The Weavs

MARBLES

2012-01-11T13:01:00.002-07:00

We have done marble jars for our kids for some time now. And it has really worked for us. The one downfall is it requires a lot of consistency on mine and Christian's part. But really isn't that what parenting is all about consistency. Anyway, We have cups in our kitchen and we usually have different things we are working on. And if they behave the way we like they get a marble but if they talk back or something else negative they lose one. When they fill theirs up they get a prize. It could be $5 or a toy or an ice cream. It just depends. I don't know why but now they are more excited than usual. Christian told Brenten and Landon that they could get a toy if they fill up their cups. And they can get marbles by being helpful/polite without being asked. So the first one to say please or thankyou, clean up or help with a crying baby (one is usually crying). So now I come home and they are rushing to be the first to say thanks mom for dinner. And if I leave my shoes out I will hear in a sweet landon voice "Mom you left out your shoes. I will put them away" Oh and they can't ask for a marble so they are quick to point out their good deeds. Brenten will pick up a baby when I am making dinner. (usually they are both crying at that point) Christian said this is happening a lot after school too. I couldn't help but laugh at first. Yes it is nice but it is non stop right now. Anyway, I am enjoying it for now. I know this can't last at this level. At their rate they will have their cup full in no time.

Cait's excitement

2012-01-11T12:56:00.003-07:00

I love my little Caitlin's excitement over the small things. I hope it never goes away. Even though I am sure it probably will. A couple of days ago I went to the grocery store after work. So I came home with a bunch of food. Cait loves to "help" me put it away. For every item, she would say "Mom you bought more _____" and I would say yes and she would say "REALLY" in her high pitched squeaky voice. And this went on for everything. Some of it she may have been excited for but not all of it. I also love that when I walk in the door she will stop what ever she is doing and runs and squeals and gives me a big hug.

I did it!

2011-12-28T11:28:00.002-07:00

So I got up this morning at 5am and went to the gym. I ran (kind of) 3 miles and then lifted weights. Focusing on biceps triceps and shoulders. It wasn't pretty. My running was slow with lots of bouncing behind me and turned into a run walk and my lifting was with light weights. Still I did it and I feel good. We will see how I feel tomorrow. And Friday when I do it again.

It's TIME

2011-12-27T09:46:00.002-07:00

I know it isn't quite the first but it is time for me to start working on this baby weight. I am feeling a little more anxious this time around. Maybe it is because I weigh more now than I ever have (not pregnant) or maybe it is because I am done with the baby making business and now I can get my body back for good. I do have some limitations. My calorie intake will need to be higher since I am nursing for 2 babies, and I will have to ramp up much slower with the exercise. I am finding that these babies have really messed up my body. I am up for the challenge.

My updates will be more for me and to keep me in check. This week my goal is to start going to the gym before work on Monday (not this week since I had it off), Wednesday and Fridays. I am also logging what I eat on myfitnesspal.com. I am not limiting what I eat but I am starting to log my intake.

Wish Me Luck!!!

Is Santa Real?

2011-12-22T13:44:00.003-07:00

This is the year that Brenten is trying to figure out if Santa is real or not. Apparently 8 is about the age that kids start thinking this way because other moms have told me their kids are too. With so many reality shows on tv, Brenten is always asking if shows are real or not. It is hard to explain that some reality shows are only kind of real. But that's a different story. With all the Christmas shows on, Brenten has been asking with each one if they are real. And typically I just tell them it is just a story someone wrote about santa or something like that. Finally I asked him why he keeps asking if they are real or not and he said he was just trying to figure out if Santa is real or not. I was not ready for this day. Since he is my oldest I had no idea when it was that kids start questioning it. I just told him that Santa only comes to those who believe. Now I will probably never know if he believes or not anymore. I'm a little selfish so I am okay with not knowing. I can go on believing they are little and still believe in Santa.

baby picts

2011-12-20T20:52:00.003-07:00

Landon with both babies.

At the babies 2 month check up Maci was 8lb 10.5oz and Beckett was 8lb 11.5oz. They are both doing well. They are about a month behind developmentally but that is expected since they were so small and preemies. Maci is 21in and Beckett 21.5in. They are doing great. Maci has a little bit of thrush and we are still battling acid reflux with Beckett. Hopefully we can start getting him off his medicine for that in a month or two. They both have a hard time turning their heads in one direction. I am told this is also common for twins because they are stuck in the same small area for so long before they are born. Again it isn't severe, just something we are working on. We are still so happy with their progress.

TwO MoNtHs OlD

2011-12-14T09:34:00.002-07:00

My babies are 2 months old today. The time has really flown by. I don't have stats because their 2 month appt isn't until next Monday. I will have to update that later. They are doing awesome. We feel so blessed with how well they have done and continue to do.

At about a month they both got little colds and we were told again that Maci had a high chance of going back into the hospital but with lots of suctioning and the strong little thing she is she came out just fine. I think they knew that I couldn't handling spending any extra time out of our house knowing I had to go back to work soon. (see how I made that about me). It is funny how much I have forgotten since Cait was a baby. They already have their own distinct personalities. Their cries are totally different. Maci yells. It is like she has shout outs and they are loud and if she is mad then their just isn't any breaks between her yells. Sometimes she sounds like a cat. Her nickname is Maci cat. Beckett's cry is a little more whiny and sad sounding. Actually he sounds like a sheep. His dad gave him the name of Squawkbox because he squawked when he ate at the hospital. That is because he has some pretty good acid reflux. He is still on the medicine for that. Hopefully he will grow out of it soon.

They are starting to sleep well (not including last night) but they are starting to more consistently make it through the night. We feed them at 10pm and they have been making it to 7am or later. Yesterday they made it to 8:30. This also means they are starting to be awake more during the day. Most of the time when they are awake they want held but every once in a while they will look around and just sit in their seat for a little bit. This makes it sound like they cry all the time. They are actually really good babies. They are just trying to figure out what it means to be awake and not be eating. :)

I can't wait to find out how much they weigh. They are still in newborn clothes but have definitely graduated from the preemie clothes. And they are starting to get chubby. I know they aren't really chubby but they are on their way. They have fuller cheeks and little rolls on their legs. I love them. Maci also had a preemie look to her when she was born and she is losing that. Maybe it is because I am the mom but I don't think she looks preemie at all anymore.

Usually I am in such a hurry for them to get bigger and get to the next stage but I want them to stay little forever. I love how they are right now.

I will have to post pictures later.

Back to Work

2011-12-14T09:22:00.003-07:00

My first day back to work was this Monday. I have really been dreading it. I knew that I would have to work a minimum of 2 weeks because I took short term disability and that is part of the benefits requirements. But I was really hoping that Christian would have something permanent at that point and then I would be able to stay home with my babies. Well, now that the time is coming that is not looking to be the case. He has been contracted for this company for November and December and they will have another meeting at the end of this month. They really like him and would hire him on the spot if they had the funding but as with most companies right now the funding is the iffy part. We are giving ourselves 10% chance of him having permanent work with them after this month. Not that great. It has been a great experience for him even if it doesn't work out for the long term. That is most of my stress is I have a feeling that me at work is going to be much much longer. I just really don't know how Christian is going to take care of 5 kids (2 newborns) and do all that goes with that and look for work. Hopefully the babies will be more on a day time schedule soon but right now one of them is usually crying.

Maybe it is because I know these are my last but I feel like I am going to miss everything. I already am. I come home and I get them during their fussy time. At least I get an excuse to sit and hold them. Today and tomorrow I am also missing my kids Christmas concerts so that sucks. Right now I can think of a million things I am missing out on. I know it will get better and if I do need to work for much longer, I am okay with that and willing to. But I could really handle the economy turning around right about now and some jobs opening up for Christian. I know that he would really appreciate that as well. :)

On a positive note, my work is awesome. I couldn't ask to work for a better company. They have been so supportive and flexible with me. The best part is I don't feel like they are giving me special treatment. They do this for all the employees. And it is a good week to come back. Monday was just figuring where I was at. I couldn't believe that I had forgotten some of my passwords. And then yesterday, work took us out to lunch. Today and tomorrow we are working on sub for santa. Our company took 4 families. How cool is that? Today we also have a birthday party. It is all helping to make the week go by faster.

My Landonman

2011-12-04T20:52:00.001-07:00

I am writing this so when i am frustrated with him I can come back and read this and remember how sweet and thoughtful he is.

Saturday I took him to Walmart to buy (with his own money) a present for Brenten and Caitlin for Christmas. He looked and looked at the same Star Wars lego sets. Finally I told him I really didn't want to be there all day and asked if he had decided on which one Brenten would like. He said the one that he would really like isn't here. So I asked him which one he was looking for and so he pulled a little picture out of his pocket that he had cut out after Brenten mentioned how much he liked it. I know I am super hormonal right now but seriously I almost cried at Walmart at the effort he was making to get the perfect gift.

We say Landon is our passionate one. He has the biggest smile, heart and snuggles but when he is upset he is very upset. I love with his big personality we can add how thoughtful he is as well.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

This was our first year with just Christian, me and the kids. Usually we rotate families but we weren't quite ready to travel with the babies. I was nervous because I have never actually cooked a turkey and taking out the stuff in the inside really grosses me out. Luckily my work sent me vouchers for a turkey breast from Honey Baked Hams. Let me tell you that is the way to do it. All I had to do was warm it up in the crock pot. And it was delicious. Landon (my non eater) had to be cut off at one point. Even though we missed hanging out with family it was so nice and relaxing to have a few days off and just hang out.

2011-10-31T20:24:00.005-06:00

WORK!!!

2011-10-31T20:24:00.004-06:00

So a year from Christian getting laid off and the same day he received notice from unemployment that our benefit was running out at the end of the month, Christian found out that he got a job. He is working for Change Anything in Marketing. He is contracted with them for one month and they can make a decision from there. No matter what, we get paid in November. It is such a relief. I have really loved to have the help with the babies, especially at night but this is so worth it. Awe it is nice to have employment. We have been so blessed to have what we need when we need it. It has tried our patience but we knew that we have been taken care of. This is just one more prayer that has been answered.

catch up!!

2011-10-31T18:24:00.002-06:00

It has been a little while. Sorry this may get long but I am trying to do some of this for me. At around 34 weeks I went in for an appointment and to get an ultrasound. It was then that we found out that our little ones were growth restricted. The little girl more than the boy. I was also dilated to a 3. The OB wanted them to be able to get as big as they could but with their restriction there is a fine line before they are better off out than in. The OB referred me to a Maternal fetal Medicine doctor at the hospital. I had already been going to the hospital for non stress tests weekly. Oh this is also when I was put on bed rest. I went to maternal medicine and they figured out that baby girl's growth had been restricted since about 28week and continued to slow until about 32 weeks where it appeared to have stopped. So this meant that I went into the hospital pretty much everyday. And my blood pressure was all over the place so each time I would go in for my 40 min visit I would end up staying there for half the day or more.

The friday I turned 35 weeks I went in and my blood pressure had shot up to 181/93. They ended up keeping me for about 8 hours. Every 1/2 hour the story would change. First they were going to take the babies immediately and then they were just monitoring me and back and forth until about 3pm when they finally let me eat and then they let me leave at about 5pm.

I went back into the OBs on the following Monday and he said it was the recommendation of the Maternal fetal Med. doc and he agreed that I needed to deliver the babies as soon as I turned 36 weeks.

So Friday the 14th of October, I went into the hospital, and they prepped me for surgery. My first was a c-section and then the next two were VBACs. The OB said I could try VBAC but that there would be a higher risks. I was honestly at peace with a c-section, which is strange since I was so against surgery if it wasn't necessary with Landon and Caitlin.

Just before 9am we went into the OR and they did the spinal and we were well on our way to having our babies here. We were hoping that the extra week and a half since the last ultrasound that they would be a little bigger but they were saying then that they would be about 3lb 8oz and just over 4lb. Luckily they were a little bigger than that.

Maci joined our family at 8:51am weighing 4lb 4oz and 16in long. She took in a little bit of fluid and sounded are gargly. But they suctioned her out and she was doing great.

Beckett came just a minute after at 8:52 weighing 4lb 9oz and 16.5in long. He didn't cry for a bit after and they had to work with them but within a couple minutes he was doing great as well. I was so nervous that they would need more intensive care and that would have to be whisked away. But they were able to stay in there and get cleaned up and I even got to see them before going to the nursery. Nursery, not NICU. Everyone was shocked by how well they were doing. I was informed it was good that they got them out because even though they were doing well, they were definitely growth restricted.

Right after surgery I was super itchy. I figured it was the morphine and percocets and everything else they pumped me full of during surgery. After the dr's stitched me up, the nurses looked at me and my face was turning purple and within a couple of minutes my whole torso was also purple. They pumped me full of more drugs for the allergic reaction. We still don't know what caused it. Also my blood pressure was going up and down. So they did blood work on me again. Because of my blood pressure over the last couple of weeks, I have been tested A LOT for pre eclamspia. It was negative again.

Friday afternoon the pediatrician came in and said he was shocked at how well they were doing but that by that night they would be in the NICU and that we had a 2% chance of bringing them home with us. We made it through the night with no NICU. Again the pediatrician came and said well, for sure tonight they will go to the NICU. And again they were wrong. Every day they were shocked. The babies were really doing well. Maci had to go into the warmer in the Nursery a couple of times but that is it. We stayed in the hospital for 4 days and then they discharged the babies. By then they, had even returned to their birth weight. This doesn't usually even happen with full term babies.

My blood pressure was still a mess. And by day 4, I tested positive for pre eclampsia. I would not wish that on anyone. I have never felt so horrible. I didn't sleep at all that night. I ended up staying another day. What were the chances that 4lb twin premies were discharged before their "healthy" mom. Luckily the pre eclampsia was getting better after 24hours and they were able to discharge me later that day. I am so glad that I was able to go home.

Since then......we have gotten almost no sleep. We have to wake the babies every 3 hours. But they are doing great. We have had a couple of dr appointments for the babies and still the dr.s are amazed with how well they are doing. We are saying they just don't know they are little. They eat like they are big. They act like they are big. They lift their heads against gravity. Beckett rolled to his side at the dr office and they are gaining weight. As of last week, just over a week old Maci was 4lb 10oz and Beckett was 4lb 13.5oz. They are ready to be big kids.

The kids are doing great with them. Cait calls them her babies. And aside from a couple of tantrums she has been doing awesome. Landon and Brenten are the biggest helpers, especially if they are watching one of their shows. They will both just sit and hold them any time I need.

16 more days......

2011-09-15T08:59:00.002-06:00

....at the earliest. I was told at my doctor's appointment yesterday that I only had 16 more days until they would welcome these little ones into the world. Until then they would do anything they can to stop it. But at 34 weeks they won't stop it and in fact they would start to encourage them to come. Yes that is exciting and I am SO done being pregnant for the rest of my life. But I can't help but think an extra week or two wouldn't be better. Next week I have another ultrasound so we will see what they think about their size. The last ultrasound I had a week ago the babies were measuring a little small. so I have about 2 weeks to 6 weeks left (they won't let me go past 38 weeks). Anyway, everything is Normal. I didn't even bother to tell him that I have morning sickness again or anything. Really what's the point. Anyway, I'm dilated to a 1 and babies are looking great. Or I guess they are sounding great.

IVF

2011-09-01T09:15:00.005-06:00

It is funny when you are pregnant and all of a sudden you body becomes the topic of discussion. When people normally would never tell a woman she is huge or any of the comments that are free game while pregnant. Twins are no different and because I have started showing so early, the comments have been coming for a while. My rational, level headed self knows that this is just what people do and that they care or are curious or whatever. But I don't think it is a secret that I am not level headed or rational right now. To strangers it is easy, I usually just tell them I am due in November or December (I am due in Nov. ) and then fail to mention that there are two and walk away. They look so shocked at how huge I am. Whatever, I should get to be a brat to complete strangers. It is a little harder when comments come from people I know since I am still trying to hold back some of my comments. ( I think I am very funny, but really I think I will probably come across as a grouchy hormonal pregnant lady.)

I have looked on a couple of twin boards online and one common annoyance is people asking if they used invetro (IVF) to get pregnant. I guess I never thought about it. My first thought was that they were just being sensitive. Their complaint was its none of your business how I got pregnant. Okay they have a point but really is it that big of a deal. To me no not really. However, last night I was at Brenten's soccer game and a lady (who I didn't know ) asked if we used IVF. I really didn't mind answering but I was taken back a little. It really isn't any of her business how we conceived. And if we were a couple who perhaps has struggled with fertility this could be a little bit more than annoying.

Landon started Kindergarten

2011-08-31T12:01:00.003-06:00

Landon has been waiting for this day. Ever since Brenten started 1st grade last year, we had to start a count down. Needed kindergarten shots (which weren't that bad since he knew he got to go to kindergarten), register for kindergarten, turn 5, summer to start, summer to end, and learn to ride his bike without training wheels. He was more than happy to check each thing off is list and was very excited to go to Kindergarten.

Christian walked Caitlin while Landon rode his bike to his first day of school. I was a little bummed that I couldn't be there but I don't know that he really knew the difference. He played on his play ground (he calls the baby slide) until the teacher called him in. I guess he wouldn't let Christian get a picture of him in line.

It did make me feel good that he wouldn't tell Christian about school when he picked him up but when I saw him after work he told me all about it. It might be that mom's know the right questions to ask. I would like to believe that I am the favorite.

28 weeks 5 days

2011-08-25T14:41:00.002-06:00

I had my monthly ultrasound today. With every pregnancy, as soon as I am in the 3rd trimester, I start having issues with the doctors being available. Today was my lucky day for that to start. I left work drove the 30 min to the office and then sat for 20 min and then a nurse came and told me that the dr got called into an emergency c section. So I would have to wait for an hour for him to come back. I figured, even if he saw me in one hour I would end up missing 4 hours of work in the middle of the day. I told them I worked 30 min away so she worked it out that I could come back for a 4pm appointment instead. I still missed 1 1/2 hours of work to not even be seen but he can't really help if he has to go into the surgery. I did ask the nurse if he was really golfing and she laughed and said no. So I left work a little early, (thank goodness they are very understanding) and headed back to the dr.

The ultrasound went well. Both babies are now head down and are looking great. They are only in the 12th percentile, which is pretty little but not too little. We will just continue to watch their growth. They checked the placenta that seemed to be growing into my scar tissue and good news, it isn't anymore. So that means no hysterectomy. Aside from them being little, everything is looking great. I still have to be extra careful to keep my contractions under control, but for now everything looks great. My next goal is to make it to 30 weeks. I'm almost there.

Brenten's first day of 2nd grade

2011-08-23T17:37:00.002-06:00

Brenten's first day of 2nd grade. He found out that his teacher's name is Mrs. Weaver and he was excited because he already knows how to spell her name. I didn't get to see him out the door to school this year. I did get to talk to him after I got home from work. He loves his new teacher. Day one down and everything is still going well. Whew!!! Actually I wasn't concerned. He loves going to school, learning and playing with his friends. He was excited to find one of his friends from last year at lunch.

follow up to hospital

2011-08-23T10:29:00.005-06:00

me at 28 weeks

Last Friday I had my follow up to the hospital and it went well. It was actually really fast. However, the doctor wants me to get a handicap parking pass by this Wednesday's appointment. I know it will be good but I am that person that parks at the end of the parking lot just to get more walking in. And if I have consistent contractions for more than 15-20 min then I have to go into the hospital. (if laying down stops them then I don't). They just want to be able to stop any labor fast. He is letting me work but if I get contractions then I have to leave and it is also with the deal that I don't do anything when I get home. So I have to be extra extra good.

1st trip to the hospital

2011-08-17T15:18:00.004-06:00

I am really only blogging about it because this pregnancy I am terrible about keeping a journal and so I am putting on here with anything else pregnancy related. I have been having contractions for some while. Most likely braxon Hicks but they are getting stronger. Yes real labor when you are getting to the end will be more intense. But with having pre term labor with Cait and then the risk being higher with twins it is not something I am willing to play around with.

Yesterday I was having contractions 4 or 5 an hour. I wasn't terribly concerned since this has been happening but then the next hour will slow back to my norm of 2-4 an hour. But then as the time passed I realized that this had been going on for about 4 hours and neither of the babies were active. and at this point I was having them more frequently. Typically they are going crazy in the mornings (just had a dr. pepper). Not the case so I called the nurse and she called me right back. She sent me into the hospital to get monitored for a bit. So off I went. I hung out at the hospital for a few hours. They gave me a shot to stop the contractions. Which seemed to work and she checked me and I am dilated a little less than a one. Not a huge concern but something to watch. And then she did a test. I can't remember the name of it. But it tells me if my cervix is wanting to deliver in the next 2 weeks. It came back negative. Good news. Things were calmed down enough after 3 hours that they sent me home to rest. I am not on bed rest. They said I could go to work the next day but then nothing after that. So Christian's rule of "If its fun Becky can't do it" is in full effect. The doctor wanted me to schedule for Friday and see how things are going. So for now that is the plan.

A little something funny. When I went in they ask all the questions of why you are here, how many weeks, my doctor and all that good stuff. And when I said 27 weeks the nurses all turned and stared. I forgot to mention there were 2 babies. How could I forget? Anyway, when I said they are twins they all looked relieved. I know I'm huge but that really confirmed it.

2nd shot - the canon adventure

2011-08-15T11:15:00.003-06:00

My family is back and I love having them home. I did notice that my house went from clean to a tornado in seconds though. The kids had a great time at grandmas and are needing a little extra sleep to recover. Christian had one the best experiences ever on his trip. Below is a link to the first set of pictures from his trip. Soon will be a 2 minutes commercial online and then in November a 30 second commercial on TV.

http://yoursecondshot.usa.canon.com/blog/

My Diva

2011-08-12T12:23:00.002-06:00

Most of you already know or have some idea of what Christian has been up to this week but this is more for me and remember what a great experience he is having so far.

A little background: Last November Christian saw an ad asking have you ever been on a trip and your pictures didn't turn out? Tell us your story and we will send you back on your trip with one of our new great cameras. (Canon). Christian wrote in telling about a canyoneering trip with his buddy Matt and how the pictures did not turn out. Along with his story, he told about how his father got him into canyoneering and climbing with his love of canyoneering.

We didn't hear anything until about February and then the casting crew working for Canon did a skype session with him and then with Matt. After they they didn't hear anything until about a month ago and then he was getting all kinds of phone calls. About a week or so ago it was final. They were chosen for the TV commercial/documentary for Canon. All the particulars were being worked out.

Really Christian was excited to get a chance to go canyoneering and maybe get a camera out of it. It has become so much more. And never having any kind of experience like this it has been a lot of fun.

They got to their hotel Tuesday evening and they meet with their stylist. I laugh every time I think about Christian having a stylist for a bit and that was about it. She talked to them about outfits, nails, etc.

The next day they realized this was a much bigger production than first thought. There were about 30 people there to shoot this commercial. They didn't have to do a whole lot until the even so Christian and his Dad went into Zions and did a little hike and then met Matt and watched an IMAX movie about Zions. They got back and then in christian's words "this Asian lady played dress up with him." He tried on outfit after outfit and she told him if they looked good or not and when he would be wearing them. Funny Christian has outfits.

Yesterday was they were filming. And he had a 12 hour day. I actually didn't even get to talk to him. He called when they were coming off the mountain but he still didn't have very good service so I had to wait to talk to him this morning. I only got to chat for a minute but he is loving it. It is a whole new world. He said if he even mentions he is thirsty or needs sunscreen or anything 3 different people will have brought him drinks and sunscreen. I bet the crew is not used to such easy going people.

He is shooting all day today and then tomorrow he will pick up the kids and come home. He has another whole day of people catering to his every nerve. I may have a Diva coming home and I am not talking about Cait. I can't wait to hear more of what he is doing and to see the final product. Will of this be for a 30 second commercial or what? Still so very cool for us.

Tuesday Christian packed up the kids and went to St. George. Dropped the kids off with Grandma Weaver and picked up his Dad and drove back to Hurricane to the hotel that he would be staying at for the week. I couldn't go because I can't travel more than 30 min and well I'm working as well.

26 weeks!!

2011-08-11T09:50:00.004-06:00

Good News!! Typically by now in my pregnancies my blood pressure is starting to go up. (one of the reasons brenten was an emergency c-section) and also usually I barely pass my glucose test. We are talking by one point or so. With twins, I am more likely to have issues with both of these. Well not so far. My bp is close to what it is when not pregnant. (great) and I was no where close to failing my glucose test. Yeah!!! We are knocking out 2 risk factors with twins. Even my iron is good. Well not great. They say I should be tested again in a few weeks to see if I need to go on a supplement but so far so good. She was really shocked because I guess most who are expecting twins have to go on an extra prescription iron supplement by now.

I made it another two weeks and made it to another doctors appointment. This was my first normal appointment. No ultrasound or anything. Just measure, listen to heart beats and ask questions really fast. Babies seem to be great. Now that I am used to having ultrasounds every time I go in I feel like who could they really know with out one. I have my discomforts but they are all "normal" and they don't effect the babies. My latest annoying symptom is that I have 2 numb hands. Now don't get me wrong, I can feel them, they are just all tingly all the time. The one hand has been like this for over 2 weeks now and the other hand just started 3 days ago. The doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if I end up with carpal tunnel. With all the swelling and fluid that I have and now the fluid is in and around some of my nerves. Good news, is when the babies come out it should go away. Bad news, all I can do is take Tylenol. I now call Tylenol the cure all for nothing when pregnant.

The doctor I saw this time is fine but I think he was pre occupied with something else. It was really weird. He was more than happy to answer questions but when I said that is all he was out of there. He stopped mid sentence and then left and kept walking and immediately got on the phone. I kind of followed him and asked if I was supposed to follow him or what. He didn't even say when I was supposed to come back. The appointment before the other doctor had said when I was supposed to be back in for the next month or so. I just confirmed it with the nurse and left. It was so weird. Oh well. I go back in 2 weeks for an ultrasound.

I feel like lately I am the biggest jerk friend ever so sorry if I am acting mean. I really don't mean it. I am hoping one day I will be back to my normal nice self. Please don't let me scare you off.

Update 24 weeks 5 days

2011-07-27T13:37:00.002-06:00

I had another appointment today. In 4 weeks I gained 12lbs. I was guessing at least 10 but twins or not that is not fun to see on the scale. oh well. I guess I will have the rest of my life to lose it. Anyway, obviously I am not too affected since I stopped at Sonic after my appointment.

The appointment went well. One of the placentas still appears to be growing into the scar tissue. They will check it again in 4 weeks. If it still looks that way I will go to a specialist to have a look at it and see where we go from there. I am really not that concerned at this point and even with worse case senerio the babies will still be okay.

I did the crappy orange drink today. It really isn't that bad except it gave me heart burn. The babies are looking great. They are both almost 2lbs and are measuring within 2 days of their due date.

Now I go to the doctors every 2 weeks and have an ultrasound every 4 weeks.

24 weeks

2011-07-22T11:22:00.002-06:00

Yea!! I made it to 24 weeks. That is the first big goal. If my babies were to come today the doctors would fight for them because they are now viable. Meaning they have a chance at surviving. Of course I don't want them to come today. They are not done growing yet. what I really want is for it to be October right now, the babies out and healthy. Oh and for Christian to have a great job. That would be nice too.

20 week ultra sound

2011-06-30T10:24:00.003-06:00

I had the big 20 week ultrasound yesterday. They are definitely a boy and a girl. The babies looked great and are growing well. That is always a relief. The boy is sitting breach still and girl (A) is head down. Essential the boy is sitting on the girls head. I told the doctor if her head is all squished when she comes out it will be his fault. He assured me she wouldn't have a squished head. Because the boy is sitting on the girl's head we couldn't get a very good profile picture. His placenta kept going in front of her. Just another thing to add to why I think little boy is going to be a stinker.

We talked about whether to try for vbac or c section. He said if I really felt strongly I could try. I am anti surgery but at this point I have a few too many risks and am more comfortable with a c section.
1. The boy is breech (which could still change). And if I hadn't had a c section before they they would just turn him after the girl came out but with my scar turning him is a little more dangerous on my uterus.
2. With twins my stomach will get freakishly huge and they just have no idea of how that scar is or how the stretching will wear on my uterus.
3. Kind of the big one at this point is one of the placentas is looking like it could be growing over my old c section scar. They will watch this and recheck it again in 4 weeks and in 8 weeks to see if the placenta moves. If not, then when I deliver I will require a hysterectomy. Kind of crappy but at least they can watch for it and do what they need to do. We are trying not to worry about it until we know for sure if it is even going to be a problem.

I have my next ultrasound in 4 weeks and we will see what happens from there. Oh and Christian is proud of himself because he again made my ob laugh. It was a little funny I guess. I will have to give him this one.

Babies are Moving

2011-06-21T09:06:00.001-06:00

I have been able to feel the babies for a little bit. And for a week or so I could feel them big enough that I was sure Christian could also feel, but I was usually at work. I don't feel them enough that I can do kick counts or anything like that but it is reassuring when I can feel them. Last night Christian felt baby A (girl) for the first time. I think boy might be a stinker because he would move when Christian would walk away. That is always my favorite part with when Christian can feel them for the first time. Now I can't wait for Brenten and Landon to feel them. I think they will get really excited.

more doctors - 18.5 weeks

2011-06-16T12:31:00.003-06:00

I had my 2nd appointment this week yesterday. Tuesday afternoon my heart rate went up into the 90's while sitting at my desk. I got all hot and felt like I was breathing all loud. I called the nurse after an hour and she was going to call me back. She called me back about an hour and a half later. At that time things were good again and heart rate back in the 60's. I told her what had happened but that I was feeling much better. She was nervous and asking if I had been to a cardiologist. Just enough to make me nervous. She set up an appointment for me the next afternoon. Yesterday afternoon, I went in and got another ultrasound and the babies looks great. He said that because my uterus is the size of 30 weeks pregnant (with one) that any one position for too long, (sitting or standing) will cause the blood to pool to my legs and then my heart will pump harder and faster to get more blood back up. Makes sense. So now at work I get up at least every 30 minutes to walk around and if it gets really bad then go to my car and lay down for a minute or two. Wow this is a whole new experience I am having with these little guys.

Oh side note, today I felt baby B (boy) and baby A (girl) move big enough that I could feel it on the outside of my stomach. Of course by the time I got home they were not moving at all so Christian has yet to feel them. Soon enough I am sure.

More stuff I can't do!!!!--18 weeks

2011-06-14T13:13:00.005-06:00

I had another doctor's appointment. One cool thing about twins is everytime you go to the doctor's before 20 weeks you get an ultrasound. It isn't in detail. Actually it is really fast. He just checks the heartbeat of each and then makes sure they are still measuring well. Good news!!! They look great.

I understood and was warned that I wouldn't be able to do as much this time around. I get that but it seems the dates I was thinking or were given have not been realistic enough. I had to quite soccer a few weeks before the end of the season. I just couldn't run like that and worried about taking a shot to the stomach (which has happened, before I was pregnant). I had to give it up at about 10 weeks when I thought I could have made if through the first trimester. Christian got me kicked off the softball team 3 games and a tourney before the end of the season. Okay I understand most of you are on his side but I don't care. In my mind I had already said I would play the first season and then I would have to sit out the second season. In my other pregnancies I played until about 8 months pregnant. And didn't quit, the summer just ended. I thought I was being realistic.

Yesterday at the doctor's appointment I was told that I can't travel anymore. Okay wait, I can travel but I have to stop every 30 minutes to walk around and then I can't drive because well, I need to be able to fairly constantly move my foot and leg around. I believe there some other rediculous stipulations but I pretty much tuned him out at that point. So essentially he told me no. I was told that after 20 weeks I wouldn't be able to travel. But I figured I had 2-3 more weeks. So I had a trip to Boise and St. George planned. Both foiled. I am trying to tell myself that stay-cassions are very in right now. I told Christian we will have to do some fun little things around here.

He wasn't useful for any of my symptoms (they never are) and ended the visit with, "good thing these were your last ones because well it is easier to stop after a really hard pregnancy and hard babies then after an easy pregnancy and a good baby. And well even if your babies are good there will be two so it will be hard. " Who says this. I know he was trying to be a little funny and light-hearted about it all because he knew I could have kept him in there a long time complaining. I do actually like him and my sense of humor is similar (if I weren't so grouchy).

That all said the babies are doing great and that is really all that matters. I just have to make it 4 more months and that really isn't that long. And a bonus is I am feeling them move a lot more consistently now and I can usually tell which baby is where. That is really cool.

Kicked Off

2011-06-02T13:02:00.002-06:00

It was a bad news weekend. Actually the weekend was fine. But my husband ruined it. We had this great time hanging out with our friends the kids were all pretty good and played upstairs. We went to leave and I was getting the kids in the car. Christian said he had to go back in and get his phone. Whatever. Little did I know, he was in there telling them how mad I was going to be but that I couldn't play softball anymore. With one baby, I have played until about 8 months pregnant. He said that he was going to do it earlier in the day and I told him he better not. Apparently I don't get to decide. Now even if I were to go back to them and tell them that I am fine and Christian is being ridiculous they wouldn't let me play. I do see his point. I understand that I am uncomfortable a majority of the time and the little bit of activity I do have makes it hard to walk for a couple of days. And so yes perhaps it is time to back off of yet another thing. (I won't admit that to him) That isn't really the point though. The point is he did it to me with out me having a choice. GRRR. I should have written this days ago when I was really heated. Poor guy. He knew I would be mad but he had no idea what was coming.

Ultrasound

2011-05-27T12:48:00.002-06:00

Today I am 16 weeks. Yesterday my friend was nice enough to let me and my family come to her work and she did an ultrasound for us. I was mostly excited because I could see their little heart beats and see they were okay since my next doctor's appointment is 2 weeks away still. Rationally I know that sounds ridiculous but when I can't count kicks yet, it makes a difference. And of course, I have heard every horror story of twin pregnancy and twin birth. And really I remember those more than the easy healthy twin births.

At my last doc appointment, I was told that there was one placenta and that they were identical so we had told the kids they were either boy or girl. This of course meant some explaining to our 7 year old of why boy/girl twins can't be identical. I have since learned that I have had to explain this to some teenagers and adults. Usually they just think for a minute and then feel a little silly. Even very smart, educated people have been tripped up by this. Amanda started the ultrasound and said that baby A (one closest to the cervix) is a girl. (she was 80% sure) and then she went to baby B and said well, they are NOT identical. Sure enough baby b is obviously a boy. She then went back and checked baby A again to be sure and got a better view. We are fairly certain we are getting a boy and a girl. You should have heard Brenten squeal and then say "there will still be more boys". Aside from not being able to get rid of any sex of clothes just yet, we are super excited. I figure with my competitiveness it will probably be better if they don't have to try out for the same position on the same team. And now I don't have to worry about not being able to tell them apart. Amanda did some measuring and got us some great pictures. I will scan them in and add them. Hopefully today. I am so glad she was able and willing to do this for us. Yes we could have waited 4 more weeks but now we don't have to. And now I can start vetoing all of Christian's ideas for names. :)

Oh also because they are boy/girl, there are 2 placentas they just got squished or fused together. To be clear the babies are not stuck together just their placenta. (That is for my friend Jenn who asked if they were conjoined. )

Dr. Appt. #2....of many

2011-05-17T12:48:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I had my second doctors appointment. I have gained a 1/2 lb in the last 4 weeks so we are up to 5lbs. I have been pretty sick. I am guessing the weight will really start piling on soon. I didn't know they would do another ultra sound so I was pleasantly surprised when they did and it wasn't because they were concerned. I hate the stage where you can't really feel them consistently yet so you don't really know they are good until you go to the dr. appointment. I was really concerned something would be wrong even though have not had any cramping or bleeding or anything that would indicate a problem. I think most people are this way. I know they will be uncomfortable and even annoying when they are both moving around in there non stop but it will be nice to have the reminder that they are good. Anyway, it was just a quick ultrasound. Babies are looking great. I was at 14 weeks 3 days and they were measuring at 14 weeks 4 days and 2 days. So that is great. The doctor also said that he only sees one placenta. So that means we are having identical twins. Will I be the worst mom if I can't tell them apart? Even though there is only one placenta they still have a divider in there and so they both have their own fluid and nutrition which is good. Another high light of the visit, is I have a headache non stop for about a month now and they turn into migraines 1-2 times a week. No fun. I can't go on the medication for it so he said to start my day with a coke (or Dr. Pepper) and some tylenol and continue as needed. Guilt free soda in the morning....priceless. However, today is day one of trying it and I am so jittery. But so far, no migraine.

My next appointment is in 4 weeks and then after that I move to every 2 weeks. I can't believe how much I am going to have to see the doctor.

My Birthday!!!!

2011-04-29T13:32:00.002-06:00

5 years ago I got a birthday present that can not be topped. I started to go into labor with Landon. The best gift was knowing that baby was coming out. We didn't end up sharing a birthday but it was close enough.

Anyway, this years birthday my cute Brenten would ask me days in advance, "who's birthday is in 3 days" And would have the sweetest smile. He gets as excited for our birthdays as he does his own. I try to tell Christian not to bother with a cake because we have one for Landon's birthday the next day. But he always does.

He felt bad for me this year. I have had morning sickness, and then yesterday morning I woke up with the stomach flu and I had already had a migraine that I couldn't get rid of. I went to work. I don't even know why. I made it until 2 and then left.

I got home and Cait was asleep and the boys were so good so I got almost a 3 hour nap in. And then I moved to the couch. I can't say I did a whole lot of anything. Tash and Malyssa came over and brought me a cute birthday bowl of goodies. I love it and can't wait to eat some. And then the kids and Christian had mac n cheese. I told Christian I wanted a rain check on my birthday dinner for when I could eat it. After dinner they brought me in my cake and they all sang. So cute. Even Cait gets into it. And then they each gave me their presents. Christian got me a new watch and I love it and the boys got me a frame and a level. The joke is that I never measure or level my pictures I just put in a nail and if it doesn't look good I take it out and try again.

I took a bath. and laid around and got to pick all the tv shows because as Brenten put it " You can do what ever you want. Its your birthday". He even told Cait no Dora cause it isn't her birthday.

I love my sweet family. They make my day even when I feel crummy.

Landon is 5!!! Happy Birthday!!!

2011-04-29T13:16:00.004-06:00

He has been looking for this day for months now. He has been counting down all the things he needed to do before he could go to kindergarten. First he had to have his kindergarten well check, (aka shots). He has checked that off and then kept asking when he starts going to school. That is when we told him all the things that had to happen before he started school. Next on the list was turning 5.

Happy Birthday to my little buddy. Landon has the biggest heart. He loves to snuggle and will give Cait kisses even if she punches and yells at him. And he can be sad but will still give you the biggest smile. I love it. This morning he was all sleepy and got up to go to the bathroom and before he went back to bed I told him "It's your birthday" and he gave me his big grin and laid back down.

I can't wait to go home and give him the biggest hug.

TWINS!!!!

2011-04-20T13:41:00.004-06:00

We are expecting again and this time there is a little more excitement involved. We are having 2 babies. It is still very overwhelming. So much to do and so little time before "my belly is so big that I won't be able to get off the couch" (that's what Brenten told me). He did follow with that's okay I will bring you food. What a good kid.

Sorry the rest will be boring but I want to remember........

Let's start with the important stuff. My due date is 11/11/11. Which makes me 10weeks and 4 days pregnant. I went to the doctor yesterday and had a little sit down chat with him and then he did the ultrasound. Right as he put it on my belly I saw two black circles (their little homes). But then he zoomed in on one and did some measurements. I was really just telling myself it was my imagination. Then he said "do you see the blinking, that's the heart beat" and then he zoomed out and said "And there is the other heart beat". I really do think I had a panic attack. That is what I am guessing. My chest tightened and I was breathing uneven and apparently my face was all red. I ask a few random questions and he told me a bunch of stuff that I am sure I will have to ask about again. Then I left to go tell Christian. Does he have a panic/anxiety attack when I tell him. Nope. He just said, I knew it last night. I couldn't believe how calm he was. He made me sit for a while before he would even let me drive home. I was glad that later in the evening he just kept saying 2 babies, so maybe there was a level of freak out that he was just hiding better then me.

One thing we found out at the docs appointment is that I have to have a c section. Brenten was a c-section but I have had 2 very successful VBACs since (vaginal birth after c section). But now with 2 they don't know how my uterus will stretch and what my scar tissue is like. I guess the one positive is that they can tie my tubes while they are in there.

People have asked if I have had any idea. Yes I have known for weeks. I would say I was in denial. For every experience or symptom I have had, I had a justification for it. That being said I did keep joking about it to a handful of people. Part of me felt I was just being dramatic.

-Right after I found out we were pregnant, I had a couple of dreams that they were twins.
My sister had 2 twins almost 2 years ago so maybe that is why it is stuck in my head.
-I got sick starting at 4 weeks. I mean sick sick. And I normally have morning sickness but nothing until 8 weeks. Actually I usually don't even feel pregnant until about 8 weeks and then it all hits me.
I figure I am super busy and pretty stressed so that is why.
-Extreme tiredness. I mean complete exhaustion. Yes I have been tired with the others but this is so tired all the time that breathing seems like an effort tired. Which is getting a tiny bit better. Still tired but I am able to breath.
My excuse, I'm old and busy.
-started showing really REALLY early. Normally by 10 weeks I am telling Christian I am showing and he laughs at me. This time I am bigger than my niece who is nearly 20 weeks pregnant. I don't even fit in my fat pants anymore. I can wear them but they are unbuttoned and unzipped. Crazy. I am going to get HUGE.
It is my 4th (well now I know 5th too) but maybe I am showing early because it is #4 and my body just knows what to do.
-I saw my brother last weekend and he asked how far along I am and I said 10 weeks and he looked at my belly and said "Are you trying to be like Amy and have twins". I laughed and said Not funny.
Brothers always say stuff like that. All boys think they are funny and brother think they are funnier than most.
-The night before my appointment I felt the baby move on one side of my belly. You know the fluttering movement. And then I felt it move on the other side of my belly. Knowing my baby is barely over an inch long, and that there is no way it could be felt on both sides at the same time.
My thought: Stop thinking there are two, when you are only ready for one.

I think even amidst all my denial I should have been prepared. But really I don't think you can really ever be prepared for when you see them on that little ultra sound screen.

We are really excited. They must be such best friends they didn't want to to be separated. Now to get ready. WOW we have a lot to do. Like...where are 5 kids going to sleep. :)

Soccer

2011-04-06T14:16:00.001-06:00

Christian and I started playing indoor soccer in December. It has been so much fun. It is with a lot of the same people that we play softball with. Christian is good at soccer. Me on the other hand have lots of room for improvement. But I think I really have improved over the last few months. We are now in our 2nd season and am loving it. And on Monday night I scored my first goal. I even cheered for myself. I am really starting to get a hang of it. That being said, I still have LOTS of room for improvement.

Movie Day

2011-04-06T14:11:00.002-06:00

Last Friday my work was having a "team meeting" at the movie theater and we watched Rango. We could bring family but it was a matinee and that meant Brenten was in school and Cait needed a nap but that did leave Landon available. Christian was awesome and met us at the theater at 11:15 and Landon and I had a little date paid for by my boss. We had popcorn and drink and Landon loved the movie. He didn't even know that he was coming or what he was doing when Christian pulled up and I had him get out and took his car seat. After the show he went back to work with me. I only had about 1 1/2 hours left. So he came to work, got a drink and a cookie or two (one of the other ladies brought cookies in ). And then he colored pictures and watched shows on my ipod while I worked. I am glad I got to do that with him. I knew he wouldn't be a problem, but my co workers were impressed with how quietly he sat and did his own thing. Now that I am working I really miss all the one on one time I used to get with my kids. I am glad that my works gives us an opportunity or two to have some of that time back. We just have to be more scheduled about it now.

Brenten's Surgery

2011-04-06T13:07:00.003-06:00

Brenten had surgery a couple of weeks ago. He had tubes for the 3rd time and his adenoids out for the second time. We were told they could grow back but didn't really think much of it. Well they grew back with vengeance. A couple of months ago he went in to the doc for a routine check up 6 months out from his last tubes surgery. And that is when they told us his one ear drum was a little flat but he was getting over another ear infection so that was to be expected. We went in a couple weeks ago to follow up and it was still flat and he has a little flap of skin on his ear drum. For both the answer is tubes. The doc wanted him in sooner than later and so he went in 2 days later for surgery. Tubes is such an easy surgery. We didn't know what to expect recovery wise with the adenoids because the last time we he had them removed we did tonsils too. Apparently, adenoids are a fairly easy recovery. He had to recover from the anethesia and he had horrible breath and some referred pain to his ears but he went back to school on Friday after surgery on Wednesday. He was so tired after school and for the rest of the weekend that we probably shouldn't have let him go. The day after surgery he told us he can taste again. Poor kid. Who knew he couldn't taste. Anyway, he can taste, talk, hear and smell better. I am so glad it does not have to be a big deal to take care of these things on my little guys body.

CAIT is 2

2011-03-01T12:35:00.003-07:00

I still can't believe my baby is 2. Too bad she thinks she is 15. (thanks to the neighbor girls). When we found out she was a girl, I didn't know what to do with a girl. Slowly I have gotten used to it. Thank goodness because she is ALL girl. Yeah she will wrestle and play cars and anything else the boys do but really she loves ponies, babies and her boots. The girl is going to be a show addict. Anything she thinks is a girl color is purple and requires a squeal of excitement. She loves skirts and having her hair "pretty". She is really talking so well. She is not necessarily a princess but more a deva. She is way to loud and demanding to be a princess. It doesn't help that Brenten will do anything for her.

For her birthday we did a small family party. She loved everything about it and sang happy happy for the rest of the week. (her rendition of happy birthday). I didn't have time to make a fun cake so I just did a chocolate one. When I got home Christian had done it all up. It looked great. He says I take away his masculinity any time I tell someone.

She got a very cool doll house my parents made for her and so we all got her little things to go in her doll house. I knew she would love it but thought maybe she was still a little young, but she LOVES it and plays with it all the time.

Date with Brenten

2011-03-01T12:27:00.002-07:00

Brenten has been really good lately but really clingy too. I guess with Cait being angry with me gone all the time. I kind of forgot that maybe my 7 year old may be struggling too. On Sunday we were sitting in church and he has both arms wrapped around mine, head on my shoulder, and legs over lapping mine. Never mind that I had a wiggly, whiny, nap deprived 2 year old on my lap. I have to say I pulled a bad Mom moment and told him he had to get off of me. I couldn't move at all. He looked so sad. So I told him we needed to go on a date by ourselves so that we could hang out with out anyone else. He was excited. He wanted a movie or something but honestly, we don't have time for a movie. But he was happy with frozen yogurt in Saratoga Springs. So yesterday after work I got home, Brenten and I went on our date. It was so cute. He was just beaming to get to go with me all by himself. He jabbered all the way to the ice cream place. And then he opened the doors for me. Because he said "We're on a date and I am a gentleman". After ice cream we went to Walmart and looked at legos. I asked him if he was going to hold my hand and he asked, "Does Dad hold your hand when you go on dates" and I told him yep. So he held my hand. I think maybe I needed more than my little guy did. It is priceless when you can have those moments and create lasting memories.

Now I have a problem. Landon thinks we are going on a date tonight. I told him we can go next week.

Please tell me the gym at 6am is a good idea

2011-01-19T19:39:00.002-07:00

Usually I have things ready to go and have a much better morning at the gym, but not today. This is how this morning went.

5:20 am alarm didn't go off (come to find out one cute little girl played with it yesterday)
5:30 left for the gym
6:00 at the gym and go to the cinema room to run.
I ran 4 miles and then my knee cramped up and I had to stop a couple of times. I get another mile in and then the treadmill makes a weird sound and yep I broke it. The belt or what ever came off track and I about fell off. Let me tell you it was NOT graceful. So I give up.
I went out to lift weights only to find that the size I wanted wasn't there. I did some other weights and then went to go shower.
I get out of the shower to realize that I forgot my towel. I looks around thinking what am I going to do because I am dripping wet. So I had to use my sweaty gym pants. It was gross and they are not very absorbent. I started getting dressed only to realize that I forgot clean socks. So I had to go without. It was so gross. I guess at least my feet were clean but still. So that was my day at the gym.

I did still get a good workout in but wow it did not run smoothly. Maybe I could have used that extra hour of sleep.

Great to be 8

2011-01-10T18:23:00.002-07:00

Sorry this is more for me and my memories.

We had the opportunity to take Brenten to Great to be 8 at the stake center last night. It is so strange to see Brenten and all his friends old enough to be attending things like this. We were about 1/2 way through Brenten looked up at me and asked "am I getting baptized today" he was so excited. I almost felt bad telling him no. Then we got to walk around and see what they will wear when they are baptized and where they will be baptized and then Christian and Brenten got cake while I served cake. Christian told me later their little conversation.

Brenten "I felt the Holy Ghost today"
Chrsitian "Oh yah what did it feel like"
Brenten thought for a minute and then said "I don't know"
Christian "Did it feel hot or cold"
Brenten "Hot or warm and then my heart beat really fast"

I am so excited for Brenten to have more and more feelings of the Lord in his life.

Christmas

2011-01-10T18:15:00.002-07:00

We had a great Christmas this year. We love being able to stay at home and enjoy getting up Christmas morning in our jammies and messed up hair. I had a couple of days off work so that was nice too. We were able to get a lot of family time in. It is great. Christian made the comment to the boys that they could get up when they want to in the morning and look at their stockings but to not wake up Cait. I laughed at Christian when he said he didn't think they would get up until 7. I told him at least 6. I was even wrong. They were up at 5:45. I love to hear them squeal as they run down the stairs that Santa had come.

We had a very special year. Christian has been out of work and I had just barely started. We felt the support of neighbors and family. It was overwhelming to feel so much love around us. It gave us many opportunities to talk to the boys and to teach them of service and many other lessons that we learned this year.

Cait's first haircut

2010-12-05T19:29:00.002-07:00

First picture shows how long it was in the back. I love that it was growing so much. The downfall was that it didn't grow at all in the front and so she had a mullet. Christian thought it was awesome but since he is staying home and is hair challenged he said I should get it cut. My friend Mitzi did such a good job. And we can still give her piggys. The picts don't do it justice. And now like a good and crazy mom I now have a tiny piggy of her cut hair to put in her scrap book.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T19:23:00.008-07:00

We were watching the BYU game upstairs and Jessica watched the Wisconsin game all by her lonesome. She was happy her Badgers won.

Mom and Dad watching the BYU game.

My sweet niece Alyssa.

Alex my awesome nephew

It was barely in the teens temperature wise and all the kids still went into the hot tub. They loved it.

Woking Girl

2010-12-05T19:16:00.002-07:00

Since Christian was laid off I went back to work. We have been very blessed for me to find a job and get hired on within 3 weeks. It has really taken off the stress and now Christian can really look for something that will be good for him and our family in the future. So for now he is Mr. Mom. I think he is hoping for a moo moo for Christmas. He is awesome and is taking pictures of the different power struggles I am missing out on. This one was Cait was mad Christian wouldn't give her a brownie so she went and got in her seat and sat there "waiting for her brownie". Well it never came so she went to sleep.

My job is working out well. I am an office Manager for an online tax company in Provo called TaxHawk. I have worked a full week now and so far they are pretty easy to work for. I am very busy and any spare second I have I am learning tax laws and rules.

Thankful Theodore

2010-11-13T13:23:00.001-07:00

One of my friends does this at her house (thanks Jocelyn) and so we copied her this year and I am pretty sure this will be a tradition from now on. I want my kids to understand all the many blessings we have. Some small and some so big even at a time when we are out of work and may have a little more stress than usual. So I found this little turkey on line and printed him off. His name is Theodore. He is so fun. On every feather for FHE we note all the things we are thankful for. Some are family members, our house, soccer. Landons are ALWAYS food related. But we filled it up pretty fast. Then I am cutting out more feathers and everytime they think of something they are thankful for they can give Theodore more feathers. I am hoping we will have a big fun turkey by the end.

Brenten is 7

2010-11-13T13:15:00.002-07:00

I can't believe Brenten is so big...7...am I really that old? In one year we will be baptizing our first kid. So crazy. We had a low key birthday for him but I think he loved it. He got his first pet, Shelly, the hermit crab. He is doing a good job of taking care of her but we realized she is missing one of her legs when we got her so she may have to get traded in. Brenten says he wants to buy another one because Shelly is lonely. So he will probably have another one soon. Our friend, Melinda, and her boys came out to enjoy the fun. Coop and Brenten have been best buddies forever. Or at least about 6 1/2 years. This year Brenten said he wanted a cheese cake for his birthday. I was like are you kidding me. I have never made one so I was a little nervous. So he got online and looked at different picts/recipes and decided he wanted a white chocolate raspberry cheese cake. I don't know if he could have found a harder one. But it turned out delicious. I am thankful for the frozen raspberries in my freezer. that really helped. Thanks Mom.

I love my Brenten. He is growing into the sweetest of boys. I love that he will wink at me when I help in his class and isn't embarrassed (yet) if I say I love you in front of his friends. And more times than not will repeat it. He is so adventurous and love to play any game. He is such a little joker and thinks that he is the funniest kid around. I don't want him to grow up any more.

October Candids

2010-11-13T13:08:00.002-07:00

Brenten loves the climbing wall and now that is colder we just run a space heater in the garage when they climb. He is getting too brave.

I got this bean bag for my sis and her hubby. Well they left money for me and I went and picked it up for them. We get to use it until they come get it from me. It is so huge. It took me another lady a teen age boy a random stranger and 40 min to get it in my car. My seat was all the way up and I looked ridiculous driving home. The kids are enjoying it while they can. It is HUGE.
Cait and the boys decided to empty out some flower boxes and make my front porch a sand box. YUK!!! That is what she said when she came to me after trying to eat it.

Landon loves jerky. I love his face when he tries to eat it. Caits hair will finally go into one pony tail instead of piggys. And she will keep flowers in unless she is napping and then out the come.

Bikes

2010-11-13T13:04:00.002-07:00

I need to get a better picture. But since Christian has been home, he took off Landon's training wheels and his pedals. This is what we do to get them coasting and learning to balance. He went out with him every day for a little bit and practiced. We were amazed with in a week he was ready to have his pedals back on. We continue to work with him. He likes to go really fast down hills and stop at the last possible second. It is so scary. But maybe that is why I am glad Christian is working with him mostly. He still needs to work on going up hill. For this reason I wish we had more flat areas here. But soon we can move his seat up so he doesn't look like a monkey on a tiny trike. He loves that he is getting so big.

Halloween Fun!!!

2010-11-13T12:59:00.002-07:00

I love Halloween. I love when the little one finally realizes all they have to do is say "trick or treat" and they get candy. Cait cheered after every house. The boys loved everything about it. Decorating cookies. Carving pumpkins with power tools. Seeing friends and lots of parties. I really lucked out this year. All the kids were costumes we already had or a hand me down. Brenten was a fire fighter for the 3rd year in a row. Finally his costume fits. Landon was Nemo. he was so excited when he saw it in our Halloween box. Cait was a cute fat monkey our friend let us borrow. She was so cute and loved her slippers.

Laid Off

2010-11-02T12:34:00.002-06:00

Christian gets some unexpected time at home. A little over a week ago he got laid off. YUK!!!! I love having him home and actually we are so busy we don't really see each other that much. Like today, he is at a networking/job search group thing until 4pm. And I believe he has it again on Wednesday. Lets just say it has been a crazy 1 1/2 weeks.

In this time I have had migraines or the lingering effects of the last one, we have lost our insurance and found out COBRA is $1000.00 a month. Okay if you are out of work how can you afford that much $$$ for insurance. Our computer ended up with like 98 viruses or something insane like that. I have had a bout of kidney stones. Probably the hardest was when Brenten asked us on Sunday when we get to go to Christian's super cool work Christmas party and Christian had to remind him that he doesn't work there anymore. Brenten was trying to be big but he was obviously sad and Christian felt so awful.

Even with all the stress of zero income we there are some definite positives. My brother was telling me that he doesn't know anyone who hasn't been laid off. And they have similar comments of enjoy the time off. We are trying. Christian is working so hard to find work. I am glad I don't have to nag him and I am trying to find work also.

That being said.......

Landon is now riding a bike with out training wheels. We think by the end of the week he will be cruising all over on his own. Christian has been going out with him every day to work on it. And then he and Brenten have been going over to the bike park to work on their skills. Unfortunately when it is too wet they can't go. Cait has had a lot of snuggle and one on one time. She loves it. I even got Christian's help to do a little photo shoot of the kiddos.

Aside from not knowing when we will get work, we are excited to see what the future holds for us. Christian has not been enjoying his job for about a year now. I am hoping he can find a job that he can enjoy and will help our family for the future.

Hawaii - Oahu

2010-09-23T12:08:00.004-06:00

there are more pictures on facebook.

ALOHA!!!! We had a great trip to Hawaii, especially being our first time. The weather was perfect as was everything else. It was Christian and I and his parents. NO KIDS!!!

My mom was awesome and came to our house to watch the kids for us. She did the school/soccer mom stuff and everything. It was great timing because she was cleared just a couple of days before our trip, by her doctor, to lift Cait. She is not even a year out from a major back surgery. What a trooper. Brenten didn't even want us to come back since that would mean Grandma would leave. I have been told lots of things since Grandma has left.....

Brenten "Grandma makes pancakes and eggs in the morning. They are not really for dinner mom"
Landon "Grandma's car is a LOT better than yours"
Brenten "Mom did you notice, Grandma fixed everything....the garage door, my door and the oven door" (they all squeaked really bad)

Everyday they find a way to tell me how great Grandma is. I love that they have such a connection with her and I never questioned that they would be in better care than when I am here. In fact that was such a comfort. I didn't have to worry about the kids because I knew they were well taken care of.

Back to Hawaii. We had a great time. Sorry but this is more for when I scrapbook that I can remember it all. Lets see.

Sunday we got in late around 8pm. Once we got the rental figured out and checked into the hotel (in Waikiki) we were starving so we got Subway. Not exactly what I was planning on eating in Hawaii but it worked great.

Monday we just checked out the area. Our hotel was in a great spot. Next to lots of shopping and next to the beach. What else does a girl need. So we checked out the beach for a while and then got food for in the hotel. We ate lunch. Then Christian and I headed back out to swim in the ocean. It is awesome. We were warned the Waikiki beaches are not the best but we found some great areas not to far and the waves were fun. And we saw some giant sea turtles. We couldn't get close but they were still so cool. I didn't have my camera and was bummed so I was going to bring it back. We didn't see turtles there the rest of the trip. I couldn't help but think how much the boys would like it. After a few hours we came back got ready and went to eat dinner and check out the shopping.

Tuesday we did a tour on a bus around the island. It was great because I saw all the places we NEEDED to go to. And we got to go to the dole plantation. At around noon we showed up to the Polynesian Culture Center (PCC) we had a guide there. I loved our guide mostly because our names are the same. Well not really she was from Mongolia so she had like 24 letters in her name and then beke at the end so that is what she goes by. She showed us all around. They have made up all the islands and we took a little boat through and they told us about it. Then we went to all the "islands" and they had a show. They were great. Very entertaining and interesting. And they had a boat parade. At five we finished our tour and then we went to the Luau. It was great food and of course they had dancing. they had these little guys about Landon and Brenten's age doing the Hula. they were so cute. I wanted to bring them home with me. We had a little time before the show so we took a tram over to the temple and to BYU Hawaii. At about 7:30 the show started. I knew it would be good but I was really surprised. It was so impressive. Better than I could have imagined. By the time we got back to the hotel it was 11 or so.

Wednesday We went to Pearl Harbor. I am a little ashamed but I don't know a lot about our history, Pearl Harbor in particular. It was pretty cool. We didn't have to wait in line so that was great. We took a boat over to the monument. We could see where the ships are still today. Well parts of them. and you can see the oil that still comes up from the ship. they can't fix it with out disturbing all the bodies that are still in the ship. After Pearl Harbor we went to a flee market at their Stadium. It was huge. I mean HUGE. We didn't even see half of it. We found some lunch and headed back to the hotel. Christian and I, of course, headed out to the beach. At night we went to check out the shops. they have all these street vendors out selling random things, dancing, or playing music.

Thursday We went snorkeling in Hunama bay (i don't remember how to spell it). It was great. I have never tried snorkeling and I think it may be my new favorite thing. After I got over my freak outs. I had a hard time relaxing and not hyperventilating and my back would get super tight. But once I made myself relax it was so awesome. We swam over the coral reefs and there were fish everywhere. I swam with a little sea turtle (but didn't know it) Every time I would turn so would the turtle. Everyone said it was practically on my shoulder. Christian would swim down and scare things out of their holes. A 3 foot long eel came out and swam right at me and swam under me. I freaked out of course, which meant I took in a bit of ocean water. It was really so cool. We decided to drive up the east coast line of Oahu. So we drove and checked out different beaches. Incredible how the beaches are so different even though they are so close. We went to one with a blow hole (of course Christian's favorite to say). And we went to Laniakea Beach which is the home to about 20 sea turtles. So cool. It made the whole trip for me. This time I had my camera ready. I got some pretty good pictures. I could have touched it we were so close but since they are endangered we are not allowed to. We also went to La'ie beach (Pounders). Christian and I wanted to go back there with boogie boards or something. The waves were great.

Friday We drove up the west side of the beach to more of the North Shore. The beaches were great. We swam at Waiamea Bay The sand was great. And the water was like a swimming pool. No waves and it was so clear. You could see 20ft down. Christian jumped off Jump Rock. I guess he had to with a name like that. There was a bouldering (climbing) spot too. Christian was so bummed he didn't have his shoes, but he climbed a little anyway. Just couldn't help himself. While we were there this lady told us about Sharks cove. So we went and checked it out. We decided we needed to go snorkeling there. We also went to Banzai Pipeline (where they have the big surf competition in the winter)

Saturday We went back to Shark's Cove and got snorkel rentals and went snorkeling. This one was a little harder to get into because of all the rocks but it was fun. We like Hunauma bay better but this was good. It was deeper in parts and I saw big schools of fish. We were there most of the day. And then we drove the rest of the coast we hadn't gotten to yet. it was the south west side. This is definitely the poorer area. Christian's mom made the comment "look there is camping on this beach" As we went they were definitely not campers. There were so many homeless people and they have their own community. So sad. There will little babies and it was so dirty. They had tents up and enough stuff that they had been there for many months if not years like this. We continued down the road and found a great beach. And the waves were huge and crashed right on the beach. We weren't allowed to swim only surfers. I could just stare at the waves all day. After we got back we had a late lunch and then Christian and I went to the beach for our last swim in Hawaii.

Sunday We hung out and got packed. We checked out of the hotel at 11am and then found a church. We went to a couple of hours and then headed out to check out the Capital Building. We don't know if we actually saw it but there were a few that could have been it. And then we went to Hilo something (I'm sure you all know the name) but it makes me think of Hello Kitty. Its a big store of Hawaii stuff. After that we headed out to turn in the rental car and then to the airport to wait and wait.

We got in Monday morning. Christian headed off to work and I came home to let my mom leave and hang with the kiddos.

So so busy

2010-09-05T18:09:00.003-06:00

Lately I feel like I get busier by the day. I feel like I get nothing done and on top of it I feel like my kids have gotten close to no quality time. I love that my boys are in soccer but I can't wait for it to be done so that we can have more time together just us. Earlier this last week I was feeling like my chest hurt all the time. So I decided to make a change. First change is I don't care if the house gets clean. I will work on certain things but if it doesn't get done oh well. It really is true the dishes will still be there in the morning. The next thing was that I set out a little bit of time for each kid to just play with them. and the last thing I changed is no more gym on Wednesdays. I thought I was going to die but i just get up early and work out and then I am done. It has been amazing. For one, my chest doesn't hurt anymore and I don't feel like I am going to have a melt down at any time. The hardest thing for me was to admit to myself that I couldn't do it all and be sane at the same time. I had to get over that too. So if you come to my house and it isn't clean. Sorry, I don't care anymore. I am playing with my kids. Or watching TMZ. My new obsession.

Count down to Hawaii

2010-09-05T18:02:00.002-06:00

I was realizing that almost all my posts are about my kids. In my defense I have almost written many posts not about the kiddos but usually I am in the middle of situations so I am a little passionate about it so I end up deleting them so everyone doesn't think I am a lunatic. I always think I will come back and write later and done. So I am going to start mixing it up a bit. I am going to try and blog more and put more of ME into it. Ironically most of what I do is for my kids, with my kids or because of my kids.

But in 7 days and 2 hours I will be in HAWAII. I am so excited. My mom is coming to stay with the kids. (isn't she awesome) and then Christian and I will be flying off to the beautiful Hawaii and will be meeting his parents there. Yeah for us. I have not been very many places. So I am excited to be able to say I have been to hawaii.

Cait's 1st stitches

2010-08-18T11:00:00.002-06:00

Cait got her first stitches on Saturday. Poor baby. We were walking across the street and she tripped on a man hole cover and fell face first. She split open her head and got a bloody nose. I really think it was harder on me. She cried for a little bit but that was all. I asked her if she was okay and she said yeah. As if there was no reason to not be okay. She was not happy about the actual getting shots part but loved getting my little pony stickers and a sucker. Now she loves to show people her stitches and says that her bandaid is "pretty".

We love love love Soccer!!!!!

2010-08-18T10:52:00.007-06:00

We love soccer. We love it so much that Landon is willing to keep his shin guards on for 3 days straight to only take them off because of the big dent in his calf from the elastic being in the same place for 3 days. Cait can't wait for Brenten to take off his soccer stuff after practice (all sweaty) and then puts them on. Shin guards and shoes. I at least convinced her the socks were too yucky. She then goes around the house kicking soccer balls. We are having some fun.

storms

2010-08-18T10:40:00.002-06:00

We have had some great storms. I love it. It is August and we are getting hail. I am an Oregon girl so I love a great rain storm especially if it is mixed with thunder and lightening. I love that my kids embrace my love for these storms and I think they are happy that I let them go out in them until the lightening gets close. Natasha, our awesome neighbor, would go out and gather hail for Cait and then she would eat it.

Kolob part 10

2010-08-06T15:00:00.000-06:00

Notice the part 10 part. I have 9 short posts of our trip to Kolob. Humor me and look at all of them so this wasn't a waste of time. haha. Really this is mostly so I will remember when I get around to scrapbooking them.

Kolob part 9 - Bonfire.

2010-08-06T14:43:00.002-06:00

Cait loves smores or she really likes chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. She went straight to the shower after. My messy messy girl.
Brenten liked our little skewers. Didn't you know he is a ninja.
Christian is our expert fire started. I mean he could be on survivor. The wood was so wet but he still got us a bonfire.
Landon loves everything and gives me the best smiles when the camera comes out. He loves to humor me.
Brenten does NOT humor me. He is not a fan of my camera or my obsession of getting pictures of him doing everything. He doesn't like to make eye contact or "smile handsome". Maybe he gets that from his Uncle Brian. I still get some cute ones. I love a challenge. I just have to be sneaky.

Kolob part 8-lots of pictures

2010-08-06T14:27:00.004-06:00

Kolob 7

2010-08-06T14:20:00.002-06:00

The kids highlight is simple. Playing in the dirt. They get out their tractors and shovels and buckets. they were excited this year because they made mud. They put dirt in their buckets and then wait for it to rain and then stir it and play in it. Cait was excited to play outside with the boys this year.

Kolob part 6 - Catch a cow by the tail

2010-08-06T14:14:00.002-06:00

Brenten cow hunting. When Christian was a kid his mom told him she would pay who ever could pull on a cows tail. None of them did. Phillip about got charged by a bull but still no tail. We some of the cows from below the cabin got out and were wandering by the cabin. Brenten thought he had a chance so he is trying to sneak up on the cow. If you look you will see the cow staring at him from behind the tree.

More cow hunting. Cait this whole time was yelling and screaming (a lot of screaming) and reaching out to the cows. When we would has her if she wanted to pet the cows she would say yeah yeah yeah. and nod her head like crazy. My boys when they were her age were terrified of anything that moved. Cait on the other hand loves all animals. She is obsessed. She gets excited any time she sees them. We need to go to the zoo. I think she would love it but worry about the screaming when she can't touch them.

Kolob part 5

2010-08-06T14:08:00.003-06:00

We got for lots of hikes and usually we end up at the creek. Doesn't Cait look so little.
Cait throwing rocks. I was so nervous she would fall in so Christian would keep a hold of her hood.
The boys would always gather rocks on our walk and carry them down to the creek. Now there are just as many rocks if not more by the creek so we always tried to tell them they didn't need to carry rocks there but they thought their rocks were the perfect throwing rocks.

Kolob part 4

2010-08-06T13:47:00.003-06:00

We love the humming bird feeder. We usually have 3 or so humming birds enjoy it too. But this time we got up to about 10-11 at one time. It was fun to see them fight over their sugar water. Every day we enjoyed nap time. It was about the same time the afternoon thunder storms came it. I love the smell of rain in the mountains. And the boys loved playing games up there. They get along so well when we are at the cabin.

Kolob part 3-Hike

2010-08-06T13:29:00.004-06:00

Landon Brenten

our little hike Cait got sleepy in her ride.

One of the days we went into Zions and went on a little hike. Christian had some motivation. He wanted to go check out a potential climbing spot. I think he was happy with it. It wasn't that far and the kids loved the red sand. The sand was so hot and they still played in it. They wanted to stay even longer. The picture of Brenten was how we saw the boys a lot. They thought it was great they could pee outside at any time.

Kolob part 2

2010-08-06T12:31:00.004-06:00

Brenten Fishing. Landon. One of their catches. Notice Cait is petting it.

the boys get all excited to get worms and go fishing. They aren't the most patient but luckily once we found the right spot we didn't have to be. Our problem is Cait screaming because she wanted to get in the creek. As soon as they would get the worm in the water they got a fish. We caught 2 and then threw them back. And we had a few get away. They were decent size. The second one was about 14 inches.

Kolob part 1

2010-08-06T07:56:00.004-06:00

So we went up the cabin this past weekend. Well we went up on Wednesday after work and had a long weekend. It was great. There is no electricity, no tvs, radios and no cell phone. We do have propane fridge and stove/oven and we have toilet and shower. Our water is mountain spring water. We should bottle it and sell it. It is so good. I went running the first morning and I swear I almost ran into a buck. It was crazy. He and I stopped about 7 feet away from each other. I about peed my pants and I think the deer was shocked to see me out there. Besides being scared it was so cool. We see all kinds of little animals. I saw a doe on the way back on my run. Landon had a momma turkey and 5 baby ones walk in front of him when we were out walking. We also saw squirrels, chipmunks, California condors (only about 100 living), lots of other birds, varments, snakes, fish. I am sure I am missing some.

softball 2010

2010-07-05T17:13:00.004-06:00

Hitless

We have an awesome softball team. This is everyone minus Josh and Katie. I didn't start taking pictures until the last games. I don't know why. But here are the other people in the picture. This is what pretty much consumes Christian and I during the summer. Every Friday night we are at the ballpark. It's so fun and I love it. (this is more for me for when I am old and can't remember)
Jason, Brady, Christian, Mike T., Tim, Melinda, Robin, Me, Alisha T, Chelsea, Sandra Strong, Mike Strong.
This is what our boys do. They sit on the bleachers and eat snacks and play transformers. In the background are Jason's mom and dad and they are nice enough to make sure nothing too bad happens to them.

Mel me and Chelsea. Just some of the girls. We all have so much fun together. I hope we can all play together next year too.

SNUGGLE TIME

2010-07-01T17:37:00.002-06:00

blanket+bear+binki+grandma= some great snuggle time. We need to take away the binki and I don't know what that is going to our equation but I am scared.

Our neighbors

2010-07-01T14:00:00.004-06:00

My kids love our neighbors. Both the boys want to be just like Tyson. Cait will go to any of them at anytime. It is so nice.
Landon having snacks at the neighbors. Maybe thats why they like them so much.

Cait getting spoiled again.

Baseball is over

2010-07-01T13:27:00.002-06:00

Thomas, Stephy, LANDON, Isaac, Mason, ???, Cody (I can't remember the other girls name I am sure it will come to me later) Landon had a great first year. His success was all based on that no one got him out and that he didn't cry. Maybe next year we can get throw a game with out having to pee.

Now I didn't know near as many of the kids on Brenten's team. Ben, Chandler, Connor, Mac, ???, Brenten, and then I don't remember the first row. I will have to ask Brenten before he forgets for the scrapbook's sake. Brenten had a great year. He really got the hang of how the game was to be played. And he loved being with all his friends.

Brenten's Graduation

2010-06-04T22:30:00.010-06:00

Above, Brenten trying to look deep in thought. Below, Brenten with his very pregnant teacher, Mrs. Benson.
My handsome little boy has graduated from kindergarten. One down, I guess you could say. He was so excited to have us at his school for his special day. All the kindergartners had a program in the cafeteria where they sang a bunch of songs about moving on to 1st grade. They did a great job. The teachers must have spent a ton of time on it. After their program, we went to Brenten's classroom for his graduation. That was nice because it was only his class opposed to all 6 kindergarten classes. We could easily see him when his name was called for his award. He was very proud of this award of "Best Reader". All the kids got different awards. Brenten has grown so much this year. He has grown in inches. The pants I bought him at the beginning of the school year were too big and by the middle of the year they were too short and by the end of the school year his replacement pants were just barely fitting. No room for him to grow another centimeter. He also grew socially. He now thinks he is king of it all. He loves to hang out with this friends and do thing independently of me. Scholastically he has really improved. He reads so well now. He is doing great. He also loves math and does very well with it. He is so excited for 1st grade. Congratulations to my little man, Brenten!!!

I will miss him in first grade being gone all day. But I will NOT miss that kindergarten schedule. That is the worst. I can't say I wasn't warned. But it is such a nuisance.

In memory of Breast Cancer survivors.....

2010-05-27T20:06:00.005-06:00

I find it ironic that at the end of May (breast cancer awareness month) that I have found that one of my past college mentors has passed away from cancer. She has suffered and survived a battle of breast cancer that has resulted in double mastectomies. She was in recovery, but the past few months she was really struggling. Loved ones remained optimistic. She her passing on Monday was considered sudden. It will be privilege to attend her funeral to remember all the great things she did on this Earth in such a short time.

Brian and Jessica's wedding

2010-05-27T08:23:00.003-06:00

Me and Amy at the after wedding dinner

Will (brother in law) Steve and Jeff (brothers)

Aren't they so cute. I love how he looks at her.

Rachel and Mark (brother)

This is as close as I got to the ocean and I didn't even touch it. I thought we would be back by but I was wrong. Next time I come to visit Brian I will be in the sand and playing in (or at least touching) the water.

At the Giants Game

2010-05-27T08:10:00.005-06:00

Even though we blend with everyone these 2 rows are our group.

My brother Jeff and his family.

ME!!!!

My brother, Steve, and his wife, Sharon.

Jessica and Brian (the happy couple)

It was so cold there. For those who don't know the stadium is right on the ocean. We were warned but that didn't mean we made it through the whole game. The Arizona brother had to leave after the 4th inning. Him and his kids in shorts and flip flops were freezing. But we still had fun hanging out together.

Strep Throat

2010-05-24T18:11:00.004-06:00

We have Strep running through our house again. I am so frustrated. I don't think of myself as a dirty person but maybe I need to re evaluated that. I really thought I cleaned quite a bit. Now my dishes are not always done before I go to bed but I vacuum/sweep/mop at least twice a week. I clean our bathrooms weekly. All bedding gets washed twice a month. I feel like I am constantly cleaning something up. ( the life of having 3 kids and a hubby) But maybe it isn't enough. I am again, cleaning bedding, towels, and disinfecting the whole house all while being sick. This winter has done me in. I need the snow to go away so maybe I can open some windows and all the germs can fly out.

We went to the doctor today for the receptionist to ask me my address or anything has changed and I said nope we are consistent. She said, that you are. You are even consistent in coming in. I think that is a sign that we are there way too much. Sometimes doctors recognize you but I almost feel like we could invite ours and his nurse, Kelly, to a family function now. Oh and I was informed that we need to think about getting Landon into the ENT because his tonsils touch together they are so huge. I know it would help him but really. I don't think I can handle giving our ENT any more money. I want them to be healthy and doing well, but all I see is the dollar signs floating away into someone doctor's kids' college fund.

So at my house, we are banning all illnesses. That's it. I think I have to take a stand and we are just refusing to get sick anymore. Wish me luck.

I'm not ready for my baby to grow up

2010-05-24T18:07:00.003-06:00

So yesterday Brenten and I were walking home from church and he was holding my hand. Me being the cheeser I am, was swinging his arm as we walked. Then this teenage boy behind me said, "haha Brenten, are you holding your Mommy's hand? So cute." obviously making fun of him. So I told Brenten it is cool to hold my hand. And then he quietly looked at me and said, "Mom it is NOT cool but if you stop swinging my arm, I will still hold your hand." I was a little sad that he is starting to think it isn't cool but couldn't be too sad because he didn't care and still held my hand. My sweet boy. Oh and don't worry, I told the teen aged boy that he ruined my day and making fun of a 6 year old is NOT cool. At least I could leave with a smile on my face.

I'm going to marry....

2010-05-17T20:57:00.003-06:00

Mom I know who I am going to marry. This is what Brenten was telling me in the car today. Apparently he is going to marry Taylor. I asked him what he liked about her and he said that she is cute nice and smart and that she has the same shoes as Cait. And once they were math partners. awe....love in Kindergarten.

San Fransisco

2010-05-16T20:52:00.003-06:00

This last weekend was great. I got to see my brother get married to a great lady. I am so excited she is in our family now and that I will get to know her better. Christian was awesome and let me go by myself and he took care of the kids. (He would have come but he couldn't due to work) We also have to say thanks to the 4 families that helped out with the kids and getting me to the airport. Thanks for all the support. Hopefully I will have pictures soon.

It was a crazy fast weekend. I got there Friday afternoon along with my parents and met up with Brian. They had a parents dinner planned so I hung out with a couple of his friends, who were so great and after 10 minutes you wouldn't even know that we were strangers. (Maybe it was the Texan accents) We hit a shop in San Fransisco and then I we headed up to the Giants baseball field. We had dinner and then met up with a bunch of my family and Jessica's family and watched a little baseball. It was COLD. but we had so much fun. I don't get to see my siblings very often. It was great to hang out with them.

Saturday we went for breakfast and realized that our car was broken. 3 HOURS LATER we got a rental car. Ah, it took forever, but I did get a nap in. We did get back to the hotel in time to get ready and to get to the Oakland temple.

Brian is typically very private with his relationships. I always joked that we would know that he was dating someone when he got engaged. It was almost true. It was so fun to see him so happy and holding hands and being affectionate. And Jessica looks so pretty. Just perfect. After the temple we did pictures and then we went to Pal Alto for dinner. It was awesome. We had a 5 course meal outdoors. They didn't do a reception. I can't even explain how great it was to see my brothers and sisters together. We just had one sister of the 7 of us who didn't make it. I wish she was there.

After the dinner we went back to the hotel and then I hit the gym. Our hotel was so nice and had a great work out center.

I ran my best time. I ran 6 miles in 51 minutes. I was so impressed with myself. That is about 8 1/2 minute miles. I am sure part of it was that I was at sea level and I am guessing another part was mental because I was thinking that I should breath better because we were at sea level.

Sunday we got up had breakfast and headed to the airport. Luckily the plane came in 10 minutes early so it meant I got to hang out with Christian for 20 minutes in the airport. He left for Minnesota for the week.

BASEBALL SEASON IS HERE!!!!

2010-05-08T14:58:00.005-06:00

Brenten rounding 3rd. He is getting baseball a lot more now that it is his 2nd year.

This is Landon's very first t ball game. Apparently this home plate was so far away he needed binoculars.

Finally Landon is running home. He looks so little with the big helmet on. Someone said they look like bobble heads with their helmets. I think she was right.

Now Landon's glove is a hat.

Brenten hitting. He plays coach pitch.

Our fist week of games actually got rained out. It was pouring. Today was a much better day for an opening to baseball season. It was beautiful out. Christian and I had our first taste of what it is going to be like with multiple kids playing on multiple teams. Brenten and Landon both played at noon today. So we split he went to Landon's and I went to Brenten's and then we switched. Now I understand it is still easy. They played at the same park and their fields were right next to each other.

We asked Landon if he had fun and he said "yes, no one had to take me home (for crying) and no one got me out." I guess that means he likes it.

Landon's 4th birthday

2010-04-30T14:44:00.003-06:00

Paula riding on Landon's new scooter. We all had a little bit of fun. Thank Paula for coming over.
Landon was staring at his presents so it was hard for him to consecrated on his cake. But he did love his crocodile cake.
This is my crocodile cake but it looks more like a lizard. Better than a green pile of goo.
Earlier in the day we went to artic circle. Cait a little nervous about the stairs.
The boys coming down the slide together. I think we had a pretty good day. I love my little guy.

My 32nd birthday

2010-04-30T14:12:00.002-06:00

I had low expectations for my birthday since Landon Cait and I all had strep throat the week of it . But luckily we were starting to feel much better. Still we get very tired but at least the other symptoms have subsided.

Cute Christian bought me a little cake. I told him not to worry about it because Landon's birthday is right after mine and we would get enough cake then. But he got one for me anyway.
My kids and the presents they got me. Christian wanted the boys to get into my birthday because mostly I only talk about Landon's birthday. So Brenten told Christian I needed more magnets for my fridge. And Landon was determined that I needed a a dinosaur bath tub toy.
I made this yummy treat because I was done with my competition and it was my birthday. It is called Monkey business. It is a pecan carmel pull apart things. Delicious.

Brenten's surgery

2010-04-27T17:30:00.006-06:00

Brenten right before he went into his surgery. He now is the proud owner of his second set of tubes. Tubes are only functional for 1 1/2 years but generally the hope is that they have outgrown their need for tubes by the time they are no longer working. Brenten wasn't that fortunate. We did a hearing test a couple weeks ago and Brenten's hearing was 35 decibels lower than the lowest they would let him go. He has a pretty big hearing loss. By getting tubes, the fluid he had behind his eardrum can flow out and therefore improving his hearing. We do a second hearing test in 1 month. We also did allergy testing. We found out he is not allergic to anything. Great news. What that means is Brenten's ears just have bad anatomy. So if in 1 1/2 years he has the same problem again we will be doing permanent tubes. A much better alternative to allergy shots every week. He is doing great after the surgery and has already had comments about his hearing. He said the day after his surgery, "Mom, I am so loud" and he has also commented that everyone around him is much louder. I am taking that as great news.

Spring Break in Idaho

2010-04-13T14:25:00.006-06:00

The giant pig at Peggy's house.
Peggy right after the pig blew snot all over her. This is why I am not a country girl.
Jazzi Brenten Landon at Peggy's pond.
Landon and Jazzi
This is what Brenten looked like when ever we were at Grandmas house. He is such a trooper. He had one ear ruptured when we went up and then the other ruptured while we were in Idaho. He hardly ever complained. Once each night he got up for ibprofrin and a heat pack and other than that he only said something if someone asked. He is a tough kid.
Landon said he hated horses when we got up there and then he got on the horse and now he thinks we need one for our back yard. Yeah right Landon we don't have room for a dog but a horse sure no problem.
Brenten loved the whole idea of riding. He wanted to do it all by himself. (notice he was wear flip flops)
Cait me and my mom at chuck E cheese.
Brenten at chuck e cheese.
Cait snuggling with Grandpa Sawyer.

More Easter

2010-04-13T14:20:00.003-06:00

We went to Paula's new house Sunday afternoon. Her new house is so cute and lots of potential. Phillip came over too.
Paula's giant tree in the back yard. Isn't it huge?
Cait once all the sugar wore off. I can't say I was sad to have some snuggle time. She was so cute. She got her binki and her blanket and then walked over to me and have the "up" grunt. And she didn't move.

Easter/Conference

2010-04-13T14:06:00.003-06:00

This is the snow we got on Easter. Luckily it melted quickly but it also meant no hunting for easter eggs outside.
This is what you get when a 1 year old gets too much candy. She was coming off a pretty good sugar high.
Brenten Landon and Cait were all excited for the Easter bunny to come. Even if Cait didn't get it.
Cait finding her eggs.
Dying Easter eggs. Christian is shrink wrapping super heros on the eggs.

Recent Pictures

2010-04-13T13:58:00.003-06:00

Cait playing with her buddy Ty.
Cait falling asleep for the first time in her high chair.
Cait loves playing video games. And she will stare at the tv while she plays with the controller.
My snuggle buddies. I love that they will snuggle while we watch tv at night.

BYU volleyball

2010-04-11T16:13:00.002-06:00

This was from about a month ago but it was so fun. Not only did I get to watch the Men's BYU volleyball game who is #3 in the nation, but I also got to meet my new sister in law. Well, she will be my sister in law on May 15th.

This is Jessica, Brian, Me and Christian. And here is a question to anyone who knows Christian. Is anyone surprised that Christian is not looking at the camera.

Cait is walking

2010-03-19T07:55:00.002-06:00

a few pictures.

2010-03-11T15:26:00.004-07:00

Cait has two piggy tails. I am so excited. Yes I understand there is hardly any hair in either of them but isn't she so cute.
Landon helping me finish painting the kitchen.
Cait got a bear from her ENT before surgery and she love him. It has a little ribbon that says Dr. Porter loves me.
Brenten is very into Legos. Here is his alien creation. He likes me to take pictures of them.
Cait loves to crawl up and sit on Brenten's laps. I hope they will be buddies forever.

Day of Caits Surgery

2010-03-11T14:52:00.003-07:00

The night before Caits surgery for Tubes in her ears, Landon lost Dog. It was traggic. And he made sure if it was tragic for him then it was tragic for all of us. He cried the WHOLE night. I got up with him 4 times and Christian 2 times. The Last time Christian got up with him he put him in the guest bedroom where he continued to cry. Nothing made him better. I think I got maybe a 1/2 hour of sleep. It was crazy. After I got home from the surgery I finally found DOG and I gave it too him, he gave a big sigh and fell asleep. And he slept until 2:30 in the afternoon. And he only got up then because Christian convinced him to play video games with him. He sure does love DOG
Cait right before surgery. Things went really well. They did find that she had ear infections then too. Which only gives us one more reason that she really needed it. I have already noticed some improvements. Prior to surgery she wouldn't even try to walk. I didn't even think about until someone mentioned to me that babies with lots of ear problems have balance problems so the don't walk very early. Now she is taking for 4 and 5 steps at a time. Crawling is still faster but she stands all the time on her own. Also I couldn't tip her upside down or she would scream. I thought we was just going to be a little chicken. Now she loves it. I wonder if it was the pressure.
My cute cute baby.

feeling great in 8 weeks

2010-03-02T15:07:00.003-07:00

So I have started this new competition with some ladies at the gym. It is a point system. I get points for eating good foods, drinking water, exercising, lifting weights, praying, reading scriptures. I get points taken away for eating bad foods. My goal is to lose the last of my weight, and feel better in all areas of my life. Wish me luck. It started yesterday and am doing well so far. I am on day 2 of no soda and am surviving. Feel free to check up on me so that I can continue to stay strong through the whole competition.

Picture Post

2010-02-28T17:23:00.003-07:00

Jazzi came to visit while on her move to Idaho. We wish her the best of luck while starting school and getting work. Landon was soooo sleepy.
Me and my sweet Brenten.
Brenten wanted me to take a picture of one of his favorite things right now. He is so funny. He loves to leave a walkie talkie with me and then goes downstairs and sings into his. I get serenaded for hours.
Binkis are definitely Cait's favorite thing. I don't know what we are going to do when it is time to get rid of them. We don't have bottles anymore and usually that means the binkis are next. aahhhh!!! I am scared.
This is what I get for wanting to take a shower and leaving Brenten in charge for 5 minutes. Cait loved it.

Sick Baby

2010-02-25T14:47:00.004-07:00

I don't know what it is about husbands leaving and kids being sick at the same time. But I definitely won't be getting any mom of the year awards for this week. Poor little Cait was acting off over the weekend but she has been so sick I didn't really think much of it until Monday night. She screamed for a 1/2 hour straight. Not a "I'm not getting my way cry" But "I'm in pain and am going to die". I felt so bad. The doctors office was closed but the insta care was open. My dilemma was that she had already thrown up in the car and I had taken it apart and it was in the wash. So I got it cleaned as fast as possible and then took her to the doc. Thanks to my neighbor girl who stayed with the boys and put them to bed. After her screaming for 2 hours. She finally calmed when they gave her numbing drops in her ears and then she fell asleep. Poor thing. Apparently the antibiotic she had just finished last Thursday didn't work and she has had an ear infection the whole time. And to make it worse they were really bad. The doctor said they were blood red. And that her throwing up and diarrhea was because she was in so much pain. (not a stomach bug I thought she had). I don't think I have ever felt so guilty. What Mom doesn't realize their baby is in that much pain. They had to give her a double dose shot of antibiotics and called in some other meds to the pharmacy. Now that it is Thursday she is finally doing much better. She is finally eating again and has stopped throwing up. It does make sense because I was waiting for the boys to get sick and they haven't. I am grateful for that.

On March 3rd, Cait is getting surgery for tubes in her ears. We are hoping it goes well and that she doesn't have so many ear problems. Wish us luck.

Cait's birthday.

2010-02-16T20:13:00.005-07:00

Good thing christmas wasn't that long ago because Cait was a pro at opening her presents.
She loved her cake, however I thought she would dive right in. It took a long time to get this messy.
Cait's lady bug cake.

My little princess on her birthday. She had RSV on her birthday so she was pretty miserable but she was still able to enjoy her birthday. What a little trooper. Because she was sick we couldn't have people come who had little kids. We still have Aunt Paula and Uncle Phillip and our neighbor girls Malyssa and Monica.

The Kids

2010-02-16T19:11:00.005-07:00

Cait loves the bean bag. This is what happens when Brenten is in charge of
Caitlin. She loves it.Landon's computer chair

Our new climbing wall

2010-02-16T18:55:00.001-07:00

Baby Cait is ONE

2010-02-09T14:06:00.004-07:00

It has been quite a year for my little princess. It makes me so sad that she is growing up so fast. People said that little girls are totally different. THEY WERE RIGHT!!! She already has Dad wrapped around her fingers and Brenten's too. With Cait we have a lot more pink in the house. And little girly squeals and coos. It is funny. Who knew that even as an infant they could sound so different from boys.

Here are just a few of the things Cait has endured this year:

7 ear infections
2 RSV bouts
1 pneumonia
1 bronchitis
8 teeth
2 big brothers who pick on her
lots and lots of nos
0 belly laughs (she has yet to belly laugh)

Here are a few of the fun new experiences we have had this year:

coos and giggles
new words: mama, dada, papa, (brenten is certain she says his name), yeah
2 awesome brothers who will do anything for her
rolling over
pulling herself up
walk along furniture
crawling
eating all kinds of new foods
starting to feed herself
wrestling with dad and the boys
and so many more.

We are so blessed to have little Cait in our home. She does bring a little more sweetness to our home of boys. I love my little princess.

Cait in the Hospital

2010-01-20T13:57:00.002-07:00

I haven't blogged that much lately and I was telling someone it was because I didn't really feel like I had anything to blog about. Boy was that a mistake. I didn't mean that I had to have negative stuff to talk about. I was thinking we needed a trip somewhere so I could talk about that. But no, I am talking about my baby being sick. It has been a rough go for little Cait. She is sick once again. This time she has RSV,pneumonia,ear infection and bronchitis. Luckily the pneumonia and bronchitis are just the beginning stages and she is on her way to getting better from the others. Yesterday she just laid around the house sleeping or snuggling. She didn't eat anything and didn't keep any drinks down. We went to the doc and he sent us home saying to watch her and gave us his cell number. We have the best doctor ever. How many docs give out their personal numbers. By 8 that night she still had not peed at all. So I call the doc worried. He said he would meet us at the hospital and admit us. They put in IV's and did all their little blood tests, x rays etc. A bag of fluid later and she was doing so much better. It was like she was coming to life again. It was a long night but by morning she was much improved. She was starting to smile and talk and play games. We were discharged by lunch time and are now home watching little Cait. The picts were from today when she was doing a little better. I wanted a picture with out a diaper, standing and looking over her shoulder but I didn't even want to try a photo shoot.