The Hill Cumorah Pageant

We took a trip to Palmyra, NY yesterday to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Oddly enough, almost nothing went as planned (does this sound familiar to anyone else?). We had planned on making it a whole day outing and spending the whole day having fun together. We wanted to start out at the zoo in Buffalo, then head to Niagara Falls and end up at the pageant. It was the perfect plan (in my mind). It had fun for kids and parents alike! What could possibly go wrong? Well, first of all we didn't leave town at 8:00 yesterday morning like we had planned. Friday night David got a phone call saying that someone in our ward (church congregation) needed some help with some cabinets. He explained that we would be out of town and wouldn't be able to help, but I just kept getting this feeling that he needed to be there. We put new cabinets in our kitchen last year and I know how grateful we were for the help that we had. I think David must have been having the same feelings I was because he didn't complain at all when I told him I thought maybe we should postpone our trip for a few hours. There would always be another opportunity to go to Niagara Falls again. So he loaded up his tools and went to lend a hand in taking down cabinets. And from what I have heard it was a good thing that he did. He said his was the only drill that could handle the job. The guys were really struggling before he got there! Good job David! He got home later than he expected but then he showered and we finished packing the car and picked up a few groceries and got on the road.

We decided that because of time we would skip the zoo as well. Instead we would go spend a little extra time in Palmyra. Gracie has been SO excited about the Temple lately. She talks about it all the time. If she sees a picture of a big beautiful building she thinks it is a Temple. She sings the primary song, "I love to see the Temple" almost every day. She talks about her Aunt Mary and Uncle Jake getting married in the temple almost every day too. The last time we went to the temple she wanted to go knock on the door and see if someone would let her in. She LOVES the Temple. We decided instead of going to the Zoo we would go walk around the temple and take some pictures of the kids. So we had a new plan and we were excited for it! It takes about 3 hours to drive to Palmyra. We stopped once in Buffalo for a potty break and then kept going. Gracie took a little nap on the way (Sammy did NOT), and when she woke up she told me, "Mommy, I'n sick." She says this a lot! If she so much as coughs or sneezes she thinks she is sick, but the next moment she is off playing again. So I didn't really think much of this. Sammy meanwhile is totally ready to be OUT of the car!

We spent a little while in downtown Palmyra. We went to Latter-Day Harvest (a church book-store) and bought Sammy a little Samuel the Lamanite toy and Gracie a CTR ring and then drove over to the temple. I noticed while we were out that Gracie felt a little warm, but it was a warm, muggy day and again disregarded it (some mother I am huh?). At the Temple we got out of the car and started walking around. I attempted to get Gracie and Sammy to sit on the front steps together for a picture, and the next thing I new Gracie was throwing up all over the temple steps. People were trying to take pictures of the beautiful building behind us
and there right in the way was Gracie, me and Gracie's lunch (what a lovely mental picture huh). I yelled to David to go get the wet wipes and a bag as my hands were full of throwup and Gracie was sitting next to me crying (he was off chasing Sammy down at the moment) and we cleaned everything up the very best we could. So now we were sitting there wondering, what do we do? Do we take our kids home? Do we go to the pageant anyway? Sammy really decided for us. He was having no part of getting back in the car, thank you very much!! We found a place near some friends from the ward for our family to sit at the bottom of the Hill Cumorah. Gracie layed down on a blanket and took a nap (my daughter!!!! took a nap????).

Sammy ran around, and around, and around! David attempted to study some. I went and found us some dinner.

That was when it started raining! We all held a big blanket over our heads (which was pretty much soaked by the time the rain stopped) and waited for the rain to stop.
Gracie finally woke up and by the way she played with everyone, you would have thought she was never sick!!! She and Sammy had a blast! Gracie was SO incredibly friendly to everyone walking by, you would have thought she was best friends with them all. She went right up to one of the men in our ward and stuck her hand in his pocket and grabbed his key. Why? I have no idea. She walked up to a complete stranger and held her hand! She walked over to another stranger who had a little girl and wanted to follow her to her seat (most of the kids we knew there were boys and she has been wanting to play with durls (girls) lately. Sammy was almost as bad. He wanders off and takes absoltely no thought to where his parents or sister are. I am glad my kids are so friendly, but it scares me to death and I know they literally have to have a constant eye kept on them!!!!

At about 9:15 the pageant started. There were over 700 people in the cast.



One of the cast members told us earlier in the evening that this is the first year ever that they have had more of their cast members be from the east coast than the west (meaning Utah). It is so amazing to see how the church is growing out here! Gracie loved the program. She kept talking to us about who the characters were and pointing out the angels and Nephi and Moroni and baby Jesus and Mary. Sammy didn't like it so much. He would fall asleep and then something really loud would happen and he would start balling! I had to take him away from the crowd and lights and sounds to settle him back down. I felt bad walking in and out of our row so many times (Emily, I know I stepped on your foot more than once!), but I just had to keep coming back! I really really wanted to watch it!!! The special effects were amazing! There was fire and smoke and water shooting into the air! And it was all about the Book of Mormon!! And even though I only got to see about half of the program, something unexpected happened to me. My testimony that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world was increased. I had expected to go and be entertained and feel the Spirit, but somehow I gained so much more! I received a witness that everything in the Book of Mormon is really there to bring men unto Christ! I knew that already, but somehow the understanding of it was brought to a new level for me last night. It gave me a renewed desire to live the gospel to the fullest, to repent of my sins and to become more Christ-like. I want to be more forgiving, and try harder to do better and to share the good news that is the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around me. As I was sitting there at the pageant I was thinking about what a disaster the day had been (even though still fun), and found that I could not think of it as such. Even though nothing went according to plan it was still a beautiful day and a beautiful experience and I would do it all again even if I knew I would get the same results. In fact, I can't wait until next year's pageant!

I didn't know my life was incomplete!

Yay! Yippeeeee! Weehaw!!! I am SO very happy!!! Who knew that my life was incomplete without these two little items! I sure didn't! We have been sweltering (off and on depending on the weather each day) in the heat and humidity. I had no idea that all it would take to fix it would be $350 and a little muscle power from David and myself (I helped lift the AC unit up into the window and then held it in place while David rigged it so it would stay put... I know... I am tuff). It took a little while to figure out how to make it stay since the window opens from the side instead of the top, but my brilliant man has done it again! As for the second picture, well I think this is the best fan I have ever owned! I always hated fans because they aren't very cute, but there comes a time when there are more important things. Between the two of these wonders all I can say to the summer is, "Bring it on, Baby!" What did we ever do without these. Right now, I think they are better than chocolate, and that is really saying something!

David

Sorry girls, but I just have to say I have the best husband ever. Honestly, I don't know where this guy came from... heaven I think. I have been the moodiest pregnant lady ever these last few days, and he is ever patient and loving with me. Yesterday Gracie started asking me seriously every 5 minutes if we could go to the library. I kept telling her we had to wait until Daddy got home with the car. 5 minutes later she was asking me again if we could go to the library. After about 200 times it really started getting on my nerves. Finally I lost all my patience with her and everyone else who even looked at me cross-eyed. Things really just went from bad to worse as the day progressed. Even when I am frustrated and crabby, David is still kind and wonderful (it gets a little infuriating really!) not to mention that his kisses make my knees all trembly. I truly am a lucky girl. Thanks David, for being my husband and father to our children. I love you!

The Zoo in Phoenix

Somehow after our vacation, these pictures got forgotten. While we were in Arizona visiting David's grandparents Grandma Ro took us to the zoo. The kids had a blast... at first that is. It ended up getting pretty hot! When I asked Gracie what her favorite part was she said it was the lions. She always says it is the lions, and the funny part about that is that the lions are ALWAYS asleep. It doesn't matter what zoo we go to, the lions are always asleep. And even though we see lots of animals actually walking around and doing things, the lions are still her favorite. We took the kids for a ride on the carousel. Gracie loved it! Sammy hated it!!! He has been on one before and loved it, but ever since that zoo trip I can't get him to ride the carousels anymore. We have tried twice since, but he doesn't want anything to do with them! Too funny! But we did have a really good time! Thanks Grandma for taking us!!!

Go Away Mosquitos!

"Yes, Gracie has two black eyes! No, she did not get slugged. She got a mosquito bite. Yep that's right, a mosquito did this to my little girl. No she didn't fall on her face. Yes, she is allergic to mosquito bites." This is what I had to explain to everyone at church today. I don't think these pictures even do this huge bug bite justice. It is ENORMOUS!!! Her forhead and nose are swollen, her eyes won't open all the way and she has two black eyes. And would you believe that she had mosquito repellent on! We lit fireworks in front of our house on the 4th with our neighbors. We had a great time, except the mosquito's wanted to join in the fun too. I tried to be careful about putting the mosquito repellant on my kids. I didn't want to get it in their eyes, but I must have missed the spot right in between on Gracie. The mosquito's are vicious this year. Our neighbors said they are worse than usual (thank goodness they aren't usually this bad!). I put a lot of bug repellant on myself too, but the darn bugs bite through your clothes!!! I have 4 mosquito bites where the sun don't shine (and in places where you can't scratch in public)!!!! Gracie was telling me she didn't want me to take a picture of her bug bite, but she still had a smile for me anyway. What a good sport. Every time David and I look ar her today we kind of wince and just feel so sorry for her sad little face. Go away mosquitos! You are not invited to our parties!!!

Singin' in the rain!

So finally a day when everyone was feeling well enough to go out and get some serious playing done and what happens. Yep. Rain. Pouring Rain. But we decided not to let that ruin our fun. When life hands you lemons... make lemonade! Right! So we went out and danced and sang in the rain. Gene Kelly would be so proud!

David didn't want to come out at first (he had to head back to school just a few minutes later), but we (actually Gracie) finally convinced (begged) him to join in the fun.

Gracie looking all shiny and wet and so happy!

Sammy wasn't sure about it, and really wanted me to hold him while we played.

Gracie splashing in the puddles!

Sammy and Mommy getting absolutely drenched!

All done!We relinquished the umbrella to David so he could use it at school and since Sammy was all done anyway, we went inside and made warm cocoa (not quite cold enough for hot although Sammy was shivering) and chocolate no bake cookies... any guesses what this pregnant lady is craving? We had a very fun morning!

I'm 22 and a half!!!!

Yep. I am 22 and a half. Weeks that is. So here is the first belly pic I am posting. I have to say, I do feel like I have grown a lot faster with this baby than with my previous two (not just my belly either... oh well). I have been wanting to put up a picture of my expanding middle for a couple of weeks now, but haven't done much in the getting ready department for awhile now (and therefor wouldn't let David come near me with the camera). I did feel well enough to go to church today (YAY!). I am so excited to be feeling better, but I guess that was why it was such a shock to me when I threw up this morning. The first time this pregnancy in fact! I have done a LOT of dry-heaving, but it is usually when my stomach is empty and there is nothing to throw up. So I was pretty surprised to see my breakfast again this morning. But overall things are good. Baby is kicking all day and all night (did I mention ALL night)! What a good baby! We had our ultrasound, but we did NOT find out what our little angel is going to be. David swears he saw a "lack of boy parts", but the ultrasound tech also swears that she didn't even look with the little wand/stick thingy at that area. So for those of you who can't wait to find out, David thinks it is a girl. As for me, I am not so sure, and I am so excited to be surprised!

Getting better all the time!!!

Yes! The antibiotic is working! Hooray! Each morning when I wake up since I have started it, I feel a little better. I was actually able to get up and bathe and dress my kids today and do Gracie's hair. David has been taking really good care of me. He took yesterday off from school even though he has a big test on Friday and another one on Monday. Our-doctor/his-teacher gave him a little bit of a hard time for this, but I know that Heavely Father will bless him for sacrificing for his family! I just want to thank all of my family and friends for the prayers they have told me were offered on my behalf and to thank Jolyne for the dinner (even though she probably needed dinner brought to her just as much having just had a baby!). Honestly, once the sinus infection settled in my teeth the only thing in my house that I have been able to eat is the spaghetti that she brought over. Everything else is too hard to chew!!! The kids have been angels, even Sammy who just had shots. I am still not feeling 100% but I am getting better every day. We may even venture out of the house tomorrow for something other than doctor visits or emergency trips to the grocery store for medicine or diapers! I really and truly am grateful for modern medicine as well as for prayers and the people who answer them!

Sickening!

Can I just say that I am sick of being sick. I don't think I am getting any better!!! I spent the day today, trying to find someone who would give me medicine today, crying because no one would give me medicine today, or crying because I couldn't take care of myself and my kids. I am positive that I have a sinus infection, one that won't go away. I know I need an antibiotic. Who do you call when you are pregnant and sick. Your OB of course. Except that OB's here will not take care of any problem that doesn't pertain to being pregnant. Isn't my face pregnant too? And wouldn't an OB know what is safe to give to someone who is pregnant better than a primary care physician who doesn't handle any obstetrics? So fine. I called my primary care physician. I have never met my PCP. I am rarely sick, and when I am it is even more rare that I need to go to the doctor for it. The last time I went to the doctor for something unrelated to being pregnant or being a girl was 9 years ago during my senior year of high school. Anyway, so I called the doctor that my insurance company randomly selected for me (since that is who is named on my insurance card) and she no longer works at that office and that office is not accepting patients right now. So I called the insurance company, switched PCP's to the doctor that my children and husband go see. Can't get an appointment today. By now I have balled on the phone to anyone who will listen to me (including calling my OB again, who by the way I don't think will be my OB much longer). I have been told to try urgent care (who we found out doesn't accept our insurance) and have pretty much just been shut down at every turn. Did I mention that I don't remember the last time I have felt this sick (including all aspects of pregnancy exluding only labor). I have a fever, I am nauseated, my face is absolutely aching, my head is pounding, and I can feel each tooth in my mouth throbbing individually, and no freaking doctor will help me!!! I have no sense of smell left either, which you know is really not to big a deal except that now Sammy has a sore bottom because I didn't know he was stinky because I couldn't smell it (I never realized how much I rely on that sense). I feel like such a horrible mother. My kids and I just sat around the house today and watched movies and read books. I haven't taken my kids out anywhere fun for days. And still they love me so much. Gracie came up to me while I was crying today and just hugged and hugged and kissed me. She said to me in her sweet voice, "Are you ok mom?" Sammy walks up to me and hugs me for no reason. I was finally able to teach him a few days ago how to kiss without his mouth being wide open. He comes up to me making an "Mmmmmmm" sound and I know he wants to kiss me. I think they can both tell that I am not feeling well. What great kids I have. Anyway, David finally called a Dr. friend of his (incidentally the same PCP that we take our kids to and a teacher at his school). He told him that he knew I was really hurting because I don't ever cry from pain like that (could it be just the pregnancy emotions... I don't actually know) and was trying to see if he knew anyone I could go see. Dr. O. became my own personal angel of mercy. I still have an appointment to go see him tomorrow morning, but he has prescribed me an antibiotic today!!! Just the thought of finally getting some relief brings tears to my eyes again! So anyway, if you have actually read all of this 1. you deserve a gold star, and 2. thanks for letting me rant and complain. I think I just heard David drive up with my medicine. Thanks David for taking such good care of me. I wouldn't make it without you!!!

Bar-B-Q with friends

Sorry I haven't blogged for awhile. I haven't been feeling so hot. Gracie and I both have what Sammy had. I think Sammy is feeling better though so that is a plus. So sorry (Julie) that it has taken me awhile to put these up. I have been thinking about it for awhile now. Anyway, while we were in St. George we had a really fun Barbeque with some friends from college. It was actually kind of funny to see the changes that have happened in our lives since then. We used to stay up and party til dawn (or almost anyway). Not anymore. We now have kids that need to be put to bed and us that needs to be put to bed... We used to go do things on a whim. Not anymore. Now diaper bags need to be packed complete with diapers, wipes, snacks, a change of clothing, sippy cups, toys, and anything else you may need in an emergency... We used to wear cute little outfits that made us feel pretty and skinny. Not anymore. Now we have places that hang and pudge a lot more than they used to (at least I do) I think you get it... But when I look at all of the great blessings that we have received, it hardly feels like we gave anything up. When you see your children playing, when you hear their joyful laughter it really is all worth it. I don't think we got pictures of everyone that was there, but here are some of the pictures we did get.


No children were harmed in taking these pictures... At least I think Tolman sitting on top of Logan and choking him was all in fun... He didn't have finger prints around his neck afterward did he Brittany?

Eden was sitting right there watching it all. You would think that growing up with only brothers she would be used to it, but she looks a little concerned...


My cute friends Julie with her cute little Maddi looking up at something in the tree... Is it a bird? A plane? Superman?

All of the adults (except Reeve, sorry bro, didn't mean for you to get left out, I think you were off fulfilling your responcibilities as a great dad). And sorry girls... I chopped our legs and bums off in this picture. I couldn't face having my big fat thighs on the internet. But anyway, we really did have a fun time. It was really fun to see all of you! I can't wait until next time!!!

Happy Father's Day

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Father's Day David! You really are the best dad a couple of kids could ask for (not to mention a better husband than I am sure I deserve!). Your never ending patience and unconditional love teach me how to be a better parent every day. And you change almost every diaper when you are at home (very important to pregnant mommies). Really honey you are the best. Love you Darlin.

Gracie's latest obsession!

Sammy's latest obsession is shoes and Gracie's is My Little Pony. She LOVES My Little Pony! While we were on vacation my sister brought some toys over for my kids to play with (Thank you Caralee) and among those toys were several My Little Ponies. Gracie would get her cousins to play with her. It was so funny to see Gracie and Tolman and Kimball building "cages" for their ponies out of blocks and then hear them saying things like, "Oh sister! Help me! Mother I can't get out!" Many was the time when ponies caused tears because there just weren't enough to go around (especially after they lost one). So grandma went and bought two more plus one for Gracie to take on the plane. The new ponies had names on their boxes and instead of just being "sister" or "mother" the ponies became "Pinkie-Pie" "Tula-Rula" and "Cheerilee." And those became our names too. Gracie still won't answer half the time unless I call her Pinkie-Pie and she expects me to answer to Tula-Rula. I found the Pinkie-Pie shirt she is wearing at Walmart and it is the best thing since sliced bread. Gracie wore it yesterday and I washed it this morning and let her wear it again today! She will probably want to wear it again tomorrow too. She sleeps with her pony, brings her pony to the dinner table, and half the time wants to walk on all fours like a pony. Tolman and Kimball however don't really want to play with ponies anymore. LeAnn (my sister) said her boys found the ponies at Grandma's house and were really excited to see them, but after holding them for awhile started to lose interest. I guess the fun for them was just in playing together. Well Tolman and Kimball, Pinkie-Pie misses you!

sick, Sick, SICK!!!!!

We woke up to Sammy crying at 5:00 this morning. I went to get him out of his bed and first thing I noticed was how hot he felt. We gave him sume ibuprofin and brought him to our bed so he could cuddle with us. A few minutes later the coughing started. Half an hour after that came the throwing up (I am pretty sure it was just a result of the coughing). About two hours later after a bath and some breakfast the diarhea started. After another bath hopefully things are going to settle down a little bit now. He is pretty grumpy though. He is already throwing temper tantrums because his sister won't share her Cinderella and Polly Pocket dolls with him. Good grief, if feels like a long day already and it is only 8:08 am. Wish me luck!!!

Sammy's latest obsession!

Sammy loves shoes! Any shoes. All shoes. Even girl shoes. These are Gracie's shoes that he is wearing, but he has also worn David's and mine. We were playing with my sister Caralee and her little girl Sydney while we were on vacation. The kids were are playing in the living room and the adults were in the kitchen making lunch or something. All of a sudden Sammy started crying. We went to find out what was going on. He was balling because he couldn't get Sydney's shoe off of her foot. He really wanted her shoes! She wasn't crying at all (and she should have been because he was trying to pull her leg off!). I don't know where he got this shoe fettish. I don't have one and his Dad certainly doesn't, and his sister never did (she can't wait to take her shoes off). But I think it is so cute and funny!!!

Big Lady Bugs

This...



Not this....



Here is another funny thing Gracie has said lately. She actually said this while we were in St. George, and I didn't want to forget it.

Gracie: Grandma where's Grandpa?
Grandma: He's at work. He fixes the big caterpillar equipment.
Gracie: Does he fix the big lady bugs too?

We tried to explain to her that my dad is a mechanic for diesel equipment (specifically Caterpillars), but she didn't really get it.

Zion

We spent a couple of days at Zion Park while we were gone on vacation. It was really beautiful there. We hiked up to weeping rock (I don't know if you can see it in this picture, but there is water falling of the rock) the first day, with the kids. Can I just say it was a disaster. We picked the shortest hike (half mile round trip) because we knew it would be hard for Sammy otherwise, but it really was awful. Sammy wanted to walk on his own, and didn't want to hold anyone's hand. Not possible with cliffs off to the side of the trail. He freaked out if you held him or if you tried to hold his hand. David's parents went with us and can I just say how glad I am that they didn't really want to hike very long!!! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! We did find out one interesting fact though. The water that falls from weeping rock is absorbed into the mountain and takes 1200 years to "weep" out at weeping rock.

We saw a couple of deer off the side of the trail. They just sat there enjoying some lunch and weren't bothered a bit by all of the people hiking around.

David surprised me by taking me back to Zion the next day for a "second honey-moon." We went to Zion almost 7 years ago. David got us the "angels landing" room at the Zion Park Inn (the room wasn't as romantic as the name sounds). We ate at the same place that ate at on our honey moon and visited some of the same little shops. Isn't my hunny handsome. I love his dimples!

We didn't get any pictures of the canyon on our second trip up... honestly we didn't spend a whole lot of time outside of our room ;) Thanks sweetheart for being so wonderful. I love you David!

Ha ha ha!

The funniest thing happened this morning. Gracie woke up with her hair really really messy. She looked up at me and was just giggling and said, "Mom, my hair is on backwards!"

Home

Yes, we are finally home. My house seems strange to me, almost unfamiliar, although I still remember where most things are. I have forgotten how to get into my voicemail on our phone however. It seems very quiet here after having been surrounded by family for weeks though. We love living here and have made many friends, but after having been with family so much lately it was almost too hard to leave. I was almost ready to unpack my bags and just decide to stay!!! The trip home was LONG, but not to difficult. Gracie woke up really really crabby Thursday morning. She was flipping out over tiny little things! We got on the plane and she started throwing a tantrum because she couldn't put her tray table down (you know how you have to wait until you are up in the air...). I finally had to put her in time out because she was so out of control (as much as you can put someone in time out when they are already buckled into a seat on an airplane). I hugged her to my side and she fell asleep within about 3 minutes and slept for 3 hours. Sammy was a little more difficult. David had to take care of him most of the time though since Gracie wa asleep with her head on my lap (he he he). They had so much fun in St. George playing with their cousins and seeing their grandparents and aunts and uncles. We want to tell all of our family thank you! Thanks for letting us visit, thanks for not getting mad when we got everyone sick, thanks for all the fun times, thanks for all the food, and thanks for being our family. We sure do appreciate and love you. It is good to be home, but we miss you every day!

Sup?

We have been here for a little over two weeks now and things have been so exciting! First my beautiful sister LeAnn had a bouncing baby boy on May 4th. Why do they call them bouncing baby boys? I was just curious. Anyway, his name is Tait and he is the sweetest little bundle ever! Congratulations Sister!






Here is my baby sister Mary on her wedding day. She is wearing my mother's wedding dress. She looks so beautiful! She and Jake were married for time and all eternity on May 10th in the St. George temple. I am so happy for you Mary Ann. Life just gets better from here.
Here are Gracie and Sydney at the temple. They looked so cute in their matching dresses. Gracie kept trying to hold Sydney's hand and hug her, but Sydney didn't like it very much. Gracie has been so excited to see the temple! She kept asking to go inside. And once she saw the wedding cake she wanted to go even more!!! My sister Caralee told her when she got married she could have a wedding cake. So Gracie decided she wanted to marry her Grandpa and even asked him if he would marry her.




But of course Mary couldn't get married without all of us going to get pedicures first so we would have cute toes for the wedding. We were so sad that LeAnn couldn't come because she was still recovering from having a baby, but we gave her a pedicure at home the next day.
(Don't I look so hugely healthy (fat) in this picture. Oh well...

Anyway, as you can see we have been having lots of fun. This last week things have slowed down a lot. Sammy and I have been sick (thank goodness it came after all of the excitement!) We still have a couple of weeks ahead of us to be here and play with all of our family. So if I don't update for a while you will know it is because I am just having too much fun to turn on the computer!