Happy Birthday to Jake!

Happy Birthday to Jacob!!

Yes, in case you were expecting a HUGE two year old party, this will completely surpass your expectations! How much better can it get than a "chocolate sprinkle" donut from Wal-Mart? Well, to a two year old it simply doesn't get any better!! I must give Jared the credit for introducing "donuts" to Jake. Each week when I had a baby doctors appointment and couldn't drive while on bed rest, Jared and Jake would drop me off then do grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. So one time Jared thought it would be "cute" to buy Jake a "donut" so after just a few times Jake was hooked. But Jared couldn't resist the super sweet high pitched way Jake would say, "Dadda, dough-nut?" Sadly, 5 weeks later Jake is excited to go shopping simply for a "donut!" Thankfully it doesn't result in a tantrum quite yet only a sweet request for a "dough-nut."

The proud parents of the best two year old ever!

Jacob doing his best to say, "two" and hold up two fingers...well, I think holding up "two" hands counts right?

And what birthday party wouldn't be complete with presents? Well, we did give him a present just a few days before...remember his basket ball hoop? He has LOVED it! But today I happened to find a package of toy cars that were given to him for Christmas under my bed. So I figured, hey he has no idea, we'll give it to him today for his birthday! He was super excited!

I'm so glad Jake was so understanding about not having a HUGE party! Life around here is a little busy for all the relatives (new baby), my parents on vacation with the twins, Shan & Todd going on vacation...and my other reasons why not to stress about a big party! By next year I'll be ready to host a party for a 3 year old! Tonight for FHE I decided it would be fun to watch his baby video with the kiddos. I introduced the idea about families and how little ones come to our homes. I was hoping this would introduce the idea of our new little baby #3 will be coming to our family. It worked great, the kids LOVED watching the baby Jake and how tiny he was. I think overall it was a great day for this big two year old!

Happy Birthday Jake - We LOVE you!

Announcing....a new baby!!

A new baby...Angela gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on May 9th! He is such a chunk...weighing in at 8 lbs 5 oz and 21" long. What a cute kid.

Baby Everett

One proud Aunt...I'm loving this little tiny baby thing!

The big twin brothers meeting their new baby brother Everett for the first time. Welcome to the world little baby, we are glad you finally decided to join us.

First things first...

So, I have officially been called off of bed rest so the first thing on my list was to go get my kids birthday pictures taken. So off we went to Kiddie Kandids. The best part about it I was even allowed to drive again! Yikes. But anyways I'm glad to get this over with. I think they turned out pretty cute!

Alayna four years old...It's amazing how even from her picture just last year she looks more like a pretty girl. She's losing that "baby" face look and getting so grown up. I'm just glad she gave us a real smile instead of her "grinding" teeth smile!

Jacob is two years old...(On Monday!) Mr. Jakey was such a ham. He would stay posed and look like Mr. GQ. I was so pleased with this picture because he shows his chubby elbows that still have that dimple in them, his adorable cheek dimples and his gappy teeth. What a hunk. I really can just eat this kid up.

An Early Birthday Present!

So Saturday morning I decided to look on ksl to find Jacob a small basketball hoop. Thanks to his boy cousins (Logan & Sawyer) who have natural athletic abilities for every sport, I figured we need to teach Jake the ways of basketball. He was in HEAVEN! He was given a tiny little basketball hoop for Christmas from his Grandma Nettie, but sadly it doesn't stay up and it has turned into a weapon instead of a "basketball hoop!" So $8 later we have Jake's early 2 year old birthday present.

Jake would be saying, "Mom, watch..Jakey make shot!" The other funny thing that he calls the basketball hoop is a "Basketball HOOT!" We think he's just so excited that he blends hoop and shot all in one. Jared also taught him to "dunk" the ball. So from across the house you'll hear Jakey say, "Jakey, dunk ball in hoot!" And just for another funny line that his sweet sister taught him...Alayna missed her shot and would exclaim.."danget...I mean, Oh man!" So each time Jake misses his shot he mumbles..."Darnt...Oh man!" It's really hilarious to see someone so little use such an expression. Funny kids!

I had to take a picture of Jake because he's so funny. Saturday night he refused putting his new basketball down. Yes, that is a net in his bed. He insists on sleeping with his "Jakey balls" every night. This kid also insists on wearing his "cool Jake basketball shorts!" What a cute chubby kid!!

This is a gross picture, but it's to always remember how Jake slims his "nigh-nigh blanket" He may not suck his thumb but this kid has a love for his "blue blankie" Oh, well. Oh, and if your wondering why is this kid sleeping in a "pack'n'play" and why on a purple pillow and on top of a girl blanket...the answer is...One his crib was recalled. So we have had him in the pack'n'play for a while and the only other bedding we have is girly stuff. But we just purchased the kids new beds for when we move out. So as soon as that happens he can be a "real boy!"

Mr. Trouble...

Thanks to Brian and Ashley they gave Jacob an early birthday present. Let's just say Jake thought it was a little too tastey. Yes, those are bite marks.

This was the conversation that happened in the car said Jared...

Alayna: "Dad, Jakey is eating his golf club!"

Dad: "Are you serious? Jake give it too me now!"

Jake: "Daddy, no my golf club...bite it!"

Here we were trying to get him to feel a little sad about it...I don't think it worked!

Two Milestones...

Just to update you all on a few miles stones that our family has reached....Jared just recently celebrated (Not really other than mentioning it!) that he has officially had a "real" job for one year! We were both shocked when he realized it. Where has the last year gone? We thought for sure we would have been moved out and into a place of our own by now...Not quite the case. Instead, another baby is coming and I'm on bed rest...which means no more house shopping for a few more weeks/months! Good thing Shan and Todd have the best backyard any kid could dream of so our kids are VERY much entertained! Way to go honey!!

Oh, and here is the "prego" picture. I actually put real clothes on for the first time in three weeks. So I had Alayna hurry and snap a photo of me before I forgot to take one prego picture. So I hope this pleases everyone...YES I am prego! I don't know that the 4 year old level is the most flattering but who's worried about that? Not me! I'm just glad I have one picture now!! The next exciting news is that I have made it passed 35 weeks. So I guess this bed rest thing is actually working. My doctor told me that he will only make me stay on bed rest till 36 weeks which is (Wednesday, May 6th). So I am on the down hill and counting...but each day that comes closer to no more bed rest means that we are one day closer to meeting this new little baby! YEAH!! (We did elect to not spoil our 9 month surprise...sorry to those that encouraged us to find out, we will just hold out a few weeks longer!!) Thanks again to EVERYONE that has helped us out so much. I can't tell you how wonderful you have made this experience. THANK YOU!!!

Pizza Kick off to Spring Weather!

Jared and Todd found a coupon for Domino's where you could order any large pizza today for only $6.99! So let's just say each family ordered a few too many pizzas. Each "man" thought they had to try every single kind they've ever dreamed of. So we had about one pizza per adult and kid. Yum!

Here is the first official sand volleyball game of the year!

Okay, so here is the official confession. I broke out of the house/bed/chair/lazyboy...because I couldn't stay away from the sand. But thanks to the kind attentive husband he "allowed" me to break the rules for one night. I got dropped off at the very corner of the park, with a comfy camping chair, etc. It was great! So here I was trying to keep a baby in, while my sister Angela was trying to get her baby to come out! So that was that, my first official outing on bed rest! It was GREAT!!! (SHH...don't tell!)

The girls wishing and pretending they were back on the beach of California!!

Late Easter Pictures

I decided that when the kids were dressed and ready for church today that I needed to take a few pictures of them in their Easter clothes. So here are a few to document the time of year and their cute little faces.

Alayna is 4 years old now and blossoming into such a pretty little thing.

Jake is 1 years old and 11 months old. He will be turning two on May 11th. So I think we could say he's nearly two years old. What a handsome little guy.

*I know the back drop is so lovely right? Well, I put them up in the lazy boy because I wanted to show the chair that I have been living in for the past two weeks. I figured it was a perfect spot since that's our current life!*

Oh, I was also able to have Alayna recite her Article of Faith for me on camera. Enjoy!

A Birthday Tradition...

My parents started a special tradition with the grand kids a few years back. It is to take them out to lunch the day of or day before their birthday. It's a special date because its for only the grandchild and my parents. No siblings, no mommies, no cousins, no one but just the three of them. It happened to start when Kierra was 5 years old, but Alayna has lucked out because she is the youngest grandchild of the "big" four grand kids. So when she turned three she got to start these special dates.
Now back in December my family took a family night to go see Temple Square and all the lights. Alayna did not want to leave. She wanted to stay in the museum and look at all the pictures, movies and statues. My mom and I were taken back by her desire to walk around and around viewing all the pictures. That night she was so sad to leave, that my mom asked her if she would like to come back when it's warm and the flowers are out? So she agreed. They decided that they would come back and spend the day for her "birthday date." Alayna did not forget and with the first signs of spring, flowers appearing, sunshine, flip flops she knew her date was coming closer.

Finally her date came. They even lucked out with great weather! Here is Alayna standing under a picture of the 13 Articles of Faith. A few weeks ago Alayna was asked to share any Article of Faith in opening exercises in Primary. We worked on them during FHE, night time, breakfast time, while praying, etc. She even performed for grandparents and cousins. She was able to master the first two. The time to give it was one day after her birthday (April 12th). Days before she talked of being so excited to stand up "and not be scared at all...I'm brave mom!" She reminded me that the "mom's and dad's listen from the back...I won't even need a little help because I'll be four!" Well, as the day came I was not there that Sunday, since baby #3 wanted to make an early appearance. So I missed it. Come Sunday night I talked with my mom and she reminded me how Alayna gave the Article of Faith. I instantly started to cry. We had worked so hard on it and I couldn't wait to watch her "be so brave!" So as my mom told me how well she did standing up there at the sacrament pulpit up high in front of all the kids and saying it. It was great to know she was so brave!

Alayna has really taken to liking this picture because we taught her about it during FHE before Easter.

I am thankful to my parents enlisting energy, time and a huge desire to help cultivate my children's testimonies at such a young age. Because my children have this influence in their lives they are growing stronger and developing a great love of our Savior. I am forever grateful for this.

*Just an update...bedrest...really what witty thing can be said about it? I'm still intact and hanging in there...pray for 34 weeks next Wednesday! Thanks to ALL who have helped, called brought goodies, dishes, laundry, meals, watched kids and paid me a visit. It's made it so much more enjoyable. THANK YOU!!

A little too early!

So as if we didn't have enough events planned for this weekend I just had to top it off by going into labor at 32 weeks. Yes, you heard me correctly this little baby wanted to come this weekend.

Let this story begin...After the events of the Easter Egg hunt and Alayna's birthday party. I must say this though, even though we had these events I was able to take it easy, take a nap and Jared tended to the children all day. So nothing that I did actually put me into labor. Here it goes...Just a brief summary starting one week ago. For some of you know I am pregnant with our third child. Surprise to those that don't. But life has just been so busy I don't really spend that much time thinking about this new addition. The only recent side effect besides the horrible morning sickness I had the first 14 weeks or so, the only side effect has been getting varicose veins. I did get them with Jacob, but with this baby they have become worse. ( I didn't realize that was possible!!) So after sitting watching conference for 8 hours over two days I had a major painful flare-up that sent me crippled in one leg, unable to walk, etc. The most painful part of it was that my bones all the way down my right leg just ached. It ached worse then I've ever experienced. Thankfully to a Priesthood blessing from Jared and my dad and my sisters stepping into watch the kids a 3 hour nap thankfully helped the situation. I was back walking and chasing after the kiddos. I ended up going to the doctor and he insisted I wear my compression stockings. I very willingly would do anything he suggested to keep the pain away. So the week past and I did all that I was instructed to do. Come Saturday I woke up feeling the same bone ache again. The only thing I could consider was that I had scrapbooked the night before trying to get Jacob's scrapbook done before this new baby arrives. I must have spent too many minutes/hours sitting causing the pressure to cut off circulation again. So with that being said, I was very disappointed to wake up on such a fun birthday day for Alayna.

I did the best I could to handle the pain..but realizing all that I needed to do today I decided to take Tylenol. I was able to battle through the walking and fun at the Easter Egg hunt. Then Jared took the kids and I took a nap. At this point I had grabbed Jared's shoulder just crying, saying the pain is so bad I need more meds! I just wanted something to help it go away. Well I quickly too more meds and then I was able to sleep. After about two hours of napping I was able to muster up enough "energy-leg" strength to frost her cake. The one bummer part of this leg issue was that I had left the huge pot of soup on the stove and it burned. But I was no where in the position to begin caring about that. It was easily repaired and it turned out great! The party went on and besides having to put on a "happy mom" face I battled just fine. Towards the end of the night I had nothing left. My leg just ached and I laid on the couch and chalked it up as a baby pregnancy day.

As the kids had all been put to bed the adults sat around just talking. A few things kept having me laugh and I thought "did I just wet my pants?" I ignored it thinking, "this wouldn't be the first time with this pregnancy!" (I'm sure I'm not the only prego that has this story to tell!) Anyways after it happening over and over again, I thought okay I'll go downstairs to the restroom. Well to leave out the details I didn't wet my pants it was blood. So Jared rushed upstairs and told Shandra, she came down and said we needed to call the on-call doctor and after yet another priesthood blessing from Jared and Todd, off we went to labor and delivery.

We checked in and a few minutes later I was all hooked up and going to be checked. Now at 32 weeks I shouldn't be dilated or having any signs of bleeding, etc. Now I was diagnosed at 20 weeks with a low lying placenta. Which basically means the placenta has attached too close to the cervix, which could cause possibly bleeding or the need for a C-section if the placenta grew over into placenta previa. (Lots of details for you prego ladies out there!!) Anyways, sadly I was dilated to a one and my cervix was showing signs of effacement. They quickly got some drugs in me to stop my uterus from contracting (which I wasn't having contractions) so to reduce the risk of it going to. And then they stabbed me with a needle full of steroids to help the baby's lungs to develop more quickly. So after taking it easy and hoping for the best I slept at the hospital with Jared by my side. I was feeling okay like they had a handle on things, but all of this preterm labor was so unexpected I don't think I was really able to process everything that was going on. My brain couldn't shut off so I willing accepted a sleeping pill! By morning my I was checked again and sadly I had progressed to 3 cm and 50% effaced. Again, other than having minimal lower back cramping I really was not having any contractions. So they were just flabbergasted as to why this was happening. I was still bleeding so this again was not an encouraging sign.

About 2 hours later the nurse returned to check me again. I had progressed to a 4 cm and still 50% effaced. At this point my doctor drove strait over to diagnose me himself, because he did not like what he was hearing over the phone. As we waited for him to arrive, I had a few minutes of "I think this is really going to happen." Tears started to swell in my eyes and I quickly didn't want to go down that road. So I asked Jared to blow in my eyes to make my tears go away and tell me something funny! At which point I did refrain from crying and we laughed about how I would transported to the IMC hospital to be watched over the Fetal Medicine Doctors and have the NICU available for the baby. We laughed thinking of me, totally normal having to ride in an Ambulance!!! Who would have thought? Certainly not us!

As soon as my doctor arrived he checked me and wanted to get a good read for himself to decide what to do with me. One option, send me to the IMC to be near and under their supervision in case of delivery, or second option stay at this hospital and just be monitored. With two outcomes, one I don't go into labor and it stops, or second I do go into labor and I'm taken care of just fine but the baby would have to be transferred to the NICU at the other hospital. What a dilemma. My wonderful doctor did a lot of thinking and debating and me confirming my absolute trust in his decision. He decided to keep me there to monitor me. After he did check me he decided I was only a 3 cm, no bleeding, and no contractions. We were hoping I was in the clear. So the decision was made to stay.

I was scheduled to be checked again at 7pm. Yeah, no progress. Nothing was happening. I continued to be given all the drugs imaginable to stop me from labor and for the benefit of this little baby. So after a great nights sleep (really I slept well!)

My doctor was there at 8am to check me and make his decision. Was I going home? Or going to the hospital to have this baby? Well, the consensus stayed similar with a few changes. I had progressed just a tad to be in between a 3.5 cm and more soft effacement nearing (100%), but he said still with no contractions, no bleeding I was safe to go home. On ONE condition. I would be on a VERY strict bed rest. (I'm sure you figured that out now that you've actually seen blog posts from me! ha ha ha)

So Jared returned to the hospital to take me home. YEAH. But the rules are so strict. Nothing other potty breaks and a very short shower. So what does a mother do with two children, house demands and a wonderful husband?

I tell you what, I am one blessed girl. One, this baby is still in me. We are hoping it stays at least until 34-35 weeks and wishful thinking 36 weeks. Because then this little baby will be able to have more fat on it's bones and be more developed. Also, I have been so blessed with parents, inlaws and three wonderful sisters who stepped up and came up with a schedule to help with the kiddos, morning, day and night. Then there are my wonderful girl friends in the ward who have instantly shown their love and support. So thank you more than Jared and I can express.

I am only four hours in and thankfully I do have a lap top, I live with my sister, my kids have cousins to play with and Jared is the best helper of all. I'm so grateful for him to do all that is now required of him, and he is happy to do it. Really many prayers were answered and we hope I can "obey" the doctors orders and really stay down. He said, I need to be so boring...boring beyond boring! Wish me luck keeping this little tyke inside of me.

Next, question with all this excitement and surprises do you think we should open up our envelope and find out the gender of the baby! To help minimize my continued shock? What's your vote??

Easter Egg Hunts!

Yes, it was actually an Easter Egg hunt and not Halloween. But we only had one basket that was pink for Alayna so Jake was creative and grabbed his Halloween pumpkin. Either way it worked and he scored getting lots of candy!!

Herriman City Easter Egg hunt!

Oh, was that another candy! I think this kid consumed more candy in this one day than any other. Jared said he looked like a chipmunk all day long because his cheeks were stuffed with treats.

Now let the story begin...As Alayna and I were walking down the stairs to take our place at the Easter egg hunt, I realized that at this park Alayna has a tendency to get lost. So I decided to pick a point of reference...the fire truck! I just mentioned it casually for her to look over there to see where the fire truck was at. She glanced over. I just reminded her there are lots of people and if she can't see me any more to wait by the fire truck to find me. So time passed the Easter egg hunt started and kids took off running. I was video taping and watching where she and Jake were going. Jared and my dad were with Jake and Alayna took off. For some reason I didn't think that an adult should remain with her. She grabbed tons of treats and ran back to show me. Well she passed off her cotton candy to my mom who had requested she get one for her and she looked at me while taping and said, "Mom now I have more room in my basket I'm going for more treats!" I glanced around realizing there really wasn't much candy left, so I figured she would hang close. I started taping Jake again and not paying attention. (This was my first problem!) So the large crowds started to dissipate and we all gathered together. Realizing Alayna in a grey hoodie was no where to be seen. (This was my second problem...not a bright color! It doesn't stand out in a crowd.) So we all started scouring the field with no luck. I then in passing told my neighbor, Emily that I had told her to meet me at the fire truck if she couldn't see me any more. Well, I had told her so casually so I didn't assume she would obey. Thankfully, a few minutes later Emily came down with Alayna who had obeyed and went straight to the fire truck. Eventually I was able to ask Alayna when she felt like she was lost and she said, "When I couldn't see you anymore I walked right up to the fire truck!" WOW. I was totally impressed that one she recognized she couldn't see me and then that she obeyed and did what I said. It felt great as a parent to know that sometimes children do listen and obey. I was very grateful and many prayers were answered! We all praised her and let her know that if she continued to listen to her parents than she would always be safe and protected!! (I hope she ALWAYS remembers that.) We had to take her back to the spot of where she was waiting for us.

Happy Birthday to Alayna!!

I'm a big FOUR year old!

This is Alayna's new bike. She has been so excited to one day have a big just like the big kids. Last year she wasn't coordinated enough to master bike riding, but hopefully this year with a bike that actually works and fits her she can figure it out!

Here is the cake Alayna settled on. "Mom, I want a flip flop cake!" So that is what we did. It turned out being a little more challenging than I thought, but with Shandra's help we made it cute. Who would have thought graham crackers could look like sand. Alayna has definitely become known for wearing flip flops all year long and wishing she was in sunny California! Until another vacation comes along, her flip flop cake will have to do!

Cute huh!

A little bit of everything!

This last week has been busy. I'm sure I'm not the only one getting excited for Summer! Oh, I guess it would be spring time. Here's a quick update on fun things that have been happening.

It is my month again for Joyschool. Our joy for the month is Spontaneous Delight! So a suggestion they had in the book was to have a popcorn popper pop popcorn but without the lid. Well that's exactly what we did. The kids thought it was the best thing! I took video of it and when the popcorn started popping out into the air the children all screamed with delight. It turned out being a very fun activity!

Here's to Rosecrest 3rd ward Region basketball team! Due to the ever growing belly I couldn't participate in any of the games this season. But there was no reason I couldn't join the team on the bench to cheer them on! Last year we went past round one, this year they went to round two! Way to go ladies!!! On the final game, Amanda (another prego from the team) brought oranges and Capri Sun drinks for the team. What a great season. Bring on next year!!

My dad gave the grandkids some money for our California vacation and Alayna never really had the chance to spend her money. So when we got home she has found two things to buy. One, a pair of flip flops and the second was a kite. We've had such crazy weather lately that finally we had a warm day with wind. With Jared's help all the cousins were able to have a great time flying a kite.

I'm sure you're not surprised that Alayna picked a "fairy" kite!

Let me introduce you to Mr. Independent. As I've explained in a previous post about Jacob's new and growing stronger habits of being independent. He truly is hilarious. The phrases we hear all day long are..."Me, Jakey do it!" "Jakey's turn!" So I wasn't surprised when he insisted on dressing himself. I've been battling with him picking what shoes and socks to wear, but now it's the entire outfit. So this is what he came up with! He thought it was great, his baseball shirt on the bottom and a striped onsie on top! Really, why do my kids pick the ugly outfits and clothing out instead of the cute stuff? I let him run around for a while this way, but when he kept wanting to some how cover his belly I offered my assistance. He would have none of that. So he sat crying with his back to me upset that I was trying to teach him how to put them on correctly. Eventually he said, "Mom, Jakey Happy!" He decided on wearing his favorite outfit, "My baseball shurt and shorts!" So here's to day number ten again in a row of wearing his favorite pj's all day long!
He wants to be like dad..."Jakey, TIE mom!" His dress up started with trying to wear a tie, but once he added the fuzzy blue hat I had to pull out the camera! What a funny kid.

And last but not least. I have been helping my sister TONS with her new adventure in spreading the company to Southern California and Nevada. It has required several LATE nights and figuring out how to do computer work with two kids climbing on me. We have started it only a week ago and we have had TONS of feedback and interest. It really is amazing how just through word of mouth good ideas and companies can spread. So here's to all my blogging friends, if you know anyone in those two areas pass on the website www.dealstomeals.com or email california@dealstomeals.com or Nevada@dealstomeals.com to get involved! Thanks for spreading the word!!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Happy St. Patricks Day

The morning started out great. The kids were VERY excited to find the Lephracaun feet scattered over their bedroom and kitchen. They looked in the fridge and saw the green milk and Lucky Charms. They both ate a HUGE bowl of cereal. Everytime Jacob saw the cereal on the counter he insisted on having handfuls of it.

Shortly after breakfast we packed up and went to Alayna's Joy School party. We were able to take the kids horseback riding. Thanks to my mom over the past few years she has helped Alayna enjoy animals. Alayna really LOVED this activity. (Kayci & Alayna)

After all the Joy School kids had their turn Olivia, Alayna and Jacob jumped back on and got a very long ride. Even Jacob enjoys the "horsey rides" - he made sure that he was coming with us to ride the "horsies." Before we had even left for the party Jacob heard me telling Alayna about the party and he ran over to me saying, "Mom, Jakey go...Jakey ride horsey...Jakey come!" I realized my original plans of keeping him home with Shandra would be disappointing to him. So I brought him along and he LOVED it.

Later that night we had a great "GREEN" dinner. The kids ate Shepherds Pie with green mashed potatoes, peas, spinach, asparagus, lime jello, etc. Alayna insisted on wearing some of Jacob's 3T green pajamas - she didn't want to risk getting pinched!