The Family that Vomits Together...Stays Together

No kidding...One after another the stomach bug got us all in one week. Beginning with Carter...then onto me 2 days later...then Ethan and Alec a day after that...and finally Ben on the last day.




Unfortunately for me, I was the one who landed in the hospital with dehydration and horrible contractions. All that effort at 3 in the morning and an IV (which I detest) to pump me with fluids. Surely, I will leave here with a baby and it will all be worth it. WRONG. As soon as they re-hydrated me and the baby's racing heart rate slowed down...they sent me home...to wallow in my misery. I hope to have better news in my next post!

The Mouse Strikes Again

This time, he swiped his brothers NEW PACK of Trident Gum and swallowed 17 pieces at 10pm on Saturday night! Then, he conveniently left all of the wrappers on his book shelf for us to count when we checked to see if he had gone to bed. Two days later, he threw up. Was it the gum... or a stomach bug? We'll never know.

When the Cat's Away...

the mouse (with a huge mouth) will eat the 1lb block of cheese. That same little mouse will be smart enough to put it back in the tupperware, walk into the office and say to me "I was HUNGRY for some cheese."

Made Out Like a Bandit

Last Thursday I truly felt "the love" of many local friends here in Firestone. Just when I thought I didn't "need" anything... I was literally "showered" with the most darling GIRL clothes and other homemade with love "goodies" for our new little baby girl. All thanks to a dear friend (and several helpers) who put their own busy lives aside and insisted that they host a party for our new little nameless pumpkin. Along with the delicious food and a copy of Where the Wild Things Are, dedicated with little notes for the baby...my guests wrote down some suggested names for our little one. The following are those suggestions...some more INTERESTING than others.
Feel free to vote for your favorite.

Eve, Tasha, Jane, Olivia, Mary Jane, Samantha, Madonna, Tessa, Claire, Lauren, Chloe, Brooke, Andrea, Lexie, Angalee, Ava, Eva, Elise, Nadine, Loralie, Aubrey, Audra Ann, Savanah, Clarice, Camille, Teya, Mable, Reese, Thelma, Kim Su Chang.

I will admit...I needed some love that week. This fourth pregnancy has by far been the most physically challenging for me. I don't know if it's my age, the fact that I am chasing a three year old Tazmanain devil for most of the day...or the bulging and exceedingly painful varicose vein in my groin. It's been a long 9 months so far. Well, I'm almost there...I know I'm on the downhill slope now and EAGERLY looking forward to meeting out little "Miracle."

Thanks to all who were able to make it to the party and several who let me know that they couldn't be there...I still felt your kindness and support. I was so elated with all of the beautiful "girly" gifts, that I set them up on my couch for my family to look at the whole weekend. (My husband thinks I'm a dork) Eventually, we needed a place to sit...so my sis helped me hang my "stash" on our new little PINK hangers. SO EXCITING!!!

School, Anniversary & Birthday Time

Time sure passes quickly when your racing around trying to do everything and be everywhere...and lug around a 30 lb. belly at the same time. So here is a brief recap on August and Sept.
First day of school is always a treat for the boys.(and me)


Happy Anniversary Benji!..August 29th, 1997... 12 years and counting. I remember the hot and windy day as my family and I drove to the San Diego Temple in a black stretch limo eagerly waiting to marry Ben. He remembers our limo doing an illegal U turn the middle of the 5 freeway during lunchtime traffic as we couldn't find the restaurant for our luncheon. It goes quickly when you are married to your best friend. Who would have guessed that I could be so lucky to marry a kind and loving patient man who accepts me for all of my shortcomings, honors his priesthood and is a terrific example to me and our children.

Our first born baby is growin'up!! God knew we'd miss out somewhere...so he gave us Carter (mini Alec) to do it all over again!! ( hard to believe but this picture is of Alec on his 1st birthday)Happy 10th Birthday Alec! Pizza, bowling with friends and ice cream at the park. What more could a kid ask for??? We love you so much!!

You Know Belly's Big When...

1. You walk up the stairs and can barely catch your breath at the top of 12 stairs.
2. You get more "mystery stains" on your shirt than food in your mouth.

3. Your husband says,"Your belly looks more like a watermelon than a basketball now"
4. A lady at the Butterfly Pavillion elbows you in the gut as she's trying to put on her backpack.
5. You begin the infamous and unattractive "preggo waddle."
6. People at Costco look at your stomach first, then gradually move up to your face to address you.
7. Your belly serves as a convenient "shelf" for your water bottle or M&M's.

8.Your profile now looks like Snoopy's.
9. Your 3 year old walks by and says"Move Out of the way...JUMBO!" When asked, "Who is Jumbo?" He responds...an elephant.
10. Your belly jiggles like Santa's when you laugh.


(Never thought I'd post my jiggling belly...but it's my 4th and last baby... I gotta document this madness before I forget)I just can't imagine getting bigger...but I know I will...10 weeks and counting. UGHHH!

The 4th in Idaho Falls

My wonderful sister's-in-law hosted a double baby shower for Annalise and I. We knew ours was a girl and just learned that hers is a girl too!! GIRL POWER! The "stash" on the floor is hers and mine is on the other side of the room!

Ben and I visited the Rexburg Temple...BEAUTIFUL... and did some overdue Templework for my grandfather and sealed him to my grandmother who passed away about 8 years ago.

We went to the zoo with our cute little "Chick" friends from Pocatello. Thanks for meeting us Rachel!!

We celebrated Ethan's "REAL" 6th birthday with the family at Grandma Ahlstrom's house with our Arizona cousins.