drove around Sedona and ate dinner at El Rincon--a Mexican food place that we ate at about 6 years ago when we stayed there last. It was still good. We went back to the hotel for a little bit and hung out before heading to Cold Stone for our late night treat.

I thought I would sleep better than I did, but I had to get up for the bathroom once and I had a couple bouts of heartburn, so I had to get up and get a drink. And I dreamed I had had the baby and they were bringing her to me to eat. This morning we went back to Wildflower for breakfast which was so delicious. Brian had stuffed French toast and I had the pancakes and hot cocoa. Both dishes were excellent. And we ate on the balcony--the weather was perfect and the view was perfect, too. From there we drove around Sedona some more, but a lot of the roads turn into dirt roads, and that was a bit much for me and I had some mild contractions. So we quickly turned around and headed for pavement. On our way home, we did some shopping at the Outlets at Anthem. There was also a sign for model home furniture for sale, so we checked that out. Turns out it is a store with tons of furniture. It is very nice and we found a bed we loved, but we are going to look around some more first. We actually saw some bedding that we just loved. It was beautiful blue and brown with a brown velvety bed skirt. We inquired and it was $1900 for the bedding. You've got to be kidding me! That was way more than the bed that we liked. Too bad. We'll have to keep looking. When we were done, we went to my parents' where we picked up Eliza. My mom had taken Eliza to preschool and just kept her for the rest of the day. She cried when we got there and didn't want to leave. We were mean and made her come with us to pick up Ellie and Libby. They all had a great time while we were gone and did wonderfully. I guess Eliza was a great big sister and so helpful and kind to Ellie and Libby. Libby woke up in the night and Brian's mom said she heard Eliza singing her a made-up song, trying to help her get back to sleep.

So now we are home and back at it. Tomorrow is the youth snow trip that I was supposed to go on. I am sending Brian in my place. I am just nervous to drive that much and be that far from home being so close to d-day. So he gets to go! I am so grateful for him filling in for me.

Does anyone have a great recommendation for a good vacuum? We have terrible luck with them. We had one that worked pretty well, then it stopped so we bought another one at Target. Well that one never worked from the beginning so we tried to take it back and Target said they don't have any record of that one (we didn't have our receipt), so they wouldn't do anything for us. We just changed the belt tonight and still no luck--it sounded terrible and smelled even worse. So now we have to use a little $50 one that works great, but I am thinking we need something better. Our carpet is pretty thick, so it needs to be able to handle that, but I need suggestions! I think we just need to break down and get a commercial one.

The car-seat we ordered came today. I was nervous to order it since I couldn't feel the fabric in person (no one here sells this particular pattern). But it came and I love it. I love the color and pattern and the feel of the fabric. I think it'll work out great.

I think that is enough info for one post. I'll go now.

Decorating Bug

Along with a little "nesting," I have also caught the decorating bug. There are some unfinished projects that I am just itching to get done before the baby comes. So I've been busy figuring out what I want to do and doing it. I decided on some wall decor I am going to put up in Ellie's room. They are all done; I just need to hang them on the wall (ugh--the worst part). I also arranged to have Eliza and Libby's room painted a week from Saturday. We were going to have to patch over quite a few nail holes, which would mean repainting. So we are just going to redo it in something totally different. I am excited...now I just need to find some paint colors that I like! I also ordered some wooden letters to hang above their beds and I'll be getting a vinyl quote for one of the walls. I am so excited to get all this decorating done! Finally! I'll be sure to take pictures.

We go to Sedona in the morning and I am very excited and looking forward to relaxing a bit.

Eliza started dance today (tap and ballet) and she loved it. She came home and showed me everything she learned. Libby will start gymnastics next week. I was hoping she would do dance, but she decided she didn't want to unless she was going to be in Eliza's class. (But she is willing to do gymnastics by herself--go figure! I just hope she talks in class when they ask her a question!).

Dr. Appt.

Today I had a doctor's appointment. We won't talk about the wait (my appt. was at 11:15--I didn't get called back until 12:40.) But I am up a 1/2 pound, dilated to a 1 and 70% effaced. That is a good start. He said he would induce me on the 22nd if I wanted. I think I am going to wait until that next week though. I need more time to get ready first.

After we got back from the doctor, we hung out at home, ate dinner, then went to see my friend Jenny and her new baby. He is so tiny and so cute. Then Eliza and I went to Wal-Mart looking for tap shoes for her dance class that starts tomorrow. They don't sell them, so we will try another Payless tomorrow.

Names and Such

Everyone asks if we have a name for this baby and we don't yet. Brian and I are ones who like to take a list to the hospital and see what she looks like, then decide for sure. Then everyone likes to know what names we are considering...so here are a few...
--Whitney (Brian doesn't like it since it reminds him of Whitney Houston)
--Kennedy
--Blair
--Bentley--one of Brian's favorites, but a little trendy for me
--Gentry--I like this name but sounds like "Pantry" to Brian
--Remi--I love this name, too, but Brian makes a face
--Cadence (won't be her name, b/c my brother breaks into an Army chant when he hears that name)
--Amelia
--Reese

For a middle name, I would really like to do Belle after my great-grandma Emma Belle. Problem is we call Ellie--Ellie Belle already even though her middle name is Ann. I guess we'd have to switch if we decide to use that one.

But who knows...we'll see what she looks like and go from there! At least there will be a little surprise since we already know it's a girl!

Tomorrow I have a doctor's appt., so it'll be interesting to see if I'm dilated. I normally would like to be, but I don't want to be any earlier than the last week of the month. I have too much to do before then!

This weekend I made my first batch of English toffee. I shouldn't have. I have eaten way more than I should have. It's a weakness for sure.

Yesterday was church and it went well. The class presidents taught their class, and Kayleen did a wonderful job. She did great! That evening we had family dinner over here--we had mostly Mexican-type food and we ate lots! There were tons of desserts, too, so that didn't help. I wonder what the scale will say tomorrow at the doctor!

Today we did some errands, then this afternoon we met some friends at the park. The girls had a great time--even Ellie really enjoyed herself. After Brian got home we had family home evening and Eliza gave the lesson. She taught us about Esther and did a great job. She even asked us questions to go with her lesson. So cute. After the girls were in bed I went to Rachel's house along with several other young women leaders and we cranked out at least 35 bracelets for the girls for New Beginnings. We just have a handful left to make. Whoosh! It was a busy day!

The girls played dress up (just with regular clothes) and these were their creations.

Are you sitting down?

I actually went to see a movie tonight. If you know me at all, you will know this is huge! I am not a movie person. It is hard for me to subject myself to 2 hours of sitting in a movie and not "multi-tasking" and doing something else while I am watching. But we went out with the Rogers and the Higgins along with one of Becky's friends who is visiting from Iowa. First, we ate dinner at Macaroni Grill. I did a "choose your pasta" and it was actually very good. I got bowtie pasta with a creamy garlic sauce, tomatoes, carmelized onions and broccoli. Brian went with the Boursin Filet which was a tenderloin dish with mashed potatoes. Let's say he just liked the potatoes. He had to send the steak back once because it wasn't cooked enough. Then he still couldn't eat it because it tasted so badly. He even had Ricky try it and he thought it was terrible, too. Their description is that it tasted like if you would lick the grill after cooking something. Gross...but that's a guy's description for you. Brian did say something and fortunately wasn't charged for it. And luckily I had enough for both of us, so he just finished my dinner. After an interesting dinner, we saw Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith. It was an excellent movie. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. It was just a great, feel good, inspirational movie. And the time passed quickly--I didn't mind being at the "movies." I think I could do it again fairly soon if it was a good movie!

Now it's back to work to get at least one more book written until D-day at the end of the month!

Photo Montage

Mutual went great last night. I think the girls had fun making their boards and I was so excited to have them set some goals for the coming year. If they work at it, we will have several girls earn their medallion this year. That would make me thrilled!

After mutual, my friend Meg who works with me in Laurels came over and gave me a maternity massage. She is a massage therapist and it was heavenly. I told her I wished she could just leave her table so I could fall asleep until morning.

Today we hung out at home this morning, then after Ellie's LONG mid-day nap we went to Costco and Fry's for some grocery shopping. While Eliza and Libby were at the play center at Fry's, the lady there gave them both a huge stack of coloring pages, so that is what they did all afternoon and this evening before bed. They loved it!

Ellie is such a comic. She knows she is funny, but she just goes along with it and keeps a straight face to make us laugh. Here, she enjoyed wearing Brian's beanie. She also found some fruit loops as I was going to get the camera. And she is showing off her talent of saying "please" in sign language. Silly girl.


In the mail today I got the burp cloths and blanket that I bought for baby girl #4. We have a bunch of burp cloths and blankets, but since we don't have to buy too much for her, I thought we would get some fun, new stuff for her that I've always loved but just never bought. I think they are so cute...it's cotton on one side with chenille on the other.





Tomorrow is Friday! Yippee--that means date night.

And here is me at 36 weeks.


This month we'll add another girl to the crew!

Mute

Today Brian's mom came over to show Brian's aunt and uncle from Utah where we live, etc. Well, anytime people come over, Libby turns mute. It is the weirdest thing. She is so chatty otherwise, but she can put the mute button on in no time. So after they left and we were getting in the car to pick up Eliza, I told her that she needs to talk when people come over. And I asked her, "Why don't you talk when people come over?" She didn't answer then, but on our way to get Eliza, out of the blue she said, "I'll talk when I become a mom." I guess we have a while to wait!! Funny girl.

Today has been rainy and overcast and I've been loving it! Tonight is mutual and it's our personal progress night. We are having the girls set goals for the year and they are painting boards and putting the vinyl lettering on them that says "Becoming." ..as in...what are you becoming in 2007? I hope it clicks with them and gets them to think about it every day.

I've got to get the brownies out of the oven. Do you know anyone else besides me who makes brownies just so they can lick the bowl? Ha ha! That would be me.

A couple of days ago, Eliza let me blowdry her hair and it looked so cute. When we finished, she looked so grown up! Yikes!

Dr. Appt.

My doctor's appointment was pretty uneventful. He didn't check me, so it was just the usual weight, measuring and listening to the heartbeat. But next Tuesday he will check me and then I start going every week. The girls stayed at my mom's during my appointment and they were angels. They loved playing dress up and reading books.

When we got home from that, we ate lunch out front and the girls rode their bikes around. Ellie took an afternoon nap and we did stuff inside. I tried to catch a power nap--by the afternoons I am just so tired anymore. This evening I went to a baby shower for a lady I work with in young women's. We had a good time visiting and eating yummy food.

Short entry I know...but that is all that is really going on!

Other Weekend Happenings

Saturday morning was a baby shower for a friend who will be having her 6th child this Friday. We had a good turnout and it was a fun time. In the afternoon, Libby and Eliza helped me a Wal-Mart to do some grocery shopping. That evening Brian and I went out. We ate dinner at Red Devil Pizza, then did some running around. We did relax a little at Barnes and Noble and looked through some books and magazines. I am wanting to finish the den, so I was trying to find some ideas for that. ...didn't find any, but it was nice to sit for a while.

Sunday was church and Brian had his "debut" for getting himself and all three girls to church. I had a meeting before church, so he was in charge of getting them dressed, fed and ready. They made it before it started but hair was a little scary. Eliza did her own and with her two little cowlicks (is that the right word?) in the back that didn't get combed down...yikes! She had some volume for sure. But it's all good! I just had to laugh. That evening we had dinner at Brian's parents' house. I made bacon/potato soup and it turned out. Yay!

Today Eliza had preschool and tonight we had a "field trip" for family home evening. My dad was a "car hop"/"cop hop" at Sonic to raise money for the DARE program for the police department. The girls loved seeing him and thought it was funny he was "working" there.

I watched Miss America and Hilary didn't even make it to the top 10, so that was a bummer. But it was fun to watch it anyway. I loved that Miss Utah wore a one-piece bathing suit and a cute, modest evening gown. You go girl!

Tomorrow I go to the doctor, so I am eager to hear what is new. From there I start going every week.

Here's to a great week.

Peace, Love and Skating

That was the theme of tonight's Stars on Ice that I went to. It was a great show with some amazing performances. My favorites were Kyoko Ina & John Zimmerman (need I say more?) skating to "You're Beautiful," Jamie Sale and David Pelletier skating to "SuperFreak," and Kyoko and John again skating to "Piece of My Heart." Some of my sisters-in-law and I go every year and it's been a tradition for several years. We always look forward to it.

Earlier today though I went visiting teaching, took Eliza to preschool, took a picture of my friend's daughter's kindergarten class, picked up Eliza and that's about it!

Last night was our first meeting for girls camp. The theme is "University of Eternity." That ought to be fun to think of "school-related" things we can do for the girls.

I got to the doctor on Tuesday, then I start my every week appointments. That is crazy to me. This time next month, we'll probably have a baby here with us.

But before then, I am looking forward to a little get-away, just Brian and me. In a couple of weeks, we are headed up to Sedona to stay at L'Auberge for some last minute rest and relaxation. I plan to get a facial, sleep and enjoy some time with Brian before our lives get crazier. We stayed there once to celebrate my first year of teaching and right at the beginning of my pregnancy with Eliza. We loved it then so we want to go back!

Tomorrow is a baby shower for a friend, so I am looking forward to going to that.

In other news...Eliza and Libby have been doing better. Libby has been better with me, so I glad about that. I hope it continues!

On Monday night, if you have cable, be sure to tune in to the Miss America pagaent on CMT. One of my former students I had at Cactus is Miss Arizona and will be competing. I am so excited to cheer her on!! Her name is Hilary Griffith. Come cheer with me!

Happy weekend.

Ear is Better

Libby is feeling much better and hasn't complained about her ear since Monday night. I think she is well on the mend. The trouble is convincing her to take her medicine even when it doesn't hurt.

Yesterday was a pretty lazy day--we didn't go anywhere but instead just hung out and played at home. This morning my mom came over to watch the girls while I took a tour of Happy Valley Basic School. Now that I have seen both schools, I will be doing a pro/con list to help me make my final decision. The rest of the day was spent taking Eliza to and from preschool, grocery store and trying not to let the neighbor girls really bug me. Tonight was mutual and after I gave a little lesson about setting standards for the music we listen to, the Laurels spent mutual time doing DDR and karaoke. I did one round of DDR and figured I shouldn't go too crazy or I might go into labor! Ha ha. And I entertained the girls (made them laugh) by singing "Hit Me Baby One More Time." It was fun though.

Back to work--need to get some major writing done so I can get some books done before the baby comes.

And here is a picture from last January...I don't have any new ones to post, so I thought it would be fun to see what the girls looked like in Jan. 2006.

Ear Troubles

It was so weird. We were getting ready to pick Eliza up from preschool and Libby said she hurt. I finally figured out where and it was her ear. She cried on the way to pick up Eliza saying it hurt, so luckily I was able to get in to see the doctor today. After we picked up Eliza, we went to the doctor and sure enough...she has an ear infection. Poor girl. She was hurting! It was weird because she started complaining about it at about 1:45 and it was like BAM! Here it is! So she has already started antibiotics and seems to be feeling better.

Other than that...this morning we hung out at the house until it was time to take Eliza to school. The morning was filled with a little playing nicely and a lot of not getting along. That is my big trial right now that I am trying to figure out what to do. Libby and Eliza just seem to fight over everything. It is really wearing on me. I know an answer and solution won't come overnight, but I told Brian, "How much more do I have to endure?" It really makes me emotional when they act like that and I don't know what to do anymore. I feel like I have tried so many things and nothing works. Ugh!! Got any ideas? Is it just a stage? If so, I hope it is over SOON.

Cold, Cold

The last few days it has been rainy and cold. It has actually felt like winter, which has been great! Today it even snowed just for a few minutes--nothing that stayed on the ground, but it was fun to see white things falling from the sky.

Since I posted last, we've just been plugging along with the same old thing. On Wednesday I had mutual and we had a "P" party. The girls wore things that started with a "P", we had pancakes, popcorn, pretzels and punch. They could watch Princess Diaries if they wanted or just visit. It was a fun time.

Thursday was a crazy day in the afternoon. After I picked up Eliza from preschool, I had a babysitter come over to watch Libby and Ellie. Eliza and I went to a soccer game to watch one of the young women play soccer. Then we zoomed over to West Wing Elementary for kindergarten registration and an open house. I was impressed by the school and think Eliza would like it there and do well. After the open house, I went to Enrichment. It was a great night where we were taught about the "garden of life" and what we are planting in our "garden." ...what we would like to plant and what we need to weed out. It was very inspiring and really made me think about what I want to improve on this year.

Friday was a regular day minus our date night. We saved it for Saturday night because we had Stake Conference for church and it was the adult meeting. After the meeting, we went to dinner at Macayos with three other couples. It was a late dinner but still good. After coming home, I did some writing for upcoming book deadlines. I want to get a lot of the writing done before the baby comes. Saturday during the day, Libby went on a special day out with my parents. They took her to Superstition Springs Mall (for one part of the day) so she could ride the carousel. When she got there she didn't want to ride. She just watched for a while and said, "Not now." So weird because she loved it on our trip. After about an hour of watching it go round and round, she said she was ready, then she ran to get on every time after that! While she was gone Brian and Ellie enjoyed a day together. Eliza and I went to Maricopa Beauty College to get a manicure and pedicure. One of my young women is going to school there, so treated ourselves and got to see her in action!

Today was stake conference, which was excellent. It's always hard for the kids to sit for 2 hours. Luckily they streamed video into the primary room, where Ellie, Libby and I hung out for the last part. For dinner we went to my brother's house. Kamille made yummy homemade lasagna and the kids had a great time playing with each other. I finished off the night going to a youth fireside. I thoroughly enjoyed it. One speaker talked about "letting virtue garnish our thoughts" and another spoke about how Satan entices us and slowly leads us to evil. He used a hunting analogy of how an Eskimo kills wolves with just a hunting knife.

This week isn't too terribly busy (yet). On Wednesday, I take a little tour of Happy Valley school so I can decide where to send Eliza, then mutual is at night. Thursday is the first meeting for girls camp, Friday is visiting teaching and I am going to Stars on Ice with two sisters-in-law and Saturday is a baby shower to attend.

Here's to a cold, wintry week!

Feeling Better

It seems like everyone is feeling better and back to their normal selves. Ya-hoo!!! I am so happy about that. Today we still tried to take it easy though just in case. So we played a lot and colored a lot. ...and danced some, too. Eliza even let me Frensh braid her hair. It looked cute. She is actually sleeping in it so she can be "wavy" tomorrow.

Tonight Eliza, Libby and I went to the grocery store. While I was there, I bought some oranges and I just ate one. Yum, Yum!!! It was so delicious. I think I should have bought more.

Let's see...what else have I been thinking about?? I think it's crazy that in 6 weeks (about) I'll be in the hospital having a baby. That is just crazy to me since I feel like we were just there with Ellie. It is too clear in my mind. Fortunately, I LOVE that part of pregnancy and love being in the hospital giving birth. Strange? Maybe to some, but I do this for 9 months for a good reward. Plus, I am looking forward to a little rest in the hospital, too.

American Idol started tonight. Whoohoo!! We recorded it, so I am waiting for Brian to get back from running, then we'll watch it. The Apprentice started a couple of weeks ago, so that has been fun, but we didn't watch much of Sunday's because of the task and the reward. We fast forwarded through a lot of it. ...should be better next week.

Happy rest of the week.

Sickies

This weekend hasn't been the most fun with two sick girls. But first, Eliza had a sleepover with my parents. On Friday night she went to Chuck E. Cheese with her cousin Abby and they ate pizza and played games. Then Abby went home and Eliza went to my parents' where they played Guess Who? and watched the new Disney movie called Jump In. In the morning Eliza woke up really early and ate breakfast and got ready. They went to the morning showing of Charlotte's Web, which they said was such a cute, cute movie. They did some shopping after the movie and Eliza picked out a bride and groom Barbie/Ken and an American Girl movie. Then she came home. She was very, very tired when she came home and just kind of relaxed the rest of the day. That's when it all started, I think. During the night she woke up with a fever but by morning seemed to be fine, although we decided to keep her home from church just to be safe. So after my early meeting at church, I was going to come home so Brian could go to sacrament with Libby, then he would come home and I would go back to teach my lesson. Well, after I got back from my meeting, Libby was burning up and totally sick. She only threw up once, but all day was not feeling well--high fever, shaky, etc. And usually she is a pretty big daddy's girl, but this whole time being sick, she only wanted me. Ugh! So that has worn me out! By last night Eliza was feverish again and she has been tired and warm all day today, even taking a nap. I hope they are all on the mend now and hope no one else gets sick. We didn't get too great of sleep on Saturday night because of Eliza and last night was terrible with Libby. I spent part of the night sleeping with her in the rocking chair.

Brian was going to work today, but he didn't end up going in. It's hard with Libby wanting me to do everything for/with her and having to watch Ellie who likes to be into everything. I was glad for the help. It's been a pretty tiring couple of days.

Here's to a better week! Oh--the picture--something Ellie just LOVES is putting on and wearing jewelry. When she goes into the playroom, that is the first bucket she goes for and gets all dolled up!

Birthday Girl

Wednesday was a great day for the birthday girl. Her day started with breakfast in bed (toaster strudels). She also opened her gifts, which was a little doll car to go with the Loving Family set and the game Guess Who?. We had a pretty regular day, then Eliza went to preschool and she took some treats to celebrate. In the evening, we all went to Red Devil pizza for dinner. It was our first time there, but we liked it. From there Brian took the girls home and I went to mutual. At mutual we went to Debbie Davis' house and she taught us how to make the most delicious cinnamon rolls.

The rest of the week has been just normal--nothing too exciting. Thursday the girls played at the Wright's in the afternoon while I had a presidency meeting. We spent most of the time planning our New Beginnings event. I think it will turn out nicely. And today we played Guess Who? a zillion times. They love that game and it's great for their minds! Tonight Eliza is on her "birthday" sleepover with my parents. Tonight they went to Chuck E. Cheese and then they were playing Guess Who? and watching a movie. Tomorrow--according to Eliza--is breakfast, a bath and going to see Charlotte's Web. She was very excited to go.

Tonight Brian and I went out--we went to dinner at Cocono's (Mexican food), then we went to Sports Authority (Brian is looking for a new basketball), Old Navy (extra 50% off their clearance) and Frys.

Libby did well with the babysitter--I was wondering how she would be without Eliza here, but she was a gem.

Happy weekend.

Pre-Birthday

Tonight we had pre-birthday celebrations for Eliza's birthday which is on Wednesday. My parents came over for some cake and ice cream. Eliza also wanted to play Life, so we played a game of that, too, which was fun. I can't believe it has been 5 years since she was born!

The rest of today was nothing to write home about. Libby had what I would call far from her best day--so it was difficult for me. After Brian got home he rocked with her for a little bit and she fell asleep. So she missed the birthday cake, but we'll make sure she gets some tomorrow. I really hope tomorrow is better; I can't handle another day like today. Whoosh!

Weekend

I've slacked on my blog lately. Must be because I am busy. :)

Let's see what's gone on this week.

On Wednesday we had a fun mutual activity and played "Where's Waldo" at the mall. There were 6 people from the ward dressed up in "disguises" and the kids were in small groups trying to find all 6. The "Waldo's" were great and so funny!

On Friday morning the girls and I went to a Vendor Faire that Brian was in out by his work. It was pretty cold, so the girls didn't last too long. That evening was date night and it was great as always. We did a few errands first, and I spent one of my gift cards and bought some black shoes. We ate dinner at Cheesecake Factory and I settled on a good ol' fashioned burger. Yum, but I can't eat very much at one sitting anymore. Too bad--kind of ruins dinner. After the bread they give you first, I was full.

Early this morning I went to a planning meeting for the Young Men and Young Women. We planned the big activities for the year. I've been busy getting ready for that meeting and planning some new-year stuff and big programs we have coming up. I think I've got a handle on things though--or close to it! This afternoon we did a couple of errands, then Brian let me have a nap! That was a nice treat--I've had one this entire pregnancy! It was great.

Eliza turns five on Wednesday and Libby starts into Sunbeams tomorrow at church. They are growing up! I saw a sign at the elementary school that kindergarten registration is on the 16-18th of this month. Yikes! I can't believe Eliza will be in kindergarten next year.

Better go--I need to send some text off for the next Autumn Leaves books.

e

Pictures to go with my post below

...wouldn't let me put them in the post below; hence the separate post.

Boys' campout


4-wheeling



Coke Ovens



New Year's

Happy 2007!

I had this post all typed and ready to go last night but for some reason I saved it instead of "publishing" it to my blog. Oops!

I can’t believe it’s a new year. But it feels good to have a fresh start and to start anew. Here is a recap of our weekend. On Friday night and Saturday, Brian went on a campout with my brothers and his dad and one of his brothers. They went out somewhere near Superior. He said they had a fun time camping, trying out new camping gear they got for Christmas, and doing some 4-wheeling. I survived pretty well with the girls, but by the time he got home on Saturday I was ready for him to be home!

On Sunday we had church, then my brother and family came over for a quick dinner before my brother and I had to head off to the youth New Year’s Eve broadcast. It was a great broadcast and I loved the music and speakers. After the fireside, my brother, Brian, dropped me off at Cibola Vista—the place where we stayed that night. Our single, next-door neighbor was having a wild and crazy New Year’s Eve party and he offered to put us up in a hotel. At the last minute we took him up on the offer and enjoyed the new year over there. We are glad we did—we heard the fireworks from our hotel room, so we were glad we weren’t close and that it didn’t keep the girls up. The only spot they had left at the hotel was a 2 bedroom penthouse, so we got to spread out and be comfy. After we got the girls to bed, I worked on a few things for young women’s, then we were in bed by 11:30. I think we are getting old. I remember waking up around 2 and Brian did too and he said, “Happy New Year.” That was the extent of our celebration!

This morning we came back home and I went to Keepsake Trends for a few hours and cranked out some baby shower invitations I am doing for a friend’s shower. They are finished. Yay!

Tonight was family home evening, followed by some playing in the playroom. Now it is 8 PM and all the girls are sleeping, Brian is out picking up Macayo’s for dinner for him and me. We had wanted to go out on a date, but with it being Monday night, we opted for an in-house date. Yum!

Tomorrow is a regular doctor’s appointment and a 3D ultrasound. Those kind of spook me out, but we’ll get a little idea of what she looks like (kind of).

Here is to a great 2007. I am writing done some resolutions and goals to be a better me this year!

Since I forgot to post this last night, I'll just add to it for today. This morning the girls and I went to my parents' house. I took pictures of my mom's Christmas decorations before she took them down so she can put them into a little album. I had a doctor's appt. this morning, so Ellie took a nap there and Eliza and Libby helped for 2 hours taking their Christmas decorations down. I guess they took ornaments off the tree and helped wrapped up fragile, breakable decorations and nativities. Libby especially loved that part and wrapped everything she was given. They are good workers. My doctor's appointment went fine...he is thinking I'll have the baby during the last week of February. Sounds good to me! He also said my numbers from the 3-hour glucose test were well in the normal range. He thinks I might be a little "glucose intolerant" and that might be why the first test was off and might be why I have such big babies for my size. But he said it's nothing to be worried about and that is why we can induce a little early. The ultrasound went fine, too. I squinted my eyes and tried to see what she was telling me was on the screen. We got some okay pictures and know she'll be way cuter than that!

This afternoon Eliza and Libby played great together while I got some young women stuff done and while Ellie napped. Tonight we went to some friends' for cake and ice cream to celebrate his 30th birthday. They got a new, teeny tiny dog for Chirstmas and Eliza held her the whole time. Except while Eliza ate and letting the dog down to play for a minute, Eliza held the dog the whole time. She LOVED it. Of course on the way home she cried that we had to leave and begged to get a dog next Christmas, but it was cute to see her so into it and gentle with the dog.

OK--happy Tuesday.