Follow Along Too

11, 8, 7 and K

2012-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Carter-11th grade, yes that means I have a Junior in High School! I can't believe it. I can't stand that it is possible I will only have ONE more summer before the kid leaves home. That makes my mind spin. I love that he is so confident. Confident enough to wear his pants rolled up a little and dorky socks under them. Maybe he is starting a trend? Or it is a trend I'm not aware of. I'm looking forward to a lot of studying and homework, 2 AP classes will do that. Varsity vball this year! And of course the big one, DATING.

McKinley-8th grade! Last year of Middle School. It's so fun to be the oldest and rule the school. She takes school the most serious of all my kids. I think that's why she enjoys summer sooooo much. It's time to stop being the mermaid and go to school. I'm looking forward to a lot of violin, maybe just CA this year, DC was a bit far. I'm also looking forward to stepping out of her comfort zone. That's really my goal not hers. We'll see how it goes.

Oliva-7th grade! Yep, still just one year behind her sister. She is my Skinny Minnie. Adjustable waist and belts are her friends. She is my personal google, I have nick named her genius this summer. She is a year ahead in math and that makes her in the same math class as McKin, Hee hee. I love it. I am looking forward to the stories of Brynley and Asher. Also, student council and Jr Honor Society. My goal for her is less socializing.

Gracie-Kindergarten! Seriously, has there ever been a kid more ready for Kindergarten? Sassy, sassy, sassy. She already thinks she runs the school. She told me she didn't even care if she had to go to the principals office because Mrs D always gives her a hug. The hardest part about the first day was deciding what to wear. She tried on 3 outfits. I'm looking forward to all the Gracieisms she comes up with this year. I just hope she can stay out of the principals office.

McKinley Sews!

2012-03-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

McKinley is trying to earn money for Girls Camp. Our ward camp director has challenged all the girls to earn their own money to pay for summer camp. We thought a lot about what she could do to earn money. She is so talented at sewing that we decided to come up with a few projects and offer them to you.

Scripture Cover

$15 for Small Scriptures

$18 for Large Scriptures

It has a pocket to put the back flap in so they don't fall out, and a pocket for your pen and scripture marker.

Just let us know your color choices and exact size of scriptures.

Personal Progress Holder

It holds your PP book, PP journal, pen and For the Strength of Youth pamphlet.

Just let us know your color choices.

Skirt (Who is that?)

$20

She made all us girls one for Christmas. This is mine.

We need 2 measurements, 1. around your waist where you want it to sit, 2. the length you want it to be. Also, if you trust us with fabric, your color choices.

Undercover Crate

$12 for the cover only

$22 cover and crate

It really is just a crate under there! They are really cute. I use mine to throw all the stuff that needs to be taken upstairs. Even though its full of crap it still looks cute!

Let us know your color choice on this too.

We really appreciate your support. She has had a good time coming up with these projects. For those of you in Utah, we are coming the end of March. If you let us know soon, we can bring them with us. Or mail them if not. We will collect $ when we deliver them. To let us know what you want, you can leave a comment here, text me or Kin or email me. Thanks again. We love you all.

Jill and McKinley

Happy Birthday

2011-10-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Today is my Moms Birthday. Its happened now 4 times since she has died. Every time it catches me off guard. I start to really miss her around the mention of General Conference. Then it lasts a week or two. I think this time of year was so fun when she was alive. We have 4 birthdays this week! And usually Conference. That is a lot of celebrating. It seems to be harder at the times that were happy and fun. Not the times that were hard and sad.

I was thinking about if she was still alive today that I would call her and tell her Happy Birthday, or maybe text her, or face book her. But then I remembered that she would not text. Her cell phone was large and she liked it that way. She hated change, so she would not get a new one. So, she probably wouldn't be on face book either. I guess not much would have changed, I would still just call her. Which would be ok with me. I have wished a million times that she would have taken her phone with her. I have lots of questions, and need a lot of advice.

So, Happy Birthday Mom, I still miss you.

Beach!!

2011-09-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach in Carlsbad July 29-Aug 6. We had to reserve out site in February. So, we had been looking forward to it for a really long time. It was definitely worth the wait. We had the best time. It was so fun to be together as a family with no distractions. We slept with the sound of waves singing us to sleep, and woke to salty air. We fought the ants and the squirrels and I think we won. The sun on the other hand won. Olivia got the worst sun burn I have ever seen on the FIRST day. That made a decision for us to not spend the second day at the beach. We went to old town to the cool Mormon Battalion museum. It was really fun. We also ate at Anthony's on the pier. My Mom loved it. We rode our bikes along the coast. How cool! My kids put more miles on my Tandem there than we have since I got it. We played alot of cards with good friends. It was one of those vacations that will be talked about forever. And now it will be a yearly vacation.

Sunday we went to church in Carlsbad and then went to see the most beautiful Temple ever! San Diego.

I have never seen a child enjoy the sand as much as Gracie

Elsie, not so much.

We caught sand crabs for 7 days, never got old.

Oliva boogie boarding.

McKinley and Baylee. From the other side of this picture you would see the bag of pretzels they devoured.

This was our secret way of getting the sand out of her swim suit.

The cutest mermaid on the beach

So dang cute

See what I mean about loving the sand

We bought Carter a skim board while we were there.

It only took him 20 min to figure it out. That kid has incredible balance.

The result of bad application of sunscreen. Burned and peeling.

Again, bad application of sunscreen.

This was the view from our campsite

Bye beach. See you next year.

Summer

2011-08-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we had a very busy Summer. We spent about 3 weeks in Salt Lake. One week when we dropped Carter off for his 3 week church history trip. A fun weekend at the cabin for the 4th of July. Then about a week while Carter was at volleyball camp at BYU. He was really busy. We spent the funnest week ever at the beach in Carlsbad. Stay tuned for that post.

We made a lot of salsa.

A LOT of swimming.

Kennecott.

Ice Blocking, a new tradition.

Trolley Square after we ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory. My Favorite.

Face painting at the float preview. We went to see all the floats before the 24th of July parade. It was really fun.

Tour of the Church Office Building. Thanks to Grandma Johnson. We saw alot of pioneer landmarks from on top of the building that I didn't know about.

Temple Square

Hogle Zoo, all Grand kids except Carter!

Big Giraffe at the zoo.

4th of July at the Cabin. ALL Johnson grand kids. That never happens.

Gracie had so much fun at the cabin. I think she is just like her dad, there is no better vacation than the Cabin.

Elsie and Grandpa

Not only did Aaron and McKinley do snow cones several times a day at the cabin, but it has continued at home all Summer!

Graduations, Awards and recitals

2011-06-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

We had a busy end of the school year.

Gracie Graduated from Preschool, but will be returning next year.

She was also the cutest little dancer ever at her dance recital.

McKinley received AB honor roll and the Presidential award. Signed by her hero President Obama. Hee Hee.

She was also inducted into the National Jr Honor Society.

Olivia received music award and AB honor roll. She survived her 5th grade "dance".

Carter did awesome at his Piano recital and also was honored at his volleyball banquet.

Now that school is over we can relax. Not really. Carter is now on his 7th of a 19 day church history trip. I miss him but he is having so much fun. Girls camp is next week. I get to go be with McKinley and the other girls will be scattered throughout Utah.

4 yr old planning

2011-03-03T17:38:00.001-08:00

Every time I tell Gracie to stop growing she tells me that she has to grow up because all she wants is to be a Mom. How do you argue with that? The other day I told her she was growing too much and needed to stop because I need a baby Gracie. She thought for a minute and then told me that when she got big she would have a baby and name her Gracie so that I could always have a baby Gracie. What a character?! I love her.

Today was one of the best Gracie moments. She was playing at the park with her BFF Ben. They are really good friends. Except some times they fight like an old couple (Doug and Bee)They started talking about their wedding. They would get married after Ben's mission and after he bought her a shiny ring. But she would have to save up for a boy ring. He would put the ring in a box. When he asked her he would open the box. So, later in the day his mom took him to the store and they went through the jewelry section.

Ben: Wait, we have to buy Gracie's shiny ring.
Sara: I thought you were going to wait until after your mission?
B: Oh yeah.
Lady listening behind the counter: Would you like a sponge Bob ring box for now.
B: Yes! I can keep it for Gracie's shiny ring.

He spent the rest of the day talking about getting ready for his mission so he can hurry back and marry Gracie.

I asked Gracie about the wedding.

Gracie: I can't talk about it.
Me: Why, I have to pay for it and I'm your Mom so we have to talk about these things.
Gracie: Ok. First he will kiss me. Then we get married at the Temple on the beach. Then I will have a baby and go on a diet.

Man, I hope the two of them are right.

Disneyland and a Special Birthday!

2011-02-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time at Disneyland. My kids were at the perfect ages. The big kids loved the rides and the little girls had sparkles in their eyes. This is our Disneyland top 5 list.

# 1-All the Princesses

#2- Goofy's Kitchen

#3-Staying at the Disneyland Hotel

#4-Turkey Legs

#5-Rides!!!!

Gracie had her 4th Birthday while we were there. She got a badge to wear that said "Its my Birthday". Every Disneyland employee would say "Happy Birthday Gracie", every time they saw her. She really thought she was a celebrity. Right up there with Cinderella.

We really had a fun time. It was great to spend time together as a family at the "Happiest Placed on Earth!"

Update

2010-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to update my blog for, oh about a month. I'm so overwhelmed with kids and Christmas. So, here I sit on a Saturday morning, still in my nightgown, dishes in the sink, a week of laundry to fold, Christmas kinda up, and I'm updating. Oh well, all that stuff can wait.

Elsie

She is growing way too fast. At her 2 month visit she weighed 11 lbs 10 oz! Shes a chunky monkey. I love the rolls and the cheeks. She is a wonderful baby. I think there has only been a few nights that she hasn't slept through. We went to Utah for my Dad's sealing on Nov. 13 and blessed her there on Nov 14. It was a really nice intimate experience. All our family was able to be there.

Gracie

Oh my! She keeps us in stitches. I have never seen a kid with such an imagination. She has an imaginary friend, Lucy. They play together and I don't have to pick her up or take her home! She loves preschool, and so do I! The other day she asked if she could sleep at Grandma's, we told her that was fine and we would ask Grandma if she could sleep over when we were there for Christmas. She immediately packed her bags. When she realized she wasn't going right then, we had a little melt down. I guess she is confused about the 6 hour drive to her house!

Olivia

She got to go to Sea Camp on Catalina island in November. They spent the first night in San Diego on Queen Mary. When they woke up the next morning there was a huge cruise ship in the harbor. After they got home they learned that it was the same ship that had lost power and was stranded out in the ocean! I thought that was kinda neat. While at Sea Camp she got to dissect squid, yuck, but she thought it was awesome. She also got to snorkel and study algae. Last week she got to sing a solo in the winter showcase at school. She did a great job. We finally got all the bedrooms figured out, and she got her own. She is so happy, and so are we!

McKinley

She had her 12th birthday and started attending YW. She loves it! Personal progress is all online now, it's so neat. She has a concert coming up for orchestra. She has started playing the violin again and is remembering how much she loved it. She loves having game nights with her friends. She is the best big sister to Gracie, way more patient than me!Carter

He finished cross country. It was a lot of fun for him, but exhausting. It was nice to be able to come home from school at 1:30 instead of 5. He played the piano for a morning side at seminary yesterday, and did a really good job. He played Still, Still, Still. One of my Mom's favorite Christmas songs. He is super tall and makes me feel short! He is so gentle and kind to Elsie, I love it.

Blessed

2010-10-21T17:10:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you feel super blessed? I had one today. My kids were all happy and jumping on the tramp in the rain while my beautiful baby slept on the ground. I had a smile from ear to ear.

2010-10-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

And this is just a sneak peak. Could she be any freakin' cuter? I am so glad to Chad and Shayna came to visit and Shayna brought all her baby picture takin supplies. There are a whole lot more, but I haven't decided which I'm going to use for announcements. So, I will show you more when I decide.

Hard

2010-10-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have 5 children! Each one deserves some attention from their mother. There is 24 hours in a day, 7 of which is spent sleeping. So, if you take the 17 hours left give the newborn most of them, say 5, give the spouse a couple, that leaves 10 hours for the remaining 4 children. I have 4 different times to get kids to school and 4 different times to pick kids up from school. I think I spend 2 hours some days in the car. Now we have to add in Piano, dance, activity days, ym/yw, cross country meets, school activities, Doctor appts, and a few hours and the office. Is there any time left? Is this why I get up at 5am go to bed at 10pm and feel like nothing got done? Holy cow! This big family thing is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. But I'm loving every second of it!

Siblings

2010-09-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

All of my kids were excited to meet little Elsie,

But Gracie? She really didn't know what to expect. She couldn't stand it! She just wanted to hold her and talk to her all day! I wish I had the moment they met on video. She just talked to her and loved her. I think they will be besties!

Cross Country

2010-09-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Carter decided in the summer that he wanted to run cross country for SRHS. I thought it was a great idea. He started going to practice and he realized he liked it and as a bonus, he was pretty good! In order to make the team they had to run a 5k in under 30 min. He came home on the day they tried out with a great big smile. He had ran it in 25 min. We thought that was pretty dang good.

He has had a couple meets since then and done great. There was an invitational meet this last weekend in California and originally he didn't get invited. It was ok because he is a freshman, and has lots of opportunities to go. After last Saturday's meet coach called and said that he had a great time and it qualified for California. We were so excited! You know Cart, he was way excited, but played it cool!

So, Saturday morning he left for Costa Mesa, Ca. He ran it in 20:53! I am so dang proud! I can't wait till I can go for a run with him. He will probably kick my butt!

Baby Elsie

2010-09-14T09:29:00.001-07:00

I know I'm way behind on the pictures, but I've been a little bit distracted. Falling in love with Elsie has been so much fun! She is such a good baby. She even slept through the night last night. I guess the angels that sent her knew I was too old to be up all night with a baby! She is still a tiny little thing. At 1 week she had lost 2oz and was down to 6lbs 7ozs. I love the tiny baby and want her to stay little forever!

Gracie is doing better than I thought. She loves to pick out her outfits and jammies. She is always running upstairs to get me things Elsie needs, like binky's. She is amazed at the way she eats, and loves to tell everyone!

I want to write down her birth story so that I don't forget and so that it's here forever, so if you don't want to hear about it you can stop reading now and just admire the pictures of our beautiful baby.

I had gone to the Dr on Wednesday Sept 1st. They scheduled me to be induced on Thursday the 9th which I was bummed about. I had never gone that long and hoped I could make it. I really wanted her to be born in a controlled environment and not crazy no epidural environment. I figured I was ok as long as my water didn't break.

Well, guess what? My water broke at 3am on Friday the 3rd. The last time my water broke, Olivia was born 30 min later, no epidural. We were freaking out!! I hurried and finished packing and woke up McKinley and Carter to let them know. We broke all kinds of traffic laws getting to the hospital. Once there I waited inside the doors for Aaron to park the car. I think I left a pretty good puddle, don't think I'm the first to ever do that.

I had the best nurse ever. She had my Dr called, epidural done and my IV started in 15 min after we got to the hospital. We tried to get some sleep at that point, but I was too excited. Her birth was easy and short. Two quick pushes and she was here. The Dr got her cry and put her on me. She stopped crying. He got her to cry again, she stopped crying. He kept saying, "would you keep that baby crying?" I knew then she was going to be a good girl! It was nice to know that it was the last time I would give birth, but a little bit sad. It's one of the things that only women get to do. Now I have to concentrate on raising these 5 monkey's. It's a big job!!

Here she is!

2010-09-07T08:29:00.001-07:00

Introducing Miss Elsie!

Born September 3, 2010 7:54am

6 lbs 9 oz

She is do dang perfect!

Really?

2010-06-14T10:29:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted anything. We have had 3 birthdays, 3 vacations and a lot of cute Gracie moments since the last post.

Carter turned 14! Wahoo! Stake dances! Teachers Quorum! He is so happy. Since he is my favorite son I can gloat about him. He is such a good kid. I always say that to people and I think they think I'm trying to convince myself of it, but I'm not. He really is a great kid. He spent last week at EFY at Provo BYU. I was a little worried about all the classes and spiritual stuff, but amazingly those were his favorite things. Well, and the girls. Now he gets to start his summer off on a spiritual high.

Olivia turned 10. Double digits! I don't think there are enough books in the world to keep her reading. She takes 2 or 3 to bed with her because she likes to read more than one at a time. She got a cute haircut and highlights! More blond, bring it on. She has giggled more than I thought possible in the last 3 weeks with cousins. Can anyone say time for Ritalin?

I also had a birthday. Wow! Just want I wanted, a day to be reminded again that I am old, and pregnant. I was amazed at all the birthday wishes I got on facebook and lots of texts. Made me think of all the amazing people I have in my life.

Aaron's brother Jason got married on May 20. It was a Thursday, so we headed out for SLC about 8pm on Wednesday. If you can add, that gave us an arrival time of 3am. Only to get a couple hours of sleep and be to the SLC Temple at 8:30am. It was a fantastic day. The next morning we headed up to the cabin. On the way there Gracie asked us if the cabin was inside or outside? We weren't really sure how to answer that. It was 3 days of bliss. Dirt bikes, guns, sand, cows and Johnson's. Pretty blissful. Gracie wanted to bring a baby cow home for a pet, but we explained that it wouldn't fit through the doggie door.

We had so much fun that on the way home Aaron decided he was going to work really hard so that we could go back over Memorial Day. I didn't believe it would really happen, I was wrong. Friday afternoon we jumped in the car and made the 9 hour drive AGAIN to Vernal. Once I got there I was so glad we did. On Monday we drove back home but got to stop at the Cemetery and Julie's. It was fun to see everyone.

I was home for just enough time to do laundry and repack for 10 days in SLC. It was a great time. We had Gabe's baptism, birthday parites, EFY, trip to Clearfield, La Luna, Lagoon, girls trip, and a whole lota family time. It was so fun, but I am so glad to be back home.

Busy, busy, and sad news

2010-05-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

We have been so lucky the last week to have visitors like crazy. Last Friday it started with Aaron's Brothers and Lauren coming. It was the boys weekend at the races. Kinda a bachelor weekend before Jason gets married on Thursday! The boys played and so did us girls. We spent the day in Primm shopping! Super fun. They left Sunday and by Monday after noon we had new visitors.

Keli and Sean and kids came to spend time in the sun. It was great to have them. We got alot of visiting and eating in. Sean was a trooper and took all 7 kids to CiCi's while Keli and I hosted my Bunco group at my house. It was good times all around.

Wednesday night brought Meg and Josh and Chad and Shayna. They were all preparing for a weekend on the lake. So, Thursday morning we said goodbye to them for a couple days while they skied their hearts out. Saturday morning I ran my older kids out to the lake to get sunburned and sore muscles. They had a blast.

Saturday night everyone ended up here again. We got wings, yum! Then the sad news came. I got a phone call from a lady who said she had Boomer. He had been hit. Long story short, he didn't make it. It kinda put a big time damper on our party. We got to bury him in our backyard. I feel better about that. I really miss him. Every time I drop something on the floor I call for him to come get it. I had to sweep under my table after dinner last night. No clean up crew. I also look for him every time I shut a door to make sure he is in the same room as me or he will wine at the door. He was my baby for 3 years before Gracie came. Then he became her "Buddy". 6 years of a companion. Its weird to just not have him around. I guess with time I will get used to it. I just don't like it.

My Mom

2010-05-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

What would a Mothers Day week tribute be without a tearful post about my Mom?

I went into the Hallmark store the other day. I had been avoiding it, but at the last minute decided I had to do it. Next year I am going to tell the Hallmark people they need more generic "Happy Mothers Day" cards. Sorting through them and reading ones on accident to a Daughter from a Mom about sent me screaming out the door. It would be less painful if I could go in there and buy 5 or 6 generic ones. Or if I could send one to Heaven, wonder what the postage would be on that?

I've realized something over the last few weeks, even though she is gone and I don't have a phone call for advice, she still teaches me how to be a Mom. I've caught myself asking, "What would Mom do?" a thousand times a day. I know the answer because I was usually the one being taught the lesson by her.

When I was about 12 I was sound asleep one morning during the summer. My Mom was outside mowing the lawn. She always mowed the lawn and then got the sprinklers on them. I can still smell it, fresh cut lawn and summer. It's like the ultimate reminder of a kids summer. All of a sudden a rock flipped up by the mower flew through my window. Glass had shattered everywhere. Of course my Mom didn't hear it over the lawn mower. I got up and stepped carefully out of my bedroom. I went and stood on the porch with the look of "Seriously?" on my face. She stopped the lawn mower and asked me what was up? We laughed and then spent time cleaning the glass out of my bed and the red shag carpet it was buried in.

It's moments like that when I would give anything to go back. If only I knew how important those types of lessons were, I would have cherished every second we spent together. But I still have them. I love it when a moment we had pops into mind. Sometimes I laugh out loud and sometimes I cry in a restaurant. What I do know is that I'm one of the luckiest girls in the world to have been raised by such a wonderful woman. The biggest lesson she taught was by example and it was that if you put The Gospel and your family first everything else falls into place. She was right. I'm really grateful for the 35 years I got her as my Mom.

Happy Mothers Day Mom!

MIL

2010-05-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

I hate calling June my Mother-in-law. MIL's get such a bad rap. I heard someone once call the end piece of a loaf of bread the MIL. Funny thing is I love the ends of the bread!

I have always loved her. But since my Mom died I have learned to appreciate her too. She has always been a woman of few words. She rarely criticizes. She is the most patient woman I have ever met. She offers good advice because she absolutely understands how I feel. Best of all, she always cries first! I feel as though she, more than anyone has bridged the gap my Mother left.

My children have the greatest Grandma in the world. They know they are loved and there is no confusion who they are talking about when they pray for her.

Mostly I am grateful for the Son she raised. She gave him her sense of humor and her tenderness. He respects her and loves her. She is a wonderful example to all of us of how to live an obedient life.

Happy Mothers Day June

Aunts

2010-05-05T11:26:00.001-07:00

A Mom is someone who gives hugs, words of encouragement, and the right amount of advice.

She also listens even if she doesn't agree, would drop anything to help you, and knows the events of your life.

She rejoices in your triumphs and good news, and cries with you when you have a bad day.

These are traits that my Grandma must have taught her daughters very well. I have the greatest Aunts in the world.

The night my Mom was diagnosed and again the night she passed away I craved their presence. I don't know if it is the similarity they have with my Mom or that they are just that sense of security. They know how to help without overstepping and they always know exactly what we need. They have helped through a wonderful wedding, a hard wedding, hard days, and Holidays. I think they know what it feels like to not only loose a wonderful Mother, but someone amazing. I love looking at their hands and the traits they share with my Mom. They all have something similar to her.

Happy Mothers Day to my Mom's Sisters. I love you guys, and I am so glad to have you.

Sisters, Sisters...

2010-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

There were never such devoted Sisters.....

We grew up watching White Christmas year round. It was my Mom's (and now all of ours) favorite Christmas show. As sisters we have taken the "Sisters" song as our theme song. (Ha Ha now you are going to be singing it all day!)

I really have the greatest Sisters in the world. I was lucky enough to grow up in a house with 2 sisters. The Lord knew I was going to need more so he put one in the path of my Brother, and I have gained more on Aaron's side. I don't like to call them Sisters-in-law because they are Sisters forever.

You see there just isn't anyone like a sister. She is willing at any moment to give all she has to help. She is only a phone call away when you need her, and most times beats you to the call. It's a sister sense I guess. She is someone you can pour your heart out too and there is no judgement made. But mostly its just the love of a sister that makes it a special relationship. The things you've shared and the moments that nobody else needs to know about give you a bond that will last forever. If you wrap all those thing up in a package, it sounds an awful lot like a mother to me. My Mom and her sisters were the best example to us on how to be good sisters. I am very thankful for that.

So, Happy Mothers Day to all my Sisters. I love you.

Did you Know Mothers Day is Sunday?

2010-05-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

I remember last year at this time. It sucked. About as bad as it does this year. All those commercials that want you to spend money on the most important person in your life, your Mother. Except some of us don't have one anymore and that makes me cry. But then I think about all the lucky ones who do still have one. And I'm a little jealous.

So, the last week or so I have been thinking about what I am grateful for in the Mom area. I decided that, if you don't mind, I am going to be a little cheesy this week and tell you about all the Mom's in my life. You see, when my Mom died I actually gained a whole lotta Momma's. None of course that could completely fill the deep void that was left when she died, but all together they almost fill it up. I decided instead of feeling sorry for myself, I am going to try and be grateful for what I have.

Dear Miss Fetus,

2010-04-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today we made it half way. Whew!

You are quite an active little thing. For being only the size of an 11 0z banana you sure can kick! You already get what you want, when I lay or sit a way you don't like, you let me know! In fact sitting here at my computer you don't like.

I love that I can call you a her. It seems more real. Not that the size of my belly isn't real, trust me, its out of control. I feel as if I am ready to pop already. I don't remember it being this early with any of your siblings. I'm going to use the excuse again that I am old. It seems to work as an excuse for just about everything.

I would love to tell you what your name on earth will be, but it's not happening. It seems like with 6 members to the family, nothing suits everyone. Your Dad hates everything I come up with. He just shouts out names of people we know. We have a few good prospects so we'll let you know on your Birthday.

Your Birthday seems so far away, but then I think about the months between now and then. It is all summer. Summer goes by really fast! It makes me really nervous that I won't be ready. We have a lot to do. Everyone needs to move rooms, and I have a lot of baby "stuff" to purchase.

It is becoming real that we will have you here at our house in just a short time. I want to skip all these hard months and just have you in my arms. Until then, grow away, and be nice to me.

Mommy

Life with a 3 year old

2010-04-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Life is interesting enough but with a 3 year old perspective its even, well, better? When there is a 3 year old in the house there are certain rules you have to follow.

If you have anything they want, it becomes theirs. For example: Gum, lip stuff, Gatorade, ipod, water bottle, a snack, phone, computer, this could go on and on.
They can't say the word "Why?" enough.
They can't do anything on their own. Going to the bathroom, up the stairs, jumping on the tramp.....
They get to pray everyday at dinner and bedtime.
They don't understand why everyone doesn't want to spend every minute with them.
Yo Gabba consists of anything on Nick Jr.
They think Mom's control where the sun shines and can get it out of their eyes.
If their cup is out of reach they can yell to the farthest person away to hand it to them.
Any baby name you suggest becomes her favorite name. We even throw out ugly ones and she still says they are her favorite for ever ever.
Naps are optional, so is bed time actually.
They get to sit wherever they want at dinner. A different chair every night.
They only need 3 outfits. Its a rotation system. Cookie monster shirt, Monkey shirt, Elephant shirt. (I'm going to try and convince her it's ok to buy new clothes and wear them, we'll see.)
They refer to any drink other than milk, Liquid.

As long as these rules are followed all is well, but if they are not, big trouble!