"In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test- to return and live with our Heavenly Father."

-L. Tom Perry

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Carly turns 6 and Annie is blessed :)

6 years old!!
Miss Carly turned six years old and I just can't believe it! She was so excited for her birthday. She knew Grandma and Grandpa were coming on her birthday so that made it even more unbearable for her to wait!  She was so excited for her crown from school and her cake.  
She loved all her gifts and had to change into her Repunzel dress right away.
Some things about Carly:
*She is almost done with Kindergarten and is so excited for 1st grade.
*She is a super busy body. She has to be entertained 24/7. It wears me out but she just wouldn't be Carly if she wasn't this way.
* She loves to draw us pictures and leave them next to our side of the bed.
* She loves baby Annie and constantly wants to kiss her.
*She thrives on a schedule and order.  If something is out of order she is the first one to let us know.
*She is doing really well at reading and loves to try and read whatever words she sees.



Below are just random pictures from the last week or so.



Annie's first trip to the lake.


Annie's blessing Day
May 27, 2012
We decided (like in the past) to bless Annie at home while my family is in town. It was such a sweet blessing for a sweet little girl.  I'm so grateful to have her! 






Friday, May 18, 2012

New porch and of course more of Annie


Because of this guy we now have a freshly painted back porch that looks 20 years newer and so much nicer!!



I couldn't resist posting these pictures. I love them!

Annie hit one week yesterday and I just can't believe it. Time needs to slow way down so I can enjoy my little newborn just a little longer.  We are just loving her to pieces.  I for one cannot get enough of her. I just want to hold her all day long and I'm not going to lie, I pretty much do! It's funny how it's so different than my other two. Carly was my first, your always kind of in a fog with your first baby. You love and cuddle them whenever you want but your so concerned and stressed if your doing everything right that you, or at least I, wasn't able to just relax and enjoy her like I should. Sam surprised us and came so quickly I don't remember much of when he was so little (Thank heaven's for video cameras) and I look at Carly and Sam now and see how old they are getting and how fast it went. I want to cherish every second of every day with Annie while she is so new. 
We just love her!







Monday, May 14, 2012

Birth Day and Birthday and Mother's Day!


May 10
I was so excited for this day and had been looking forward to it for a very long time! Luckily we were able to get into the hospital pretty early to get things rolling.  I had to get one more belly picture before it was no longer there.


The delivery couldn't have gone any better. I had everything hooked up close to 9:00 am and Miss Annie was born at 3:01 p.m.  All morning things were progressing pretty slow and I was afraid we were in for a long day but I was checked again around 2:00 and she was pretty much ready to go. At that point everything turns into a blur.  I do however remember her being placed in my arms. I still couldn't believe she was here and was mine. It's amazing how with each child you love them the instant you see them! At that time we came to the conclusion that her name would be Annie.
She was 8lbs. 5 oz. (she was by far my fattest baby, LOVE it!)
20 inches long
Lots of dark hair

I loved everything about that day. Because it was such an easy delivery I felt awesome and I was able to enjoy every second of the day.
Sharise and Craig were awesome enough to watch Carly and Sam the whole day (such a HUGE stress relief for me to not have to worry about that)  They got the the hospital around 5:00.  Carly walked in scanning the room zoning in on Annie. She was so excited, she came prepared to take her own pictures with her camera. Sam just sort of took everything in. They both were interested in seeing my belly.
I must say out of all my deliveries this one was the most relaxed. I felt so good after that I was able to enjoy every second I had of me and Annie time. The hospital I delivered at doesn't really have a nursery so they never take the baby away. They do everything right in the room, which I loved! They did offer to take Annie at night (and bring her back to eat) so I could get some rest.  I loved all my one on one time and snuggle time with my baby.  I was kind of sad for the babymoon to end.


First day at home
We got home Friday evening. The kids were so excited and couldn't wait to hold their sister.  Sam kept saying "she's just so cute!"
Carly wanted to smother her with kisses (and still does)

Me and my girls
Carly is obviously going through a funny face stage right now.

More pictures from her first days at home. We just can't get enough of her!



May 12
Sam's Birthday!
So with just having a baby I was worried Sam's birthday would be kind of a bummer but I really think he enjoyed the day just how it was.  Chad and Craig blew up some balloons the night before.  Chad and Sam went to the store that morning to pick out his own birthday cake (no cake baking for me this time) He loved his cake and his presents. I'm pretty sure he had a good birthday.  
I still can't believe he is 4! He is getting way to smart and way too independent for my liking.


Mother's day
This was by far my most favorite mother's day (so far) Nothing extravagant happened. I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with my little family. I opened little gifts that Carly got for me. Chad cooked me dinner and I spent most the day lounging on the couch with my baby. Maybe it was because I'm on a baby high but I just loved everything about that day!


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

sweet reminders

Every night I check on the kids before I got to bed. Last night I was reminded of how sweet and loving our little Carly really is.  During the day she is crazy and outgoing and loud and talks non stop. I love her to pieces but she can be a tad overwhelming at times. I am so grateful for these sweet reminders at night, reminders that she is just a little girl who is excited for a little baby in the house. She is a daughter of God who was born with the ability to nurture and care for those around her. (even if it's just a little doll)  After crazy days I love to be reminded of how much I am blessed with such sweet little kids.
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*Seeing Carly last night reminded me of a picture I took of her when she was 14 months old. I LOVE it!*


Friday, May 4, 2012


38 1/2 Weeks

I just wanted to jot some things down because time is flying and before I know it, this baby will be in my arms.
*My last two pregnancies I was induced 12 days before my due dates.  I am now 10 (almost 9 days) before my due date and I'm feeling so so so ready!
*I have mixed emotions about this pregnancy coming to an end.  It felt like an eternity before I got pregnant this time around and it has flown by.  For the most part I don't mind being pregnant. (minus the first weeks of sickness) I remember with Sam I couldn't wait to have him.  I was not ready to be pregnant so soon after Carly and so I didn't enjoy being pregnant.  This time around I have tried to focus on the good.  It truly is a miracle and I am so grateful and feel so blessed that we were able to get pregnant this third time around.  I feel sad that it is coming to an end, and yet relieved it is coming to an end because the next step will be holding my new little gal. Maybe I'm also a little afraid as to what will happen the next time around?? Was it a fluke that it took so long to get pregnant, will it be difficult the next time as well?? (Obviously those are questions I don't need to worry about right now)
I just feel like I really can appreciate and understand how special the whole process is now verses the way I felt being pregnant before.
* I am due the 14th, Sam's birthday is on the 12th and they set up an induction date for the 10th.  I originally planned to not be induced this time around since there was really no need for it.  My doctor mentioned to me that she would be willing to as long as I wanted to.  The closer to the end that is got the more enticing the induction sounded. So, that is the plan so far.  I could be holding my baby girl by next Thursday! (plus, I am really thinking that I would go into labor on Sam's birthday, which obviously wouldn't be the end of the world but I'm already dealing with three kids' birthdays in one month. I really didn't want to have to deal with double birthdays on the same day. I know, I'm spoiled that I even have the option to choose)
*This past week I've had time where it felt like I had morning sickness again. I've also been so tired.  I fight to stay awake during the day and yet when bed time rolls around I have a hard time falling asleep. I don't get it.
* My stomach literally feels stretched to the max.  This baby really has no more wiggle room (although she still wiggles and moves like crazy!)
* I get winded so easily. I can't stand it!
* I mowed the lawn the other night on our ride on mower. I plan to do it again and again. Hopefully it'll start something??
* I still can't believe I'm about to have a baby.