Home Depot

Two posts in one day, wow!

But at Home Depot, the girls got aprons and made tool boxes. They also had hot dogs and soda for lunch and jumped in a jumpy-thing. It was a good time. And Ellie enjoyed the apron after they got home.

I also got the shelves up in their bathroom. Why didn't I do it sooner? It was so fast and easy. The next big project sometime is our bedroom. We would like to totally redo it--but we'll have to wait a while now.

OK--the kids are in bed, so now it's back to more writing.

Date Night, Bottles, House, Decorating, Hospital Bag, Funeral, Etc.

Date Night:
We decided to go out for date night one last time before we add another angel into the mix. We did our errands first and got a couple things taken care of at Wal-Mart. Then we went over to Cocono's for a Mexican dinner. I had the Carne Machaca Dinner and it was tasty. It'll be nice (or maybe not) to be able to eat more than 5 bites without feeling stuffed. Costco was next for Ziploc bags and baby wipes. And we finished by watching the 4th quarter of the Suns' game at Brian's parents' house. We were home pretty early for a date night, but I was able to come home and get some more writing done. Last night Libby went with my parents and my nephew Dallin to Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday. They had pizza and rode the rides, played games and had a great time. Libby was so excited all day long. She kept wanting to watch for them to come pick her up (starting in the morning), even though she said, "They aren't coming 'till 5." So cute.




Bottles:
Poor Ellie. I completely took her off the bottle this week. She was down to just one before bed, but I really wanted her done all together before the baby comes so she wouldn't be confused or jealous or whatever if/when she had a bottle, too. But you know Ellie--Miss Happy, Easy-Going--hasn't complained at all and has gone to sleep just as easily as before. We are lucky!

House:
The house is nice and clean! Brian just has to tidy up the garage a little bit, I have some laundry to do (hard to keep up on that ever!) and we are good to go! I got the baby swing this past week, the pack and play is up, clothes are organized and bottles are sterilized.

Decorating:
I've done a lot of house decorating lately--nothing major...just stuff we've wanted to do but haven't since we moved in. We bought three black frames at Wal-Mart last night and finished the Calvin and Hobbes bathroom. I put up a shelf in Ellie's room. All I want to do in there is new curtains. The ones right now are white and I want a light pink or an off white. But I can deal with it for now. And after Ellie's nap today, we plan to put up the shelves in the girls' bathroom and get that done.






Hospital Bag:
I think my bag for the hospital is packed. I just need to throw in my personal-type items and we'll be set. I was laughing with Brian how much my bag has changed since we had Eliza. With her it was packed to the brim! Diapers, washcloths, CDs, clothes, wipes, pads, etc. and etc. I've learned through experience that I don't need most any of that. Forget the diapers, wipes, pads, washcloths, and etc....because the hospital gives you all that. And forget the CDs for me. I just want to watch TV and read two new magazines I bought because I never have time at home! 1/2 my bag is empty!

Funeral:
Yesterday my parents went to the funeral for the Glendale police officer who died in the line of duty this week. My dad is a Glendale officer, so they thought they would go show their support. My mom said it was just amazing at the number of police cars, motorcycles, horses and men and women who were there. I saw some clips on TV and it gave me the goosebumps but to be there and see it in person was just amazing according to my mom. My mom said the drive to the cemetery was very neat, too, as people on the opposite side of the freeway stopped and lined the roads and overpasses just to be respectful. When I saw parts on TV it just made me teary--like the "Last Call" they do at the cemetery. Tear-jerker! But it's neat to see that there are good people around who do respect police officers and the amazing, risky job they do each day.






Etc.
Today we are mostly hanging out at home. Brian just took Eliza and Libby to the Home Depot that is now open just down the street. I am sure they are having fun. Then we'll do things around there to get ready for Tuesday! My paper organizers came the other day, so I got those set up and filled. Tomorrow is church. I have a meeting at 7, then Brian will bring the girls around 9 for church. We are having a visiting teaching conference during the last hour, so I'll get to relax a little bit not having to worry about young women's. Then it's dinner at Brian's parents' house.

Happy weekend!

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!