IT'S A....

BOY! Before any of you start offering your words of sorrow, I am fine, I promise. I love my two little boys with all my heart and another one is going to be wonderful. My ultra sound was this morning and, in addition, to finding out the sex, I also found out that our baby boy is healthy and developing right on schedule!

It is always a relief to find out the baby is healthy. I, really, love to go in each month and hear the heartbeat and have my doctor say, "everything looks great!" These appointments are, especially, nice when it is too early to feel the baby moving.

Speaking of the baby moving, I, officially, felt HIM moving last week. I LOVE that feeling. It is, by far, the best part of being pregnant (besides getting to eat a little more dessert :)!) To all you moms out there, I know you know what I am talking about. To feel this little person growing inside of you, relying on you for EVERYTHING. It is incredible.

We will be naming our little one: Trenton Gary Roper and call him Trent. Matt and I, both, love that name so we are sticking with it. I am, also, excited to be using Matt's dad's first name as our new baby's middle name! I am so thankful to be a mom and thrilled to add another baby boy to our little family!

Although, I am excited, no one is more excited than Matt! He can't believe that he will have 3 boys! He grew up with all sisters, so having so many boys around is a special treat. My dad is VERY excited too! He loves that my sisters and I are out numbered! He, too, has spent his (adult) life surrounded by girls and loves that since we have gotten married the boys keep piling in! Finally, Matt's parents (especially his dad) are excited to have another little guy to carry on the Roper name! They adore our boys and can't wait for another one!

Wade's first music recital

Wade has been taking a music class since he was 2. A friend of mine, in the ward, teaches it and it has been a great experience these past couple of years. At first it was a mom-and-tot class (which Seth and I are currently enrolled in together), but now, he joins a few of his friends (all without mom's present) and practices each week.

I was thrilled to find out they would be doing a "music recital" at the end of this session. It was tonight and it was a lot of fun! My friend, rented a room at the local library, set up chairs and had her students perform. Wade and his group went first.

Matt and I each had to take a turn to go up to the front (where the kids were supposed to be sitting quietly) and warn Wade to "BE GOOD!", but once the program started he did really great! They performed three songs: "Jingle Bells", "Must Be Santa", and "This Little Light of Mine." it was so dang cute to watch them sing!

Wade did such a good job--he knew most of the words and sang them. He was in the middle, so Matt and I could hear his little voice singing! He, really, knew the words and actions to "Must Be Santa"--it was so cute!

This was my first recital, as a mom, and I was not let down! It was a great, little night!

Temple Lights

The Mesa Temple does a beautiful christmas light display each year for Christmas. It is a little taste from home (at the Salt Lake Temple) and I love to go. Last year I went with the Young Women, but this year, we wanted to be sure to take our kids.

As you know, it is a CRAZY time of year and we had to plan for this trip into Mesa. A few weeks ago, Jess and I decided on friday the 7th, not knowing or expecting the weather that would be going on this day--I mean, after all, we live in SUNNY! Arizona where my kids don't even own a heavy winter coat--well, to say in the least, IT WAS RAINING!

Since we had already made the plan to go, we went anyway. The rain actually slowed down as we walked the temple grounds and we were, practically, the only people there! My kids LOVED it! They love Christmas lights and it was a real treat to be surrounded by so many!

We went into the Visitor's Center and saw the annual display of Nativity Scenes from around the world. A missionary, also, talked to us about the "Christus", and Wade actually listened and Seth kept pointing at the statue and screaming, "JESUS!!" It was a great experience.

It was a fun night and I am glad we went depsite the "HEAVY" rainfall.

My Dad

Today, is my dad's birthday. I asked him what he wanted and, as usual, he said he wanted
"nothing,
but a nice letter telling me you love me." He says this every year. I know he doesn't want me to spend any money on him and, now as a mother, I know how much it means to hear your children tell you how much they love and appreciate you. This year, my dad will get "his letter" on my blog!

Since day one I have been a "daddy's girl." We have family videos where I am following my dad around "helping" him fix things, watching the Jazz play basketball and talking with him. I have always enjoyed spending time with my dad. He captured my heart at a very early age and that love keeps growing and maturing as both of our lives change with time.

My dad has always been special to me, but he has gone far and beyond showing his love for me in my life. My mom suddenly passed away when I was 16 years old, leaving behind my dad to raise three little girls. It was, and still is, the single most life-altering experience of my life. My dad was so incredible through it all.

He had big shoes to fill--my mom was our best friend, our nurturer and the one who took care of each of us like no one else could. My dad knew he could never replace our mom, but he put himself second to his kids for the next several years of his life to ensure we continued on feeling normal, secure and happy. I love my dad so much for this. I wouldn't have the life I do now without the things he did for me.

My family is eternal and I know I will see my mom again. My dad made this possible for me. He helped me gain a true and real testimony of the gospel and has influenced my life for the better.

Today, our relationship is stronger than ever. I have been able to enjoy my dad's support and advice through the remainder of high school, college, marriage and the birth of my babies. Through it all he remains a constant rock--someone I know I can count on for ANYTHING at ANYTIME. He has been my biggest fan through the most important events and experiences in my life.

I am so thankful that I can share my husband and kids with my dad. He loves Matt so much and he LOVES my boys more than anything else in this world. It is so much fun to watch my dad as a grandpa. They call him "Ampa" and they love him just about as much as he loves them.

I have mentioned before how much my kid's love to have "Ampa" come to visit--they talk about him all the time. They share such a special bond and I am thankful I have been able to help in giving my dad some grandchildren because I have never seen him happier then he is when he is playing with those kids.

I love you, dad! Happy birthday! Thank you for blessing my life with your love, I hope I was able to put some of my feelings into words so you know how much you mean to me on this day and always.

Thanksgiving

Since moving to Arizona, we have had EVERY Thanksgiving here. Two of those times, I had just had babies and the other two we spent Christmas in Utah so we just stayed here for Thanksgiving. This year was no exception, we were here, but it was the BEST Thanksgiving yet!

My family came down for the feast and lots of fun! Both of my sister's, their husbands, Logan, my dad and his wife and even my Grandma and Grandpa were here--it was really great! Ben made the turkey and some delicious yams, Matt made his dad's famous pumpkin pies and the gravy, while my Grandma and I handled the rest. I guess after a few tries at Thanksgiving (over the past years) has taught me a thing or two, because I did a really good job this year (if I do say so myself!) Everything tasted great.

We spent the rest of the weekend watching football, shopping (a little), seeing "Enchanted", going out to eat a few times, and LOTS and LOTS of GUITAR HERO!

Julie and John brought Guitar Hero with them and, in the opinion of myself and my family, it is the BEST game out there! We all had a blast challenging and encouraging each other as we played rock songs on the guitar. If you have never heard of this game, I highly recommend it! If you have heard of this game, then you know what I am talking about!

I love my family so much and we always have a great time just hanging out and doing nothing. It was a great weekend and Matt, the boys and I miss them all so much all ready!

Polar Express

This past weekend we went with about 15 families in our ward to Williams, AZ where we rode on the "Polar Express." It is actually the Grand Canyon Railway, but they turn it into the "Polar Express" around Christmas time and decorate the area and act just like the characters in the actual book.

The town is along Route 66 so it is really old fashioned and fun to visit. We ate at a great little restaurant that was your classic, small town place! After eating, we changed our kids into their pajamas and headed over to the railroad station. While waiting to aboard the train, the kids were able to meet Mrs. Claus and color (or write if you know how!) letters for Santa.

When we got on the train they served us cookies and hot chocolate while we sang Christmas carols. When we reached the "North Pole" Santa got on the train and gave each child a bell. The entire ride took about 40 minutes. The boys loved the train ride the best. They may have been a tad too little to fully appreciate the entire experience, but all in all it was a good time!

It was a great little family get away to a really neat town that we would love to visit again. The boys also loved the Christmas decorations--especially the lights!

Wade

What do you say about your first born child? It's not that I love him anymore than Seth (or any of our other children to come), but Wade was the child that turned Matt and I into parents. He was the one who taught us and showed us what real, deep, true love is. Our wonderful Father in Heaven trusted us, trusted ME to be a mom. Like most first-time mom's I had NO CLUE what I was doing--hey, I even still feel that way now :), but this little person keeps growing and changing and trusting Matt and I each day.
When I ask, what do I say about my first born, I only mean, I could never put into words the way I feel about Wade. I am so thankful for him in my life. I am thankful he is mine, forever! There is no one like Wade. He has a part of my heart and will hold it in his hands always. Our family would not be what it is, would not be complete without him in it. We wouldn't be the way we are if he weren't our first child--the one to pave the way for all of us to be together forever. I love him so much for what he has brought my life and how he has changed the way I was, the way I am or ever will be.
There are some benefits to be the first child like new clothes, alone time with your parents (before any other siblings were born) and first one to try most things. There are also some set backs like being the test-pilot to just about everything, having to be the example and having to grow up a little faster than the rest. Wade handles it all in stride. He is a, naturally, sweet boy who loves his family with all his heart. I know he tries so hard each day to be a good brother, son, grandson and nephew.
Some of the things Wade is doing now are: preschool, music class and soccer. He also LOVES to play with his friends, ride his "new" bike, go to the park when "Ampa" visits, visit Cedar City, UT where his cousins and Granny and Grandpa live, play with Ampa and Aunt Ju's cats, and play just about any sport.
I can't believe he is 4. He has grown so much and each day I am amazed by what he can do. It is a wonderful opportunity to be trusted with these sweet spirits and I hope I don't take it for granted. So, on your 4th birthday, Wade, I want to tell you that I love you with all my heart and wish and try to give you the best of me and everything else I can each and every day! Thank you for being my son and blessing my life so much!
Now, since we just got back from Disneyland, Wade is obsessed with pirates! He loved "Pirates of the Carribbean" and especially "Jack Sparrow." So, this year, we had a pirate party for Wade. Matt took the kids on a treasure hunt, they "walked the plank" and hit candy out of a pirate pinata. Of course, Wade loved every second of being the center of attention and, I think, everything turned out really well! Here are a couple of pictures from the party:

I've Been Tagged...again

Some of you who have been blogging for awhile know that I have been tagged before, but over the past couple of months I have been reconnected with some of my old friends from college and high school through this very blog, so I am fine with doing it again. It is a different tag too, so those of who read my last one might not be so bored!

OK, so here are the rules:
A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

So here is mine:
1. I am a creature of HABIT and ROUTINE. If I find something that works for me then I stick to it for a long time (if not forever.) I am not good with surprises (I actually like them if I am truly surprised, but I rarely am because I will do anything to find out a surprise if I know one is coming.) For example, I eat the EXACT same thing for breakfast and lunch everyday. I know it is healthy, I know it will fill me up and I know it tastes good--to me that is all I need. My kids have been on routines since day one, which has turned out to be a good thing, but is always hard on the days when unforeseen circumstances come into play and I have two tired, cranky boys because our routine has been changed!

2. I love reality TV. Among my favorites are "The Hills", "The Bachelor" and "The Biggest Loser." As a matter of fact, I would say most of the shows I watch are reality shows.

3. I LOVE to exercise. It makes a huge difference in my day. I love the escape, the release of endorphins and how my body feels after I have finished my workout. I also love to talk about dieting and nutrition. If I see a TV show, news article, etc about those subjects, I am hooked!

4. I also love to talk about/ hear about celebrities--especially Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson--you know all the great, dramatic people! Matt laughs whenever I talk about them because he says "I talk like they are my personal friends and like I actually know them." Sometimes I do feel like I know them because I hear and read so much about their lives, which is also kinda sad for them. I am sure it is hard to live in the spotlight.

5. I hate peanut butter. I have always hated peanut butter. I guess I shouldn't say I hate peanut butter in general because I do like it in candy, cookies and ice cream, but I have NEVER eaten a peanut butter sandwich in my entire life--I have tried, but can't do it. It seems so disgusting. My kids eat peanut butter, though--Seth LOVES it, but I think Wade is like me--he doesn't seem to like it that much.

6. I love to craft--especially paper crafts. I like to home-make cards, paint wood things, glue and create wonderful things for my home and other people. I only wish I had more time to do these things, but whenever I can, I try to squeeze in a little time here and there.

6 people I am tagging are:
1. Brooke Eardley
2. Lynette Wettstein
3. Linsey Sorensen
4. Joe Burns
5. Amy Hughes
6. Jamie Christensen

I did also want to mention:
A few weeks ago we got our family pictures taken (thanks Bekah.) It was a challenge, to say in the least, because of Seth. I love him to bits, but he is a TWO-YEAR-OLD through and through. He knew all we wanted was to take one good picture and because of that, we were putty in his hands. He had complete control of all of us--and here are the pictures to prove it! We did, however, end up with a couple of good pics that I plan to use for our Christmas card!

Disneyland

Last week we got to go to DISNEYLAND!! We went with Matt's sister and her family and Matt's parents. It was such an amazing trip! Neither Matt nor I have been to Disneyland for many years and my kids have never been, so that made it extra great!

The weather was perfect. We were comfortable in pants and short sleeves and jackets at night. It wasn't too crowded--as a matter of fact, the third day we were there, we walked onto several rides (which is perfect when you have a 2 year old in tow!)

We celebrated Seth's and Matt's birthday at "Goofy's Kitchen" which is a really fun restaurant in the Disneyland Hotel. It is a buffet with all "kid food" (but still yummy for adults too!) There are tons of characters who come around to your table, which is always so much fun. The boys LOVED seeing characters and were so cute to pose for pictures and ask for autographs!

The biggest (pleasant) surprise of all was Wade's willingness to go on EVERY ride he was tall enough to go on! Matt loved it! Among other rides, my little Wade sat front row on Splash Mountain by himself, rode the Matterhorn twice, endured Thunder Mountain and even went on the "Tower of Terror!"

It was also a lot of fun to see Disneyland decorated for Halloween. They did such a great job, especially with Main Street. The parades were a lot of fun and we also got to see "Fantasmik"(sp?) which was incredible. Wade, especially LOVED that. He was screaming "WOW!!" the entire time.

I can't end with out mentioning my favorite part. Matt thinks I am crazy for thinking this is great, but I do. So anyway, we pull into the parking garage on our last day and I reach into my purse and pulled out my credit card to pay for parking. The man takes my card and calls for his co-worker. The co-worker comes over with a certificate, gives me back my card and announces that we are the "Guest Car of the Day!" Parking is free and he asks us to follow him in his car to a "special" parking spot located about twenty feet from the tram that takes you to the park!!! We also got our picture taken by a sign that marks our parking spot. You might be thinking, "that's it?" and yes, that is it, but I couldn't wipe the grin off my face--I thought is was so cool! (I know I am a nerd!)