All Six of Us

What's been going on..

2011-11-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

Lucas is now two weeks old! And we're loving him to pieces!

Abigail asked me to let her snuggle her Lucas. He's hers, she tells us a bunch every day. (she looks cubby in this picture for some reason... cute..)

Lucas having his first bath at home. You can't see it in the picture, but there are 3 little girls around trying to help bath him..

Sun bathing. Isn't he cute?

If you put Lucas down anywhere... Within minutes he has a fan club.

So... I had a baby....

2011-11-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Meet Lucas! He's the cutest little boy I've ever seen! (though i might be a tiny bit bias)

He is a super amazing little guy. And we just can't cuddle him enough.

It was a planned c-section, so the birth story isn't all that exciting. Everything went perfect. And he's just perfect. (a little jaundice.. but still perfect).

He was 9 lbs 5 oz! Tying Hannah's record.

And we're so grateful to have this little dude in our home. Having a boy has been so fun so far. (my sisters took most of the pictures on their cameras, so when I get a copy of them, I'll post more)

Halloween

2011-10-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Us!!!!

Lucas Bryan Bingham

2011-08-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

So. We figured out a first name for our little guy. Yes, one we actually agreed on.

But then the middle name we've been stuck on for a long time. Bryan really wanted it to be a family name of someone he looked up to and such. A name that meant something great. He didn't want to use his own name. Probably seemed a little strange to him.

While in the shower I was thinking about what his middle name should be. The answer I got... Who is the man you admire and love most? Who is the most important man in your life? Who is going to be the most important man in your child's life? Who will your child admire most?

And the answer of course without a doubt is Bryan. So. I called Bryan up at work. And told him (not asked him) that his middle name was going to be Bryan. It may not flow as cute as I wanted it to. But it has a lot more meaning in it. What a special name he will have. The name of his amazing dad.

I'm excited to have a name. Especially one that I feel so strong and emotional to.

Guess what we're having?!

2011-07-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Why pay for entertainment?

2011-06-26T16:28:00.001-07:00

When you have kids with imaginations!!

Here the girls are on their "merry-go-round." They rode their horses and enjoyed their fair.. It was fun.

Then Hannah decided it was the perfect spot to put her feet up and enjoy looking at the constellations, even if it was 5:00 in the afternoon.

And here is my garden. For years I've wanted one. And now I have one! Today I had my very first strawberry from my garden. It would have been days ago I had one, but a bird ate the other ripe one. I'm pretty sure in the next week or so, we'll have about 15ish.. I'm also hoping one of the tomato plant will have ripe tomatoes on it soon. There are a few that are starting to grow. So hopefully soon we'll be eating them!

Miracles

2011-06-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Lately we have been struggling. Not as badly as it could be. But it really has been a struggle. We've been having financial struggling, behavior struggling, and just dealing with all the other life issue struggling. I'd been pretty down, extremely down and pretty hopeless. I was stressed beyond what I could take. Seriously, I was stressed beyond what I could take. I was doing everything on my own, and failing at it miserable.

One night, after spending the entire day in bed just crying. I told Bryan that something had to change. I couldn't take it anymore. I wasn't enjoying any bit of life. I wasn't enjoying being a mom, a wife, a person. I wasn't enjoying anything.

We decided that we needed to be a lot stronger in studying the scriptures as a family EVERYDAY. No matter what. We also decided that we needed to have faith and put our problems in Heavenly Fathers hands. We fasted about what to do. We were struggling with Hannah, to the point that I really didn't like her most of the day. I loved her, but couldn't stand being around here. She just yelled and screamed and whined ALL DAY LONG.

This change happened about three weeks ago.

We have received so many blessings both small and large through Heavenly Father and people he has placed in our life.

I thought I'd share some of the amazing blessings. Of course, I won't be able to share all of them, since there has been really so many.

*More hours for Bryan. He hasn't been getting a ton more hours. But just enough to make it so we can pay all our bills. He's also had a HUGE amount of sales that he gets commission on.

*This morning when I checked our bank account the amount Bryan got paid was more then I calculated by about $40. And I calculated pretty dead-on. That might not seem like a lot, but that extra will cover one of the bills.

*WIC. Our budget for food is really low right now because we spent to much on groceries at the beginning of the month. I decided we needed to go back on WIC. We go through like a gallon of milk a day. At three dollars a gallon, it gets expensive!
I was worried about our grocery budget for this last week, because it was TINY. We weren't suppose to be able to get in to an appointment at WIC until the middle of July. But somehow our paperwork got all messed up and they decided to just start things from scratch and told me to come in the next day as a walk-in. MAJOR blessing.

*Hannah. I felt that Hannah needed more positive attention. I felt that if we did that and if we also were stricter on what we let her get away with we would be able to stop the problems we've been having with her. She's an amazing kid. I've been given patience to deal with her. And she has also realized what needs to be done to make this a happier home. She only acts out a few times a day, which we immediately are able to stop, and some days we have no whining or temper tantrums.

*Maternity clothes. I was really starting to get down and stressed. I needed some pants that were comfy and fit. I haven't gained any weight this pregnancy, but the weight has shifted and I my pants were all starting to be really uncomfortable. One day my mom was like "and if you need anything, just let me know." Just her normal way of letting me know she was there for me, and opening the door in case we needed anything. I swallowed my pride, which I will admit was WAY harder for me to do then it should be. and said "i need a pair of pants that fit. I can't find a place in our budget to get some. I need just one pair." And she of course, doing what she normally does she went beyond what I needed and ordered me a few shirts and two pair of pants. More then what I need to get through this pregnancy. (i still have comfy pants that fit, just needed a pair to wear out in public). Huge HUGE blessing. Now I don't need to cry and stress each time I have to leave the house.

*Schooling. I think we've decided on what we're going to do. And I feel good and right about it. It also has been easier to homeschool. I have noticed that I was pushing Hannah to hard and going at a speed that was to fast for her in reading. Which was making her HATE reading. We are starting back at a place where she can have more sucessful days and regain her sense of love for reading. Things seem to fall into place better and we have better overall days.

*there have been small blessings and miracles, that are small, but big deals to us. Like this morning. Bryan was late in putting his work clothing into the dryer. He put the whole load in. When he went to get it out of the dryer, only minutes before he had to leave for work. EVERYTHING in the dryer was still soaked, except his work shirt and pants, they were COMPLETELY dry. Which is nothing short of a miracle.

*Hope. We have hope again. We decided to let Heavenly Father steer the ship. And though we know it's going to be hard, we know it's all going to work out. We are putting our all into having faith. And we are being blessed ten-fold.

We have had so many more blessings. We are happier and enjoying life once again. We aren't just sailing through. We know that we must put in our all into it and do EVERYTHING we can, and then let Heavenly Father put in the rest. Because if we take on it all by ourselves, we will fail. But if we do our all and let Heavenly Father make up the difference. We will succeed and find joy in doing so.

That's what we are learning. Slowly.. We've had a few Leman and Lemuel moments. But they are coming fewer and farther between. I've been having more Nephi moments. Where everything breaks yet we can still slay some beast to feed our family, through our faith in Heavenly Father.

Easter Fun (in pics)

2011-04-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

Undecided.

2011-04-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

So next week is enrollment for kindergarten. Problem is.. I haven't decided what we're going to do. Should we continue homeschooling or should we give public school a try.

Biggest problem in deciding. Is both are good. I'm not against either of them. A year ago, I was completely against homeschooling. Now I like it. But I think public school is good too.

There are bad and good of both. So I just don't know what to do!!!

We're having another baby which will making schooling a little harder, but still do able.

I just don't know what to do.. What's your opinion? And please don't say anything about the "socializing aspect" of either. I am very well researched on both sides of schooling.. yet I just can't decide!!!!!

November 13

2011-03-10T11:06:00.001-08:00

What is so special about this date??

Have you guessed?

Yep! Bingham baby number four is due to be born!!!!!

We are really excited. And if you know us at all you'll know yes we are hoping for a boy! This is going to be our last one.... Our last chance of having a boy... Of course we love our girls and would love the baby still if it is a girl.

Homeschooling Blog!

2011-02-28T15:47:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Come visit my homeschooling blog, and find out more about how we spend our days at school.

Nampa.

2011-02-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

The sun is always shinning here. And it really has affected us. In a good way! Lots of happiness, probably the vitamin D that we were low on from Washington...

It's been a different change. But honestly.. I'm growing more and more on it.

I think it has a lot to do with the church. I was starting to panic and then went to church and made a lot of friends.

I went into moving here with the decision that I was going to bring it all. I wasn't going to have the awkward first few Sundays of not knowing anyone. And I think it's paying off.

I think we might just like it here... Different, but who said different was a bad thing anyways!!!

A low day..

2011-02-10T13:05:00.001-08:00

We've been having so many good and wonderful days. Seriously. Just amazingly happy days.
Today isn't one of those days. I just can't seem to kick it. I've been overdoing things so my hip is now acting up. I can't stop, there is so much I've got to do, but now I get to do it in a lot of pain. Maybe one day I'll get a doctor to look at it, when I have time.

Abigail started falling asleep in the car while we were trying to find the post office. And now I think she's decided to skip the nap. Not okay today. The one day I just need a breather.

We haven't watched any TV (since we had our Superbowl party on Sunday) this week. And before that it had been a while. But today, during Abigail's hopefully nap time. I just have to get some breathing time in. We'll make up by having Saturday school...

And of course, Bryan had some people over yesterday and so the girls were up late. So Emotional Hannah is driving me to the end of my rope..

I was reading and article where someone asked "what do stay at home moms do during the day?" My house is a mess, my kids are watching T.V., I haven't really done anything. Yet I'm emotionally exhausted. I've just been chasing after them, mediating them, feeding them, clothing them, talking and teaching them, changing diapers. Yes it might not look like a lot on paper. But it really does take a lot out of me somedays! I'm glad the article was posted, it was exactly what I needed to hear. Someone understood EXACTLY how my day is going today.

Okay. I'm all vented out. Sorry. I really just had to get it out to someone today, so I can move on from it.

So, we're moving on.

I'll have to post some pics from our life here so far. I've really been enjoying it. We have a great ward, we are staying in a great house. We are just having a lot of fun together.. It's a very laid back city. And I kind of like it.

Hopefully I'll do a real post in a few days! Thanks for listening to me venting!!

Blessed.

2011-01-15T09:49:00.001-08:00

Last night at dinner, yes Bryan and I got to go on a date!!, we were talking. And we've realized how very blessed we are. I thought I'd ought to write down our blessings. This year we are going to try and remember more our blessings and not look at others. These are in no order.

1. We have a huge home. It's huge for us. It's the biggest home we've lived in as a married couple. And for some reason, we've been able to afford it. It has a great size room for the girls to play with.

2. Family. We have tons of family that are cnlose. Yes, it's about to change. And it's going to be sad. But we really have been blessed to live around them for so long. My mom and Bryan's mom were able to be at ALL the births of our three kids. We've been able to also create more of a friendship then a parentship with our parents. It's been really nice to say one of my best friends is my mom. And I don't plan on this changing. And we've got a bunch of the girls' aunts and uncles right around us.

3. We have enjoyed a lot of "extras". Internet, cellphones, dates to restaurants,and so much more then we deserve.

4. Our kiddos. 3 AMAZING and UNIQUE girls. I just couldn't and wouldn't want to change then for the world. Seriously. Their uniqueness and all the fun we've had. Man, they really have made life so much better.

5. I get to be a stay at home mom, and homeschool them. I love them so much. And really am grateful for all the time I get to spend with them. Yes, sometimes it is hard. But it's worth it. I also love that I get to be their when they learn something new and get excited. Remember when your child took her first step, how exciting it was. That's kind of how homeschooling is for me. But more and more exciting times!

6. Our move. Seriously. It's amazing how Heavenly Father works. It's the answer to so many of our prayers. And though it's had some hick-ups, we can see that it has been guide with a Divine hand. From my parents buying the house we get to stay in (until theirs here sells) to Bryan's job transfer (seriously, an OD down the street from where we're moving.)

7. Talents. I feel my love for teaching is a talent that was given to me. I love being able to come up with new and fun things, and I can see Heavenly Fathers help in the things I come up with. My newest organizational talent. Planning and organizing and helping things go smoother is something that I've recently acquired. Each talent that we were given we are so grateful for.

8. Heavenly Father. Seriously he has blessed us with everything we need. (if this was in order, this would be first) There is no way to ever give him enough back, we are forever in his debt.

I could go on and on and on. But won't. I know our life hasn't been easy, but it has been so guided and directed by our Heavenly Father. From the first phone call we had together before we were dating to the job losses we've gone through. From each struggle and each friend I've had to lift me up. I know some people would never pick our life. But it's been such an amazing ride this far. I don't think I'd trade anything for it.

This year. I am going to try and continue to count our blessings. Because, as I've expressed we have had so many more to write.

no, No, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-06T21:26:00.001-08:00

Abigial has official learned how to get out of her bed. No no no. Seriously. I was extremely upset when Hannah did it and she was 2. I was suppose to at least get another 6 months!!!

Man oh man, what are we going to do!

As cute as it is watching her climb herself out.... I NEED her to still take naps. And so does she.

Moving

2010-12-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

He he eh.
So I can't post all the details. But an opportunity for us has come up to move to Nampa, Idaho. We will be able to live there pretty much rent free for a while.. And we get to live in a Huge house (well at least for us apartment livers). Pretty much we're going to be babysitting a house for a while (unknown how long). We've been wanting to move to Idaho for at least three years now. I don't know why, it's just the place that we felt we should move. It never quite worked it's self out. We will be live in the house for as long as possible. And then next January (2012)buy our own home. Bryan will be able to transfer from his job to there. It just all is seeming to work out so smoothly.

It's just the change and opportunity we need. There are some very special people that are helping make it all possible. But I can't name them. But I'm way grateful.

Just another Manic Monday.....

2010-12-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today started out like every other day.. The girls were playing so nicely in their room. But then the dread words were uttered, "Abby had a blow out!" I got her. It didn't seem to be THAT bad. So I told the girls "Bathtime!" I wiped down Abby and got all the poop, that was going all down her legs, wiped off. Then they got in the bath. I let them bath. Then they got out and decided they were going to go and play in their room. I remembered pretty fast that I hadn't actually done a check to make sure that she didn't get any in her room. I looked down at the floor, there was a small drop of yuck. And I followed that.. There was another and another. Until I reached the pot of gold. Yep. Fun way to start a Monday.

Well.. In other news. We're moving. To another state. At the end of January. We're excited and it's an exactly what we need. The end.

Precious

2010-10-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just get caught up in the "I have to's." You know, I have to get the house clean, I have to make sure everything is perfect, I have to make sure my children learn how to be have and sleep through the night... and blah blah blah...

Lately I've been on the other side. I suspect that Emily turning five had something to do with it.. They just grow up so fast. Lately I've really been enjoying snuggle time. And what's even better is one-on-one snuggle/tickle/talk/laugh time.

I guess I was just reminded of how precious they are. Yes, it's hard being a mom. But man, there are some sweet rewards. Sometimes it comes with little kiss on the check or a "mommy, I REALLY like you" or a "mommy, i think it's time for a special date, just you and me!" Or being the only one that can make the babies feel better.

I love my girls so much. I'm planning on having more precious moments with my kidos.

26 reason's on his 26

2010-08-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

26 Reason's why I love Bryan:

1. He's funny... Seriously Hilarious.

2. He's my eye candy. :-D

3. He's extremely talented.. Musically, academically, and creatively.

4. He stays calm in stressful situations.

5. He does so much for our family. School and work full time, then has time to play and help me with the kids.

6. He's a clean freak.. He's always picking the house up when he gets home.

7. He's fun to watch movies with..... he can actually remember who is in what movies and so forth.. Something that I can't do.

8. He knows so many random facts about everything, everyone.

9. He recently started working out again (like 6 months ago or so.. ) and YUM! He's got a nice body!

10. He's fun to take to social gatherings. He says he's shy.. But he's not. He makes any gathering so much more interesting to me..

11. He helped me make three beautiful little girls!

12. He always has a comeback.. I suck at this. But he can smoothly pull off any comeback. I envy it!

13. He's all about family. Family is his priority.

14. He has a lot of dreams. And he's talented enough to make them come true.

15. He has a tickle button on the back of his neck.. which is so fun to push. (it's a birth mark.. and so fun)

16. He's fun to kiss!

17. His weirdness makes me feel normal :-D .. he he eh.

18. He's way easy going...

19. He has a lot of passion in life.

20. He's a perfectionist.. Sometimes a bad thing.. But I love it most the time!

21. He's very giving. If we had a million dollars.. we wouldn't be rich. He'd buy everyone he loves exactly what they want, and we'd probably go in debt.

22. He constantly changing his look. Shaved one day. Not the next. Longer hair/shorter hair... And yet, he just looks amazingly hot either way.

23. He brings out the silly in me. Seriously. I laugh more with him then anyone else...

24. He's fun to take on adventures.

25. He's still my boyfriend and still gives me butterflies.

26. I don't think there is anyone else like him in the world. And I love it! He's all mine!!

Happy Birthday Baby-cakes!

Simple Little Things

2010-07-27T18:47:00.001-07:00

Sometimes life is hard. This post is NOT about that.

This post is about something much better.

I'm sitting watching my little girls outside together measuring things with a sewing measuring tape, while Abigail chews on a small paint brush she has found (never been used). I hear things like "25 pounds" "30 Feet" or "12 high" or just plain using the measuring tape as a jump rope. ..0And my heart is happy.

I've been trying to step back and just enjoy the simple little things. And I have three of the cutest simple little things :-D. Man, I love those girls.

Being a mom is the HARDEST thing I'll probably ever have to do. Sometimes I fail. But sometimes I succeed. The other night we were looking at a picture of someone saying prayer, and I said "Look he's folding his arm for prayer"... and I look over and Abigail was folding her arms. Or every time we go to eat, Hannah makes sure we say prayer over it. Or every morning, Emily comes into our room and needs to snuggle with me. I must be doing something right if she wants to snuggle with me! Or we've been homeschooling, and after thinking I wasn't teaching Hannah the way she needed to be taught, she came up to me and said "out... Out. Out starts with O."
So things are hard. But every now and then... I remember it truly is worth it.

My once a month post...

2010-06-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

So, today Bryan was outside doing his bench pressing... And the girls just sat and watched. They just wanted to watch him. They admire their daddy so much. It really makes me happy. He's a good guy to admire. No, he's not perfect... But he's pretty darn amazing. It's so cute to see how the admire their daddy. Hannah was going "good job Daddy, you're good at that." and "Wow"... He has a built in cheerleading team. I just am so happy right now. Those are those special moments.. The ones that remind you why you put up with whinning and crying.. For a few minutes, a few moments of bliss.

Visiting the Fire Station...

2010-06-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hey! Question: Does anyone know anything about visiting a fire station. I'd love to take the girls next week for part of our "safety week" (homeschooling theme of the week) Anyone have any idea on how much in advance you have to reserve it? or how much it cost and such?

And.. does anyone want to join us if it all works out?

Maybe I Ought to.....

2010-05-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'd ought to post or something...

I have been busy busy busy and not posting.. Sorry...

And no.. it's not because I'm pregnant again.. I am CERTAINLY NOT PREGNANT. I've just been slacking.

So, I'm probably not going to do a catch up, or else I'll just not post. But we did Itty Bitty Cheer again, Emily is done with preschool for the year, Bryan is still working as hard as ever.. Oh and Abigail is crawling and now is also starting to stand on her own. She has two teeth.. and she's ALREADY 10 months old. How did that happen? Though, she is still wearing 3-6 month clothing..

So the update would be.. Life is still being lived here, but there isn't to much excitement going on.

Should have gotten a picture.

2010-03-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

After making myself a glass of chocolate milk.... i decided to take a quick nap. I kind of dozed off and on. Though it was interupted by Abigail waking up.. So I ran upstairs to get her.. and decided it was bubble blowing time! So i called Emily and Hannah upstairs....... Emily came up covered in chocolate syrup... A little mad, I asked her if she got into the syrup.. She replied "i just had three cups of it." That is right. She drank three cups of chocolate syrup. She didn't drink all of it because her clothing was covered, the counter was covered, and the glass was covered.. But still.. she still had to have at least gotten 2 1/2 cups of syrup in her (small children glasses luckily).... Can you IMAGINE drinking that much chocolate straight?
Yeah. We'll be lucky if she isn't throwing up and feeling completely icky for the rest of the day. But now I can laugh................................. oh kids. I love you!

I'm old.

2010-03-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

So I think i'm officially old. I turned 26 on Tuesday... Yep.. old.

So much has changed since I turned 25.. some of the highlights of what has changed:

-i'm now a mother to 3 kids
-Bryan is going fulltime in school
-emily is in preschool
-i'm busier in my life then ever before.. with Policy Council (like pta for the preschools), variety of different sports/activities the girls are in, preschool, my church calling, and Abigial. annd soo much more
-My hair isn't the same color as it was last year.
-we have a different vehicle.
-and most important.. i'm truly getting wiser. Becoming a better mom/homemaker.. learning what things are really important in life.
-and recently i've been learning that life really needs to have fun in it.. it doesn't make all the hardwork worth it if there isn't any fun!

************* one year old and wiser too.. happy birthday to me!*********

After three days (sunday monday and tuesday) with Bryan home

2010-03-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

Mommy: "isn't it fun that we've had Daddy home?"
Emily: "yes, we should keep him."

My gorgeous girls!

2010-02-06T17:04:00.001-08:00

At the Park!

2010-02-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know how to add more pictures faster?? I would love to add pictures.. but it takes so much time... any advice?

Remember when...

2010-02-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

I use to blog... Yeah. 've kind of sucked since.. like october.

Moving on.

So, we got to take Abigail to the doctor's..... She keeps coughing so hard that she throws up... like majorly throws up. I hope that it's nothing.. To be honest.. I actually hope it is something.. and something they can easily fix. I'm not very good at the "you're just going to have to live with it" diagnosis.
It's not fun. She's not really sick.. She has a tiny bit of a cold... And doesn't cough to often.. but the she starts having a coughing fit and coughs so much she throws up.. Not fun.. And yes, I know it's not just spitting up... this is my third child. I am very much aware of the difference. (sorry.. don't mean to sound grumpy...)

update:She has an ear infection (sorry i started this post a few days ago)

Other then that.. We're doing great! The girls started Itsy Bitsy Cheer last friday. They get to learn a new dance and perform it for a WWU basketball halftime. I think that's pretty cool.

What I've been up to...

2010-01-18T15:06:00.000-08:00

I think I'm finally out of survival mode. Which makes me happy! It took me a long time after Hannah was born to get out of... Yes, probably because I had just had my first baby six months before I got pregnant with my second one. And so I had never had time to get out of survival mode with Emily.. I guess the time just added to each other or something. But Abigail is almost 6 months old.. And I'm really feeling like things are looking up. We still don't get to much sleep. BUT! Our house is really getting back in order. Not like it was before we had Abigail.. BUT WAYYYY BETTER! I'm so excited. We have three major more projects to do. And then I think our house will be a lot more efficent.
I read this quote online that goes something like this, "when decluddering, ask yourself: is this item worth the time." I've been getting rid of tons of stuff that is just taking up my time and space to clean. We've given like 4 bags to Goodwill of stuff, we've given away to people we know a bunch of stuff, and we have thrown away like 3 bags full of stuff! I'm loving this! I seriously a becoming a "throw away/give away/get out of my house"-aholic. Each bag gives me another breath of relief.. One bag lesss of stuff to clean and waste my time and space on! The girls are learning

We've gotten the back and front room downstairs taken care of, pretty much. We just finished the girls room (i actually got pictures). We have our room, the kitchen (which i don't think will take much), and our storage closet left!

I've got so much more planned instead of having to clean, and get no where. I am almost ready to start my card system. I'm excited! (i should really be doing dishes instead of blogging.. but that's okay.)

Here's the pictures!.. sorry kids are being needy.. check out the pictures on facebook if you really want to see them!

I love Bryan.

2010-01-10T22:58:00.001-08:00

I've just been thinking this lately.. Good, eh?

But seriously. I'm really lucky to have him to myself (well.... along with the other three girls in his life ;-) ).

I have this problem with comparing... and for a little while I was comparing the small faults Bryan has against people who don't have those faults... And then one day.... I was just thinking about him.. and I starting thinking about what he does for our family....

He gets up in the morning, rushes to school... and on the days he goes to school after Emily, he helps get the girls ready.. Then he goes from school to work (on lucky days we get him for an hour between school and work) Then after working he gets home (usually after 9 pm) and helps me take care of Abigail inbetween doing his homework and picking up the rest of the house (he has OCD, i swear, and can't do his homework in a messy house.. so if it is messy he has to clean it first). Then he gets to bed around 12 or 1, sometimes later depending on his homework load. Every night he gets the baby for me to nurse because of my alien baby problem... and he helps me put her back to sleep... and then he gets up and does the same thing the next morning.

He is an amazing father. Yes, he has his faults... though they are small in comparision of mine.
He's an amazing husband. He's put up with me through THREE pregnancys.. loves me through my emotional craziness. And still cracks me up.... at least once a day.

I can't wait until this stupid school thing is over, and he only haves to be gone for 40 hours a week (at least for most weeks). And we get to spend more time together, and more time together as a family.

Catch Up?

2010-01-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

Nope. I think it's why I haven't been blogging.. I just don't have time (or want to waste it) sitting here catching up. I know i should. I keep this as a journal and Lynda prints it out for me for Christmas and all... But..... It takes way to long to upload and write about all the pictures... Many I'll just post a whole bunch of pictures without writting anything about it.. Then you can just use your imagination and figure out what the pictures are about... Sounds good? K!

Snakes.

2009-12-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

Conversation with Hannah:

Me: Push the poop out Hannah (yes she was on the potty.. this is just the type of conversation you have with a 3 year old)

Hannah: I can't. He's eatting. And then he has to brush his teeth and then he'll come out.

....waiting waiting...

Hannah: The snake is ready to come out, he finished eating and finished brushing his teeth and is ready come out.

-and she does the deed-

It was extremely funny!

2009-11-26T23:51:00.000-08:00

Bryan needs to do a survey for an essay he has to write for a class. Please fill-out this as soon as possible!!

Please put the number of the question next to your answer! Please also answer as truefully. These answers are only going to be used to write my paper (no names will be put in it). Three ways of getting me the answers. First you could just leave them in a comment, the second you can message me on facebook, and third you can email them to me at bryanandmelissabingham@hotmail.com. I need at LEAST 30 people.. so please please fill it out! Please be honest. I won't judge you, I seriously just need it for a stinkin paper.
1. Age?
2. Gender?
3. Race? (optional)
4. What is your Educational level?
5. Would your comfort level be different if you were alone in an elevator with a severely disfigured stranger opposed to a stranger without physical disfigurement?
6. If you were incharge of hiring would you choose a person without physical disabilities over a person with physical disablilities (if there was no sanction by law)?
7. Do you feel a person with a disability should receive the same wage as a person without dispite the potentiallity of the person with the disability producing less?
8. If you were seated at a resturant, and a person in the booth next to you was disabled, making loud, involuntary noises,such as moaing or shrieking, would you feel comfortable remaining seated, or would you prefere to be moved? A remain seated, B move
9. Are you disabled? if so, if you are comfortable, state what your disability is, and if you have recieved any treatment different from that of your peers. was it positve or negative? if you are not comfortable, just put NA.
10. do you like SPAM?

Protected.

2009-11-09T14:55:00.001-08:00

I hope I have added everyone that wanted to. This is going to be my test post! I've been waiting to make sure everyone gets a chance to get added... but there's been a ton to post about so look for a real post in the next day or so!!

2009-10-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

I think that I'm going to be going to be going Private. I have been debating it for a little while. If you want to keep viewing my site please leave a comment or email me.

Newest "Problem"

2009-10-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yep after a week (or maybe two) Abigail has offically mastered thumb sucking. Yes. I COMPLETELY tried to stop this... And am going to keep at it. But it is way cute! I wish I had the camera a few seconds earlier... She was looking at her hands and really discovering them. It was so freakin adorable. Man she's growing up fast!

I'm Done.

2009-10-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

I completely give up. This has probably been one of the WORST weeks of my life. Honestly.

Friday my dad went into the hospital.

Saturday I had to rush to the hospital because my dad was unresponsive. Spent the whole day at the hospital wondering if he was going to make it through the night.
Saturday night woke up all night with nightmares of my dad dying in the hospital0

Sunday spent the whole day at the hospital.

Monday Emily got sick with the flu in the middle of the night
Tuesday spent the day taking care of sick Emily. My dad got off life support and I could go to the hospital to see how he was so i had to worry from home. (since emily was sick. didn't want to get him sick)

Wednesday Emily's all better (or so it appears) Go down to Abigails appointment. Get her brace taken off (though there is a chance (very slim) that she'll need to go back in it when we are able to xray her in a few months) drive home and when we're almost home, have the car break down on the freeway with all three kids in the car during rush hour. Yes. EXTREMELY scary!

Wednesday Night: Wake up all night because Abigail keeps waking up for some reason (i didn't discover that it was because her feet got cold until 8 thursday morning)

Thursday: Get woken up at 3 in the morning with Emily sick still. We finally figure out it's Abigails toes that keep getting cold. Finally get her to sleep. Emily wakes up.. and finds out that she can't go to preschool again.. HAS A HUGE meltdown waking up the OTHER two girls. And so I've been battling THREE grumpy kids. And then I call the Auto Repair guy... and he informs me that my van can't be fixed.

Yeah. I'm done. Yes, things could be worse... And probably will get worse. I quit. I'm done.

Honestly I'm so stressed/tired/emotional that I don't know where to go from here.

Grosgrain: Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Grosgrain: Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Safety Weekend at Lowe's

2009-10-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

We like to go to Lowe's on saturdays (the second and fourth) to do the crafts they have for free. I was really excited about being able to make Firetrucks.. and when we got there, we got a plesant surprise! There was a fun little safety workshop kind of thing. We were able to go inside a police car (the officer assured me it was a new car that had hardly been used yet, and also got sanatized before he brought it)

Emily in the cop car

Hannah and Emily in the police car

Did you know that ambulances have built in child car seats? We found that out. I actually have always wondered what they would do if a parent had a child while in an accident or something like that.

Emily in the ambulance seat

Hannah in the ambulance seat (I probably should have cropped it or something.. but i'm trying to blog as fast as i can to get all caught up)

Emily's First Field Trip

2009-10-06T20:38:00.001-07:00

Emily's class had their first field trip two weeks ago (yes, i'm that behind) It was just to a little park down the road. It was a field trip to help learn how to use the bus! But it was to a park, so it was majorly fun for all the kids. Abby, Hannah, and I met them there. Her is this the bus pulling up.

Emily on the bus.

Emily, her friend, and hannah just being friends!

Emily's class and extras

Hannah fits right in! (the boy she is sharing a seat with also was a sibling of a class member. They both fit right in)

Emily climbing up with a few of her friends!

It was a fun field trip! And i felt so blessed to be able to be a stay at home mom and be able to go with her!

Emily's Birthday Shopping Date.

2009-10-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday Auntie Pammy and Auntie Lynda took Emily (and Hannah) on a special birthday date since Pam was going to be in Utah for her bday. This is what they came home with!! :-)
Just what she wanted! A new (and her first) real bike! With matching helmet and pads!

She had sooooo much fun. Thanks Aunties!!

My frustrating Night.

2009-09-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

.. okay. So I love my kids and husband.. but sometimes I think I might pull out all my hair.. So I "had" (bryan was making brownies and we need icecream with it) to go to the store.. The girls ar in bed, i tell them that they can have the light on for 2 minutes and then Daddy was going to turn it off... I get to the store.. get the ice cream and then remember we need milk and salad stuff and a bunch of other stuff.. Then I go to check out.. No card. I call Bryan. Yep, he has it. Run home.. Notice the girls' light was still on. Shut it off and told Bryan to check on them again in a few minutes to make sure it was off. Run back to the store, hunt down an associate to find out where my stuff was.. Finally pay for the stuff.. Come home to the girls' light back on. Turn it off.. wait a minute, turn it back off and sturnly tell them not to turn it back on. Within 15 minutes they are asleep.. BUT! Bryan added to much water to the brownies.. so they don't look so good. So no brownies for me... But at least I got ice cream...

Emily's First Day.

2009-09-22T17:20:00.001-07:00

Sorry.. I'm behind.. Busy-ness has kind of taken over.
Here are all the pictures in order of how her first day went.

Emily, Age 3..... First Day of Preschool

2009-09-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

Emily's Birthday is in TWO WEEKS! I have NOTHING planned as far as a birthday party.. any ideas?!!?!?

"We went to Heavenly Father's home!"-Emily

2009-09-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Abigail and Emily had doctor's appointments down at the Seattle Children's Hospital this week. They weren't on the same day (one wed. and one thurs) so we decided to make it a little trip!

It was fun... though we got some bad news.....

Yep. She needs to be in the brace.... hopefully for not to long..

This is her doctor.. Dr. J. (his name is to hard to spell.. and most people just call him dr. j anyways..) I promise she isn't terrified of him... even though this picture looks like she is!

I wasn't going to post this picture (since dr. j looks kind of funny in it) but since it proves that Abby is terrified of him.. i thought i should.

We went to Red Lobster after the doctor's appointment. ... Some how Emily ended up with three plates. She thought it was great. (yes, she did eat ALL of bryan's salad.. she's a salad girl)

The hostess let Emily pet a lobster. She thought it was great. But she just kept talking about how we went and ate at "Green Lobster." She's in a "i'm right and you're not" phase right now (hopefully it's a phase) and so we just couldn't convince her it was Red Lobster

We decided since we were so close that we should go to the temple with the girls. When we got home tonight Emily was telling Auntie Pam all about what we did.. She then exclaimed, "We went to Heavenly Father's home!" it was so adorable!

Daddy and the girls

Mommy and the girls

Emily and Hannah trying to figure out how to get in the water to play...

We then spent the evening swimming in the pool at our hotel. I love hotel pools. No one usually swims at them.. and so we have a hot tub and a swimming pool all to ourselves!

Here's the girls.. Emily decided she wanted to make a bed on the floor... After she fell asleep Daddy put her in the bed since she was looking cold. They ended up snuggling cute like this pretty much all night. The picture is from Abby's 4 oclock feeding (can't complain, she went to bed at 9ish.. had one feeding at 4, and then woke up at 8ish for her next feeding!)

Here's us at Emily's appointment. Her eyes are getting better. She still needs glasses for the time being...

We stopped here for lunch:

A friend from Bryan's work suggested it. Yumm! Yes, we are going to stop there again. Not only was it cheap and tasty... But it was so homey and pleasant.. You just sit and chat with the neighboring car.. It was very fun.. to bad we were in a rush.

Anyways. It was a fun two days. We decided we need to take two days off every few months and just get away. Sounds like a plan to me!

2009-09-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

(i stole these from Michelle.. didn't she do AMAZING?!)

Abigail is 6 weeks old today!? Man. Time is going fast.

List of things she's been doing (besides being amazingly cute):

-laughing, she's started to giggle here and there
-smiling. She has a gorgeous smile.
-she's still a pretty good sleeper. last night she slept from 9 to 7 only waking up once for a feeding. We like this!
-she's still our newest love our our life. She's a HUGE blessing. I'm so blessed to have three amazing girls!
-she's still a wonder to her sisters. They love her, and are still extremely interested in "helping" all the time.

We are so glad you chose to come to our family Abigail Renae! We're glad we have you forever and ever!!

A New Chapter

2009-08-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

(okay so the picture doesn't really have much to do with the post.. but i just think she's adorable and had to share!!)

So. Life is changing. It really keeps getting better and more exciting daily!

*Yesterday we met with Emily's preschool teacher. She was very niice. She told us what kind of things they would be teaching, some of the field trips they will be going on. We also found out that they have family nights and dad nights. Just lots of fun things to help the kids! It involves parents a lot. Each morning as we drop Emily off there will be a project for us to do with her that will take about 20 minutes. Then we are allowed to stay as long as we fell we need to. Volunteering in the class is allowed and encouraged. Because it is a bigger preschool program (they have several different locations) they have something like PTA that parents can be involved in if they want, to help plan the family nights and such. They have a little playground and take them outside and do exercises for 45 minutes, and then allow them to play more if they want. They will be teaching her phonics. They have these "little programs" which teach them different things like sharing, taking turns, empathy, and etc.

Okay can you tell i'm a little excited?!??! Look for pictures after September 9th of her first day of school... :-D

*Bryan is going back to school and starts at the end of September. He's excited and nervous. This is no where as exciting for me to talk about as Emily starting school.. :-D

*Abigail is growing fast. She's already 6 weeks old. It seems like she's been here forever, but also not as long as 6 weeks!

*I was a little worried about Hannah's degression in speech. So we had her tested. I was pleasently surprised. The problems that I was worried about is a normal thing for her age, and is expected. Problems like not pronouncing the sound "gah" completely right or the sound "kah".. Normal 2-3 year things. She decided since Hannah is very talkative, she would do the test that they normally don't do until at least 3 years of age. I couldn't believe how many questions she was asked. By the end of the questions she was getting pretty bored and easily distracted by pictures (instead of answering the question she would give a story about it). The lady giving the test informed me that it was really okay, she just had to keep doing the test until Hannah got 5 zeros. (meaning she failed 5 of the mini tests)... At this point she informed me that they were already on the test for age 5. She still wasn't failing.. But then Hannah got completely bored and wouldn't even look at what she was pointing at or listen for the question to be done before answering.. We decided that the test was okay to be over.
Results of the test: Pronunciation: Age 3, Understanding: At least Age 5, Vocabulary: At least age 5.
The lady doing this test said the reason she has been degressing in her speech is because her vocabulary is going through a boom. So she's getting overloaded and getting "lazy" on her old words.. She said that it is something that will most likely fix itself out.

*I'm doing good. Though my hips still give me problems each day, I am able to do a lot more before they hurt. I've been really whipping my house back into shape, and my family! I've been trying to do the basics (laundry, dishes, making bed, cleaning girls room) every day and then adding one more thing. Today it was scrub the kitchen floor, scrub a wall (i'm trying to do one wall a day) and clean out the car. Some days I feel like I'm a better mom of three kids then I was as a mom of two kids.. but then I remember that i was pregnant for 9 months unable to do a lot :-D which explains how i feel.

Overall, life is good. Yes, we have had a few sleepless nights. But not as much as we could have.

I should go now, Abigail is sleeping and I need to eat some lunch and get back to being productive!

2009-08-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

So. Being a mom is hard. Being a wife is hard.
Hence the reason I use this blog to complain somethings.

Today. I think I earned this trophy and this ribbon!

Not only was I productive, I was also extremely loving and patient. I took the time to put on a crazy dance show with the girls for Daddy and Abby. We also had a "Clean-up Party." Let me explain this one. I have been getting rid of internet time to play more with the girls.

Every night we try to clean up the girls' room and have them help. Some nights it's HORRIBLE trying to get the girls to do it. Lot's of fighting. Once we finally get it all cleaned up and the girls in bed, Hannah comes out and says she's hungry... an then proceeds to come out 5 more times telling us the same thing. So tonight I decided to cut up a cucumber and get a bowl of pretzels and bring it up to their room when it was clean up time. They were allowed to eat if they were cleaning. Man! It got cleaned up fast, without fighting, and the girls did A TON of it. Extra points to me!! :-D

Yeah, I am having one of those good days and had to share!!!

A much needed break.....

2009-08-24T22:55:00.003-07:00

Lynden Fair

2009-08-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

This year we opted out of going to the Lynden Fair. (not my choice.. but Bryan's rational reasoning convinced me that it wouldn't be fun to take three kids to the fair, especially since Abby isn't completely on a schedule.)

So we headed to Hovander instead. We got to see animals, run around, play at the playground.... so we had fun like we would at the Lynden Fair, without the crowds.. but sadly without the yummy Curly Fries.

It was Daddy's first time going to this park. He loved it. He sat and admired the animals just like the girls.

This is what Abigail did while we looked at the animals...

Isn't this like the cutest picture EVER? What better way to spend your day then with your best friend. These girls love each other so much.

The girls finally got to go up the HUGE tower.. Thanks Daddy!

And a self portrait to prove I was there too! :-D (bryan doesn't take good pictures of me.. so i thought i'd just snap a quick one of me and abby..

And this was how busy the park was.. Man it was nice to have everything to ourselves the majority of the time!

Twenty Five Years Ago....

2009-08-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

The love of my life was born....
(yes abby is eatting his nose... He was talking to her closely and she was hungry... and his is big, so she thought she give it a try... Sadly she failed... but we got an interesting picture.)

So.. I've been waiting a while to do this post. I decided to save all my bragging things for his birthday post. Seriously, there has been a TON of times I've wanted to just sit and brag about my man. He's amazing. So I thought I'd do a "25 reason why I love my man".. in no particular order.

1. Hello?! He's like the hottest guy ever. Seriously, I still feel lucky my eye candy chose me back!

2. He changes diapers. Seriously, today he got the day off because it's his birthday.. I like the system we have.. Both of us change them. works so much better..

3. He's smart. Seriously, up there on levels of genius. But he doesn't make me feel bad or stupid, he just teaches me.

4. He's a good kisser. I'm glad I get to share eternity kissing him!

5. He reads to our kids a ton! Which helps pick up on days where I haven't been as good at teaching them. He's got my back!

6. He's hilarious.

7. He's smooth. Seriously, I love taking him places with me. First, he's hot, but then he's entertaining. Always thinking of the right thing to say at the right time. Something I'm jealous of. But I guess as long as I've got him, I don't need to worry about it!

8. He's an On the Go type of person. Which I think has really helped me (especially after having Abby). He's always wanting to get out and go have fun.

9. He keeps me grounded. Seriously, I am a worry wart. If it was up to me the kids would never get to do anything fun. Example: I take the girls to the park and only let them play on the safer looking things. He takes them to the park. They come home "Daddy let me go down the owie bar" (the firestation bar thing, it rubs on Emily's legs so that's what she calls it).. Luckily my kids have him.

10. He gets up in the middle of the night to hand me the baby. Why does he have to... Umm. that's another story for another post sometime in the FAR future.. Let's just say Aliens...

11. He's sensitive. Not in the like bad "please stop crying" way. But in the sweet way. Like one time when Emily was little he was feeding her food. The food was to hot and it burnt his tongue. He almost started crying. He just loves our kids so much.

12. He's got an amazing testimony which helps us get through a lot of our tough times. Just hearing "Heavenly Father helped us last time, we know it's going to be okay this time." Really brings the stress level down.

13. He says sorry. He's not afraid or to pride full to say he's sorry.

14. He really loves our kids. He doesn't mind watching them. He's a very hands-on Dad. The way he interacts with our babies, I can just see the pure unconditional love for them in his eyes.

15. He's OCD about a clean house. Yes, ours might not be perfect. But he picks up every night before we go to bed. Even if he's worked a 12 hour day.

16. He laughs at my quirks. He doesn't get annoyed. He finds my imperfections cute and more attractive. This makes life so much more relaxed and fun.

17. He's a good advice giver. Seriously. I know people come to him just for his advice. People who would otherwise just keep things in.

18. He's an amazing guy. Seriously, with all the problems I've had, he hasn't complained at all. He instead makes up for what I lack. When I got pregnant and my hips start hurting to no end he does more chores around the house, he takes the kids on more walks so I can have alone time. At the end of the day, he still has time to make sure I'm still not in to much pain!

19. He thinks I'm superwomen. He believes I can do anything, and it's helped me achieve so much. He really encourages me to try new hobbies and stuff. One year he spent all his birthday money on a gift for me, because I decided to try a new hobby.. Which leads me to............

20. He's so selfless, so often. If we won a million dollars, he'd spend it on making as many people's life better as he could. He's always thinking of ways to make others happy. Whether it be giving a homeless man his burger, or buying his brother a bike to helping his mom out. He just really loves to be a giver of so much.

21. He's extremely talented, in so many different areas. He's able to play songs on a guitar by just listening to it. He's also an artist and surprises me with this talent when I try to do something artsy (yes he does out-do me often)

22. He's creative. Kind of goes with talented... Never a boring time when he's around Weither it be creative jokes, or creative things to do as a family.. He has being creative down!

23. He compliments me. This is one of our strengths in our marriage. We both compliment each other often. From cleaning the house extra good to wearing my make-up differently. He makes me feels special for just being me.

24. He's good at picking out movies. Seriously, I'm always trying to buy ones I want.. But the ones he decides are good are normally 10 times better then the one i've decided would be good.

25. Man, I'm having a hard time picking the last one.. Not because there isn't another reason, but because there is more then just one left. I could say he has amazing eyes, sometimes blue sometimes a little greener, or I could say I love him because even now when we dance in our living room, it's like we are still floating on clouds. Or I could say I love him because when I'm truly down, he knows the perfect thing to say or do to make my tears go away. Or that he knows so many strange and interesting facts. Or I could say I love him because he's not quite perfect, which makes him so much much more perfect to me (i like quirks and learning through our imperfections together) No, I decided that the 25th reason I love him is..... Even after being married 5 years (knowing him eight years) he still surprises me with his amazing-ness. There is just so much about him that I keep learning, and love.

Happy Birthday Bryan Anthony! We love you so much!

One Month Old

2009-08-19T16:12:00.001-07:00

Abby Renae is One Month Old (as of yesterday!!)

Abby Info:

*we love Abigail. Seriously, she's a great addition to our little family. We're blessed to have her
*she no longer has to wear her brace. She's been out of it for a week now.. We love her toes!
*She's become a great little eater. But also a great little sleeper. She did have a few eight hour nights.. But averages about 4-5 hours of straight sleeping. So really she only wakes up once a night
*She loves being sung to by her little sisters and mommy
*Life seems to be going by fast.. Seriously she's been here a month already!??!!?!
*She's probably the most kissed baby in the world. Seriously, Hannah won't stay away from her!!!

Happy One Month Birthday Little Love. Wecome to your CRAZY but loving family!!!

***Side note: Abigail's baby blessing will be the first week of September. Everyone is invited to share this special day with us!!!***********

Abby's first bath.. and more.

2009-08-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to capture exactly what happened when she first entered the water. She liked it. My trick to a sucessful bath: warmer is better... seriously who likes a lukewarm bath?! I normally do it a little warmer.

Somehow I developed two extra arms during the bath :-D.. A two year old arm and a three year old arm. Yes, the really wanted to help!

Relazing after the nice bath..

I had to get a picture of her little feet.. I hate that she has to wear the brace... I never get to play with her little toes.

Whenever Hannah is in the same room as Abby, you can bet you'll find her doing a little bit of this:

She loves giving her baby kisses!

Sisterly Love..

She looked like she was pondering something serious... But now when I look at the picture, it looks likes she's ready to defend herself from her older sisters..

Abby in her brace...

On another subject. Emily is a genius. Seriously.
The other day she walked into our room and showed us her drawing.. Can you guess who this is?

(think Spongebob-y)

Then today she ran into our room all excited... "Mommy it's your name!!"

If you can't tell it spells "mom" with a few extra letters at the end

Finding Joy in Motherhood

2009-07-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

I was sitting and holding Abby, while Bryan took Emily and Hannah on a walk. And my heart was at peace. No, not because my house was a little quieter, but because this week has been full of things that have made me so happy to be a mom. (no it hasn't been an easy week, but well worth it)

Here's the list of joys I've found in the last 9 days:

*Right after they pulled Abigail out of me, she cried and cried and cried. I got this "strange" thought that I should call out her name. (with a c-section, they don't give the baby to you right away...) I said "abigail" and the crying IMMEDIATELY stopped. Yes she started crying again, but she stopped, and each time I called her name she would stop crying.

* Today Abby was crying in her carseat. Hannah and Emily decided to rock her and whisper "shhhh." She stopped crying for them. The girls we ESTATIC! "We calmed Abigail down!!!"

*It's been hot here. We got each of us a spray bottle from the dollar store to help no one over heat. Everyday I catch the girls with Bryan getting into a water fight, and LOVING it.

*Yesterday we were at my parents house. Hannah wanted something to eat, but Daddy was holding Abby. Hannah goes up to Daddy.. "Daddy, put abby down." He gives her over to me and Hannah takes Daddy by the hand into the kitchen. It was sooo cute!

*We got coupons from the preschool we are hoping to get Emily into for McDonalds. We went there and got the girls their free kids meals. When we got home Hannah opens her toy, she decided it was Abby's. And still won't take it back. She's determinded to share it with her baby.

*The last few mornings we've put Abby in the Boppy, then Emily, Hannah, and I sing her songs. We love this time and love sharing music with Abby.

*Everytime Hannah enters the same room as Abby she needs to kiss her.

*Whenever we go somewhere both girls ask "can we take Abigail with us too?" They just want to make sure she gets to stay with our family forever :-D

*The morning we had the c-section, Emily woke up HYSTERICAL! She thought that I had left without snuggling her. Something that we do every morning, almost. I love how small and simple things are so important to her.

*Morning snuggle time. It kind of goes with the last one. But on most mornings we are able to snuggle in bed together, it's probably my favorite part of the day... Just laying in bed with my whole family.... It usually ends with laughter and tickles.

OKay... I seriously could go on. I know being a mom is hard.. I have quite a few bad days. But seriously.. I love my girls! And they make life so much better.. All their little lights of sunshine, even through the tantrums!

They say babies don't smile.

2009-07-28T10:23:00.001-07:00

Abigail's Hospital Anoucement. I thought the picture was way to cute not to share!!

Melissa and Bryan have chosen the name Abigail Renae for their beautiful new daughter born July 21, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital.
Birth Statistics
Weight: 8 pounds and 9 ouncesLength: 19 3/4 inchesTime: 9:25 amDate:Tuesday, July 21, 2009

EDIT: I noticed this on under the hospital picture, and thought it would be way cool if i had the information recorded also.

July 21, 2009 - a day to remember
The Weather:
The sun rose over Bellingham at 5:30 am and set at 9:02 pm Local high: 81° F Local low: 59° F The nation's weather extremes were 120° recorded at Death Valley, California and 34° at Burgess Junction and Old Faithful, Wyo.

In the financial world
the Dow Jones closed at 8848.15 Minimum Wage was $8.55
and the prices of some big and little ticket items were
Loaf of Bread: $2.49 Gallon of Milk: $3.85 Average New Home: $252,100.00 New Car: $21,750.00 Gallon of gasoline: $2.75

Populations:
Bellingham: 76,500 U.S. Population: 306,145,387In the world of entertainment this week

The top grossing movie was: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"

Abigail Renae shares her birthday with these other interesting people
1899 - Ernest Hemingway - One of America's most popular authors of classic novels The Old Man and the Sea, The Sun Also Rises and For Whom the Bell Tolls.1938 - Janet Reno - First woman to be America's highest law enforcement officer, U.S. Attorney General.1952 - Robin Williams - Award winning comic and actor known for the TV show "Mork and Mindy" and many movies, including "Good Morning Vietnam", "Popeye" and "Dead Poet's Society."

There have been some other notable events on this day in history
1861 - The American Civil War got underway in earnest as 60,000 troops fought the first major action of war, the first Battle of Bull Run, at Manassas Junction, Virginia.1925 - A Tennessee jury convicted John T. Scopes of illegally teaching the theory of evolution in public school in what was one of the most interesting and publicized trials of the first half of the 20th Century.

Happy Birthday Abigailfrom your friends at St. Joseph Hospital

Sleep, where art thou?

2009-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, Abby-cakes has been a pretty easy baby. Seriously. But last night. Man, hopefully she doesn't repeat it. For some reason she just wouldn't sleep. She woke up every hour with gas, and needing to be feed......... and then at 3 she decided it was play time. And finally at 6 we snuggled her back to sleep, yep she slept a WHOLE hour and 1/2, the most she slept in a row all night. Then she feed and needed to be snuggled back to sleep until Emily woke up.. Then she finally fell asleep enough to put into her bassinet........ and then Emily started watching Dora, and got excited and held on to her bassinet and was bouncing and woke her up... (which is what just happened as i'm writing this).... Hopefully she'll just sleep.

I might have to call in my babysitting favors...... We'll see how grumpy Bryan is.... Maybe we'll just take turns sleeping.

OKay.. maybe i'll post later with fun pictures... But right now, i'm just sitting here making sure Emily doesn't wake Abby up..

DDH

2009-07-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, baby Abby decided she wanted to look EXACTLY like Hannah did at this age... So in order to do so, we had to put her in a hip brace too! :-D

On a more serious note... Yesterday when the pediatrian came to check on Abby he noticed her right hip out of place. So right into the hip brace she went.
I've been kind of discouraged, at least I was all day yesterday. And I don't think that the whole Abby being awake from 2:30am-7am helped me deal with the problem. But now that I've had a decent (as good as you can with a newborn) nights sleep, i'm thinking a lot clearer and not even crying!!

DDH is Developmental Dysplacia of the Hips. It's just a tech. term for her hip out of the socket. It's something we've dealt with before.. so i am not to scared, and know it will only last a few months.

The thing I'm really not looking forward to is the constant asking of "what's wrong with her?" It's something I dread. I'm more then willing to answer EVERY other question about her DDH. But I guess "what's wrong with her?" isn't a real question, only a way to state that she isn't "Perfect." .. SO if you want to ask more questions if something comes up. Feel free. Honestly, as you don't ask the above state question. I'm more then willing to help educate and share all the knowledge I have on this subject.
oh, and no, it isn't any harder to hold her. It actually is a little easier.. Since she's all buddled up more...

2009-07-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE WORLD ABIGAIL RENAE!!!!!!!
(and no, this picture wasn't posed, she did it all on her own)

Abby was born Yesterday at around 9:15. She weights 8 lbs 6 oz. and is absolutely PERFECT...

We had an amazing surgery. Abby came out with no problems, she's nursing and everything with no problems. We honestly can't belief how smooth things are going. But are very grateful to Heavenly Father for it.

We'll probably be at the Hospital until Friday. Recovery for me and abby have been great. I've already been up and walking around.

Okay.. time to attend to my beautiful baby.

Scratch the last list.

2009-07-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

So, after thinking about it, stressing about it.. and then REALIZING...... We'll be okay if we don't get everything done. My list has been completely shortened to only the important things..

1. Spend some special time with Emily and Hannah
2. Pack everyone up
3. Get the schedule printed out.

The other stuff is just not as important (especially since bryan already got the dishes done :-D)

So, we're going to watch some t.v. while we eat our lunch. Then we are going to do a load of laundry together (they love helping) and then they are going to help me pack their clothes. And inbetween that we are going to tickle, read, play, and maybe even take a bath!!

Late Night Awakeness.

2009-07-18T00:23:00.000-07:00

So, tonight Bryan and I were just talking about how excited we are that Abigail is almost here.......... stupid thing to do right before we are suppose to fall asleep..... .

I might just have a panic attack. I realize there is sooooo much stuff i need to get done in the next three days. Seriously! It's all the little stuff. but it's adding up...

My list so far?!

*finish sorting all the clothing
*wash the kitchen counters (they've become gross since i've been unable to tackle the kitchen)
*finish the dishes (if we're going to be gone four days.. that could get HORRIBLY gross)
*wash the carpets.. at least the girls' and ours, and the front room... well might as well get the last room left also
*get shampoo and conditioner. Perfect timing to be running out, right?!
*Get the rest of the laundry washed, folded, and put away
*Get the girls' stuff packed, Bryan's stuff packed, Abby's stuff packed, and my stuff packed for the hospital time.
*Get everyone a schedule and make sure it works for them
*clean the back room
*find the rest of the stuff for the bassinet, and wash it.
*wash the baby tub
*take the garbage out
*clean out any food that might go bad in the fridge
*wash and sanitize all the "abby" toys
*get the baby bag all washed out and ready for use
*make a grocery list for when we get out of the hospital so Bryan will know what to buy
*get airfresheners
*get more laundry detergent
*take the girls on one last (for a while) special mommy, hannah, and emily adventure.. (hopefully doing it sometime monday)

..seriously that's just the stuff on the top of my head.......at 12:30 at night.
But at least we have diapers and a carseat, right??!!?!??!?!?!

2009-07-10T10:21:00.001-07:00

My list update.

Okay, so 11 days from now I will be holding my little Abigail. I'm excited, but need to stay focused. Here is my updated list.. The ones in red are done.. the ones in black aren't.

*Organize all the girls' toys into containers
*Finish organizing all the baby clothing into sizes
*Buy a new carseat. (after two baby's in one... and lots of blowouts.. our current one is looking a little worn.
*Wash off the MILLION crayon marks on the girls' wall
*Wash all the carpets in the apartment.
*Find the rest of the pieces to the bassinet and set up in our room
*Get the girls' schedule ready for where they are going to stay while we are in the hospital
*Pack hospital bags and girls sleepover bags
*Fold and put away all the clothing on the couch. (we got a lot)
*Wash out bathtub
added on today
*Clean out car
*make grocery list for when we come home from hospital

Okay.. so it might not look like we've done much in the last two weeks.. But there was a TON i didn't include in this list. Luckily we've gotten all the HUGE stuff done, we just need to do a few more things.
Currently bryan is working on the car, and i'm about to do some laundry (keeping up on things)... then we're going to move around the carseats so the girls get use to their new spots in the car.

Doctor's appointment Today.

2009-07-07T17:43:00.001-07:00

So.. I've been having contractions pretty much one an hour for the last two days. So I went to the Doctor's office with a little bit of high hopes.

Stats: I'm 75% Effaced (way up from last week.. i was only BA RELY 30%)
I am dialated to a.. (insert drum roll)...... not even a one. I'm dialated to a fingertip. That's all.. Yep all this pain for nothing (though I was COMPLETELY not dialated last week). Yeah, I'm kind of disappointed.

We're going to do an ultrasound again next week to see how big she looks. But Dr. Cook says he still feels a c-section would be best, if she doesn't come sometime this week-ish.

SO i have my pre-op appointment next week along with the ultrasound at the same appointment, and then the week after is my c-section.. it's coming up soon..... but not soon enough.

Hannah Explaining what we're going to do tonight.

2009-07-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Home Depot Adventure Part II

2009-07-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Todays Craft was "Picnic Boxes".... they look a lot like Toolboxes... But I think we'll use them for picnicing at least once!

Here's Emily hard at work:

Here's Hannah and Auntie Lynda. Hannah actually really liked hammering with Auntie Lynda, I just happen to get a picture when she was distracted.

The girls with their final product. The handles weren't dry so they had to hold them like this. But tonight they might be able to use them at the BBQ at Oma's.

Auntie Lynda and the girls showing off their hard work!

Again I recommend this. It's harder for younger kids.. BUT still really fun. I just recommend one adult per young child.

2009-06-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

So last night I went into labor... I was on the way to the hospital.... And then was woken up by Hannah. :-( Yep, Just a dream....... I woke up still pregnant and not any closer to going into labor. GRR! I am really hoping the dream comes true soon!

Check Off That!

2009-06-27T20:49:00.001-07:00

sorry, another pictureless post.

Today Bryan was off earlier then normal. He got off work.. I asked him what he wanted to do.. He replied, "get the house clean." .. Remember how Bryan was nesting.. it lasted for a day and a half.. He stopped.. But then tonight he started again...

So! We got a MAJOR project done. We cleaned and organized the girls' room. It took about 3 hours. But now all their toys are sorted into containers with lids and are in their closet. That way they can only play with a little amount of toys at a time.. And clean up will hopefully be A TON easier.. :-D (yes i stole this idea from someone in my ward!)

We still have a lot to do and only 3 weeks to get it done in! But one thing is finally checked almost off (we still have to wash the floors and walls!)

Today's Craft

2009-06-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

I didn't take pictures. Sorry. I'll have to take pictures of their final project. But today we made Pirate ships with Auntie Lynda at Lowe's...

Next Saturday we are going to make picnic (they look like toolboxes) at Home Depot. I recommend it to everyone! It's fun, free, and easy!

I'm mad!

2009-06-26T15:43:00.001-07:00

Okay not really all that mad. But I do have to say.. Each person in our family has now had the flu. Emily, Hannah, and Daddy threw up once.. The end.
I was up all night.... NOT FAIR! Add with that all pregnancy related pain... I'm not doing the best today. Infact bed has been where I've resided almost all day.

A few things I'm grateful full!

1.) After Bryan was up wednesday night with the flu (he might have only puked once.. but his stomach was so upset up until he did, he ended up being up half the night) he went to work on thursday. His initial intentions were to come home early, when another work came to work.. But the other person ended up having food poision so he ended up having to stay and work ALL day.. Yeah, 8am -9:30pm.. all while being sick....
He called me and was so excited for the blessing of having more hours.. Yes, he's a much better person then I'll ever be!
Then he came home and cleaned the house up and helped me get emily to stay in bed.. All while comforting me as I was sick.
AND! he's going to come home from work today and take the girls on a walk.. so they can actually get out of the house today...

2.) Self-Relient little kids. Okay. They aren't always like this. BUT! Today I guess they could tell I really needed their help. Besides one litte incident.. (starting to take poop out of her diaper) they've pretty much been entertaining and taking care of themselves.
Infact they got themselves lunch and everything... LUCKILY I bought the cheap lunchables yesterday at the store.. And they decided that would be a good lunch. Along with a yogurt (danimal yogurt shake drink thing). And then for a snack they decided on the baby tomatoes... I just had to wash the tomatoes.

Of course their room is trashed.. But when i'm feeling a little better maybe I'll be able to do something about that. Still. They've only fought like once... though, actually i can't remember them fighting at all...

MAN! I'm a lucky women, wife, and mom!!
Now, if i could just start feeling better ... i'd take the girls for a treat or something!

Scary Scary Scary Event.

2009-06-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

So tonight as we were leaving.. I pulled up to the parking lot. I looked one way, saw a motorcycle passing.. Looked the other way as I was almost stopped.. Nothing. Then Looked in front of me do to someone yelling something.

Yep! You guess it. I hit a guy on a bicycle. I don't remember much of it due to shock. But! I do remember him infront of the car, standing there looking at his bike.
Yeah. SCARY! I sat and shook for a good 5 minutes. LUCKILY! EXTREMELY LUCKILY the guy wasn't hurt. I don't think he was hurt at all.

Bryan got out to make sure the guy was okay. By the time he got out, the guy had his bike and start walking away.. Bryan asked if he was okay.. He said "yeah, my bikes a little messed up." And continued to walk away. I was confused. I was sure we should call the police or something. Or give him our insurance information. But the guy wouldn't even turn around and talk with us.. he just kept walking. It was weird...

So.. After I finally got out of the shock. (well a little out of it) we decided that we would still continue going where we were headed.

But then I called my mom, and we decided to call the police station. She gave me the number. And I called and left a message for the sheriff in our area. He it turn left me a message (we were out of range for our cellphone) saying that he hadn't had anyone come in or anything. And that it was a good thing we called because the guy could easily have turned the story around saying we hit him and ran. So tomorrow I have to leave another message with a few more details so he can fill out the report or whatever.

Yeah. My first real accident. Scared EVERYTHING out of me.

Totally scary.

Nesting Husband at Last!

2009-06-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

So for the last few weeks I've been starting to really stress out about all the stuff we need to do before Abby gets her (in 28 days).

Bryan, however, Hasn't been. AND ITS DRIVING ME NUTS! Why? Because of my current hip/back/everywhere pain, that allows me to accomplish VERY little during the day.

BUT! This morning he woke up and decided to start stressing.. "the house really needs to be whipped back in shape." So we started cleaning a bunch (we only had an hour before he had to go to work) and we got a TON of laundry washed, folded, and put away. Our room is almost all the way ready for Abby to move in. We just have to borrow my mom's carpet washer and wash the carpets... (probably our blankets and stuff too.. but if we don't get to that they it will still be acceptable)

So I thought I'd make a wish list of all the stuff I have to get done before Abby gets here:

*Organize all the girls' toys into containers (that I finally bought today)

*Finish organizing all the baby clothing into sizes

*Buy a new carseat. (after two baby's in one... and lots of blowouts.. our current one is looking a little worn.

*Wash off the MILLION crayon marks on the girls' wall

*Wash all the carpets in the apartment.

*Find the rest of the pieces to the bassinet and set up in our room

*Get the girls' schedule ready for where they are going to stay while we are in the hospital

*Pack hospital bags and girls sleepover bags

*Fold and put away all the clothing on the couch. (we got a lot)

*Wash out bathtub

eh.. we'll just start with that.

Adventure of the day.

2009-06-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Last year I heard about everyone going to the Boxx Berry Farm Strawberry Festival. I told myself this year we would make it.. Yes that was before I knew I was going to be so pregnant.. BUT! We made it anyways, thanks to a little help from Auntie Lynda!

We saw A TON of people we knew.. Including our favorite family the Bensons!! (though i didn't end up getting any pictures with them...

We first arrived and the girls wanted to go on the train/tractor.
At the beginning of the ride, they weren't so sure about it..

By the end they were smiling and really happy!!

The girls then got their faces' painted. Emily got a beautiful butterfuly.... and Hannah, wouldn't stop moving.. her butterfly didn't turn out quite as nice..

Then we got to take a tour of the farm via a tractor ride

This is what Emily spent the ride doing.. She was so excited by the truck.. She decided the wheels were growing.. silliness!

I was exhausted... But Lynda and the girls convinced me that we NEEDED to pick strawberries.. I almost lasted long enough.. but ended up going and sitting down while they finished up.

The best part about picking the strawberries.. Was eatting all of them while we picked.. The girls LOVED them.

Emily and her FULL tummy! She ate a lot of them..

It was a messy but fun adventure!!

I recommend it for all those that missed out on it this year.. mark your calendar next year! it's fun!!

Doctor's Appointment Update.

2009-06-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

So! I went to the dr.'s today.

Test Results: No gestational diebeties.. at all. All four test came back perfect

Pain Relievers: He said that I can take some Tylonel PM to help with the horrible pain i'm in (and then hopefully help me get a little better nights sleep.. so that my hips can get the rest they need to not hurt as much.). I will be getting some pronto.

Measurements: We measured at 37 weeks. Though, I'm only 34 weeks pregnant.. I guess she's following the trend..

Worry Reliever: She's been kind of slow in the moving department lately. So, the Dr. said that we would just continue doing the NST weekly. It's an easy test, that just helps make sure everything is okay. I'm okay with doing it.. Helps my worriness go down a little.

Illness Update

2009-06-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

It's been over 24 hours.. and no sign of sickness at ALL! I'm thinking we might be over it.. YAY! luckily it wasn't to bad.. She threw up only twice..... It was a more handle-able bug...

2009-06-12T19:26:00.001-07:00

Puke, Puke, go away.

So this morning at 2 Emily came into our room... "i'm not feeling well".... But then she went pee and said she was feeling better and went back to bed.

Then at 4 we woke up to emily trying to tell us she was going to puke.. and then puked.

We weren't excited. But that was the end of it. Nothing, all day......

We decided to go to listen to Lynda play the piano tonight.. We were almost there... Then... PUKE.. Emily puked all over herself.

Weird?! I think so.. She went 15 hours feeling well and then she puked again.. I hope that's the end of it. I guess only puking twice would be a lucky flu...... I REALLY HOPE IT'S THE END OF IT!

What am I grateful for today?

2009-06-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

A husband who forgives me when I go psycho, even if it's around people he has to be around daily.

A husband who then makes dinner for the kids, so I can calm down/cry about how I just embarrased both of us.

A husband who then puts our overtired (meaning grumpy and not obedient) kids to bed.

A husband who after all that, still has the energy to snuggle me and make me feel better.

Man, I'm one lucky women!

Another trip, Another return.

2009-06-07T13:36:00.001-07:00

Last night I noticed that I hadn't really felt Abigail kick very much through-out the entire day. So at 10 last night, i decided to sit and count. She kicked a little, but they were weak. I figured it was late so maybe she was resting.. I'd just check in the morning.

Usually in the morning I wake up to Abby beating me up. This morning she didn't. Then I decided it was time to drink some Orange Juice. That makes her go CRAZY. ... and hour later, still nothing. So it was time to go to the hospital. We got there for the Non Stress Test (NST) at 11... 11:05 she decided it was time to move... and she just wouldn't stop. She HATES the monitor... So she just went crazy, finally. (yes, i was embarrased.. but better save then sorry) we stayed for the 1/2 hour, and then were able to go home. She has really calmed down again, but is still making some movements here and there.

She is driving me crazy.... I hate the worrying part of pregnancy. But it's almost over, right? 6 more weeks...

My doctor wants me to do another one on friday. Then i see him the next week. It's getting closer and closer.. and she has decided to make sure I'm ready... By panicking me over and over :-D

Next weekends goal: stay out of the hospital.. i've already been there two weekends in a row.. lets not make it a tradition.

2009-06-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today's Adventure...
Making Daddy a screwholding/pick holding box... with help from Home Depot and Auntie Pammie!

Emily hammering

Sticker time after it was all put together!

Hannah hammering her box together.

She figured out how to put the middle piece together and did it all on her own.

the final products... and hannah making some funny look.

It was lots of fun!

Emily Eye Update

2009-06-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today we went back down to the Children's Hospital to see an optical specialist.

Emily's eyes are aligning better with this new prescription. The probability of her having to have a surgery on her eyes is getting closer and closer to no.

We will again go down to the children's hospital in 4 months to check up again on them.

A post dedicated to a long time friend....

2009-06-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Joesph Daniel Keyes..
To bad he's to big of a hoser to read my site.
He probably thinks I forgot about his birthday.... But no.. I'm a nice enough person I dedicate a WHOLE post to him for his birthday! Now that's a cool present.. Maybe not as good as a poster of the TWO most amazing girls.. or even coupons to go on dates with them... or driving all the way to Idaho to take him out to dinner...

Yeah.. I know.. I'm amazing.

Though.. he probably deserves for me to forget his birthday... Since NOT ONCE in our eight year friendship has he remembered my birthday.. at all..

But seriously.. Happy Birthday Joesph Daniel Keyes!!

(maybe one of these days I'll be able to meet your wife and cute little boy!! Hey! Abby and Eric could be friends or something :-D)

Oh.. By the way.. I win!!

Labor or Not?

2009-05-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today I got to spend a few hours in the hospital, due to contractions. The nurse informed me they were braxton hicks contractions. Though, before we got to the hosptial they were coming pretty regularly (3 minutes apart.. Lasting for more then a minute) Then I got to the hospital, calmed down, and LAID down. They slowed way down.. 3 minutes apart, then 10 minutes apart, and then 20 minutes apart.
Yeah, not fun. Especially since we were in the middle of gymnastics for the girls when this all started.

So now I'm sitting here, having some other problems.. Wondering when I should check myself back in. I'm sure i'm just being over cautions, but enough is enough.

Luckily Bryan's mom took the girls so i've been able to nap all afternoon. I'm just a little worried because it seriously took Hannah less then an hour to be born, and that's because they told me not to push for 20 minutes while they got the doctor into the room, and got everything set up.

I'm sure tomorrow I'll be completely fine. But GRRR! And of course this is the weekend my doctor isn't on call. I wish he was, he seems to know just how to calm my nervous. Plus he knows my child birth history and all the complications :-/. Yes the test showed I wasn't going to have pre-term labor right them. But seriously, my cervex changed so fast when I was having Hannah. So who knows!!!

I'm glad Bryan is getting off in less then an hour so I can just fall apart and he can help me put myself back together.

Sorry, I just had to vent/release some nerves. K, that's it!

Family Baby Shower

2009-05-28T21:13:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday Bryan's aunt and uncle came up for the Ski to Sea parade.

Bryan's mom and my mom decided to throw a family baby shower. It was great! I sadly didn't have my camera with me. (i did get a picture of the cake with my mom's camera, i'll have to get that picture from her.)

It was a small and simple baby shower. THOUGH there was a TON of cute food. The fruit cabobs that my baby sister made were the cutest!!!

Here are some pictures of what Abigail got.

There were only 5 adults there.. But it's hard to guess that due to all the gifts she got!

Adorable onesies

Some cute little outfits

THE CUTEST recieving blankets. (sorry the best thing about little girls is purple and pink and pok-a-dots)

And an extremely Adorable swimming suit (we like swimming in our family, this is an essential gift!)

On top of that I got a "mom package" With Tons of stuff from bath soaps to maniure items. Seriously.. It's awesome (and not all together anymore.. sorry, i was excited so i didn't get a picture of it!)

Abby also got a giftcard. Emily, Hannah, and I decided that Emily and Hannah should use it to buy Abby an outfit. We've only spent like half of it.. But we got her the cutest outfit to come home in. ...

Hannah (with the help of mommy) picked out the cute dress with "undies"
And Emily (with the help of mommy) picked out these cute shoes for Abby.

On top of all these great gifts last week I got this AWESOME package in the mail from an awesome friend, Alicia. Yeah, It really started getting me EXTREMELY excited about having another girl. She sent SO much cute girls stuff! Seriously Alicia, me and the girls COMPLETELY love EVERY item! It was way exciting to get this special package in the mail!!!

Zoo Part 2... out of order..

2009-05-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

As we walked in the zoo. The girls saw this ride. We promised that right before we left we would ride it. Emily LOVED IT!

I was really afraid Hannah was going to freak out and hate it.. But she informed me right after the ride started "Mommy, I can do it by myself." SHE LOVED IT!

We got to see birds fly right above our heads. It was TONS of fun! The girls really liked this area.

Emily would have stayed her until we saw ever single bird on the list. But, atlas, we had to move on.

Emily hatching from an egg. I had a picture of her all the way covered. But when I went to look at it, I noticed that there was some little girl standing right infront of us.

I know this is a dark picture. But if you look at the top of the slide, you'll see Hannah. I think this is Hannah's favorite slide ever. Seriously she went down about 15 times... Yeah. After she was addicted to the slide Bryan and I noticed a sign on the floor "Children must be 4 years old or older".. To bad. We let her finish having fun.. All the bigger kids were in the toddler area... So we thought it was actually safer!

We were there for the Four Oclock Mystery Animal... I was all excited (not planned or anything) So emily got to pet a real lizard. Hannah chickened out..

One of those "smallest deers in the world". I forgot what it was called. But so cute. I would rather have one of these then a dog :-D

Emily and Hannah being spiders. They both made it to the very top, against mom's wants. :-D

Hannah climbing up the cave outside wall.

Daddy decided it was not fair for the kids to go play in the caves without him. So he joined in! He he eh! It was so fun to watch!

We might have spent to much time at the zoo... The girls turned into Turtles!..

Zoo Adventure

2009-05-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

So yesterday morning, Bryan turned to me and asked, "do you want to go to the zoo?" Part of me wanted to say "hey, i'm tired, sore, and pregnant.." But.. A HUGE part of me (the winning part) said "HECK YES! LET'S GO!"

So we did. We had SOOOOOOO much fun. And I'm not nearly as sore as I thought I was going to be.

There were a few things I learned during the trip:
1. My husband is so amazing. Seriously, he put up with me through all the breaks I had to take. AND he made the trip about 100000000 times better for the girls. He was just as excited about some (okay all) the parts as the girls were. Seriously.. Why did I marry him? Because he's soooo freakin fun!

2. My girls... can handle 5 hours of excitement, with fairly little breakdowns. Seriously, I was a little concerned. Usually they are pretty good for 2 or so hours. But I thought they would start breaking down around 4 hours. Nope. The longest breakdown we had was about 20 seconds long. Yeah... and it was minimal. I was very impressed with the girls.

3. Sometimes it's just amazing to get away just the four of us. (soon to be five). I can't wait until our "staycation" in june.. we have lots of family fun planned.. Just the four of us.

4. I HATE spiders. and bugs... Even the ones in cages make me feel uncomfortable... Bryan gets entertained by this.. the girls get entertained by this.. me.. no, not much entertained.

5. Yeah.. my kids are brains. Seriously... I was just mentioning that one of the animals looked like a big pig.. and Emily turns to me "no mom, it's a tapir."

OKay.. so now to the part that everyone really was waiting for.. The pictures:

Getting ready for the adventure... It might look like she was bored.. But no, she put my sunglasses on and promptly fell asleep.. That way she could have enough energy for the big adventure!

This is what we saw of the girls 90% of the time.. at least. They were SOOOOOO excited about all the animals. (emily's hair looks megga long in this picture, how cute!)

We saw the zoo worker feed the hippos.. Well the girls and daddy did. I was okay with not pushing myself infront of all the other kids :-D.. And then they were so excited to be able to sit on a "hippo".. Maybe next time we'll go for a really hippo :-D

Though slidding on the hippo was way more fun!

Daddy and the girls looking at the zebra and other animals.. If you look way up in the right corner you can kind of see them..

Emily was so excited she was able to go in one of the "cages" and pet the goats. Hannah wasn't the biggest fan.. They also had some minature donkeys.. Hannah was walking around all okay. But then one of the donkey's made a noise.. I've never seen her run for daddy so fast. She explained to me daddy was higher up :-D

Bryan pondering what Life on a Farm would be like. Okay..

I finally convinced Bryan to show Hannah how to milk a cow.. I think that changed his want for a Life on A Farm.

Well. I'm going to post the rest of the pictures (probably out of order) in the next post.. this is taking WAY to much time and effort :-D

Adventures

2009-05-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, We were driving home from an errand.. And we were on the free-way. I "decided" even though I didn't want to, to stop and get the girls some food. We were all hungry, but could have waited until we got home. But I "decided" that I needed to do it anyways.

So, we get off the freeway and get some food. And then we were driving home, not on the freeway. We pasted a light, and then all of a sudden there was something really wrong with the car. So I pulled over. Yep, our tire was flat. Completely. So I called AAA (of course after calling my mom to get the number :-D). Calling AAA always stresses me out. They normally take a million years to come out and help. I was stuck in a car at the side of a road, with both girls in the car. It was starting to become a very stressful situation.

BUT!!!! We had just bought the food for the girls. So they were happy to just sit and eat their food. THEN the AAA guy was WAY fast. He even was patient with me through my incompetence. Found our spare tire (even though it WASN'T where Bryan told me it was) and changed it. He also didn't mind that Emily wanted to watch and ask questions about EVERY thing he was doing.

For an emergency, it was very stressfree almost. I was surprised I didn't cry or anything (especially being pregnant, I kind of stress easy). We went and got new tires for the front. We had gotten an nail in it. But the AAA guy said it was only a matter of time.. a very short matter of time before our tire would have broken on it's own.. i could even tell it didn't look so healthy..

After all this, I am sooo grateful our tire got a nail in it. Could you imagine if imagine if I had been on the freeway and had it pop.. That could have turned EXTREMELY danagerous. I'm glad Heavenly Father gently guilded me into this situation that was very controlled. It could have ended a TON worse! It's very comforting to know he's looking out for me!

2009-05-18T23:33:00.000-07:00

So if I haven't convinced everyone yet.... Just kidding. I just want to update you on my magic bullet.

It's been a week now. (well 8 days) And I can easily say I've used my magic bullet EVERY SINGLE DAY so far. I've made Strawberry lemonade, Strawberry Smoothies, Orange Smoothies, Salsa, Orange/Strawberry/Apple smoothies. And tonight, a Orange Creamcycle Smoothie. Man, I love this machine. I still haven't tried any veggie smoothies.. I'm a little afraid to, they don't sound to tasty...... BUT, soon i'm sure I'll try one.
It's so easy and fun to use. Just add the ingredients to the cup, mix, and drink. (or eat)

I can wait to be able to use it for making baby food!!! This machine does everything. Man, I love it!

On a different note, I finally got my ensign and friend magazine switched over to this address.. The reason it took so long was because I didn't know I was getting it.. Bryan's grandma got us the subscription, and some how I forgot about it. And so today, (after finally sitting down and calling and getting it switched to our name.. i'm a slacker) we got our magazines in the mail! I am so happy.. I was about to order both myself. I've been REALLY REALLY wanting to get both magazines. And for a while I was just looking up them online.. But having the actual magazine in front of me is a lot different. So tonight for bedtime I read a bunch of stories out of the Friend for the girls. What a great way to go to bed.. hearing stories about people's spiritual and uplifting experience. It's something I hope to read to the girls regularly.. And the girls really enjoyed having a magazine just for them, so i'm sure they will remember to remind me to read it to them!!!..

Okay.. So i'm rambling... It happens when I'm excited and tired.. Have a good night!!

Oh! And who was spoiled by her hot husband tonight?!? ME! Yep he got me some really beautiful flowers! And they smell SOOOOOOO GOOOOD! I'm one of those silly ladies that tells my husband not to waste money on flowers. (that's the logical side of me coming out) But every time he does... I absoulty LOVE it! (the romantic side coming out) Seriously. And I'm so happy he rarely choses roses. I'm not a huge fan of roses at alll... they are kind of boring. I'm a fan of variety and colorful flowers! (If you want to see a pic of the flowers he got me check out my facebook) Wow. Tonight was good!

30 weeks down! 10 To Due Date (9 to c-section!)

2009-05-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

I had to add the last part to the post also... Why? Yeah.. Abigail is probably bigger.. Thanks to a tall husband who has history of big babies!

Aren't you jealous?!

2009-05-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

So... Since I've been having this stupid exhaustion problem, Bryan decided that if we wanted to have a nice dinner he would have to pitch in and help. We've been having TONS of fun cooking together. And we work well in the kitchen together...

Though, Tonight we were going to make our newest favorite together.. It ended up being me sitting and watching him cook. I felt SOO spoiled.. This is what Bryan made:

Okay the picture doesn't do it justice. We had: spanish rice, tortillas. beans, carne asada, homemade salsa (this i made... and bryan said that this time it couldn't get more perfect), and chips. To add to the fun... I added a little food coloring the the girls' milk. And they got blue milk. They thought it was great! Man.. It's my newest favorite thing... Yum Yum Yum.. Especially all cooked by bryan :-D

Movie Review.

2009-05-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

I don't normally talk about movies. But in the last two days we've watched two new movies. And it's been fun.

Last night we watched:

This is a movie that I really wanted to see. Bryan didn't have much interest in it. It turned out okay. Though I thought the old lady talked to much. Sorry, she was bugging the heck out of me. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be. It was slow picking up. All the good parts I saw in commericals, i thought they would expound on, but didn't. I was a little disappointed. But it was an okay movie. Though the ending... Not the very, I won't get into it, was a little to much I thought.

Then Bryan picked out a movie for tonight. We watched:

Oh my heck. This is also a movie that I really wanted to see. But for some reason forgot the name and forgot it was the same movie. Man. I loved it. It had some build-up. But not as much as most movies now a days. It was all about getting into the action. Lots of killing of bad people. Not to gory or anything. But there was a lot of fast action killing. *i kind of forgot i kind of like action movies. It was an awesome movie. Just like I like: small intro and build up, Meaty middle, and then perfect length ending. I recommend it. It's more a guy movie.. But heck it's all about saving a child so it could be considered for women too! Oh and it doesn't take the stupid "alien turn" like a bunch of other movies have been lately!

Life Essentials!

2009-05-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

Seriously! I love this thing!
Tonight we had strawberry smoothies. Then we tried to make homemade salsa. Yep! It was good! Though, I put half a jalapeno in it, so i only got a one or two small tastes of it. (of course Hannah loved it! she doesn't know the meaning of spicy!) I'm going to make another batch of it after the kids are in bed with only a TINY about of jalapeno.
I'm going to look up some recipes for veggie smoothies and stuff. I'm planning on making smoothies very often. It's a lot easier to grab a smoothie for breakfast then a lot of other things. Seriously it takes like 10 seconds to make a smoothie! And they are very filling and are full of healthy fruits and veggies!

Plus! I'm going to easily be able to make baby food for baby Abby. Much healthier, cheaper, and a lot easier.. Just add some of the veggies we're eatting that day, a little water... And mix.. :-D

Tonight Bryan and I are going to watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I'm excited. I wanted to go see it in the theaters.. but going to the theater requires a lot more then just buying the movie and snuggling in bed and watching it. Bryan doesn't seem to interested in it. But to bad. It's finally my chance to chose a movie. Normally i'm pretty easy going and Bryan picks the movies out. But this one I really want to watch! So i'm excited!

Mother Dear.....

2009-05-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

SO! I'm going to write a happy post! I've been kind of exhausted and it's hard for me not to just sit here and pitty myself. BUT i'm going to put the effort into it..

My Mother's Day. The best thing about having small little kids I think is the excitement they get over everything. So I was greeted in the morning with "HAPPY MUDDER'S DAY" and big hugs and kisses. Then Emily was like "daddy did you already give her our surprise?" ... They went to Michael's and made mother day's cards for me. They were so excited to be able to give them to me!

Then I just sat in bed doing some stuff on the computer, while the girls went down stairs for a while with bryan...... And then the girls came up stairs and gave me a note "go check in the dishwasher"... Yep! A treasure hunt. And even though the girls helped put it together, they were soooooo cutely into it! Bryan got me something I've wanted, since like the day they came out.. years ago....

I luckily had bought some strawberries and realized we still had some lemonade mix.. Yum!

Then we had cinnamon rolls. Bryan was planning on letting me sleep in and everything.. But Abigail woke me up at 7:30 on the dot, like she has been for the last week.

We then went to church. And we were spoiled to have Grandma and Oma come! Emily had a surprise singing presentation with the Primary. I think I must of missed the memo :-). So her and the rest of the primary children sang "Mother Dear." And she, being her "shy" self.. Walks up, says hi to each bishopric member, stands in front so she can see everyone.. And then come back and declares "I got to sing ALL BY MYSELF!" It was so adorable though! I'm such a proud mommy! It made my day!

Then she gave her first talk. Man, I have one cute kid. She was saying her talk REALLY loud into the microphone. So the kids in primary laughed. I almost panicked thinking she would shut down. The mic got turned off, since she didn't need it and she turns to me "I can't hear myself anymore." She gave her talk. She loved it. On the way home from church she was talking about it.. "And all the kids laughed, I was so funny." WHAT an awesome personality she has.

Then after church we went to my parents and had a HUGE steak dinner. Yum!

Then to bryan's parents.. and we ended up staying there until way to late due to Bryan's Grandma being in town.

It was a good day! (though due to my current problems, had a few breakdowns... but eh, what can I say.. I'm pregg0) Hope Everyone had a great mother's day too!

My cute girls.. and their conversations.

2009-05-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

So the girls didn't know I was filming... and it was cute.. They were sitting by the window discussing rain and hail.

One of my favorite qualities about the girls is they love telling people nice things. Emily decided Hannah and I were beautiful.. (ignore my voice.. i'm in the middle of losing/gain-it-back it.)

I honestly could video tape my girls all day. they are very interesting gals!

Hannah singing "I am a child of God".. whenever I take out the camera she wants me to record her singing it.. .But then she ended up seeing a different song.. I think it was "popcorn taking a dot" (she made it up.. it was cute)

Joys of Motherhood?

2009-05-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

So Hannah is a stinker. She was asleep last night, and then she tried to open her door... and so i went to see what was up.. She handed me a poopy poop covered diamper.... Her hands were covered, her legs, her back..... I really should have tooked a picture of it for blackmail later in her life or something...

But have way through cleaning out her crib, I decided I'd at least take a picture of the nastiness. That way I could use it to get Bryan to feel sorry for me :-D...

Yeah. I don't like her new favorite hobby.. I'm considering seriously trying to potty train her, that way she can't put her hands down her poop diamper......

Through all of it, she was really easy to deal with, and so freakin cute.. I just couldn't get mad at her....... I love that kid... just not her poop so much!

It's Official.

2009-05-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today I am OFFICIALLY in the THIRD TRIMESTER! YEP! 28 weeks!!!!!!!

Babycenter check up...

Your pregnancy: 28 weeks

See the big picture
How your baby's growing:By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Not excited.

2009-05-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

After a night of getting up to pee... like 4 times (at least.. i wasn't counting I was trying to sleep..) Hannah decided to poop and wake Emily up... So we've been up since 5:30. Yeah. It sucks. I'm not looking forward to the sleepless-nights that await me in less then three months... Not at all. Why are we doing this again?!

Answered Prayers.

2009-05-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

The last few days Bryan has come home from work MISERABLE. Which makes his anxiety go CRAZY.. And then one bad day turns into two bad days.. because he's up all night thinking about it..... So I couldn't take it anymore! I just couldn't. I prayed. And I prayed. Then context of my prayers were very very simple, Help Bryan have a good sales day so he will come home happy.

I decided that I needed to do my part. I read my scriptures extra long, while the girls played (something I'm not the best at doing).

Bryan called at 1ish. He had made a good sale, He was relieved.. Finally. I felt in my heart "that's not all, tell him what you did for him." I explained that I had really been praying and praying. And even devoted extra time to the scriptures. And then I was prompted to say, "you're going to sell more." I told him. I was a little hesitant.. what if it was just me wanting... but i told him anyways.

He just recently called. He's sales are really high (like one of his best days). So good that the manager gave him a $15 giftcard to Starbucks (yes we're going out for smoothies after he gets off work) When he told me, I honestly started tearing up. Heavenly Father heard me, he answered my prayers. He really helped Bryan. As I reminded Bryan that the prayer had been answered, I heard him tearing up also. This was something he really needed.

I am so grateful for this experience. I know Heavenly Father was just sitting there waiting for me to unselfishly ask for help for Bryan. I know Heavenly Father was so excited and was being so patient as I tried everything else, and then turned to prayer and scriptures. I'm grateful to know that my prayers UNDOUBTABLY were answered. And I'm so grateful to be married to a man who acknowleges Heavenly Fathers hand in our life. And a man that is so worth to get the blessings Heavenly Father has in store for him.

Pregnancy...

2009-04-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

and

I've never been the biggest fan of strawberries.. Yeah, I'd eat them here and there.. I've never hated them.. Just never LOVED them...

Welll... Pregnancy has made me want both of these two things all the time. Seriously. I'll sit and eat a whole container on my own. I just love the fresh juice-ness of them. And if you add it with the taste of yummy lemonade.. Perfect! And lucky for me... This craving has come when Strawberries are getting cheaper and cheaper. (good thing i'm having a summer baby!!!)

And on a different note... I'm having a bad pain day.. (on these days i'm suppose to do as little as possible.) So, we are having a frozen pizza (the cute individual size ones.. i cut it in half for the girls and it's perfect) And we decided on strawberries and carrots with dip to go with it. And I feel like a proud mom... Hannah's carrots and strawberries are all gone, and now i'm having to "force" her to eat the pizza :-D! I'm very grateful that the girls have this random idea that eating veggies is fun and cool! I hope they never learn differently!

The dresses...

2009-04-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

I'm in a rush, so i'll have to edit the post later.. but this is what my girl's dresses look like.

(keep in mind, they're like my 4 and 5 things ever sewn.)

A few of my favorite things...

2009-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

I know I've complained, due to the fact i've ALWAYS wanted a boy.... But there are some really fun things that are pretty special about girls:

1. Doing nails. My little girls love getting their nails done.. They lay out and make sure that I don't forget their toes. And they love the bright pink nail polish

2. Doing their hair. I love how excited and interested the girls are in this. They love being able to pick out the cute clips for their hair, and tell me how they want me to do it.

3. Making dresses. I'm currently working on cute summer dresses for them. I HOPE to have them done so they can wear on Sunday. Yes, this will probably make for a LATE saturday night for me :-D

4. The coolest thing about girls.. Is they can also play like boys. They can wrestle with Daddy, play with toy cars, and love playing outdoors, just like little boys can... but they also get to do the above mentioned things.

5. They can wear any color in the rainbow... Whereas boys normally don't get away with pink and purple.

Yes, we're having a fun little girly day. I'm excited for little Abby to get here.. I know the girls are going to have so much fun dressing her up with me! She's going to have two very good examples of cuteness to follow.

Side Note: The doctor's office just called. It is now officially on the calendar. July 21st. c-section at 7:30... We have to be at the hospital at 5:30.. man that's early.. But... Maybe there will be a chance we don't have to have a c-section..... doubtfully. but still. As my mom and sister pointed out.. They won't be able to be in the room if it is... Usually only one other person is allowed... the first birth without them.. no fun.

Strawberry Lemonade and Pie.

2009-04-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up, and that's what sounds good to me. That's what I really want! Sadly, I looked in my kitchen and don't have all the ingredients for either.. But man, don't they both sound good. Like Lemon Merguine Pie.. MMMMMmm!

Seriously, I'm thinking I'm going to need to head to the grocery store for at LEAST the strawberry lemonade, i've been craving it for way to long!

BYE!