December

The beginning of the month was great and lots of Christmas spirit was around.  It was fun to feed the missionaries and feel their spirit in our home.  Also to go to church and feel the spirit so strong singing Christmas songs.  I just loved being there and feeling that continued warm feeling.  We did some fun things of decorating, gingerbread houses, ward Christmas party (Craig was in charge with Bro. T) Hadi's birthday, lots of Christmas music & movies.  THEN we received the news!!!  So the week before Christmas was consisting of staying home and gearing up for what was to happen.  I still tried hard to let the girls enjoy the holiday but for me I wasn't happy. You can read about it here   nossonenedoce.blogspot.com
I was sure grateful for the first few weeks of being happy and feeling the spirit in that time.

 One of the days we actually got snow!  The girls were so excited

Gma Parker sent us a fun house to make rice crispies with.  The girls loved them.  Jaycee every Friday has play group and so it was at our house one of the weeks and all the little kids loved making these and decorating. Thank you Grandma!

The day before Christmas Eve I set out to get the groceries we needed for the upcoming days, run errands to people as well as a few last minute gifts for friends.  It took us forever!  Between traffic, finding parking spots and going all over...it was exhausting.  At one point I looked back and this is what I saw

 Christmas Eve came.  Up to this point I had been spotting and thought that was all my miscarriage would be.  I had no idea what was to come.  This day we spent baking & making treats for our friends & neighbors.  It was a blast!  Craig even helped.  It was a crazy busy day though.  I think I spent the majority of the day in the kitchen.  This is why a great kitchen is a must.  I LOVE MY KITCHEN!  We made cute little reindeer donuts, snowman donuts, toffee, peanut butter nut chews, pb blossom cookies for santa.; for dinner little smokies, cut up veggies & dip, cut up fruit & dip and some crackers with meat & cheese.  Holidays def bring good food!  And at this point...I didn't care a bit about gaining a few pounds.  We ended the night Skyping with family.  The girls loved seeing their aunts & uncles; gma & gpa and cousins.  They got soooo spoiled and were so excited to play with all their toys.  The downside of Skype is it gets really loud and then everyone forgets that we are talking so we ended up being done a little early so the girls could get things ready for bed.  We did our traditional Nativity reading with our nativity set and ended the night on a spiritual side with the focus on Christ.  The girls were asleep fast.

Christmas Day we had plans to go to our friend's house for dinner and games.  Jaycee woke me up around 730am and was sad saying her tummy hurt.  10 minutes later she was in the bathroom throwing up. Then she came in our bed and snuggled and didn't feel good.  We asked her if she remembered what day it was and she had no idea.  We stayed in bed for a little bit longer and then I had the idea to get my camcorder out to show her what day it was.  (having her watch last year)  Right after she watched about 2 minutes, she jumped up and said....let's go downstairs!  We laughed.  Kids are awesome!  We woke up Hadi and all of us headed down.  She had another awesome expression.  Last year was the dog treats---this year, the loofa.  So funny!  Hadi I think had no idea what was going on but she was excited for her presents and her dream lite.  Everyone played with the opened gifts while we started breakfast.  We always do biscuits & gravy  mmmmm!  Then we all went back and opened up presents.  It was the perfect day!  We got A LOT of movies and watched a lot throughout the day in between playing and eating.  We had yummy dinner of ham, sweet potatoes, rolls, baked carrots, jello.  Later that night I called my mom and we talked and she reminded me about my issues going on. I honestly kinda forgot about it.  She explained about how her body went through her miscarriage and I thought, that's crazy.  All I've had was spotting-ish.  I didn't think much more of it but kinda ended the night sad and depressed knowing that we lost our baby.  Lots of emotions were going on.  We did have a fun day and enjoyed every minute in our home together.  I just love my family so much and enjoy every minute with them! 

 The above pictures.  The first one I said smile and then Hadi insisted I take another one. It is priceless! 

haha on the phone with Kyle talking about their nerf guns....boys!

The week of Christmas Craig actually only went in Monday.  The day after Christmas he worked from home and I felt cooped up so we went to WalMart to look at deals & walk around.  He didn't got to work the next day and I was so grateful. 

My baby #3 was born this night.  Dec. 26 about 10:15pm  Love my babies!

A Week of Thanks!

We were playing the week of Thanksgiving by ear if we were going to go back to visit.  Last Thanks leading up to the day I was sad we weren't with family but on the actual day it was okay.  We really wanted to get out there for a big holiday so this was the perfect one weather permitting.  Everything looked good to go so we packed up quickly and excited for a few days with family!  At that time there was a "parasite" on board so I knew we wouldn't be out the next year, maybe not at all.  And little Sawyer was born and the thought of not meeting her for whole year was torture.  So I was glad we had the means & times to make a quick trip.  We had amazing weather going out and made it with about 12.5 hours.  We did have a little slow down with wind for the first few hours. 

We got in Wed night and met up with my bestie and her family for dinner at the good ol' Chick Fil A.  It was a llllloooonnng ride of nausea, tiredness and just plain long.  Usually I would've been excited about Utah food.  Not this time.  But it was still awesome to see them and let the kids out to play.  I loved that I got to see my little sweethearts Oaklee & Sawyer and hold a new baby.   We then headed to D house to settle in for the night and get ready for Thanksgiving day.  Craig did run to Walmart (1st time) to get towels for Izzy for the bottom of her kennel. 

Thursday we spent the day watching the game...well Craig didn't get to watch much.  He had to work!!  Boo!  After the game we headed to the Parker family for the day.  It was yummy food and such a fun time with family.  I feel so blessed to be apart of great in laws!  I was so greatful I was feeling well and actually didn't fall asleep.  The night we ended going to Dawn's for dessert & more visiting with family.  Jaycee loved seeing her cousins!  On the way back we were going to stop to shop but the girls were exhausted.  So was I! 

Friday was shopping day.  Walmart-more than once-maybe more than twice; Kohls; Target; Cafe Rio for lunch; Sams Club; and did I say Walmart?!!!  Frustrating phones!  Kyle & Aimee, D& Justin and all the kids were champs!  Hardly any complaining & disobeying.  I was shocked.  It really was a fun day!  We ended at D's house relaxing and watching Croods.  Du-Da-DA!!!!  (insert Kenna voice here)

Saturday-I think I slept through this day!!!  I was sick!  I was tired!  Just blah!  The girls got to play again and Craig got Chase time fishing.  Also the phones finally got done.  We ended the night at an awesome Festival of Nativity with Craig's family.  I loved being in a spiritual setting with them and at first felt a little embarrassed to be doing a Christ" activity but when we walked in I was grateful we decided on this.  We then went to Ogden Pizzaria for dinner and was delicious!  I was starving and all those carrots were long gone!  I loved talking to Ms. Jodi and catching up on life.  I miss her!!!!  I really got blessed with the best people in my life! 

Sunday was Sawyer's blessing and was thankful for the 1:00pm church.  It was neat to go back to our old ward and the meeting was so spiritual.  My heart was so full and I wanted so badly to bare my testimony about missionary work but I didn't.  I need to act on those feelings more.  We had a fun night with yummy food, lots of talking, playing games with my sibilings (wish we would've played Mafia but Kel was missing)  My favorite part of the night that I still think about to this day was when everyone left and I got time with little Sawyer.  I needed this time to remember even to this day.  She needed to eat and I was thankful for the time to cuddle and feed her, burp her, change her bum and get that time with a spirit straight from heaven.  I wanted to stay in that moment forever!  I had the baby in me at that time but things were unsure.  I am convinced now that I needed that moment to get me through this year.  I don't really like babies anymore but to remember that sweet time I got with Sawyer reminds me that I have hope to love and to be ready again for a baby. 

Monday was catch up day; shop day; get everyone's gifts day; pack up day; it was CRAZY!!!!  I was so irritated and got in a "fight" with Craig because I was just onory.  Maybe I was sad deep down-I dunno.  I just was irritated on many things.  Especially the last day we were in town and how we had to spend it.  I was glad to have dinner with Aimee's family and was the breath I needed from the day.  I didn't exactly have a good dinner but I loved how the night ended with Oaks, Jaycee & Hadi playing.  It was adorable!  I miss that moment!!!!  It was short but we had to get back to pack and sleep.  

Sleepovers!!!

 

 

Shopping all day is exhausting!!!

 The night was miserable!!!  We got to bed late on top of Jaycee whining, moaning, crying about her ears hurting!  Oh it was miserable.  I couldn't do anything to calm her down. Then she kept waking Craig up so I had him go sleep out of the room so he could at least get sleep for the drive home.  I felt so bad for her but knew there was nothing to do.  Finally she fell in a dark sleep and we both got a good maybe 3 hours of sleep.  When 5 came...I was exhausted!!!  We opened up the back door to pack up and....SNOW!!!!  Oh crap!  I did not want to drive a 11.5 hour ride in snow resulting in way longer.  Backup plan at least was staying over Boise.  I hoped that wouldn't happen for Craig's work schedule.  We got a little past North Ogden and it was clear!  Yay.  We made a stop a little past Twin Falls for a quick breakfast and fill up.  Jaycee and Hadi were out cold until we stopped.  I knew Jaycee would be exhausted.  We then got all the way to Baker City (4 hours to home) and the freeway was shut!!!  There was snow but it was like flurries winded on the freeway.  Drivers in Utah would've laughed.  We were forced off and at this time Jaycee starts freaking out again about her ears.  Add to my nausea & super tired.  It was so delightful.  We detoured and stopped at a gas station to ask and was frightened to learn we might have to sleep over and sometimes they don't open for a long time.  Seriously and we're 4 hours away with no back up route to take!  It pretty much sucked.  We headed back to sit by the freeway entrance and it was a miracle!  It was opening!  Yay.  We finally got home after a stop for dinner and again feeling miserable-me not the only one.  Usually I help out driving but with feeling so tired & sick I didn't do any of it. We all were spent!  It took us about 13 hours.  It was great to be home!!  Needless to say, we wont' be in Utah from Nov-March ever.  As long as driving is required.  Not that we can't handle it-Oregon can't!

Milly was getting restless and started walking around.  It was funny to see her on the door handle by Jaycee

Oh Hadi.  We had soooo much stuff to take back that every little space was taken up.  With her opposite of Jaycee, she couldn't watch the movie.  So in her boredom....she ate. and ate. and ate.  Every time I looked back she was finding food to eat.  At least she was happy.

Jaycee was exhausted!  Can't even lay her head down to sleep

Halloween Time 2013

I noticed scrolling through that I forgot some posts.  Here's a few to catch up

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays!  I think I like every holiday though...well minus VDay.  Kinda lame.  Although I like the excuse to love on my hubby.  haha. 
We did some fun things for the big day.  Decorating; pumpkin patch with our best friends; getting halloween books from the library; carving pumpkins; picking out costumes; doing the "boo" phantom to friends; halloween party with friends at our house; and of course the day we spent at Dizzy Castle, yummy dinner, trick or treating.  so fun!!!!

Jaycee and Hadi's buddy Janessa M. at the pumpkin patch

 Random last minute thinking with camera on me.  Hey....

 Isn't she just adorable?!!!! 

 The adults always having a good time-Adam; Craig; Me; Jean; Bre; Nessa
We loved driving past their GHETO house in Portland when they first moved here and then finding out that near there was an awesome Thai food place.  Dinner was quickly decided!  It was a small-like our families took up nearly the whole place-building with that song "I'm blue daba-de-daba-di-daba"  I asked the waiter who sang it and he read it off their little computer...um "Lyric?  L-Y-R-I-C"  Craig and I were busting up.  I love when we get these inside jokes between each other.  I had amazing cashew nut chicken and Craig loves his peanut sauce.  mmm!! 

 Playing on the hay

 My bestie Becca

My little buddy

 

 Hadi loved being involved and doing her own little pumpkin

A family that carves together-stays together

Jaycee was so excited and picked out the biggest pumpkin to carve.  She did the entire thing herself and drew a little pattern on a piece of paper for it.  She loves to draw and write-this was right up her alley.  Pumpkin on the left is Dad's, right is Mom's.

 On the left is Jaycee's.  It's hard to see but was super cute.  Hadi's is on the right

Like I said before I love Halloween and all the fun things to do.  Becca and I decided to do a fun party for the girls & friends.  We had to limit the kids if not we would've had lots more from church & school friends.  I love that about where we live.  At our party they got to watch a Halloween show; decorate sugar cookies; eat a Pumpkin Pizza, little spider craft & bags to take home with goodies.  It was a blast! 

Alexia; Brinley; Bailey; Jaycee; Janessa; Breana; Hadi; Brynnley

 

As I'm updating I'm noticing Becca and I hang out a lot.  haha.  Dizzy Castle had 1/2 off for kids that came in costume.  I love to do something on Halloween as most kids go to school.  I wanted to see this new Dizzy Castle so might as well go.  Janessa & Becca met up there and we played for a few hours.  It was a fun time!  They had a black light room with little treats too.  It was the perfect idea for the day.

 

We had our tradition of mummy dogs and I substituted the jello and chips this year for carrots & pumpkins.  A healthier option.  Also I added the side of chili.  It was delicious!

 Craig called me around 3pm and he got a piece of metal in his eye at work.  He was laying under his desk moving it and fixing something when a piece fell.  It was bothering him so he thought it'd be best to get it checked out.  Sure enough there was a piece of metal in there.  The dr. said if he would've waited it could've caused some severe damage.  I was glad it was a quick little outpatient surgery and that he was okay.  I was mad at him that he never said a word until he called to get the HSA card to pay for it!  I guess he knows I would've been worried.  So we waited for him to get home & eat and then we headed out to Trick-or-Treat with our friend Sheri & her boy Connor.  We left a little late and went to more houses than last year that when we got back we missed the rush of kids.  We had SOOO much candy left over.  Last year we ran out in 45 minutes.  It ended up going to the Young Women.  haha. 
This is how we were handing out.  Milly wanted to be involved and answering the door

 Jaycee was making me laugh so hard.  She wanted to be Captain Jack Sparrow so bad.  But she was happy with this costume.  In the pic she was saying Arrrr....as I would take the pic.  She's a funny girl.  Hadi is super adorable as usual.  Just cooperates quietly in Jaycee's shadow. 

 The girls had the option to do the Switch Witch if they wanted.  Jaycee was so excited to do it again.  Unfortunately, mommy fell asleep that she woke me up in the morning to see what she brought and I had to scramble to get it out.  They got Coraline the movie and loved it.  It was a great fall 2013!