Playing Catch Up

How did I let this thing slip so far from me!?!  I can't believe that I haven't posted in so long.  Things have been so busy, this just happened to get put at the end of the list.  So, here is a quick update/ run down of the Wardell's life.

Okay, so since August things really have changed a bit for us.  In the month of August we went to visit GiGi for a few days.  We went to Galveston to see dolphins and took the boys to La Kings on the Strand.  We enjoyed a quiet long weekend there and were enjoying wrapping up our summer break.  When we returned home there was a MESS.  A water line to our refrigerator burst and we came home to a flooded living room and kitchen.  I can look back now and say it was definitely a learning experience and I love our new floors and paint, but getting there was no fun at all.  We finally finished it mid-September as we had a few bumps in the road before all was said and done.

Riding in the boat at La Kings

James and the boys ready to see dolphins

Look! Dolphins!

Playing Chess on the Strand

At the end of August Alex started kindergarten!  I can't believe my baby is in kindergarten!  Alex was very excited to start school.  Things were a little rocky in the beginning, but now he is completely settled in and loving it.  His teacher constantly tells me how sweet he is and what a great helper he is.  I love that Alex gives everything 100%.

Alex on his first day of Kindergarten!

September definitely came with a BANG!  Eric was supposed to start preschool right after Labor Day, but Mother Nature had other plans.  Labor Day weekend was very stressful as most of Magnolia and Waller were evacuated due to a HUGE wildfire.  The Tri-County fire ripped through our area.  My parents came to stay with us for 10 days as the fire burned.  We were very blessed to be out of harms way, but the stress was unimaginable.  School was cancelled because they were being used as command posts, and everything was out of whack.  At this point our house was nothing but sub floors.  Our refrigerator was in the living room, we had no furniture in the living room or kitchen, and lets just say we live in a single family home, and it made things a little tight.  Everyone tried to be good sports about the situation.  We made it through, again, with lessons learned.  Finally Eric started school and he was very happy to go.  Alex was able to start his Fall Season of T-Ball and we also found out that we are expecting baby number 3 and morning sickness definitely won many battles.

Alex got the "Game Ball"!

Alex was so proud!

Alex plays catcher at the game

Eric ready for his first day of preschool!

He is such a ham!

October rolled around and I started working at Eric's school as the Pre-K teacher.  This is definitely work, but tons of fun at the same time.  Eric really likes me being at the school and I like the kids and something to keep me busy.  Halloween came and the boys were very excited.  I let them pick their costumes this year.  Alex was a Jedi and Eric was Super Why.  They had lots of fun at our church trunk-or-treat and then trick-or-treating on Halloween.  Eric loves to play dress-up, so we went and bought a few costumes on clearance after Halloween.  He has enjoyed being many different super heroes.

Alex the Jedi

Eric as Super Why

After the Trunk-or-Treat

After the Trunk-or-Treat

November came very quickly.  I celebrated my 26th birthday and then then Thanksgiving break came.  We were very blessed to have James home the entire week of Thanksgiving.  On Monday we all went to my doctor's appointment as we were supposed to find out if baby #3 is a boy or a girl.  Well, while Alex and Eric argues over what it was going to be, the technician kept trying, but baby is VERY modest and wouldn't let us see...so we still don't know.  Then we took the boys to the zoo for a fun filled day.  The rest of the week was spent enjoying our time.  GiGi came to see us for a little bit, that is always fun.  On Thursday we went to James' parents and had an amazing Thanksgiving meal.  Friday we did some relaxing and I did a tiny bit of shopping.  Saturday we put up all of our Christmas decorations and then James and I went to the temple.  All in all the week was amazing!  I felt refreshed and ready to start back to our everyday lives.

This chimp came and sat by James and then did everything James did.

I love my boys

Now it is the last day in November.  Half of the Christmas shopping is done.  I got the housework caught up (mostly), Eric is napping after spending hours playing with a box, the sun is shining and the air is crisp.  I feel so blessed and can't imagine things getting much better.  I promise I won't let my blog go this long again.  So until next time...

A Summer Update

It has been too long since I have blogged, but my life has been a bit crazy busy.  This summer has been great, but I am starting to understand how much parents want their kids to start school and how crazy summer can be.  I could never have fathomed being sick of entertaining kids, but I am reaching that point.  My kids are great at entertaining themselves, but I want them to enjoy social activities and experience new things.  We want to build memories.  Well, this summer has been packed with activities and memories.  We have play group every week which I think may be more for me instead of them as I enjoy the adult interaction as much as they enjoy wherever we are at and their friends.  We have gone to the lake, playgrounds, splash pads, movies, zoo, museums, pools, and numerous other things.  This summer has been super hot and dry, but we are making the best of it.  James and I have realized that once school starts, there will be no more avoiding crowds by going fun places during the week and that vacations have to be scheduled during vacation times...this is a new thing for us as we always try to go when things are quiet.  I am very much looking forward to Alex going to kindergarten (even though I can't believe he is already old enough to go) and for Eric to start preschool two days a week.  The boys are growing and learning so much and I am excited to see what this year will bring.  Here is a brief update on everyone and hopefully I will have some time to sit and upload pictures and more summer posts soon, right now i have an extra kid in the house during the week and it makes things a bit more hectic...

James is still working at Conroe Machine and working his rear-end off.  He is working a minimum of 12 hours a day and I know at times work is very stressful as they are taking on some new projects and improving the company's quality control.  He has been noticed at work for taking the initiative and always working hard and willing to help out wherever it is needed.  He gets every other Saturday off and he tries to make sure that stuff around the house gets don as well as spending time with me and the boys.  He is such an amazing man and I don't know where I would be without him.  He also teaches Gospel Essentials every other Sunday and everyone loves his lessons.

I am trying to keep up.  I am staying home with the kids and caring for the house.  I still have a cake business, but it gets pretty slow in the summer.  I have been working on new recipes and some new ideas.  Life has been hectic and I wear many hats, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Alex is definitely maturing quite a bit!  His feet are huge and we are sure that he will be having a growth spurt very soon.  He is very excited for school to start.  He has quite a sense of humor and is very quick on the comebacks.  He is 100% ambidextrous and is extremely bright...I have to admit, sometimes this gives me a run for my money.  He is having surgery on his thumb on the 18th so hopefully he will have an easier time with his handwriting and he will not have to worry about the pain in it anymore.  He is the epitome of a 5 year old boy!

Eric is such a little goober sometimes.  he gets into things, but has that smile that melts your heart.  We finally got some pictures taken of him and he is a total goof ball!  He has been having some health problems and we are hoping to get some answers soon.  We have an appointment with a Nephrologist in November (that is a long way away). but I have been able to help him a lot by drastically changing his diet.  We have a lot better days now and I think he is feeling better.  Eric likes Nursery once he is in there, but getting him in there is a bit of a task.  He loves doing EVERYTHING Alex does and at times that really irritates Alex.  Eric is learning more of his colors and a few letters.  His language skills are great, he is very articulate.  He likes to pick out his own clothes and is very opinionated.

Our pets are doing great too.  Moroni is very good at scaring the delivery man, so much that the UPS guy throws our packages onto the porch.  Mason is showing his age more and more.  He is such a great dog and is still very patient with the kids and loving.  He is having a harder time getting onto the couch, laying down, and sometimes getting in the dog door, but he doesn't complain and always wants to have his ears scratched.  Tonka is a typical cat...moody, cuddly when he wants to be, demanding at times and playful, but we love him.

Alright, this is the update.  Hopefully I can get on again soon.  So, until next time...

My Little Ball of Sunshine

Perfect depiction of Eric!

This blog post is dedicated to my little ball of Sunshine, Eric.  Last week my baby boy turned three years old! ( I start to tear up as I type this)  He has gotten SO big and he has matured SO much!  Eric is 100% boy.  He is constantly moving and if it involves dirt, even better.  He loves to run and jump constantly.  Eric has always been a kid that keeps me on my toes.  When Eric was born, things went very smoothly and he loved to be hugged!  He loved having his head covered and he HATED being swaddled (that should have been a sign).

My favorite boys!

 When we brought Eric home I quickly contemplated taking him back to the hospital (don't judge me, things were tough).  He was a cryer...a screamer..whichever you would like to call it.  He cried CONSTANTLY (I am NOT exaggerating).  The only time he didn't cry was when he would eat (10 minutes every 3 hours) and sleep (he was the king of 10 minute power naps and 2 hours was his stretch at night).  I cried with him and prayed that Heavenly Father would help me understand this baby, who was apparently not a happy camper.

He frequently slept in the sling, he would fall asleep and I would slip it off for a few minutes ...Once he was asleep I would KILL anyone who woke him up.  He looks so sweet asleep!

 I can remember that I read an article about colic and stuff and in they talked about babies having a "separation anxiety) from the womb.  I thought about this and prayed about this and concluded that Eric had separation anxiety from our Heavenly Father, the veil was just too thin and he could still remember what he left.  He was not happy to be here and he was terrible frustrated with this little body he was placed in.  One night, after a particularly LONG day, I asked James to give him a blessing.  In that blessing I asked James to ask Heavenly Father to let Eric know that it was okay to be here and that we loved him and that we would take care of him.  James gave Eric the sweetest blessing (which he screamed through) and then at the  end, he stopped long enough to give us a quick little grin, and then proceeded to scream.

As close as we ever got to a smile in he first 3 months of life :)

The next day was spent with family at a local pumpkin patch (Eric was 4 1/2 months old).  I was not looking forward to dragging grumpy pants around while everyone was having fun.  My grandma offered to keep an eye on him while we enjoyed some of the festivities and she sat and read her book.  Later she told me that this made her a nervous wreck and she was sure he would start screaming any moment.  That day, a day I will never forget, he stopped crying.  He actually smiled and even giggled a bit!  That day was truly an answer to our prayers.  Eric finally started feeling comfortable in his own skin and he knew we loved him.  After that we started to understand Eric's personality better.

What a sly little smile, like he has a secret!  This was taken the  evening he stopped crying

I LOVE this smile!  This was taken about a week after "The Miracle"

He gives everything 100%.  If he can't do something on his own he gets very frustrated and mad.  He wants it all and he wants it now.  He wants to do everything Alex can do and even more.  Right now he is sure that he is turning 5 any moment.

I can't describe how much I LOVE this picture

His latest accomplishment

Eric has gone through times of crying and frustration, and we have come to understand that it is an indicator that Eric is going to hit a milestone soon.  He did this before he crawled, walked, ran, jumped, talked, and pretty much anything else.  He recently went through a phase and we were sure something big was coming and we kinda cringed at the thought, but all of the sudden, he became very aware of things and people around him.  It is hard to explain this to anyone who doesn't know him, but he is definitely maturing into a little boy.  I literally cried the day he looked at me (after I called him my "baby boy") and said, "Mommy I am not a baby anymore, I am a big boy".

I love him so much.  He has a way of lighting up a room when he smiles and is laugh is truly contagious.  He hates to see you sad and always wants to share.  He LOVES going to Tumbling Class with Mr. Vincent and after every class I am told, "He keeps me busy, but I love him."  Eric is a bright kid, he is my sunshine when I am down and he is always complimenting me.  There is nothing sweeter than hearing him say, "Mommy, you're beautiful" every single day after I get dressed, no matter what I am wearing.  His favorite thing to say to people lately is, "Guess what!" after the person replies, "What?"  he says with the biggest smile on his face, "I LOVE YOU!"  I love my little guy and I am excited to continue to watch him grow into a boy and a young man.  I cannot express how grateful I am for him and how much I love him.  I better stop now because I am bawling my eyes out and my eyes get all puffy when I cry.  So until next time...

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Eric

My Little Fireman (5 months old)

Easter (9 months old)

Showing Daddy some love!

Everything Alex does, Eric does!  I love my little guys!

Alex's Achievements!

I haven't written in a while because I have been so darn busy!  There have been a whole lot of fun things going on in our home and it has all happened in a whirlwind.  I will start with my sweet Alex's Pre-K graduation!  I cannot believe my sweet boy is moving on to Kindergarten!  He was so cute in his little cap and gown and took the whole thing very seriously.  He always takes these types of things seriously, sometimes we have to remind him to smile.  He then participated in his school's end of the year program that was super cute!  Hopefully I can figure out how to load video onto my blog soon.  Alex said that he wanted to become a firefighter, because he wanted to save the world!  He is such a sweet boy!

Pre-K Graduation 2011

That Sunday, he gave a talk in Primary about the Book of Mormon!  He did a great job and wrote most of the talk on his own.  He kept reminding me of things to write down for him to say.  He cracks me up at how well he remembers things, even the tiniest details.  He was so proud of himself and he really enjoys when we read the scriptures in the morning.  He is starting to see patterns and really understanding what is going on as I read.

On Monday Alex had his T-Ball awards ceremony and end-of-the-season party.  These kids are too funny!  I loved having Alex in T-ball this season and I am sad to see that it is already over.  My son will probably never be the 'star player" but he always tries his hardest and he is learning what it means to be on a team.  He was so proud of his trophy!  I had to tell him to put it up and quit dragging it through the house (I was afraid it was going to break).

T-Ball 2011
Athletics

I love my sweet Alex and he is such a bright kid.  I don't know how I got so lucky to be blessed with such a great boy!  I have enjoyed watching Alex grow up so much this year.  He has made goals and achieved them.  He has struggled and pressed forward.  Alex may not be the smartest, most athletic, or most anything kid, but I pray that he will continue to grow and understand that he is a child of God and that he can be anything that he puts his mind too.  I also hope that the feelings he has had this past week, the feelings of pride and independence stick with him.  I feel that personal pride and satisfaction carries a person very far.  There is no point in doing something if it doesn't make you proud of yourself.  Through Pre-K and T-ball Alex learned how to work as a team, batting, running, his letters, reading, and writing...but most of all he hs learned what it means to work hard and do your best.  I am eternally grateful for wonderful teachers and coaches that helped him along the way and loves him for who he is.

We have a busy week ahead as we get ready for our vacation, so until next time...

I Got Put in Time Out!

Oh my goodness it is a beautiful day outside!  The sun is shining and the windows are open.  Very rarely are there days in the low seventies in May here is Texas.  Life has been a bit..."not ideal" lately, but it has definitely been a time for growth.

This last weekend changed my life more than I could have ever imagined.  On Friday I packed my bags and went on a trip to San Antonio with some amazing friends.  We headed off to Time Out for Women.  I was excited to go and felt very privileged to go, especially since it was last minute that I was offered a ticket and a seat in the carpool.  Friday we arrived at our hotel and rested for a few minutes before making our way to the convention center.  This was the start of something amazing.  I must admit that my heart was feeling a bit cold and hard.  I was still very upset about the "health issues" I am having to deal with, and not a very happy camper when it came to my relationship with my Heavenly Father (to put it lightly).  We sat together and the program began.  The music was by Dallyn Vail Bayles and the speaker was Sheri Dew.  I was not particularly amped up to listen to Sheri Dew.  I had read a few of her books (well, I tried to) and sound them very dry and "perfect" rather than realistic.  However, the music was so powerful that it softened my heart and Sheri Dew spoke on some things that I really needed to hear.  Looking back on all of it, Friday night prepared my heart for Saturday. My testimony grew so much in those three hours!  I was able to look at my trials and where my heart was and instead of feeling guilty for being mad and angry, I felt loved and understanding.  I was able to come up with this analysis of my feelings and behavior.  I shared this with my hotel-mates when we returned for the night.

I am a toddler!  I am just like my boys after they hear something they don't want to hear.  When I tell my boys "No" for one reason or another, I am often times met with replies of "I don't like you!" and "I'm not talking to you!"  Even though I know they still love me and they know that I love them, they are mad.  I am the same way. My Heavenly Father had to tell me "No" and I didn't like it and I think it is still unfair!  I stomped my feet and crossed my arms and said "I'm mad at you!" and "I am not talking to you right now!"  I knew I still loved my Heavenly Father and He still loved me, but I was mad!  Then I realized that just as my children come to me for a hug after they are done being mad, my Heavenly Father was waiting to hold me tight and tell me that He loved me.  I love holding my boys and trying to make things right in their world, even when they don't understand why something they didn't like had to happen, they understand that I won't lead them astray.  The same thing goes for me.  My Heavenly Father took me in His arms and told me that He was sorry that He had to tell me "No" and that he was sorry that my heart hurts, but He loves me and He knows I still love Him.  My relationship with my Heavenly Father changed so much!  I understand him so much better now, as I realize that He truly is a parent, as I am, and I am learning to parent my children every day and through that, I understand my Heavenly Father more and more.  I felt like I had found myself again.  I felt so much strength and empowerment that I was ready to be held and ready to be comforted and taught what I needed to learn.

After such an amazing night, I was truly ready for an amazing Saturday.  Early on Saturday I received a text message from James that told me that Eric had been bit by something and it looked really ad and he was taking Eric to the doctor.  After my Mommy panic washed away, I realized that James had things under control and that Eric would be fine.  I went on to the conference center bright and early, ready to learn.  I learned so much!  I learned about the importance of friendship and relationships with others and myself form the hysterical Amanda Dickson.  Jericho Road shared some beautiful testimony through music.  I really enjoyed their song "I'm in Over My Head" a lot.  Emily Watts made me giggle as I learned more about my children and how I can be a better mother to them, as well as to allow myself to "LET my heart rejoice".  John Hilton and Matt Baldwin taught me about not comparing myself to others and to have reasonable expectations of myself.  The final speaker was Kris Belcher and I LOVED HER TALK!!!!  She is an amazing woman and I encourage everyone to look her up and read her story.  I learned about "Vertical Living", the idea that we should look up, and look to God and live and not focus on what is right in front of our face.  I felt I could relate to her as she reminded all of us to "Look for the humor in life".  I am constantly looking fir the humor, and I think that is what keeps me going.  She also made a very profound statement that I am reminding myself of regularly.  She said that those people who tell you "God won't give you more than you can handle" are wrong!  If that were true, we would not need a Savior and we would not need His grace.  This really rang true with me.  I had a friend tell me that it is not about "God giving us only what we can handle, but that we can't handle it without God."  I have gained such insight from the amazing people in my life lately.

As you can see, I have grown so much.  I feel like this conference literally saved my life.  I feel as though I was given the opportunity to go by divine intervention.  I feel so eternally blessed that I was able to rub shoulders with amazing women and that I was able to grow so much in less than 48 hours.  I was so excited to bear my testimony on Sunday, but that wasn't able to happen as I took Eric to the hospital and he was admitted for that bite that got so infected that it went all the way up his leg.  He is home now (thank goodness) and running around as he always does.  I am going in for my D&C on Wednesday and I am nervous, but I go in with my heart in a much better place.  I feel more at peace and I don't feel near as alone this time.  I feel loved.  I have absolutely no idea what the future holds, but I will try to go forward with my eyes set high and my heart ready to learn.  So until next time...

The Joke is on Me

Well, I know it has been a few weeks since I posted, and believe me, there were times i would have loved to, but it didn't feel like a good time.  I have spent the last 4 weeks at the doctor's office!  I have had three ultrasounds, six blood draws, and way too many hours there.  Today I found out that the joke is on me.  My body did it again!  My doctor was sure that this was going to work, that things looked great, and things do look great if you don't look at the ultrasound.  All of my blood work is AMAZING!  Nice and pregnant!  However, there is no baby, there is no heartbeat, there is nothing!  I hate having to type this!  I hate being negative and not having something positive to say, but right now I don't have anything positive to say.

The doctor calls it an an-embryonic pregnancy...I call it a horrible practical joke!  My body still thinks it is pregnant, even after the doctor and I scheduled my second D&C in 4 months, it still feels nauseous and exhausted!  It's not fair, and anyone who tells me that it will be okay, I want to kick them!  People want to know how I am feeling, and I really don't think they do want to know.  I feel totally out of my character as I am so ANGRY!  I am angry with everything and nothing at the same time.  I hate this feeling and I know it will pass, but not soon enough.  I was sure that Heavenly Father would not let this happen again, because I felt like I barely survived the last one, but here I am, surviving again, so I guess I am stronger than I know, but I don't want to be strong right now.

I am tremendously grateful for my wonderful friends and family that support me and keep me in their prayers.  I feel like I have let them down, even though they will tell me I haven't.  I know these next few weeks will be difficult, and I just want to put them behind me.  I pray that as I go to Time Out for Women this weekend, surrounded by some of my best friends, that I will be strengthened and uplifted.  I am determined to be strong, and hold my head high and to let my Heavenly Father carry me when I feel like crumpling to the floor.  I pray that people will be patient with me and understand that this too will pass and I will be the "do-it-all and happy-to-do-it Callie" again, just give me a little time.

I read this today and I think this is part of what will get me through.

Doctrine and Covenants 121: 1 and 7-9


1 O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; 
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. 
9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

I am grateful for my testimony and I am grateful that I have a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.  I pray that His love for me will carry me through this tough time.  Hopefully I will have a better, more uplifting post soon.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  so, until next time...

A Prayer Request

I am not sure why I am putting this in a blog post, but it seemed like the place for it.  I hate being negative and full of bad news on Facebook, and I think at times when I am stressed and tired, I tend to be that way.  So, I figure if I put this on my blog, friends have a choice whether or not to read it.  So, here is what is going on, and my request to the world.

Holy Moly I am pregnant!  Yes, after I had decided I was done trying, I was just gonna get through March and then we were going to quit trying completely for a year...I am pregnant.  I went to the doctor yesterday and we had no heartbeat, but a gestational sac.  This scared the crap out of me since this is what happened in December, but I was eight weeks late.  This time I am maybe a week late ( I am not sure, I had even quit tracking my periods, I had thrown in the towel).  My doctor is confident that it is just too early, so he took some blood to test my progesterone and HCG levels and I go back in on Monday for more.  We want these tests to come back with my progesterone being over 5 (over 15 would be fabulous, but that is rare) and we want my HCG levels to continue to climb.

I have probably mentioned before that I have an AMAZING ObGyn!  He knew I was upset about the ultrasound and feeling very discouraged (I still am a bit, but trying not to be) so he told me that positive thinking and prayer is going to carry me through this.  He told me to gather my family together and to call them all to prayer.  He told us to pray for the baby to keep developing, that my body would produce the right amount of hormones to support the baby, and that I will be healthy.  So, I put this prayer request out to all of my friends and family.  I have seen mighty miracles come to pass through prayer and I have faith that Heavenly Father knows me and my heart.  I pray that you will support me in this effort as I know that I am to have more children, and that my work to bring spirits into this world is not over.  James is fasting this Sunday and I know that through our faith, prayers and fasting, we will be blessed, no matter what happens.

I have a  strong testimony of the gospel.  I know that my Heavenly Father is with me all of the time and he knows my struggles and my fears.  I know that there is strength in friendship and family and that no matter where I am, I have someone to go to.  I pray that you won't judge me, or think I am asking for pity for my situation.  I am simply asking for a prayer in behalf of me, my body, my baby, and my family.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope to have good news on Monday, and even better news after that.  So until next time...

Spring Break and More

This has been a few weeks of fun for our family, and most of them centered around Alex.  I will start with our first T-Ball Game!  This was amazing.  The kids practiced hard and tried their best and finally it paid off.  The A's won the game 15-8!  We were all amazed.  Most of the kids on the team are playing their first season (including Alex) and when we started practices the kids were hilariously jumping on top of each other and tackling the ball rather than playing as a team and that night they worked together so well it was amazing.  Alex hit a double and a single.  It was so sweet to watch his big smile as he ran across home plate!  He is getting so big and maturing so much.  For our first game I was assigned to bring snacks, so I brought Rice Krispie Treat Baseballs.  They were cute and Alex was so proud to hand them out to his friends.  He kept telling them, "My Mommy made these."  He makes us so proud.

Up to Bat



His first run!

That weekend we went on our very first camping trip as a family.  We went to Lake Sommerville and had a great time.  We piled everything into our little car, including both kids, both LARGE dogs, and all our stuff.  It was cramped, but we did it.  We loved our new tent that we got for Christmas and the boys enjoyed helping James put it up.  After we were settled we went to the lake to try some fishing.  It was WAY to windy, so we just played along the shoreline.  We found out that Moroni LOVES the water and running along the shore.  Hopefully we can take him to the beach some time.  Mason enjoyed being outside with the family, but wasn't a huge fan of the water.  We had a great time and got some sun.  We then made tin foil dinners that the boys loved and we roasted marshmallows.  The night was a bit restless for James and me because the dogs heard and wanted to check out every single noise...memo to us, maybe not bring both dogs next time.  In the morning we had pancakes and enjoyed playing at our campsite, packed up and went home.  It was a great way to spend our 6th anniversary.

Camping Boys

Playing with worms!

Moroni LOVED the water!

My hubby with the furry kids

Daddy and Eric eating breakfast

Then we celebrated our little man turning 5!  HOLY MOLY ALEX IS 5!?!  Since his birthday was during the week, we went to a movie and ate at one of his favorite restaurants.  Mars Needs Moms is an awesome movie and I would encourage anyone and everyone to see it.  During the movie Alex got a bit nervous and turned to me and said, "You're not gonna get taken by aliens right Mommy, I love you and I need you."  I was touched and it brought a little tear to my eye. 


We enjoyed having GiGi come visit for a few days.  We spent time together and shared lots of laughs and good times.  The boys loved having her here and are excited to go and visit her soon.  The biggest reason she came was for Alex's big birthday party.  We held the party at The Little Gym and it was amazing!  The kids had a great time and it was very easy for me, I just had to bring the camera and the cake.  Alex loved rolling and jumping and playing with his friends (all 15 of them).  I was so grateful for the staff and all of their hard work.  I was eternally grateful that all those kids weren't at my house and that I didn't have to clean up after them.  Alex wanted a Star Wars theme and the Little Gym made everything space themed and really got the kids using their imaginations. 

Birthday Boy!

Mmmmmm...cake!

Now it is Sunday and things are returning to normal.  We had ward conference, shared a yummy dinner with GiGi, GiGi left and now all I can here are little boys laughing and the blaze of light sabres.  Life is amazing and I am dreading Monday a bit, but I know it will be a great week.  I have a great family and I have been blessed more than I can even measure.  Now to go plan Monday's FHE lesson.  This month we have been focusing on "Manners" and it seems to be helping.  So until next week...

Baby Days are Gone for Now

Well, this weekend did not turn out as we had planned, but it was amazing!  Alex is now playing T-Ball and Saturday was supposed to be the big Opening Day ceremonies and first game, but due to the weather, it was cancelled.  We were a bit disappointed that there would be no game, but we found ourselves dressed, and ready for the day at 7:45 AM all together as a family and we couldn't let the opportunity to accomplish some things pass us by.  We went home, changed our shirts (we were all decked out in our baseball gear) and headed out to go furniture shopping. 

We decided to go to Gallery Furniture.  I decided that since I had never been there, I wanted to check it out, and I guess you can't say you've seen the attractions in Houston until you have been to this store.  Holy Moly it is amazing!  They not only sell furniture, but there are Capuchin Monkeys, Tropical Birds, Playground, Free Food (and real food as a matter of fact), TVs in the bathroom...anything you can imagine...oh and furniture too.  We went to search out a bed for the boys.  We have been planning on moving them to big boys beds and just couldn't decide on what we wanted and we couldn't find time to shop, so this rainy day was perfect.  We found a set of bunk beds for them.  This thing is packed with storage (which we need in a small house) and they will grow in to it, not out of it any time soon.  The purchasing process was easy and we had a great time.  We met the one and only Mattress Mack and got to take pictures with the monkeys.  We had a great time, but then the real work began.  They were going to deliver our furniture that night, so we had to get their room ready to receive it.  I had hoped to paint their room before, but we didn't have time, since this was a bit spur of the moment. 

The boys with Sasha the monkey at Gallery Furniture

We went home and started a major clean out of the boys room and stuff.  James got the shed organized and started moving stuff out to the shed that we will put into our garage sale and I packaged up a ton of baby stuff to give to a friend.  The boy's room is now completely free of baby items.  I had been storing some baby stuff in their closet, but not any more.  We have decided to get rid of as much baby stuff as possible.  Our home is too small and there don't seem to be any babies heading our way, so we don't see the reason to keep holding on to something that isn't happening right now.  This is a sad thing for us to realize, but a necessary thing as we have made a goal to make 2011 our de-clutter year.  We will de-clutter our home and our lives so that we can focus on what is important and essential to our salvation.  We got rid of so much stuff it was a cleansing process.  By 10:00 that night the boy's bed was delivered, assembled, toys put away, clothes out away, new bed linens on, and the boys were tucked in!  the day was the most productive day we have had in a while (due to illness and schedules) and everyone helped (even Eric). 

The Big Boy Beds!

I think this process of cleaning out the old and pressing forward to the new is good for all of us.  I have two Big Boys now, and they are no longer babies.  There are no more onesies, diapers, high chairs, or bottles in the house.  I fold little character underwear and play Star Wars.  My boys may be getting bigger, but they will always be my babies.  tonight i addressed the invitations to Alex's 5th birthday party!  I cannot believe he will be in Kindergarten in a few months!  He has matured so much!  Eric is growing more and more and will be in preschool next year!  What will I do with myself!?!  This is definitely a new step for us and I think we are handling it as well as we can.  Maybe one day we will hear the pitter patter of baby feet, but right now we hear laser sound effects, thumping, running, laughing, singing, and tattling...so until next time...

My Big Boys!

A Chance Meeting

I wanted to post some thoughts on something that happened to me yesterday and I am afraid if I don't post something, I will forget it, and I don't want to forget it.

Yesterday was a LONG day!  I had a million things to do and I was very tired!  After all my "have-to-do" things were done, I decided to go ahead and go by the fabric store to pick up the stuff I needed to make the pants for the chili-cook off (strange, I know).  Anyway, while I was there I was kind of browsing and wandering, trying to get my thoughts straight and figure out what I was doing.  After a while I picked out my fabric (thanks for the help GiGi) and took it up to the counter to get cut.  While standing in line, a woman came up in the line next to me with a stroller.  Another woman then came up to her and apparently they knew each other, but hadn't seen each other in a while (yes, I was eavesdropping).  The woman with the stroller proceeded to take her baby daughter out for the friend to see.  Such a cute little butterball of a baby dressed in pink!  My turn had come up in line and I was still smiling and gazing at the sweet baby when the girl at the counter broke my trance by saying, "I love babies!"  Waking from my daydream I smiled and said , "Me too."  She then proceeded to cut my fabric and then she said, "I think I may like them too much."  I smiled, not sure how to reply, she then proceeded to tell me that she had just found out that she is pregnant.  I gave her my congratulations with a smile and then her face darkened a bit.  "That's not the whole story, maybe you should hold your congratulations," she said.  She then proceeded to tell me that her and her boyfriend had 6 children already, the oldest 12 and the youngest is just over a year.  She seemed sad and a bit overwhelmed at the thought of another.  I then told her that my husband and I have been trying for two years to have our third child, but apparently He has other plans for us right now.  She smiled halfheartedly and said that she wish she knew God's plan.  I then told her, "Children are a blessing, a gift from our Heavenly Father and no matter what, she would be blessed for loving her children."  She looked at me, handed me my stuff and smiled a bit.  I wished her the best and told her that I hope everything goes well for her.  I stepped away from the counter and that was it. 

I told James about the experience and about her face.  I can't get her face out of my mind, even as I type this, I am overwhelmed.  I wish I had told her more, I wish I knew her name.  I am not one of those people that can talk to anyone, in fact, I avoid people most of the time.  I am determined to return to the fabric store and try to find her.  I want to give her a Mormon.org pass-along card.  I also feel a bit selfish.  I feel like an opportunity for me to meet someone who might want to place their baby up for adoption walked right into my path...did I say the right things?  For some reason, I have this...love? for this woman and I can't get her off my mind.  I pray that she feels Heaven;y Father's love for her.  I pray that she knows that there is a plan for all of us and that it is scary and hard, but totally worth it. 

I don't have experiences like this.  This stuff doesn't happen to me, I come across the same people every week and we exchange the same pleasantries.  Maybe this happened because I asked James what he thinks I should work on personally, maybe some other reason...  I feel blessed to have met her and I pray that I have done and will do what my Heavenly Father wants me to do for this woman.  I feel almost crazy for mulling this whole thing over in my mind over and over again, but her face is there, in my thoughts.  How do we know when we have done our best?  What more can I do for this woman who I don't even know?  I guess we will wait and see.  I need to find some more reasons to go to the fabric store I guess...

Catching Up

I can't believe I have let my blog slip!  I have thought about things to post and things to say, but they never seem to make it onto the computer.  January turned into February faster than I could have imagined.  Now, here I am on a VERY busy Tuesday afternoon and I decide to update this ting!  What am I thinking?  I can honestly say that our life just continues to march forward and not much changes, well, not anything big changes.  Eric is still in Tumbling and loves his new teacher and new class.  Every day he is more and more independent and at times I have to come up with ways to let him think he is in charge, even though I am in control.  I always have to be on my toes with that one.  Alex is doing great in school.  He is making friends and actually playing with them, and not just next to them.  I love his teachers, they are amazingly patient.  Today was Alex's Valentine's Day party at school and I have to pat myself on the back...I did a pretty darn good job keeping it organized and simple.  High five to me!  Now I am home, brownies are baked for tonight's Relief Society meeting, shirt is ironed (because of course I have spots on the shirt I wore today), car is loaded up for T-Ball practice that I have to leave for soon and the kids are having some quiet time so that they can keep on chugging until bed time tonight.  James has been working long hours (as usual) but he is getting off a little early to come to tonight's activity with me. 

James celebrated his 28th birthday!  We didn't do anything spectacular, just time together as a family.  It was nice to be able to have him around for a little time.  He is my everything.  Even though I am not a big fan of Valentine's Day and think it is a bit overrated, he bought me some of my favorite chocolates and a soft blanket and pillow.  He is so sweet and he listens for little clues about what I would like.  He makes me smile constantly and I can't imagine what I did to deserve him.

I am currently working on some new medication.  They are trying to keep my stubborn thyroid in check and it doesn't like it one bit!  I will find out if this medication is working in a few weeks, but I don't feel any different.  I am amazed at how much Heavenly Father has strengthened me.  I still live each day in a low-level pain that flares up daily and somehow, I haven't lost my mind and have been able to deal with it.  Someday, someone might know what is wrong with me, but until then, I will try to stay calm, wear socks, not get too cold, and focus on the positive things in life.  My doctor wants me to get allergy tested, but I don't know if I am up to it yet.  Each new test brings that flicker of hope that something will show up and give us some answers...and every time the hope is squashed by inconclusive results.  I was tested for Lupus and it was negative (thank goodness) so I usually think that I am just crazy :)  I am grateful that James has been able to help me through some of my rough episodes and helped me to stay focused.  The blanket he got my for Valentine's Day is VERY soft and warm...just right when the pain starts to flare up.  Even through all of the health issues I feel extremely blessed and powerful.  I feel that I can achieve almost anything and that no matter what, I will always have my family and my testimony. 

I will be posting more soon.  I love to write and typing this has really helped me express some things right now.  I have really been focusing on my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father and I want to make sure I document some of the changes I feel and the things that have been going on, so I can look back and reflect.  Each day is a new adventure, yet the same old story (hmmm...I like the way that sounds).  Until next time...

Mr. Independent

I have to dedicate this blog post to my Eric.  This kid has been cracking me up and amazing me so much lately. 

Only a few hours old

Little Gym Graduation

For a few weeks now, Eric is determined to do everything by himself.  The words I hear the most during the day are "I DO IT!" "NO HELP" "I GOT IT"...well, you get it.  This whole thing started with wanting to buckle himself  into the car seat, I let him do the top one and that kept him satisfied for a few days.  Next we move on to washing himself in the tub, getting his own snack, brushing his teeth, washing his face, reaching a toy...etc, etc.  Finally, last week, I think Monday he told me "I have to go potty."  Being a mother of two children and having spent over 10 months potty training my other kid I leaped at this comment.  Eric then proceeded to the bathroom, pulled out the potty seat that has been living under the sink for almost a year, and went in the potty!  Happy dancing Mommy and some M&M's later I am sure that this was a one time thing and it wont happen again.  WRONG!  This kid is potty training himself!  On that Friday, while at Wal-Mart he asked me for some underwear...how could I deny such a cute request!?!  As of today he averages an accident a day, but I am not complaining.  I finally convinced him to wear a pull-up while we are out since he is a bit nervous about the big potty.  The only way he bought into the whole "big boy diaper" (he calls it that) was because they have Toy Story characters on them (Thank you Huggies Pull Ups).  This week he also graduated from his first semester at The Little Gym.  He is moving up to the next level with a big smile and some new skills.  I love having the special Mommy-Eric time we share each week during Tumbling and I have watched him develop a lot of confidence.  This has been so much fun to watch, but a bit heart wrenching as I start to realize that in a few months my Alex will be FIVE and Eric will be potty trained!  I can't imagine a diaper free house and no diaper bag being lugged around, but I guess that this is the season of my life I am entering.  I am losing my babies and getting big boys.  I love them so much and I am enjoying watching their personalities mature and develop.  I am the mother of two very different kids that are still a lot alike in many ways.  I am so blessed and as I look over and watch Alex play with his trains and Eric rest on the couch I can only think of how much joy they bring to my life and I can't imagine it any other way.  I am gonna go give the a squeeze, so until next time...

2011-A Year of Change

I cannot help but smirk a bit as I put the title on this.  I got so tired of hearing the word "Change" during the Obama campaign, and yet here I am using it.  As a family, we have sat down and talked about our goals for this year.  We don't like to call the resolutions because a resolution just asks to be forgotten and broken, so we call them goals.  This year we have decided to move from our home.  I am not positive where we will end up or the logistics of everything, but I do know that Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and as long as we follow his counsel and do what we are supposed to be doing, we will be blessed.  I do not want to spend next Christmas in the home we are currently in, and that is incentive enough for me.  Another goal we have set is that we will continue on our path to self-reliance.  Last year was a big leap for us as we were determined to get our finances and priorities in order so that we could move forward in the Lord's work.  This year is sure to bring excitement for our family.  Our doctor has told us that if we aren't pregnant by March/April, then we might want to "consider other options".  James and I have discussed this a lot...a whole lot!  We have prayed and for the time being we are saying that we will continue to do everything we can to prepare ourselves to welcome another spirit into our homes and if my body cannot and will not support this, then we will look further in to adoption.  This at times is easier said than done.  I never imagined that at 25 my body would decide to call it quits in the baby department...but that's what I get for making a plan.  I daily pray that we will have another and some days are harder than others, but I continue to work on my testimony and being the best me that I can be.  I have found that my focus has changed and has been turned a bit inward.  I am usually trying to change things around me, but I have come to understand that the only thing I can change is myself and my focus.  I am determined to be better and to continue to grow and to try my hardest not to let things of the world weaken my testimony and will.  Every day is a new day that i am determined to be excited about.  I don't want this year to go by in a blur like last year did.  I am keeping a family journal and I am trying to enjoy my boys as much as possible.  I am so blessed and at times I do have the "woe is me" syndrome, but I want to work on keeping an uplifting attitude and to help others feel that they are loved just by being around me.  I love how much I feel my Savior's love.  he has held me very tight these last few months and dried my tears and I think he is ready to let me stand back up again and I want to prove that I can do great things with the body he has blessed me with.  I am excited for this new year and I am thrilled that I have this day to live.  So until next time...