So Thankful

We have had such a great amazing week!
On Wednesday the 24th we saw Dr Nelson. We are so relieved and happy after our visit. He sent us to the specialist again but is happy with the progress of the medicine and progesterone shots.

Next we are so thankful for our wonderful teenager. He is and has been so incredibly helpful. He has really picked up the slack since Brian is back to working doubles.

Our Thanksgiving Dinner!!! We are so grateful that Dr Nelson said that I could do some baking. As long as I sat down on a chair. I managed to bake pumpkin pies, cookies and started dinner for the next day.
Brian fried our Turkey, it was so good. Vincent was right by his side helping out.
Vincent ran a 5K that was held at a friends house to help raise money for cancer medical bills. We were so proud of him. We ended up coming home watching the Traditional Macy's Day Parade and Miracle on 34th Street. Mind you the original....... We ended with full bellys on the couch and so Thankful to be together as a family.
Our Thankful week ended with our 1 yr Anniversary. It was wonderful. Of course since being on Sunday, we started with church ( I could only attend Sacrament Mtg) we had a most fabulous dinner made by Brian. I was so grateful that Brian spent so much time making such a fabulous dinner for us.

I'm so thankful for my wonderful life!!! I may be on bed rest but I am truly grateful for my wonderful son and most wonderful husband! I luv you Vincent and Brian and so Thankful for you!!!

Bed Rest

Well it's been a while since my last post.

We went to the doctor last Monday. They found some things wrong so we did more tests. Come to find out, my weekly progesterone shots that Brian gives me are helping but unfortunately not enough. It seems that my uterus is a little anxious. So, another shot (the second one that week) and some meds to take home, along with bed rest was the ticket. We ended up going to the doctor 3 times last week;( but we are so thankful for such a great doctor and staff. Maybe it's in the name..... Hee hee ( his name is Dr. Nelson)
Anyhow I promised to keep everyone up to date. This week we went back to the doctor today. Unfortunately I am allergic to my meds. So, now new meds and still bed rest were the prescription today. Our Dr. will do more tests on Wed will hopefully tell us why I keep having contractions...
As for now thAts our update. Hope all is well with all of you!

Pink or Blue???

Today was day number two in a row visiting our Doctors.  Yesterday was due to the Flu.  I had no idea how scary the Flu could be when you are pregnant.  But after a B6, and something else LARGE shot and a Blessing from two very dear friends I am on the mend. 
Today's first visit was the "fun" visit.  We went for the second half of the NT screening.  We were able to see a couple 3D pictures of the baby.  She is growing well, yet they are a little worried but not too worried (Doctors words) about the low baby weight.  She would weigh at least 10oz to 1lb and is only at 7oz.  I do promise I do eat.  I don't know.  But..... all other measurements are right on course. 
And yes..... I did say SHE. 

I will describe that it's a lollipop that states "I'ts a Girl".  We sent this pic to our siblings and parents but apprently some of them couldn't tell what it was. 
We are thrilled and honestly would have been either way.  We are counting our Blessings. 
We have not decided on a name nor a theme yet.  All due in time.  We are all excited that the guys have Thursday off for Veterans Day and will be heading to Babies R Us to register. 

As for the 2nd visit of the day. :(  another shot...... I tell you.  A shot a week now is going to probably get old but then again.  It is all in the best of the baby.  I now have to take a shot (Brian will give it to me) every week (Tuesday) that will help with not having a pre-term baby.  So... So far so good.  I haven't really felt any side affects today.  Not that I would.  Brian is REALLY excited that he gets to poke me every week with a needle......I can imagine that every Husband or dad to be would be having to deal with a pregnant woman all the time.  :) 
All for now......



Halloween

 This year we were a little late getting up our decorations.  But.... We got it done just in time last weekend.  I worked on the inside of the house, Brian the outside and cleaning the car while Vincent was in charge of our Halloween decorations.  We think he did a pretty good job!

Vincent and Brian were soooo into the spider webs

Vincent made the large spider

We did wait until the last minute to carve pumpkins.

He had to get his done between after Church and a

meeting that was going to go until dark.

Vincents final project!!! Great job we think. 

Next year we will add a little more. 

 

End of the Season

Vincent was so sad last Wednesday as it was the last game of the season. I think his joy of knowing he got to sleep in on Saturday slowly diminished the thought of no more Football.  Hey.... He still has Fantasy Football with Grandma Linda.  Whew.....

I am still not very good at taking pictures.  But Vincent

is the boy standing the right of 67.  You can see his 8

I actually got his whole number 83

I had to get this picture in.  It was an intense game and

one of the players was down for a long period of time

on the field.  My friend Nicole and I found it amussing

that big number 52 was leaning on little 83. 



Piles and Piles of Rock

About a month ago Brian started in our front yard moving the rock from the front yard to the very back of the yard.  I must say.  It seems, looks and sounds like such a tedious job.  WHY are we doing this?  The real reason is, is that fact that our very back yard has nothing but dirt, our front yard was never leveled, nor compacted and we need to add a drain from our middle yard out to our front yard.  (when it rains our middle yard does nothing but flood up to our patio.) And...... We are trying to save money doing it ourselves.  I guess I really shouldn't say we?  But I do help with the food and drinks during the day..... That has to count for something?  The process is starting to pay off.  Our very back yard and along our pool is now almost filled up with rock and the front yard is about half way done.  We still have a lot to get done but it is nice to see improvement.  My boys have been working hard. 

They had a process of Vincent raking rocks into lines

then they both would shovel them into the wheel

barrow and Brian would go dump it. (Poor Vincent

wanted to do the wheel barrow but it was just too

darn heavy)

Really????  Don't get too dressed up for your work

out in the yard?  We didn't want to complain.  A

teenager working on a Saturday not complaining.....

The start of the pile in the very back yard..... Yeah..

more than just dirt!

The work day is always better with music.  The funny thing

is that Brian had his playing in his pocket (without headphones)so

loud that I wonder if Vincent was really listening to his?

Eventually there will be a fire pit between the back fence

Palm tree.... YEah...

Brian......... Can we say exhausted. :(

I should have put this pic in the middle... This will be

the next project. To till and plant grass.  UGH!  It

never ends. 



For those of you that asked...........

Here is me at four months.  Yeah..... The table is a little messy.  I was finishing up with a large Boy Scout project and at the same time getting ready for my BeautiControl Spa Night. 

Brian suggested we do a side angle for all of you that wanted to see my baby bump.  Here I am at 4 months!

What's a little blood?

Last Saturday the Deer Valley Stake had another blood drive.  I was incredibly bummed that I could not participate being pregnant.  You know I wanted to do POWER RED again to have one up on Brian.  Yes.... We are that competitive.  Anyhow it just so happens that Brian had enough iron for him to give a POWER RED unit.  Which intells that you give twice the amount of blood and plasma.  It takes about 35 minutes and is far beyond worth it.  I challenge everyone to donate blood as often as they can.  You can be a Hero for the day :) 

Brian is smiling..... yeah they haven't started the process yet.  hee hee

and there goes the smile... bring on the concentration

Vincent walked over (his HS is across the street) after FB practice and of course went to the market next door to get "extra" food for the long blood donation. 

Good job Brian......



Court of Honor

Last night we had our first Court of Honor in quite some time for our Troop.  Why?  Well, hhhhhmmmmmm let's just say that Brian and I were called to be the Boy Scout Committee Chairman last January and well, to put it lightly?  We haven't done much.  Yes.... I actually admitted that I truly did stink at my calling. 
A friend of mine had a post a while back asking about her calling and is it wrong to question that calling?  To tell you the truth I honestly thought that this calling would be taken over by Brian  (we were called together, before he became a member) and that way I would just have to support and not really do anything.  Well..... as time passes on, I maybe went to a couple meetings and had some good ideas but never really did anything about it.  Then.... I became pregnant.  A calling when you are pregnant?  I mean really come on?  I couldn't even get out of bed let alone help these Scouts with anything.  This whole time I have found excuses and questioned my calling.  Mind you Brian is still working nights and therefore really can't help out during the week. 
As time has gone on, reading my friends blog post again, starting the Temple classes, and actually trying hard to do my daily reading BAM! I realized that I guess I am suppose to be doing this?  And should really be grateful.
With some help from our Scout Master (YOU ROCK!) and yes...... my husband (made the refreshments with our Scout Master), (moral support from a couple whom seem to light up the room and give you support no matter what you are doing!) The Scout Master and I pulled off, I would say a very successful Court of Honor.  I have since two weeks ago, learned so much about my calling and I have enjoyed it.  I am by all means not saying it is easy but I don't think that there is any calling out there that is?  Okay..... but really if there is?  Someone dial me in :) 
As we were cleaning up and getting things ready to leave,  one of the Bishopric members asked me if I was overwhelmed?  Okay, talk about humility and gratefulness at the same time.  I was so embarrassed for doing such a horrible job before that now there is no way I could say yes.  Becuase really?  I am not overwhelmed.  To see those boys up there with the Scout Leaders being presented with their hard earned Merit Badges was such a joy. 
I am happy to say that I am happy to be the Deer Valley 1st Ward Boy Scout Committe Chair person.  I can't wait until January for our next Court of Honor and to see all of the joy on those boys' faces. 

Our Scout Master with one of our boys earning advancement. 

The boys so intenet with what their leader has to say!

I am sorry to say that I didn't get any pics of lil man with his 15 Merit Badges (yes, as my friend Tara says, bragging is needed a little bit every now and then) becuase I was up there with him.  Next time I will try to remember to give the camera to another parent. 

WAY TO GO TROOP 625 OF THE GRAND CANYON COUNCIL!

Family Weekend...... Conference Weekend

Being LDS means that every 6 months we watch our Church Leaders and those they choose to speak on Television.  Therefore we get to watch Conference in our pajamas.  Well.  I will add, for those of us that are able to receive Conference via local cable,Dish or internet provider.  (this is one of the two times I'm overly grateful that we have more than basic cable so that we do get the BYU channel)

For me this was a very special Conference weekend.  It has been 25 years that I watched/attended my fist General Conference.  I still remember the hotel that my Young Woman/ Young Mens group from the Price 6th Ward stayed that weekend.  Mind you I did not turn 12 until that Sunday.  With special permission from then Bishop Carlson I was able to attend the weekend of General Conference in SLC. 

As we sat in what seemed like the front row (more like the 15th) of the Tabernacle I was overwhelmed with the spirit of then Elder Thomas S. Monson.  He spoke of the importance and honor of the Preisthood.  Like I said; I still remember it like it was yesterday. 

This weekend I reflected on being 12 again.  Yes..... that was some time ago. But that was when I was most certain that there would be a time in my life that I would be married and be married to a worthy Preisthood holder.  After second session on Saturday I felt such joy in ironing my husbands shirt (the teenager wouldn't have it) and helping my two Preisthood holders get ready for thier session.  I know.... joy in ironing an shirt.  But for me.... This is a dream come true for me. 

I have now been active for almost 3 years.  What an amazing three years it has been.  Some struggle.  But overall I can not think of my life being any different.  I am now living in a wonderful home we own, have the joy of spending time with my husband before he goes to work, taking and picking up my son everyday (other than when I am too sick!), have a temple recommend (for baptisms) the list could go on for days.  I am so grateful and truly blessed.  We are working towards our Temple Marriage next Spring.  What a blessing....

I would like to say thank you to all of you that have truly blessed my life.  There are some of you that have watched over me, Vincent and myself more than I can ever express gratitude for.  Some of you spent years teaching me and expressing the luv of our Savior to me.  I thank you for all of your unconditional luv.  I am where I am today because of your ever enduring luv. I can't wait to tell you all our Temple date.   I LUV YOU ALL.   Thank you!

My boys after Conference.... I guess they had some energy saved up!

Really???? I wonder how they acted at Preisthood session?

Brians yummy cookies

and more..........

I guess I can't get too mad?  At least he is listening right?

yeah...... Until next time........



We're having.........

YUP!  That's it.  Well we are hoping at least.  We went to the Dr. yesterday for an NT.  It is a test most given to woman past 35 in age or whom are High Risk.  But then again, there are the woman who get to have the 45 minute Ultra Sound because they have wonderful Insurance Coverage without either of the two above. 

Now, the Ultra Sounds primary duty is to look at the baby and note if we are having a baby with special needs.  (chances are higher with age over 35) After laying on the table and looking at the 42" TV watching our baby move like she was Mary Lou Retton in my stomach we waited for the "specialist" to analyze our data.  It was a different experience.  She (the specialist) proceeded to tell us about our high risk of having a Down Syndrome baby.  Brian and I are perfectly okay the baby with are blessed with and its normalities and abnormalities.  But????...... How, really?, how do you emphasize that to someone who can not comprehend our concept?  After we were fine with our odds she proceeded to as Brian put it "sale us" on 4 different tests.  We then had to "Sale" her on the fact that no matter what we are having this little creation that our Heavenly Father so blessed us with.  Which is........ A little girl.  Our Ultra Sound Technician (really don't know her real title) said with her experience, and as long as she has been doing this, she would say it is a girl.  Now.  She was quick to tell us to not start picking out paint for our little ones bedroom yet.  So, for 100% accuracy we do need to wait until next month for our normal Ultra Sound with Dr. Nelson.  Yes, our Dr.'s last name is Nelson....  As for now, I am going with the 3-D ultra sound (Brian wanted me to add it to this post but I think it's a bit much unless you have already seen what one looks like) that looks like a little girl.  Either way, we are all so incredibly excited for this blessing in our lives that is estimated to arrive next April.   

It's Time for a Shower

Baby Shower that is..
Our cousin Krista was hosting a baby shower for our cousin Celine.  Krista who lives in Washington was able to be in town for her BIL wedding and therefore host a baby shower for Celine. Wow... if that wasn't confusing. 
Anyhow, Brian and I headed to Oceanside on Saturday morning around 5:30am.  Whew.... Thats early.  Brian works until midnight and I stayed up  late trying to get a blanket done I waited until the last minute to do.  Who knew that crocheting a blanket takes so much longer than what you really think.  With the shower starting at 10:30 we finally made it around 11:15.  Goodness..... I think I need to start a business of "clean, safe, non smelling bathrooms along 1-10, 1-15 and any other freeway that pregnant woman have to travel.  We had such a great time.  My mom was there along with cousins and my adoring Uncle.... Yes..... I forgot my own egg carton but still left with 18 fresh eggs :) 
On the way home Brian and I stopped for a "pit snack stop" and ended up staying a while and having so much fun together. It was a great weekend.  It would have been better if lil man could have joined us. 

Krista and the funny story about Celine.

Beautiful pregnant Celine

Ah!  The happy couple

And.... little Charlie... She is the cutest ever

My only picture of the Brian's.  So had add it.

Truck on fire on 1-10. I know... Lame but it was burnt.

A Convoy(sp) that was miles miles long

Our Pit stop.  We decided to hit the Coach store.

My husband standing in the express lane with my diaper bag.  Yes.... BUT... Hold your breathe. Wow!  over 70% off.  (Celine, it was sooooooo much less than normal)

And finally.... HOME... Yeah. 

CONGRATS TO THE STINSONS and waiting for the arrival of their baby girl!

Happy Happy Birthday!!!!

After being away for two weeks all of us were excited that I made it home for Brian's Birthday!  We started the celebration with a surprise Birthday party for him on Sunday the 19th.  I delayed at the Airport while friends from our Ward helped Vincent put together the party.  We thought that we had everything covered?  Not so much.  But luckily with a lot of help from some certain friends they pulled things together for us.  Unfortunatley one of the things that I had forgotten was the camera :(. Thank you to all of you (and you know who you are) who brought not only food items, paper items, gifts, and helped us pull off a wonderful afternoon for Brian.  He was so happy. 

The next morning.  We went to breakfast (I am still not a fan of cooking.  The smell still gets to me) Had lunch with a friend and headed out to the mountains (kind of) to do some "shooting".  Brian and his friend seemed like little boys while I took a nap in the back seat of our car.  I know.. I am not exactly the best of fun on his birthday.  But I still get so incredilby tired being pregnant. 

Still no camera to be found :(  We went to dinner as a family.  Vincent pulled his normal "bathroom" trick which lead to the staff singing to Brian with a nice size Sundae and some balloons. 

Overall it was a great day and we were all so glad to spend it together. 

These are the cupcakes that I brought home with me from Santa Barbara.  You would not believe the help that was offered to me since I had these in my hand.  Brian's fav place is Whodidly in Montecito.  It's such a fun cupcake store.  They play total Disney type music and dress in tool skirts and big fun designs. 

Told you... Like little boys who just received their Hunters Safety permit.  Do you think they had enough? 



It's Football Season

As most of you know Vincent is now a Freshman at Sandra Day O'Conner High School.  He is enjoying it so far and has made many friends.  He has liked it so much that he decided to stay on the Freshman Football team.  Yes..... For those of you with your jaws to the ground, you may pick them up now.  He is 95 pounds now and 5.2".  My lil man is growing.  His postions are Corner back or Receiver.  Run, Vincent Run..... I'm dreading the day that someone tackles him...... Oh boy.  So far... good stories.  The first game of the "real" season is tomorrow... Here we go.  wish us luck! 

If you look really hard.  number 83 is our boy!

Two Weeks Away

I have spent the last two weeks in Santa Barbara.  I flew out of Phoenix on the 4th of September with 109 degrees outside and entered Santa Barbara 2 hours later with a nice chilling 59 degrees.  Mind you with a coastal breeze.  BBBBBRRRRR.  I was spending two weeks in Santa Barbara watching 3 children and an 8 month Boxer.  Really?  I couldn't complain.  I had a wonderful home to stay in, kids that find me humoreous and being in my home town. 
Week one of walking the children to school, driving all over town with activities and bedtime routines went well.  Atleast I thought.  Week two, not so well.  Morning sickness decided to stay along with fatigue, the poor kids were missing their parents more and more as I was missing lil man and my most adoring husband.  Whew.  Two weeks is a long time to be away from family. 
I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend time in "perfect" Santa Barbara.  But we all know..... it's awesome to stay in your own bed. 

Santa Barbara Shoreline..... So beautiful.

Having dinner with my dad.

 I am no good at taking picures with my camera on myself :(  Jealous of all of you who can.

My nephew Quentin.... He is the cutest!

My bro Matty Matt

My nephew Jacob, Bro Matthew, Sister Trina and her boyfriend Kevin

I'm going to miss his little smile.... :) 

A special Thank you to the Woods family for helping so much with my lil man while I was gone.  It was a great two weeks that was spent in Santa Barbara.  I miss the kids, my family and friends that I got to see while I was there.  Until next time.........