Finally! The room is done!

I finally finished the toy bags for the toy room and can finally put up photos of the room! We updated the big room above the garage to make it organized and friendly. We sectioned into into three areas: toys, tv, and desk. Scott put wood flooring in the desk area (he did a great job), and we bought some desk and filing furniture from IKEA. It happened to fit the area PERFECTLY (it was hard to find stuff because of the height of the wall--the roof angle-- and the length of the wall). I think it looks great.Plus, we bought matching bookshelves for the little alcove area and so now we have a beautiful library. That is something I have always wanted--granted it isn't huge, but it holds a lot of kids books, and I think the book collection is coming along beautifully!

The TV area has the TV cabinet, which also hold all our DVDs, camera stuff, and photo albums. We bought a new couch, and I plan on making pillows for it... We'll just see if that ever happens.

Those two areas take a little over half the room. Then the rest is the toy area. Since it is above the garage, we cut holes in the walls and stuck (kitchen) cabinets (from IKEA) into the walls (we just bought the cabinet part, not the doors). Those were nailed into the studs very securely, and then we framed it with floorboard type stuff. I searched for months for baskets that would fit and finally found the perfect baskets at Target --I wove some brown ribbon around them to add a little extra (SIDE NOTE: my Target doesn't sell them anymore, and I would like to have one or two extras just in case... if you happen to be at target and see anything like these, please let me know. Blue, or blue and white, woven baskets.) Two of the baskets fit perfectly on one of the shelves. Then I got three bigger brown laundry baskets that fit on the bottom shelves. I am extremely happy with the end result.

We put up hooks along the walls and I made drawstring bags (thanks to my mother-in-law for the idea) out of old jeans and pants. It took forever, but I am so happy with them. I think they will be great. So now ALL of the toys are up off the floor and have a place to live. The only thing I don't have a basket/box/etc for is the bounce house, which I just roll up and stick under the window.

We also have the exercise machine off to one side so we can watch tv while exercising if we wish. I feel that there is now a place for everything (in that room). It is such a nice feeling!

Summer Fun

Here is a HUGE post to catch up on all of the many summer things we have done. Since Weston was out of school for only three weeks before starting again, we really tried to jam things into the break. And then he went "off track" just three weeks after starting, so we have tried to jam even more into the last little bit of summer. And I think we have done a good job of having fun!

(All of my pictures from July are frozen up for some reason, so we don't have pics to share... :( But there are some from our other activities.) We started it out by having lots of fun with grandparents and cousins on the 4th of July--fireworks, food and fun. Plus the boys went hiking with Scott's family and I didn't (I needed to just sit!). Then, the boys had a few nights of camping in the backyard, but we decided to really camp, so we took Scott's parents camper out for a few nights of camping in Wasatch Mtn State Park. It was a load of fun. Perfect weather. There was a little fishing pond that the kids could fish in (for free), so we fished a few times. We went to Jordanelle and swam and played in the sand. We went on a hike or two. Drove up to Soldiers something... can't remember the exact name. But it is a memorial for those who died in wars. We roasted marshmallows. I didn't keep our food cold enough so we went out to eat at a restaurant. We met mom and dad Daw for lunch one day and they hung out with us for awhile. It was just a fun weekend! The kids loved it, and although it wasn't necessarily comfortable or easy, it was well worth it for the fun that we had.

The boys took swimming lessons and did marvelous and Weston went to a Soccer Camp. We have great photos from that which, unfortunately, won't come up... He loved it though. Both the kids start soccer this week. (hey, that makes me a soccer mom!!!) And now during our first "off track" break, the boys are doing swimming lessons again, and loving it.

This a pic of Weston inside a "bean bag" I made (It doesn't have beans in it, instead that is where I store all of our stuffed animals... it is very nice!).

A little reservoir with a beach has opened up here in Herriman, so every week during summer break we went up there and spent HOURS playing in the sand. Brennan absolutely loved it. I loved it, too because it was very relaxing. The big boys wore their life jackets as they played in the water (just twoish feet deep or so) and Brennan didn't go near the water, just played in the sand.

I think somewhere in those three weeks we went downtown to the children's museum, too. That is a really fun museum. We only go when we get those great coupons -- 1/2 off. We also had a few lemonade stands and the kids earned some moolah and drank a lot of lemonade... and we played with lots of friends. Whew, what a summer!!!

With Weston off track, I decided to take the kids up to visit family in Idaho. The cousins all had lots of fun jumping on the trampoline and playing. All my boys were rather scared of their dog at first, but by the end loved her! I spent a lot of time with Hilary watching Discovery Health shows (wow... it is a good thing I don't get that channel, I'd be hooked), and reading books. I spent time with Heidi, who is "great with child", looking at LOTS of baby clothes--ohhh, ahhh. It was a quick trip, but fun.

We had a little party with Scott's High School friends. It was so relaxing and fun! They are such great people and I am glad he keeps in contact with them. I have gotten to be good friends with several of the women and love that we get together often. We talked for hours and the kids played. Our house got filled with lots of flies...

Since Scott and I attended the temple dedication on Friday morning, we didn't have anything to do on Sunday so we decided to go up to Park City on Saturday and stay in a hotel that night. It was another short trip, but fun filled! We went to Jordanelle (not as fun this time), and then to the Alpine Slide. We weren't sure if Weston would go or not, but after seeing Aidan go and have so much fun, he jumped aboard. (Later, he told me that was his favorite part)

We then played in the pool at the hotel and the kids had a blast!!! Brennan was so funny. He couldn't figure out the jumping off the side thing, so he basically walked off the edge--usually ending up face first in the water (into Scott's waiting arms of course...). Then he would sit on the side of the pool and just fall in. He loved it! Aidan was jumping in and completely submerging and Weston was showing off all the skills he learned at swimming lessons (he is especially good at gliding). Then we went out for Pizza at a fun and delicious restaurant. Which happened to be right across the street from the Family History place on the main street. We stopped in and found a few relatives. We ended the evening with ice cream and a movie at the hotel. The next day was Sunday, and we wanted to keep it holy so we went to Temple Square. We wanted to go to the church museum, but it was closed because of the temple dedication. So instead we walked all over temple square. Then we visited Grandma and Grandpa. We got home early enough to have a nice dinner and have a relaxing evening. It was a perfect trip because it felt like a long eventful trip. And now we are trying to settle down.

(Isn't Aidan just GORGEOUS in this photo?? I can't get enough of it!)

Well, there is our summer. I am sure we did more things, too. But that is the important stuff.

Silly Face

Lately Brennan has been pulling the silliest face. We tell him to smile for us and he grins the cheesiest smile I've ever seen. What a kid!

He is now 21 months old and getting his 2 year old molars, so he is giving me some grief. Plus, he has realized that he doesn't want to take a nap. Sometimes I bribe him up to his crib with marshmallows...

I thought our other kids were silly dancers, but this kid probably beats them. He swings one elbow wildly about and kicks one leg forward. It is quite a sight to see.

He is also so crazy--He always wants to play with my pots and pans and so we bought him a little kitchen with pots and pans, etc. Well, he takes real food and puts it in his pans and "cooks" it. And he wants to put it in MY oven! And he always wants my oven mitts. I think I'll have to make some for him... Here, in this photo, he somehow got the milk and cooked us up something delicious!

He doesn't do much talking. I know in a post previously I said he had a few words, but he really doesn't say them much. Lately his words are: poo poo (great word to have), ma ma ma ma ma (repeatedly saying my name until I actually walk with him somewhere), and anytime he sees any child younger than him, he yells out BABY! He LOVES babies, even though he still really is one himself... He does try and mimic sounds, so he is coming along, and I am sure soon he will be talking our ears off!

Guess who we met?

http://extras.sltrib.com/tribphoto/gallery.asp?ID=142596&GID=CATHE_0810109&Pubdate=&sort=Gallery


http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705322426/Madeleine-milestone-Leaders-celebrate-cathedrals-100th-anniversary.html


(look through the photo galleries)


So, my friend up the road, Myra, attends the Cathedral of the Madeleine in downtown Salt Lake City. She has been telling me about how they are celebrating their 100 year anniversary. Next week is a Mass with a little fiesta afterward, so she invited me to go. I think it would be lots of fun. Well, yesterday in the morning she called to tell me that last night they were having a Civic Celebration (talking about their involvement and giving in the community) and that someone from my church was going to be there. I said that we would love to go. She then told me that it was some guy named Thomas.... I said, "Thomas S. Monson???? That is our prophet!" So, we went downtown! I didn't realize it was not something you brought kids to, but we had ours anyway. We sat near the back, but could see up front that President Monson was sitting on the front row. We still had ten minutes til it began and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet him. We walked to the front and while we waited I looked to my right and saw Peter Coroon, mayor of Salt Lake County. I said hi to him, and he said, "Didn't we meet?" No, it is just that I am so famous looking... We talked with him for just a minute, and then got to meet President Monson. He asked the kids to give him a high five and then had them come close and he wiggled his ears for them! He was so nice to take the time to say hello. While Scott stood their with the boys, I shook Sister Monsons hand and said hello. Next to her was President Eyring with his wife. I spoke with them for a few moments, and explained why we were there. President Uchtdorf was next to them, but he was talking with someone, and we didn't want to take too much time. Scott and the boys got their pictures taken with the prophet by the newspaper guys (see links above) and then we said goodbye and thank you. SOOOOOO COOOOL! It was such a great experience to have our boys meet the prophet. I am happy they will be able to tell that story to people, and to know they have met the Prophet of God. Wow.


We participated in the first half of the celebration--they sang "All creatures of our God and King", and our friends (Myra and her husband) walked to the front and saw us. Then some scripture reading and then the President of the University of Utah spoke. Then the choir sang. It was beautiful music. Then President Monson spoke. Then some more music, but at that time we had to leave. It was getting late and the boys were starting to get restless. I didn't want it to be disruptive.


I am so glad the boys could experience someone else's culture/religion. They thought the church was pretty, and they had questions about things in the church. I am glad I was able to point out some similarities and then explain so much about our church as well. All in all, it was a really great experience.

Photos and Emma

Don''t get confused about the Emma.... not announcing a girl. I am talking about "Emma" the book/movie. I could watch that OVER and OVER again. Which is rare for me to watch a movie so many times. Usually one time is enough. But the version with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam is so great. I like this movie much better than Pride and Prejudice--a usual favorite among women. Not that I don't like that one, but I think I relate to Emma better. And I am in LOVE with Mr. Knightley (Mr. Darcy really does nothing for me...). I love the way he has hope in Emma and knows she can be a better person. He isn't afraid to help her become that better person.Found a better photo.

Now about photos. I have a bunch of posts just WAITING to be posted, except that my computer with all my photos on it is going wacko and I can't upload anything. Scott has bought us a new computer and we should get it next week. So I will have a bunch more posts then.

Clarification

I hope ya'll know I am excited that I am pregnant and we are very happy to have a new one in our family.... I made it sound REALLLY bad. Although the pregnancy is not easy, the excitement is there!!!

Pregnancy

For those who didn't understand my last post.... I'm pregnant!


Wierd things that happen to me when I am pregnant.

Around eight weeks I get the flu--realllllly bad. (This has happened ALL of my pregnancies. Coincidenc? I think not.) Three to four days in bed without moving. It is the worst thing. I can't take anything, I can't move, I can't breathe, I can't do anything. My mother-in-law comes over to help (the house gets so messy, and the kids can't get all their own food...), and it is a few days of H E double toothpicks. Argh.

When I sleep, my ears go "numb"--but really that isn't the right word. I can't explain it. It is like it gets hard and when I try and move my head it hurts even worse. My arms fall asleep easily when I am sleeping. And every once in awhile my tongue does this strange tingley thing. Wierd.

My ears plug up. Sounds like I have been swimming and have water in my ears. And my legs itch NON STOP! Annoying.


I crave just a few things. Orange juice. Arctic Circle hamburgers--because of the chopped lettuce. Plain McDonalds cheeseburgers. Yum.

I want to throw up for the first 13 weeks--nauseas allllll day long. If I move, I want to throw up. If I eat I want to throw up. If I don't eat I want to throw up. (don't read this if you are sensitive to grossness) And it is so violent, my nasal passages get all clogged up. PS, never eat Taquitos if you are going to throw up... Gross.

Certain food taste metallic. Or they taste REALLY gross completely. Like dried mangos--can't eat them when I'm pregnant. And for some reason (or maybe it was just the one batch I cooked), Lasagna. Some yogurts and cereals. Eww yucky.

Scott says some of the wierd things that happen are that I have strange dreams and I always want to change my hairstyle. I think that it is a normal thing... actually.

I am not a crier, and with my other pregnancies I didn't really cry much. But I have cried every single sacrament meeting (mostly during the songs), and I cry at all the sappy stuff. Today I checked out itsaboutlove.org and read a bunch of adoption stories and cried like a baby. Sniff... Sniff...


And there are some things that happen that shouldn't be discussed. Like peeing my pants every time I sneeze, cough, or throw up. Sigh...

I don't tell people until I am thirteen weeks along. For two reasons. First, I don't want to have to answers questions if I miscarry. And Second, the pregnancy lasts longer when other people know--more people to talk to about it, etc. I'd rather have a shorter feeling pregnancy. So, if you ask me if I am pregnant before I am 13 weeks, I will lie to you. Please just don't ask me......... thanks.

Pregnancy is about the hardest thing for me. Mostly because I feel (and am) so lazy. It starts at week 6--lazy cause if I move I throw up. So til week 13, I don't do anything. The second trimester is better, but that is when I am most tired. So, although I actually move around, I do take at least one nap a day (usually the first one is about 9 in the morning...). Then the third trimester starts my contractions. If I move, I contract. So, I can't move. I can take medicine, but it usually makes me jittery. I just do the best I can, but mostly I sit around. Plus, who wants to move when you have watermelon attached the the front of you? So, nine months of sitting around... it makes me lazy. Then I have the baby, and although the pregnancy is over, it takes me MONTHS til I feel like I should move around. Just because for almost a year I haven't moved, why should I start now? I hate it. I am SO lazy. What a complainer. Wow.

I completely forgot to add one of the worst things--my sciatic nerve gives me pain from the get go and it only gets worse with time and largeness... I end up waddling way before it looks like I should and I have to ROLL out of bed and sometimes I get "stuck" in place and can't move. Sigh. More complaints...