Last night Hayes slept walked into our room. I tucked him back in bed and their room stunk. Upon further investigation I found Lyla had thrown up all over herself and fallen back asleep. Gross. Poor girl. After I cleaned her up I put her on a towel in bed next to me. She would kick, take her binkie out and throw up into a burp cloth. Repeated every half hour or so for three hours. Not fun, but it was nice that she did the same thing every time so I could keep the mess contained. I cancelled my plans of running a few errands today since the thought of a barfing toddler in the middle of a store did not sound appealing. Thankfully she woke up happy this morning and didn't have any more symptoms, just didn't eat much all day. (which is very abnormal for her.)

We went to our Stake's christmas musical tonight. It was well done! All three of our kids were tired and spent the majority of the musical wiggling as much as humanly possible in order to keep themselves awake. Not the best when you are trying to keep them quiet and not bothering those around you. I did manage to keep Lyla away from any other kids. Hopefully we didn't get anyone sick...

Lyla has started saying "No" but she uses it at times that I really think she means Yes. The past two days she has answered many questions with this cute "Noooo..." said quietly and with a tone suggesting she's not sure she can get away with saying such things but she's going to try!

She is also copying everything Kamri does. Yesterday Kamri put her ballet and tap shoes in a bag to get ready for dance. As we were leaving I went to get Lyla's shoes out of the basket in the closet. I knew they were in there earlier that morning but they were no longer there. Lyla was carrying a purse, ready to go, with her shoes inside.

It was an early christmas morning for Hayes today. He discovered before breakfast that Star Wars Angry Birds had an update to open the levels on the planet Hoth. He came running to me before breakfast asking if he could update it. He spent any spare moment I would let him playing or showing off the new video to his friend Sam, Kamri and Bracken.

Complaining and realization of the need to stop complaining

An appointment with my specialist doctor today.  They did another ultrasound to measure my cervix and it hadn't shortened more from two weeks ago, great news!  I have another appointment in three weeks which puts me just before the 26 week mark which is when I had Dane and when I went on bedrest with Lyla because my cervix shortened.  I have been trying to take it a lot easier this pregnancy than last so hopefully I'll last a little longer before I have to go on bedrest, we'll see.

After the ultrasound tech left, the specialist came in to talk about the cervix measurements.  I assume he didn't remember my medical history and didn't read his charts because what he told me next was the same thing he said during Lyla's pregnancy and thankfully my OB supported me in disregarding what he said and doing something else which produced a positive outcome.  I reminded him of my history and what happened with Dane & Lyla and he was like oh yes, thank you for bringing that up! Then changed the plan of care to what it should be. (There is a lot more details, I realize this is vague but it would be a novel if I wrote it all.) Then asked me to schedule extra appointments in advance so we wouldn't have to have this conversation again (aka he would remember next time) Needless to say,  I was so frustrated by the time I left his office. I have already paid him the same amount I will pay my OB for my ENTIRE pregnancy, including delivery and we're only halfway through the pregnancy....then I have to be the one to tell him what needs to happen, which was the same thing as last pregnancy and should be in my charts somewhere.... LAME. I wish I could take what I paid him and give it to his ultrasound tech and my OB...

After I left the office I called Bracken. Bracken is great for me. He let me vent and be all hormonal and helped me figure things out.  Later I talked to my mom and complained about what happened at my appointment.  She asked about the house and if we were going to move on Saturday which doesn't look like it will happen, hopefully later next week.  As I was wishing we were moving in on Saturday I realized....I'm totally whining about first world problems.

I live near and am able to pay for advanced medical care, my baby is still growing inside me and I have an amazing support system to make sure that everything possible is done to keep that baby in my tummy.  We're moving to a house that I am beyond thrilled about, who cares if it's a week later. I needed to get over my pity party because Life is good.  Really good.  I needed a little time to be upset about a doctor that made the same mistake twice and didn't look over his chart but now I'm over it.

Life is good.

23 weeks in this pregnancy down and hopefully at least 13 more to go!

"A Good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything." -Irish Proverbs

I saw this quote on pinterest and oh how true it is!

I'm hoping a good sleep does us all wonders tonight. Nothing THAT horrible happened tonight but some tantrums from kids and tired/impatient parents makes a long sleep seem VERY desirable! One of those times that I just hope they don't act this way for other people...

Family Home Evening

Bracken taught the lesson on service and used Elder Ballard's talk from October conference about how a bee only contributes a tiny amount of honey but every bee contributing makes a big difference. Our service might seem small but if we all serve in a small way we can make a big difference in the world. We made a honeycomb out of a toilet paper roll and fill it in as we share acts of service we did during the day. The kids had fun gluing and paper clipping, then making the paper clips into a chain..we may have discovered a new quiet toy for church.

Photoshoot

I wanted to get a picture of all the kids in their Sunday best after church and I'll let you guess. Who was willing, who tried their hardest not to smile and who ran away....

 and she learned how to say "cheese!"

At least I got some cute ones of Lyla in her "Ms. Frizzle" Dress!

Sunday Walk

A beautiful day for an after church stroll....

 Our neighbor thought it was so cute they were holding hands.  Really, it was their way of making sure the other didn't get to be the leader.

 Must stay awake....

 and no pictures of me, the outfit I was sporting was almost as awesome as Bracken's.

Isn't the asphalt lovely in November?

Kamri's date

Bracken took Kamri on a date tonight to a Country Superstars Concert. He got free tickets from donating blood and he thought Kamri would enjoy the show. She loved going although she got hungry halfway through and demanded they go eat at McDonalds and get ice cream. That girl is going to be a high maintenance date when she gets older!

Hayes wanted to watch old Disney cartoons while they were gone, we had grilled cheese for dinner and then played a few rounds of Go Fish. He never wants to end playing unless he won the last game. We're a bit competitive around here.
Lyla had her own deck of cards and enjoyed stacking them and eating pretzels while we played.

After a lazy morning in Cedar we drove home. Bracken spent the evening organizing/packing everything in the garage and I did laundry while the kids helped with both.
I bought a fridge and washer & dryer online on black Friday. Let's hope I didn't jump the gun and we close this week because they are being delivered next Saturday...fingers crossed!
As we were driving home Xander called to talk to Bracken. He has an interview with Fox News about his you tube video and he wanted to talk to Bracken about Mitt Romney. Such a funny kid!

It's Thanksgiving

 I'm thankful to be with family and to now go sleep.

We had a great thanksgiving day, poor Hayes wasn't feeling well and threw up but the rest of us enjoyed dinner.  Hopefully he'll be feeling better in the morning!

Change of plans and we're in Cedar for Thanksgiving instead of staying at home. Our oven stopped working so it gave us a good excuse to come up!

Miss Kamri

We've had a lot more one-on-one time the past few months while Hayes is at school and Lyla is napping. Unfortunately at first she watched a lot of TV while I napped but now that I have felt better we have been doing fun things together.
Today we painted and as she painted she whispered, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! And so that is exactly what her paintings were--gorgeous! I hope she always keeps her confidence and determination.
The primary program was Sunday and she was on the front row where everyone could see her animated face as she sang.
She loves to guess the beginning letter in words. She also loves to tell me she knows how to spell words and look at store signs to spell them out. (for example, Target)
She is dramatic so when she doesn't get her way it's a BIG deal with a lot of emotions behind it. Her nature is a strength to our family though because she brings us a lot of pure happiness and reminds us how
great life is with something as small as a smile.

I know it's important to enjoy life at the moment, not always looking forward to something else but... we're sooo close to moving into the house, I just can't stop thinking about it!

:D

We should be hearing back from the sellers 2nd mortgage bank tomorrow or Wednesday.

Now hopefully I didn't jinx it.

Sunday Afternoon

While Lyla napped they played trains, made cookies and played out in the backyard together.
I hope they always stay such great friends. (and give up on driving each other crazy at times...I can dream..)

Hayes and Kamri had their last soccer games of the season today. Both teams lost but the kids had fun and played hard. Kamri's team had a party afterward at Chuckie Cheese.
Kamri used most of her tokens going on the little car rides and ended up with 9 tickets from the games. She really wanted a ring but it was 20 tickets, Hayes stepped up and got it for her even though he only had 35 total. He has been teasing and pushing her buttons a lot lately so it was nice to see him be nice all on his own.
We went and saw "the house" tonight. The sellers walked us through and showed us all the random things that are good to know like sprinklers, access to the attic, extra wiring for fans, grill hookup, etc. Then told us their plans down the road of what they were going to add or change. As we were leaving we met the neighbors across the street, then next door, then a bunch of kids came down the street riding their bikes to meet us. Just the kind of neighborhood we want to move to--everyone was so friendly. Tonight added to our excitement to move in. Hopefully we'll hear back from Wells Fargo next week and can get moving!

The pictures below are Kamri with her soccer trophy and Lyla communicating to Bracken she was ready for bed as he was doing the dishes. Who wants to sleep on a tile floor?!

I want to spend my downtime tonight reading a book so this is my post for tonight. Starting "The Devil in the White City"-- hope it's good!

3 Years

Today would be Dane's third birthday.

 We sure miss him. Lately, Hayes & Kamri have been counting the number of kids in families they know, saying a certain family has 7 kids or 6 kids and they always tell me ours has 5- Hayes, Kamri, baby Dane, Lyla & baby.  It makes my heart happy that they always remember Dane and that they are now including their newest brother that is yet to be born.
The kids have been looking forward to Dane's birthday because they know we always do something fun. Hayes was disappointed that it didn't include him getting to miss school.  This year was pretty simple. We were going to make a cake but after waiting an hour and a half for the oven to heat up with no success we decided to go get some bundlets at Nothing Bundt Cakes (also help that Hayes had a certificate from school for a free one!) We got three since Dane turned three!

 Kamri holding her bundt cake.

 Then we headed to target to buy stocking stuffers for Soldiers. A charity thing that Bracken volunteered to do at work.

 The kids were excited to have the huge cart I never let them get when I go to target alone. Can you tell Bracken's excited too?  Then onto Hayes's "First favorite restuarant" Applebees for dinner.

 Lyla downing her dinner and another of Bracken's attempts at making posterity believe can't smile normal.

                                               
                                                  Kamri wanted to take a picture of Hayes & I

 Then Kamri got a little crazy....she thought she was hilarious in Lyla's high chair with a steak knife, we took it away before someone called CPS

 Then home to light candles, sing to Dane and eat cake.

I started my day reading this talk from General Conference. I love the line "...look forward with hope, rather than look backward with despair."  A great reminder to me of the amazing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to strengthen us in times of trial, sorrow or sickness.  I'm grateful for our knowledge of eternal families and even though Dane is not here with us, he is close, and we'll have the joy of living with him again someday.

Good News

We got good news on the house we have under contract!  The first mortgage approved us as buyers so now it will be sent to the second mortgage for approval.  Supposedly, they have a quick turn around so we might be able to move into the house in the next few weeks!  Crossing our fingers.  Bracken is going to have a lot packing and lifting to do since I'm banned from most things helpful in moving.  I'm glad he supports me in my "laziness."

Taking it easier

I went to the doctor today for a cervix check. The ultrasound showed my cervix had shortened a little. It still is in the "acceptable" range but since it had changed the doctor wants me to come again in 2 weeks (instead of 3) to be measured again and told me to "take it easier."  I have been taking it easier than usual but I'll step up the laziness a bit and the house will get messier and the kids will watch more tv....it's only for few months right?  Hopefully in two weeks it will not have changed.
Bracken and I both fell asleep before we got ready for bed, on top of our covers with the lights on.  Turns out taking it easier just might be tiring!

We went to the UNLV basketball game tonight. (thanks to Rod for the tickets.!) As we were going in Hayes was concerned that we didn't have a ticket for the baby in my belly. Then he sized up my belly and said, "It's ok mom, it's not that big so they probably won't even notice." whew, glad we could sneak baby boy in there with us! Hayes also suggested the name Chaker (rhymes with Jake-r)...we'll keep looking.

A great Sunday. My favorite line today was from kamri while we were saying what we were thankful for tonight she said she was thankful to wrestle with dad.
It was my favorite part of the day too, watching all the kids tackle him on the bed while he tickled them. Lyla would try and sit on his head and she would giggle as she rolled off. Kamri and Hayes took turns pretending they were on his team and then turning on him. Bracken is a great dad(and husband!), I'm grateful for him.

Razorclaws

We had team pictures for Hayes's soccer team, The Razorclaws. Hayes has loved playing this season and learning the different positions.  

Lyla lounging and snacking while  watching Hayes play.

We missed Kamri's game this Saturday to go to our friend Alexander G.'s first birthday at Kidville.  The kids loved playing in the big muscle gym.

Tonight we had movie night eating popcorn and watching The Princess Bride. Hayes didn't want to watch a princess movie but after we told him there was a sword fight he gave it a try. Kamri was sold once Wesley & Princess Buttercup kissed. Boys & Girls are different that's for sure!

This is Bracken. We made a deal that I would blog for Skye if she would get up and get something for me if I would blog for her. Laziness? Yes. Good deal? Indeed.

We went out on a date tonight with Brian and Sherilyn Clark. We went to dinner at outback steakhouse and then went for frozen yoghurt. Good food and great conversation.

My favorite line of the day: Defendant could no have disrupted any contractual rights or obligations because there were no rights and obligations between these two parties under the contract. (Ok it's boring, but that's my life.)

Skye will return tomorrow. A

Preschool

I taught our co-op preschool today. The theme was 'Our Country' and considering the events of this week I decided to talk about voting. Then we had a vote on which was the best candy: Kit Kats orWhoppers (I realize there is better candy in the world but out of our trick or treat candy that is what there was enough for each girl to have one) Whoppers won 4-2.
When I was talking about how a lot of people voted on Tuesday many of the girls knew Obama and Romney's name and one sadly hung her head and said "yeah, we lost!" Kids sure know what's going on.

Bracken and I went to the temple tonight. When we got home our garbage can was at the curb waiting for garbage pickup in the morning. I knew Bracken hadn't had enough time to do that in between work and us leaving. Hayes had done his chores while we were gone, without us asking him to. We're doing a new chore system, we are on our third day and I haven't had to remind him (and only Kamri a little) to do their chores. Pretty awesome! It might not last long but even a week would be worth the effort! It's funny how much it meant to me that a garbage can was at the curb (and laundry put away) without me having to ask or do it myself!

Post Election

I was sitting here starting at my screen for five minutes trying to think of what to write and thankfully Emilie asked on my facebook wall if Hayes switched camps this morning when he heard the news.

Hayes was excited Obama won, but nothing too exciting to report. I can't even remember what his reaction was, something like "Sweet!"

My nephew on the other hand...he had a rough morning. If you didn't catch it on my sister's facebook...here is the video. I've watched it four times and still keep laughing. Poor Boy.

Election

Bracken volunteered as a poll observer today so he was gone until 8.  I printed out the United States map and the kids and I watched the election results come in.  They didn't want to just color blue and red but they did watch longer than I thought they would.  Hayes has been saying for the past year that he was voting for Obama. Today while it was showing Romney had more electoral votes Hayes switched to Romney. I asked him why the sudden switch and then he said he'd vote for both. I told him it didn't work that way we have to choose. He rebutted  "Since I'm a kid, I'll vote for both of them.  Obama because he is blue and that is my favorite color and Romney because he is winning"  I'm sure in the morning when he wakes up and I tell him Obama won he'll change back to his original plan. Kamri piped in during dinner, 'You know why I vote for Mitt Romney?...because on the picture he looks the biggest"  If only all decisions were so easily made!

and Bracken put it well on facebook:

"To say I'm disappointed is an understatement, but how awesome that over 100 million people were able to voice their opinion on such an important issue as the control of our great country. As always, I will keep praying for our country's success and take comfort in knowing that God is in control."

Congrats Mr. Obama, we'll be praying for you!

I went to the doctor today, got my weekly injection and heard the baby's heartbeat. 19 weeks, 4 days...and counting.

My mom spent the day at our house while my dad had business meetings in Las Vegas. It was great to have her here. She cleaned, watched the girls so I could volunteer in Hayes's class and we had fun chatting. I'm grateful for her!

Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day!! Bracken has a day full of Romney Campaign stuff. (there is a more official name for what he is doing, but good enough) it'll be a fun night!

We love ice cream!

Bracken was asking the kids to come help set the table and they were ignoring him. Kamri was looking at a book with a smirk on her face as she pretended not to hear. Hayes was in the other room--no response. After repeatedly asking nicely Bracken finally threw out that maybe we wouldn't have ice cream after dinner if they didn't come help. They both instantly came running.
After I told Hayes it would be easier to do things when we asked so he didn't have to get threatened to lose something he turned to Bracken and asked "Yeah Dad, why do you always have to threaten us?!"

I don't think he found the lesson in what I was saying...

Bracken and I had a good laugh.

They set the table.

We had ice cream.

The end.

Soccer Games during the day and dinner with the Mengs this evening. Bracken also changed the brakes on my car, so happy they won't squeal now.

Saturdays are great, especially when the kids sleep in a little!

Thankful

Kamri and I spent Lyla's naptime using the Cricut machine to cut out leaves for our thankful tree. We started this tradition last year: Every dinnertime in November we each write down something we are grateful for and then tape them up to a tree on the wall. At Thanksgiving dinner we read over all of them. I hope to get the tree made tomorrow but I wanted to get started.
I love that the kids were so excited to start. Kamri's first "thankful for" was music, then she wanted to write two more which were family and that we are having a baby boy. Hayes's was we are having a baby boy and that we get toys at Christmas. Bracken's was having an enjoyable job that supports his family and that Lyla loves to cuddle with him when he gets home from work. Mine was that Kamri helped me so much today. Although Lyla couldn't say it, I imagine she was grateful for dinner, she was being adorable carrying her plate and fork around begging for food while I was finishing up making it. It was one of those magical dinnertimes for me, we had fun talking, laughing and I didn't feel stressed rushing to be on time to something else. Although there are times I wonder if family dinnertime is worth it amid tantrums and plates of untouched food, tonight was a payoff for me of why it is so important.

I'm grateful for this time of year and the extra emphasis on remembering to be thankful for all our many blessings.

And here is a cute picture of Lyla that Kamri took when she was playing with my phone.

You are a child of God.

I went to a Stake Primary Presidency meeting tonight, I'm the secretary in our ward. The stake primary president gave a talk about next year's primary theme which is "I am a child of God."  She shared an article found here, the conversion story of a former CIA director.  It is a bit long but worth reading. The reminder that "conversion is not an event....it is a daily process of re commitment" really struck me.  I have gotten lazy with the daily things I should be doing to spiritually fortify myself and I know it makes a huge difference when I do take time for scripture study, prayer, service, etc and focusing on the spiritual aspects of my life & my family's daily life.

Sister Davis-the stake primary president also spoke about how we are all children of God and how the woman in the article above found that knowledge to be a "profoundly joyful message." She had lived for fifty years and hadn't thought about the fact that SHE is a daughter of our Heavenly Father.  How much knowing and remembering that knowledge can change our daily actions.  We are loved because we are his children.  She also taught three things we should do for our primary children.  Pray for them by name, Testify, and teach pure doctrine.  I realized that this applies to my children as well, I need to be more intentional in my spiritual interactions with my children.

For a meeting I didn't really want to go to, I'm sure glad I did because it was exactly the what I needed to hear.

and in case anyone missed this mormon message, it's Kamri's favorite: