This is how I really feel . . .

Wall-e, Indy, Mickey & their parents

Halloween night . . . costume time . . .

TRICK OR TREAT!!!

Wall-e, Mickey Mouse, & Indiana Jones . . .

. . . aka Scott, Braden & Gavin

Wall-e


Indy

Mickey

And, of course, no Halloween is complete without . . .

. . . "This is my costume"

. . . and a pumpkin!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Playing catch up

Okay, so I decided that with only 10 days until this little ones due date - although, granted, that doesn't mean much . . . I could still have three and a half weeks left for all I know - and with laundry, and bathrooms, and costumes, and other "stuff" that has to be done, that I should probably get the catch-ups all finished. :) Happy reading!

Oh, and I'm hoping to get more posted in the next few days. I have quite a bit to post about! We had a busy summer.

Camping on the deck

Last year, Brandon came up with the brilliant idea to let the boys sleep out on the deck. They LOVED it, so we decided to try it again. We had the baby's room torn apart, so we decided to put the TV and the Nintendo out on the deck with them and let them watch a movie as they fell asleep, and then to wake up in the morning and play some Nintendo so that we could get some much needed sleep.

We Redbox'd "The Tale of Despereaux" for the boys, thinking they'd really like it 'cause they're so much into sword fights. Come to find out, they hated it. I think it's the mice. Or rats. They hated Ratatouille also. So, I guess we won't be getting movies for them with mice in them anymore. Hmm.




You can see how much they're all enjoying the movie!

Anyway, they all went to sleep, then woke up in the morning to play the Nintendo. They were a bit chilly (and, I think Braden even came inside in the middle of the night to sleep on the couch), but fun was had by all - even the cats! They settled right down on the boys sleeping bags with them to watch the movie. Hmm - maybe from now on we'll get the mice movies for the cats, and not the boys! :)


All five of them chillin' on the deck!

Tony Grove picnic

So, after working hard on painting the baby's room, we decided to take an afternoon off and head up to Tony's Grove. It's a beautiful place up there with a path around the whole lake that you can hike around. So, we headed up and ended up running into some good friends of ours that live in Salt Lake. We chatted for a bit, then decided to hike with them. The only problem was that everybody had to go to the bathroom again before we headed out.

So, they left without us and walked slowly, but we never did catch up with them. So, we wandered off on our own up to some rocks that Brandon remembered climbing when he was younger. I had a hard time getting up there and had to stop and take breaks quite often, but I made it. While the boys climbed and jumped on the rocks, I found a nice rock chair and just looked out over the mountains. It was quite peaceful and nice.

After the boys had their fill of running and jumping, we headed back down to cook us some dinner. I had made tin-foil dinners before we left, so we found a picnic table by the edge of the lake and set the boys to fishing while I cooked some dinner. The boys didn't catch anything, but had a fun time watching some squirrels run up and down some trees close by us.

By the time we finished dinner, it was getting kind of cold, so we loaded everything up, and headed out. We took a detour to the campground to see if we could find our friends, and we did. We left the boys in the truck while we jumped out to say hi really quickly, and then we headed home. It was quite a fun trip - even if the hiking was hard for me!

We didn't end up going camping this summer, but we did go on quite a few day trips into the mountains and had a great time! We'll for sure go camping next summer. Anyone wanna' join us???


Our picnic site - isn't it pretty?


Cute Gavin . . .


. . . and cute Braden.
(Scott didn't want his picture taken.)


A moose ambling across the road as we were driving home

Trace Connor??

So, I've been hesitating lately on the baby's name. I was sure we (I) had settled on Connor, but Trace keeps coming back up. So, I went to www.babynamegenie.com to look for a middle name for Trace, and what should come up but Trace Connor! Is it a sign???

What do you think?

The finished baby's room

So, it's done. The saying is one the wall, diapers are in the diaper stacker, everything's where it needs to be. I do have his name to paint, still, and even bought the letters, but I'm not going to paint them until we're sure what we're naming him.

Last week, I would have painted the letters and had them hanging up already. This week, I'm going back and forth! Someday this baby will have a name! Then, I can paint the letters and hang them up right above the entertainment center.

I also have some picture frames that will go right above the light switch. We'll put his baby pictures up there, plus a pregnant one of me. So, it's as far as it can go right now. We really like this room, and hope that he'll find many hours of happiness in there! Enjoy!

My latest project

So, we have plenty of baby blankets, but I like each baby to have their own that they bring home from the hospital. As of yesterday, I hadn't gotten around to making one for the baby. So, since the house was clean, I decided to tackle it today. I had some material that I bought a couple of years ago, but as I was looking at it, I wasn't sold. So, I pulled out some other material that I bought last year to make and sell baby blankets, and fell in love with it. I asked Brandon his opinion when he came home for lunch, and he agreed! So, here it is!

Didn't it turn out cute?? I love it!

Choir practice and BB guns

So, on Saturday, Brandon helped me clean the house. I feel like I've had trouble keeping it clean - laundry and dishes pile up, vacuuming needs to be done, but to vacuum I have to clean up the floors of toys and blankets and "stuff" so it doesn't get sucked up into the vacuum. That'd be quite the site - all of this stuff getting sucked up just to have the vacuum explode into a big dustball. Hmm.

So, we cleaned. And I felt more organized and free to take on some other projects that I've been wanting to. But, more on that later. Sunday, I took Scott & Gavin to church. B had been complaining of a stomach ache for the past week, so we decided to keep him home. I had to sub for the Primary pianist, so I went for the first two hours, and then Brandon & I switched.

Lunch, reading, and then a nap before I had to get up for choir. Our choir director recently moved, so we're kind of in limbo. Because of General Conference, we've had a couple of weeks off, but started again on the 11th. The fill-in choir director (she's the music chairperson for the ward) and I were the only ones there. So, we planned something for Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, five people total (including me and our director) were there - one of which is recovering from a cold and can't sing right now. *sigh* I'm having a baby soon, and there's nobody else to fill in for me. Thanksgiving and Christmas might be interesting as far as the choir is concerned!

Anyway, we left choir early, so Brandon proposed a trip up the mountains to see the changing colors. So, we packed some snacks and headed out. My brother mentioned a road that cuts from the middle of Sardine Canyon over to Providence, so we decided to try it out. There were a few bumpy spots, but not bad at all. At least it didn't throw me into labor, so it couldn't have been too bumpy!

We found a little place to stop and let the boys get out and run around. Brandon had brought his BB gun, so we all took turns shooting at a, um . . . target. (Okay, it was really a styrofoam cup that we turned upside-down on a branch!) The boys had a lot of fun (all right, so did I), and then they went for a hike.

B shooting our "target"


Scott's turn - you can see our "target" on the left side

Daddy helping Gavin shoot! Gavin was in heaven!

Aren't they cute?

Flipping the safety off


Ready, aim, fire!!!

I went up a little ways, and then decided to head back to the truck. Hiking at 8 1/2 months pregnant doesn't feel so great! I sat on a rock outside the truck and just enjoyed the view. Gorgeous colors, the peacefulness of the mountains - I felt so relaxed!

The boys on their hike


Our latest family picture

Our Heavenly Father has made such a beautiful world for us, and I'm so grateful to live here where we do. And, that we have the means and the ability to get right up close and personal with nature.

The view to the east


The view to the west

Anyway, we came back home, ate some dinner, and then put the boys to bed. Brandon & I topped off our night by watching Josh Groban's concert (the original PBS concert) for a while, and then headed to bed. I love nights like that!

Silent Night

I'm exhausted! But, a good exhausted. Today, with the help of Brandon, my house got cleaned. Thoroughly. Dusted, swept, mopped, vacuumed, scrubbed, laundry done . . . I was even able to hang my whites outside because it was warm enough. Probably the last time this year that will happen!

And, now, Brandon's off playing tennis with his brothers. We were going to go hang out with them, but a certain someone (Scott) has been putting his homework off later and later and later. I finally told him he had no choice but to do it. We're trying to teach him to be responsible for his homework, and let him know that he had the choice of when to do it. Well, tonight, he wanted to go watch dad play tennis, and I said no. Homework wasn't done, so no go. He was pretty upset with me.

But, with Brandon gone, the boys in bed (although, I've seen Braden & Gavin up here at least 5 times - B with a stomachache), I've been able to unwind a little bit. I've been playing Christmas music on the piano. There's almost nothing that will help me calm down and unwind faster than Christmas music.

And, I don't mean the bouncy "Santa Clause is Coming" or "Santa Baby" or even "Sleigh Ride" although I do love those ones (okay, NOT Santa Baby - I can't stand that one, but it's a title that popped up in my head.) I'm talking about the sacred ones. "O Holy Night" and "The First Noel" and "Breath of Heaven." Songs like that. My absolute favorite, though, is "Silent Night." I've heard so many versions of "Silent Night" but it is still my favorite Christmas song by far.

I was playing these arrangements by Marvin Goldstein. If you can't play the piano, you should get a CD or two of his. (I've never actually heard his CD's, but based on his music that I play, I imagine it would be incredible!) His music is great. He's got everything from hymn arrangements, to Christmas, to arrangements from the children's songbook. I love playing his music. I've played others like David Glenn Hatch, and, in my opinion, Marvin Goldstein is the best.

So, there's no real point to this post. I'm just rambling really - helping me unwind this last little bit before bed. But, if you're uptight, wound up, stressed . . . head to your Christmas music, pick something that really speaks to you and that you know can help calm you down, sit quietly (if that's possible with kids and the noise in your head buzzing around) and just listen. It'll work.

Christmas is coming - soon. I'm not saying to listen to Christmas music everyday, already. That would drive me nuts. But, on those occasions when it just seems too much for me, I can always count on "Silent Night" to make me feel better. Who wouldn't feel better after listening to a song about our Savior's birth?

Two wheeler's rock, baby!

Gavin has been riding Scott's old bike for a while now (with the training wheels on), and is REALLY good. He stands up to pedal sometimes, he jumps it off the curb - you name it, he's probably done it! Anyway, we ask him from time to time if he wants to take the training wheels off, and his response is always no. So, we haven't pushed him on it - he'll learn when he's ready.

Today, though, in our neighborhood, we had one little boy trying to learn to ride a 2-wheeler, and then a little girl who picked it up quite quickly. I asked Gavin if he wanted to take the training wheels off. He said that if I could run with him, he would. I told him that wasn't possible, but that Daddy could. So, he said he'd give it a try.

Brandon helped him get on his bike and show him how to push the pedal down to get him going, and he was off. Literally! Brandon ran by him, but there was really no need. Gavin has this thing down pat. We left the training wheels high on purpose, so 95% of the time, the wheels haven't even touched the ground as he rides. The training wheels have really only helped him when he mounts and unmounts the bike. He's struggling a bit with getting it started by himself, but otherwise, he's doing VERY well.


Getting started down the driveway . . .


. . . doin' good - keep going!


He's got it - literally, the first time!

He can already stand up to pedal, he's not wobbly at all, he can go REALLY slow or REALLY fast, he can turn very well, he can ride with one hand on the handle bars and one hand off (although we keep telling him that for now he has to use both hands), he can coast, and he can sing while he rides! I got a cute video of him singing "la, la, la" as he's riding along. He's just got it! He's good!


Look at that grin!! "I can do it, Mom!"


Standing up as he rides - he's good!


You can hear him sing "la, la, la" as he's riding around!

Making a little progress . . .

So, I had a dr.'s appt. yesterday, where she checked for dilation. I'm already dilated to a fingertip! Yeah! Now, I use the word "already" because after 12 hours of labor with Scott, we headed to the hospital because my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart, and when the nurse checked me, she said, "You're about a fingertip dilated." Not, you ARE a fingertip - about.

So, the fact that I'm still 3 1/2 weeks away from d-day and am dilated a bit is exciting to me. I know it really means nothing - I could stay a fingertip dilated until the actual day, but it's nice to hear of some progress - especially with the contractions I've had this pregnancy!

But, now we have another problem. I told the boys we were pretty sure we were going to name the baby Connor. They ALL had a fit! Scott wants him to be named Kellan, and Braden wants him to be named Ashton.

When we asked Gavin, he said, "Kellan."

Braden protested and said, "Gavin! You don't want him to be named Ashton?"

To which Gavin replied, "Oh yeah. Actually, Ashton!"

Of course, Gavin will usually follow Braden's lead, so the fact that he changed his mind is not too surprising. The other sad thing (for me, anyway) is that the boys will not be allowed to see their new baby brother at the hospital. I'm not sure if it's IHC hospitals, or all UT hospitals at this point, but these hospitals are not allowing ANYONE under the age of 14 into the hospital at all. (Which makes me wonder, what happens if I have a dr.'s appt. at the hospital and can't find a babysitter. Am I supposed to leave my child in the car, or outside while I have my appointment?? I'm analyzing it to death, I know . . .)

Brandon keeps pointing out that it'll be just as exciting to meet their new brother at home, but there's always something almost magical (especially for the older kids) to going to the hospital to meet the new baby. Mom's been talking about this for several months - we'll go to the hospital, have the baby, you'll get to come meet him - and then to not be able to go to the hospital is kind of a letdown. I know it's for the health and safety of the babies and moms, but why not allow siblings if they're not sick or showing signs of sickness. I can understand not allowing OTHER visitors under 14, but my own kids? I'm a bit frustrated.

Plus, for me, I like some time when I get home to just have it be me, Brandon & the baby. No kids meeting the baby, then running around being loud and bouncy and boistrous and their normal little selves. It helps me feel more relaxed and able to cope with when they actually do come home. *sigh* We'll figure it all out!

But, for now, I'm progressing. I had contractions last night after my exam, and I've had a few today, too. She said that I don't have to be checked again if I don't want to be, unless I'm having contractions. We'll see how the rest of the week goes, and what happens by next Tuesday! I'll for sure keep my blog updated!

It's the most wonderful time (not) of the year . . .

Influenza, Swine flu, RSV, Strep, Pnuemonia, Bronchitis, pink eye . . . Need I go on? *sigh*

My poor nephew was diagnosed with Swine flu yesterday, my father-in-law thinks he may have had swine flu, three out of the five of us (the boys and Brandon) are in a very public, very germ-infested environment for most of the week (school). Our St. President is putting in place a "if you (or ANY of your children or household) are sick or feel sick AT ALL, do not come to church" program.

I'm nervous - especially where swine flu seems to target pregnant women. I think we'll be barricading ourselves as much as we can, and using a lot of hand sanitizer. And, this baby won't be leaving the house for several months after he's born. Hmm.

So, please pray for my nephew - he's one of four children in their family, one of which is just eight months old.

And, if you feel sick at all - runny nose, cough, fever, chills, non-energetic, you get the idea - please don't come to my house! :)

I'd really appreciate it!

Oh Love

I LOVE this song. I can't stop listening to it! The melody, the harmonies, the way their voices blend together, the words . . .

It's incredible!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOy66X9-mwg

One month . . .

. . . until my due date. (Okay, so it's a month and two days . . . ) :) Last night, though, I was SO ready for him to come. I pulled a groin muscle a few weeks ago, and since then sitting has been a pain (literally) and I can't get up off the couch or the floor without Brandon's help.

Yesterday, my right leg quit working while we watched General Conference (courtesy of my last epidural - I'm positive), so I limped around the house for a while in pain. Then, the little bug pushed out on my stomach so hard that I got cramps and contractions. And, of course, I can't sleep at night without my hips waking me up because of the throbbing pain coursing through them. And, I swear I can feel him growing more each day because I can feel my stomach stretch - it feels so heavy!!!

Anyway, so last night I just wanted to head to the hospital, tell them to break my water, put an epdiural in so I could sleep right through it, and be done! Of course, that didn't happen, and, in truth, I don't want that to happen. I want to do this labor naturally. I recover better when I don't have to have an epidural. So, send me lots of prayers and positive thoughts that I can emotionally (and physically) be prepared to do this the hard way! Please? :)

Oh, and please pray that he'll want to come in a timely manner - not 12 days overdue like Scott was! I can handle a month - I'm not sure about a month and a half!