Just Living Our Story

Happy Love Day

2012-02-14T07:30:00.068-07:00

Thank you Pinterest for your fun ideas, I love you dearly.

Trying to get a sitter on Valentines and/or trying to summon the courage to fight the V-Day crowds on a date has kind of turned our Valentine's Day into more of a family holiday, but it's nice this way.

V- Day has become a fun day to smother the fam with loves just because, eat heart shaped everything, surprise the kiddos and hubs with balloons and treats, and eat insane amounts of chocolate gifted from Dev. The best is seeing the boys get really excited about their Valentine's surprises, sometimes it's so much fun to be a mom!
Tonight will probably be a pizza, wii tournament, and AFV marathon sort of night at the Johnson's.

I had THIS little number and some other items delivered to Dev's office today. He he.
Speaking of Dev, last night he told me about all of the cute things he already has planned to do for Elli on Valentine's Day as she grows up because he always wants to make sure she feels really special.
Honestly, I love this man.

Hubs also made this and put it inside a cute little card from the boys, ha ha. Even the kitties have 'staches.

Happy Valentine's Day!
However you spend it, I hope it's grand.
Oh, and for fun, HERE is a little Love Day history.

28 Weeks

2012-02-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to the BYU v Pepperdine game over the weekend and had such a great time! Tagg even stayed right by us... the entire time! Success.

Bost loved keeping track of the score (Cougs kicked some booty), and he would update everyone around us loudly each time it changed. He also loved all of Cosmo's antics.

Tagg loved enthusiastically cheering with everyone even though he didn't quite grasp the whole idea, and he loved the band. Every time the band would finish a song he would clap loudly and yell, "Great job playing the song!!" He also wanted to get down on the court and play basketball himself. Why should they have all of the fun?

And we all enjoyed the game food... num num.

Go Cougs!

And the very very sweet kind patient couple next to us enjoyed the soda spill courtesy of Boston's enthusiasm. Thank goodness for nice people!

Symptoms at 28 Weeks:

I've been really nauseous each morning, and hungry hungry hippo each night.

I still can't stay far enough away from eggs, and still can't eat enough peppers and cheese.

Elli is moving more and more and seems to have grown a bunch over night.

I've gained somewhere between 20-25 pounds so far and I was only too aware of it when I went to get dressed for church yesterday and not a thing fit! Haha. Oh my.

And just for fun, another Taggism.

While we were at church, during Sacrament meeting, Dev went out to get a tissue for Tagg.

Tagg waited until Dev was out of the doors, and then asked for something from the church bag.

I proceeded to get what it was he asked for and as soon as I was bent over looking for it, he seized the moment and took off running through people and towards the doors on the other side of the building.

Well, it snowed yesterday, and as we had been sitting the snow had been melting into a huge puddle from my boots.

So when I jumped up to take off after Tagg my boot slipped and I went down. Hard.

Chairs and markers went flying, the prego was down. It was awesome.

It's always nice to make a big entrance into a new congregation, right?

At least we were sitting towards the back.

I did end up catching Tagg before he made it out of the building and before Dev got back.

Tagg is still alive today, in case you were wondering.

And Boston just kept coloring as if nothing had happened. I think he's pretty used to this whole scenario now.

Just another day.

I have to admit though, I am just feeling quite blessed lately.

Overwhelmed by it really.

I love that I get to just be mommy and wife. I love it.

It's crazy, busy, most days feel unappreciated, but it's also the best.

Our boys are healthy, we have a warm home and food on the table.

Dev has a good job that is growing.

We have a baby girl on the way.

And we have a God who loves us and listens.

Yes, just feeling very blessed.

Ok, and a little tired... and hungry...

but blessed and happy.

My Valentines.

Just A Thought

2012-02-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

“God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as he always has. But he can't if you don't pray, and he can't if you don't dream. In short, he can't if you don't believe.”

― J. R. Holland

Tagg, Tagg, Tagg

2012-02-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

It's quite ironic,

the way Tagg changes as soon as the door opens to our home.

On the inside he wants to be by my side (or better yet, in my arms) at all times.

And I love it.

If I am more than a few feet away from him at any time, or if I go up or downstairs without him, he acts like I have completely betrayed him. Honest Abe, if I go downstairs (or heaven forbid try to use the potty) without letting him know, he will let me have it.

"Mamma left Taggers, wait for Tagg! Buddies!!"

He's my littlest buddy, and my sweet little snuggle bug.

It just makes me mush when he wraps his little fingers around mine

and how he stops playing just to "help" Mamma load laundry or dishes and vacuum and mop.

Even when we are eating he will push his chair all the way around the table and right next to mine so that we can, "sit by 'chother."

And then

the house door opens...

(dun dun dun)

Whenever we leave the house, even if we are just going to Bertha, I have to be sure I am holding Tagg as we leave.

Just a few days ago, when we were about to go for a walk to the playground, I pushed the garage opener and Tagg and his Steve McQueen little legs were under that door and out into the road before it had time to think about getting all the way open. By the time I caught him, he had run through the culdesac and out into the middle of the main road.. without stopping or even thinking about looking.

Boy, you should have seen this pregnant lady sprinting to catch him too! Fortunately I was wearing stretchy pants (they were neon orange too, Richard Simmons would have been oh so proud), and was able to waddle at full speed to catch him.

And, after strapping Tagg tightly into the stroller, when we finally got to the playground I spent a good amount of time trying to keep him from running away.

I don't get it.

Irony, you are Tagg.

Thaaaaank goodness for our fenced backyard.

I'm VERY grateful for a FENCED IN place where we can go to play,

where he still wants to have Mamma right by his side.

He has the quickest little legs, and the sweetest little heart.

When someone gets hurt he is the first person at their side to kiss it better.

Wherever we go he waves and says hello to everyone we meet. It's like he has a goal to make everyone smile. Today it made my day watching him change the eyes of a woman in a wheel chair as he waved and talked to her like they were best friends.

He has a gift for making people feel like they are the best person in the entire world (unless you are a Target employee, then I guess you are the enemy? frienemy??)

Sweet, crazy little Tagg.

Mamma sure loves you.

But I'm also blaming my heartburn on you and not the pepper-chinos I can't stop craving.

27 Weeks

2012-02-05T20:29:00.006-07:00

Symptoms:

Same 'ol, same 'ol.

Nothing new to report here... except the chloasma is getting more and more charismatic by the day, and my belly is now large enough to use as a table when I sit. Fun fun.

Cravings:

Cheese... lots of melted cheese.

In fact, earlier today Dev made this lovely observation:

"Tagg is just like you. You are both grumpy if you are woken up from sleeping, and you get angry if someone takes your cheese."

Like pregnant mother, like son.

Aversions:

Same as usual. Eggs are evil.

We are really starting to feel at home in our new place,
and I'm really feeling excited to meet and hold our baby girl.
Boy, I can't wait to have her join our little family. :)

I'd been a bit scared sometimes thinking about taking care of three... being a good mom to three.

But lately I've just felt very peaceful about it,
and assurance that this is how our family is meant to be.

Deep in thought earlier today I found myself saying to Dev, "I'm just getting really excited to meet our little girl."

I didn't realize Boston was listening too until I heard, "Me too! I'm so excited too!"

Honest, every girl should be lucky enough to have big brothers. For better and worse. ;)

Boston Says

2012-02-05T19:27:00.002-07:00

*hair styled by Daddy, super kid style*

Over the weekend the boys helped Dev put Elli's crib together. The process probably took 3 times as long with the sweet, eager little helpers (Dev's such a great, patient Dad, haha). It was really cute to see how excited the boys were to help put their baby sister's crib together.

After it was finished and the boys were proudly looking at their accomplishment, Dev and I talked about adjusting the crib's springs to the highest level for the first few months so that it is easier to get her in and out. Well, little did we know that Boston was listening carefully, and at that point realized he wouldn't be able to reach the crib mattress even at the high setting.

This concerned him a bit, because he really wants to help take care of his sister (heart of gold, I am telling you).

His brow furrowed, Boston said to Dev, "I can't reach Elli's bed."

Dev replied, "It's ok, Momma and I can put her in it, she'll be ok."

After eying the 6-8" difference between his hands and the springs, Boston, full of sweet sincerity, said, "Well, I can just drop her soft and she'll go 'boing...boing...boing' [insert bouncing hand motions here] like a trampoline bed."

At first we thought he was being funny and started to laugh, but one look at his face told us he was completely serious and thought his idea was great.

Oh gosh, it took nearly biting through our tongues not to bust out laughing. It was so cute and even more hilarious because of how much it meant to him to be able to put his sister in her crib.

I can only imagine the adventures and stories ahead of us.

The Day I Vowed To Never Ever Never Grocery Shop Without My Husband Ever Never Again

2012-02-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Tagg,

I am writing this to ensure that someday when your own little angels do crazy, naughty, and dangerous things your sweet wife will know exactly where they get it from.

Love always,

Mommy

The grocery list was long.

I had been putting it off because Boston has been fighting a nasty cold

(This just hasn't been his winter. Kindergarten = immunity building time. Sssheeeesh, poor kid).

But, we were finally plum out of many necessities.

The plan was a quick trip: go in, get the kids some snacks to occupy them, grab groceries like it's a game show and sprint to the finish.

It all worked quite well up until the "finish" part.

Oh sure, there ended up being a lot of sprinting involved, but not exactly the way I had pictured it.

Because Boston was so sick, he uncharacteristically wanted to sit in the child seat in the front of the cart. That left the basket for Tagg. We all know how well that ended up last time, but fear not, by distracting him with popcorn and piling groceries and canned goods on top of him, he didn't climb out of the basket this time around.

Little did I know he was simply plotting an easier escape.

It is as though this same sweet boy has an evil twin that likes to appear in grocery stores and parking lots.

There's a crazy thing about groceries though, you can carefully stack a certain amount of groceries in your cart, but when they are bagged and ready to load again they have somehow tripled in size.

While trying to load all of our bags into the cart I realized that I had two options.

A: get a second cart and try to haul both of them and two kids through the parking lot to my car

B: let Tagg out to walk by me (Bost really wasn't feeling well and made it clear he was not at all interested in getting his sick self out of the cart).

Really, I am not a newbie here. I should have gone with plan C: come back later and try it again with back up. The problem with this plan was that Dev usually works really long hours, so our shopping trip would be at, you know, midnight or so. And I'm afraid if we shopped around then all we would buy are bags and bags of Doritos and a case of Twinkies.

And so, unfortunately, I went with plan B...

So, as the sweet older gentleman was starting to scan our last few groceries I had "the talk" with Tagg.

"I need you to hold on tight to the cart and not let go. OK? Stay right by Mommy. OK? Will you stay right by Mommy?"

And he did.

For about 2 seconds.

Just long enough for me to see the people starting to pile up in line behind us and hear the checker say something about how much our bill was...

then Tagg was off.

And by "off" I don't mean he started to wander away.

I mean he took full advantage of me reaching for my wallet and bolted away in a blink.

I ditched the cart, my money, and my first born as I tried to catch our little stinker.

(There is a reason he came in such cute, sweet packaging with big brown eyes. It's for his own protection after being naughty naughty!!)

Tagg weaved his way through the food court area and was starting to run out the doors and into the parkinglot!

By now the tears are coming, my heart is in my throat.

How in the !@#@ is my two year old out running me? I'm not that out of shape for crying out loud!

He thinks this game is hilarious, and doesn't realize it's deadly and dangerous.

As I watched him make it through the first doors I was seriously going to have a heart attack.

But miracle of miracles a random ~~angel~~ guy saw what was going on and jumped in front of Tagg and gave him a dirty look, scaring him enough to stop for a second and giving me a chance to literally throw him over my shoulder and haul him back to the check out line.

What a show I was giving everyone else in the store. Boy oh boy.

And that was only the beginning.

Back at the cart, the kind old man had piled the rest of the bags into my cart and, with Tagg firmly pinned in between by legs and holding onto him with one hand, I handed our cashier money to pay for it all.

As the sweet older checker slooooowwwwllly counted the money I could feel Tagg begin to wriggle free.

Please, oh please Mr. Rogers, please count faster!! No, I really don't care what change you give me. Honest, you don't need to count it 3 three times. I trust you.

And then, as I went to take the change, my hand fatefully let of of Tagg for a split second and he finally wiggled out of the clamp of death my legs had on him and bolted off again!

(Insert profanities and prayers at the same time right here. I didn't think I could have those thoughts at the same time until I became a mother).

This time I had money and a receipt in one hand, and was sprinting and pushing the cart with Boston in it with the other hand.

I would seriously be surprised if this story isn't on someone else's blog today... I can see it now... "We got behind some crazy pregnant mom and her kids yesterday, it was hysterical!"

But anyhow, Tagg made it to the produce section, and without so much as a glance back, rounded the corner running off to who knows where.

There was no way I could catch him while pushing the cart, so I ditched our firstborn... again.

This time, poor sick Boston had had enough and started to cry loudly and saying, "Please don't leave me Mamma!! Please!"

If we didn't have the attention of the entire store yet, we sure did then!

You don't realize just how massive your average superstore is until you are trying to find your mischievous, fast, grounded for life, surprisingly agile child.

I was feeling huge guilt for leaving Boston and running frantically up the aisles trying to even spot Tagg, let along catch up to him, my heart was pounding, my brain playing out worst case scenarios,

and then

along came a friendly employee.

Him, "Can I help you find anything?"

Me, "Yes, atwoyearoldinagreytshirtandjeans!"

Him (into his radio), "We have a code yellow..."

Me (in my head), "Oh %#$@!, here we go again."

And just like that we were surrounded by Target employees. Honest, these guys have the code yellow thing down to a science. Or maybe they see me enter the store with Tagg and just wait for it to happen.

So then, knowing the store was locked down, I ran back and grabbed Boston and tried to apologize and hug and console him while at the same time convincing him to get out of the cart and help me catch his little brother.

Thankfully, he was quite concerned about Tagg at this point and we ran off to join mass of employees trying to catch Tagg.

And I do mean trying.

I don't feel quite so bad about not being able to catch him myself after watching him dodge his way around a full team of target employees.

They would zig, he would zag...

He was weaving around carts, dodging people, hiding behind displays...

They finally got him trapped in on the very... LAST... aisle of the store.

When Boston and I finally caught up, Tagg was literally being escorted down the aisle, surrounded by no less than 6 employees keeping him pinned in.

How quaint, he had his own entourage. Little. Bugger.

All I could do was mutter a thank you through my frantic, scared, angry tears as I hauled Tagg all the way back up the loooooooooong aisle of shame, to the cart brimmed with groceries where I tried to pick up the pieces of my sanity and pride and then some how make it out the doors with a screaming-his-guts-out toddler strapped firmly into the child seat of the cart.

Grounded for life life life life. That's four life sentences.

Back at Bertha, after I got them all strapped in and the groceries unloaded I sat in the drivers seat and realized I was drinking blood. I have a nervous habit of biting my lip when I'm scared or stressed, Apparently I went right through it this time, and I have the fat lip today to prove it.

The scary part is that Tagg doesn't do this to try and be naughty, he does it because he thinks we are playing some funny game his two year old mind invented.

And, as soon as we got home he was back to his sweet as sugar "innocent" self.

And, I'm pretty sure that underneath all of this blond, I now have a full head of gray hair.

Maybe we brought it upon ourselves when we named him "Tagg"?

You can't make this up folks, it's a true story.

On the bright side, I'm picturing a scholarship in football or track and field?

That is, if I ever decide let him out of time out.

I'm now off to eat an entire plate of cookies some sweet friends brought over along with another slice or two of humble pie.

And So It Begins...

2012-01-30T19:33:00.002-07:00

"Hmmmm, trying to deeswide..."

They say teenagers will eat you out of house and home,

but toddlers in a growth spurt looking for a bedtime snack will also give you a run for your money.

26 Weeks

2012-01-30T14:20:00.001-07:00

Symptoms:

Just the usual, water storage, heart aflame, moonlight bladder runs, fatigue and such.

I've been feeling really puke your guts out nauseous in the mornings and early afternoons, morning sickness appearing late?

But really just grateful that everything is just usual pregnant fun and not the unusual.

Can't ask for more than that, and grateful for every part of it. :)

Aversions:

Pretty much same as last week, the egg aversion is still really pronounced.

Cravings:

Lots of melted cheese and hot hot peppers on everything.

Chips, chips, chips.

Pineapple and kiwi.

And beef, it's what's for dinner y'all.

So healthy.

*The calories of items written in fine print don't count when you are pregnant

**When you are pregnant you get to make up rules like that

Lately Boston and Tagg love to try to feel Elli kick around when she's awake, and it's really cute to see how protective Boston already is of her. If Tagg pats my tummy a little vigorously Boston is sure to tell him, "Be soft, you have to be so careful to baby Elli."

Honest, this big boy has such a big, sweet heart.

I'm convinced every baby girl should have big brothers.

It's funny though, how boys can turn anything into swords.

(PS, how do they automatically know what swords are anyhow?? Is there a secret little boy training camp in the hospital nursery? Because these boys were born already knowing everything "boy").

While picking out paint for Elli's nursery they turned paint stirring sticks into swords, and while Boston understood the whole "pretend" part of it, Tagg was genuinely trying to knock out whatever and whomever he could (sorry 'bout that Mr. Randomguywalkingtooclosedowntheaisle).

Boys are boys.

Annnnd,

Playing along with Kayla again today I thought of my sweet Grandmother Lu.

She was a young mom in the 60's and I love seeing all of the pictures of her raising her 7 kids.

Most of the pictures I have of her she is in a dress and heels (even pregnant), and always with lip stick. But the only picture I have on my computer she is in sneakers with my Dad as a toddler, and still looking amazing!

Grandma Blue, as our boys call her, has always had an aura of grace and class with a perma smile and sense of humor.

It's so much fun to hear her stories about raising my aunts and uncles. The fun and sweet times and the times she wanted to strangle them, ha ha!

Remember those broken windows Dad and Russell? Well Grandma does! ;)

Dear Tagg

2012-01-28T22:01:00.002-07:00

I know you are so excited to grow up and do big boy things,

and I'm so proud of you for all that you have learned and do!

But please stay little for just a while longer.

I know I will blink and you'll be off to school like your big brother,

so for now, let's just keep pretending...

... like we did yesterday when you put your boots and backpack on and told me you were ready to go to school. We'll have pretend school and then have snacks together and play trains and tickle pits.

I love that you love to hold my hand.

I love that you always want Mommy to hold you and snuggle you to sleep.

And I especially love when you just run up to me give me a kiss and hug and run off again.

I know you will be a big boy before I know it, and off doing big boy things with your older brother.

So, for now,

please just stay little for a while longer.

I love you little sweetheart!

Thanks for being my little buddy.

Love,

Mommy

It Rained The Day My Wardrobe Doubled

2012-01-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

When it comes to getting dressed every day I tend to choose favorites.

I'll have to clothes to wear if I actually feel like getting "dressed up"

but I usually have the same comfy cozy boring old outfits that I wear day to day until date night or something.

However,

lately I have turned into that pregnant mom with 2 kids who wears stretchy pants and a turtleneck

every

single

day.

Not that there's a problem with that, except that it was making me feel blah blah blah.

Ok woman! Wake up, time to put forth some effort again, and maybe even shock the kids by curling your hair.

Of course, the day I curled my hair it rained, so just pretend the wet rag on my head was once full of volume, shine and bounce.

(See, I can make it sound even better than reality when I have you pretend)

Well, as I was trying to pick out something to wear yesterday I realized that I had outgrown the majority of my winter clothes, heifer and non-heifer styles alike.

Hmmm, the soft, stretchy turtleneck was calling to me. "Who cares if you wore me yesterday, I love you! Remember? I will always fit!"

Then, out of the corner of my eye I spotted a shirt (this shirt) and it looked like it would fit quite comfortably.

Hey, what's yours is mine, right??

Mwahahaha.

My wardrobe just doubled in size.

After the always encouraging hubby stopped laughing and said, no really it looks great I love it, I realized that today's little number would also work for the little shindig that Kayla has going on over at her cute blog.

Tagg Says

2012-01-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight as we drove past a field full of cows, this is the conversation ensued:

Tagg: "Ewe! What's that smell like? Smells stink."

Dev: "It's cow poop."

Tagg: "Ewe. Stinks. CHANGE YOUR BUM COW!"

(meaning, go get your diaper changed)

Ha ha.

Never a dull moment.

Pink Parkinglot

2012-01-26T13:01:00.002-07:00

Mama J gave us a darling pink wall hanger for Elli's room

(we really are going to get the nursery put together one of these days).

When he first saw it on the floor, Tagg called it "baby Elli's parking."

At first I didn't understand what he meant, but now it is very clear.

Ha ha!

It's funny how differently boys and girls see things.

Speaking of Tagg,

can you believe that 2 1/2 years ago this funny, sweet, little boy was once that tiny baby in the picture??

There is a reason some sayings become cliche.

Sometimes they are very true.

They really do grow up faster than you can blink.

*blurry phone pics courtesy of the camera easiest to grab

Happy Birthday Mr. Johnson!

2012-01-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Handsome Boy!

The boys and I love you more than chocolate and all of the legos in the world!

(In case you couldn't tell from our little guys serenading you over and over again all. day. long. with "Happy Birthday")

We sure are lucky.

Hope you had a wonderful day!

Thanks for a wonderful life!

We went out to eat as a family for dinner to celebrate and, while waiting for our deeeevine bbq to come, Boston drew a snowman version of our family, baby Elli and all.

Baby girl, you are loved.

A Lesson In The Check Out Line

2012-01-24T23:00:00.005-07:00

Today in the check out line I got behind a woman who appeared to be in her 50's and what seemed to be her daughter. I couldn't help but admire that they were both very pretty. Beautiful blemish-free skin, perfectly thick hair, designer everything, perfect make up, LV purses and coin purses and wallets (real ones, not upside down ones from China Town).

They were just very very pretty,

but also very very sad.

Their eyes seemed to be constantly drifting.

Not one smile cracked. Not one.

Not even a courtesy smile when Tagg kept batting his eyes and saying "Hi! Goodmorning!"

The cashier was trying her best as well, but still no smiles.

When we got up to the cashier I couldn't help but notice how beautiful her smile was. She was simply beaming and it was warm and beautiful. For the life of me, I don't even remember hair color or much of what she really looked like. But I remember she glowed, and she shared that glow.

It really made me think for a minute.

I imagine I am not alone in sometimes seeing "pretty" and wishing for it.

Oh, to have her skin! Or her clothes! Or her hair!

Now, for all I know the pretty woman in front of me today just lost her husband. I have no idea what her story is.

But

It gave me a good reminder.

You can buy clothes, and possibly pretty,

but you can't buy happy, and you can't buy beautiful.

The saying is old, but it really does come from within.

And what a difference a smile can make.

And what do I want to leave with people?

I don't want to be preachy or make too much of it,

or say that pretty is bad.

But the difference really struck me today,

and it was a good reminder because I had been feeling a bit blobdeedah.

"I believe happy girls are the prettiest..."

-Audrey Hepburn

PS
If you need a good laugh, this post sure gave me one!

Things They Say

2012-01-24T21:07:00.002-07:00

On the way home from Dev's parents' house, after Momma J babysat the boys while Dev and I went to an OB appointment, we heard Boston say, "I just burped and it tasted like the fries that Grandma made! Yummy!"

As soon as Boston saw us after the appointment above he kept saying, "Can I see the pictures?! Where are the pictures? Can I hold the pictures?!"

Pictures? I had no idea what he was talking about until he said, "You know, the pictures of Elli!!"

He figured we went to the doctor, we would have gotten more ultrasound pictures of his sister. So cute.

I have wondered how much Tagg really understands about Elli joining our family, but a few days ago I heard him pretending she was here and crawling around the house after him. He would say, "Don't go by the stairs baby Elli!" and "Come on Elli, come in here. Come stay by me." "Are you crawling, baby Elli? Great job!"

On Sunday when we were at church, for some reason I had a set of baby keys in the church bag (who knows where they came from?), and Tagg got really excited and kept saying in a not so quiet church voice, "Keys for baby Elli! Look! Keys for Elli!!" trying to show anyone who would look.

I guess he understands more than I give him credit for. It is really cute to see him pretending like that, and talking to his baby sister and thinking about her. It will be fun (or interesting or funny or not so fun) to see what he thinks when she is really here.

We were at the store last week, and a girl came up to Boston and Tagg and said, "You guys are going to be big brothers soon, aren't you?" And Boston immediately replied,"Yes! We're going to have baby Elli, she's going to be our baby sister. And I'm going to check an eye on her and keep her safe. I'm a great big brother. And her name is Elli, and we are all born in May. We're going to have a HUGE party in May, it's going to be so much fun."

And so, if you want to know anything about our family, just ask Boston. ;)

And PS, so proud of him! He really is a great big brother, and such a great, smart, funny kid.

Lately the word Boston uses for anything that is silly, crazy, funny, or goofy, is "fluffgrate."

After we cut up Dev's birthday cake (Tagg had helped me make it and had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the time to sing and eat it) Tagg said, "OH NO! I'm sorry cake! It's broken, poor cake."

Boston and Tagg are their Daddy's sons for sure. They can each name types of cars as we drive past them before I can even tell what they are. Today, when we were waiting in the carpool lane at Boston's school for him to come out, Tagg something caught Tagg's attention on the other side of the parking lot. "Look! It's a yellow Volkswagon Mamma!"

Sure enough, I look and see a yellow beetle. Then without skipping a beat he spotted Boston coming out, "Look! It's Buddy! I see Bosty!!"

I really look forward to picking Boston up from school every day. It's fun to see Tagg get so excited, and we both miss him. It's fun to hear him tell us about his day on the way home... always one of my favorite parts of the day.

Anytime Tagg leaves the room to go play somewhere else he will come up for a big hug and kiss, and then as he walks off he will say, "Bye, loveyoutoo! See in a bit. Have a good trip!"

Tagg also has a "thing" with "good morning" right now. He likes to say it to anyone, anytime, anywhere... even if it is 3:00 pm and the sweet cashier keeps trying to correct him that it is afternoon. Nope, he doesn't care. He is sticking with "good morning."

Boston bruised part of one of his feet, and when Dev was trying to figure out just exactly where it was that hurt Boston said, "It's not an owie with color Daddy, it's just clear."

25 Weeks: The Long Version & The Love Story

2012-01-23T20:57:00.007-07:00

Before you read this post, you ought to know that I told myself I could eat chocolate cake while I blogged.

This is what is left of the Nestle Crunch Bar cake:

So... the length of this post is what it is...

25 weeks

Symptoms:

Just the usual.

Minor heartburn, major water retention and 24/7 feeling of tired.

Chloasma is just starting to make its lovely appearance. Apparently chloasma and acne are best friends, and chloasma was starting to feel left out.

Elli is still sitting really low and moving around a lot. Love love feeling her dancing around all of the time, and once in a while she falls asleep in what seems to be a curled up position and we can pat her cute little bum bump.

But really just feeling as great as a prego can, and can't complain about that. :)

Aversions:

My egg allergy has been on high alert lately. Things I could have moderately eaten before I now seem really sensitive to.

One thing that hasn't sounded good at all this pregnancy is m&m's, which is strange because the non-prego version of me is always snacking on them. I usually just can't resist those cute holiday colors! They get me every time.

Cravings:

If there is anything greasy, high in cholesterol, extremely spicy, salty, and pretty much bad for you, chances are I am craving it lately.

Also, if you are anything close to Mexican food I will eat you before you can blink.

But I'm also craving pineapple and kiwi, so all of the bad stuff is canceled out.

That's how it works when you are pregnant.

The outfit for the pic?

Anything that will stretch... a lot.

It all started Saturday morning...

Dev left early to help one of his best friends and his darling wife move, so the boys and I made waffles and played games in our pajamas while we watched the rain coming down outside. It was a fun, relaxing, peaceful morning,

but we have all been really longing for snow.

And I mean SNOW snow.

The warm weather we have had lately has been fun, and I've been trying to be positive about it, but gosh, we love LOVE snow. Every few years or so it seems that we don't get as much snow, but without it, it just doesn't seem like winter, which just happens to be my favorite season.

I love throwing stew in the crockpot and playing outside all day until we are frozen, making snowmen and snowforts and sledding, then coming inside and watching the snow pile up while defrosting with hot cocoa. I love it! And Dev is the same way. When it snows in the mountains, but not in the valleys, it's pretty much a given thing that we are going to go for a drive to find snow.

We are crazy.

Sooo, it was no surprise when Dev texted me that we ought to go for a drive up to Loco Lizard in Park City when he got home. MmmHmm. Snow and some habanero salsa.

Hence the spandex. I needed to make sure I could stuff my face silly with yummy Mexican goodness, but still be able to walk out the door at the end. Fashion always takes a back seat to good food.

The drive up to Park City is one of our favorite places to be. I used to drive that stretch of road almost every day when I was training and working at the Olympic Park. People would often ask me how I didn't go crazy spending two hours a day on my round trip commute, but in reality I loved it. It was time to just enjoy the beauty of the mountains, and breathe the fresh air. Sometimes I would drive in silence and just spend time thinking about life, and other times I would open all of the windows and turn up the radio singing along as loud as I could (which I'm sure scared all of the deer very far away... except that one time... but that's another story...).

Dev feels the same way about it, and before we met often drove the same roads for a side job as a Woodstuff truck driver delivering landscaping supplies while he was going to school. I actually remember getting stuck behind his big Woodstuff dump truck quite a few times on my way up to the Park back when it was a two lane road and before we had even met. Little did I know the guy going sooo slllooowww with the bark bouncing out every now again was my future hottie husband... but that is also another story.

The afternoon on Saturday was beautiful, peaceful, and successful.

There is just something about the pine trees covered in snow and the river with ice on its banks and rocks covered with snow peeking out like little clouds between the current. The drive itself is a post card.

We found snow in abundance. We also found crazy drivers in abundance.

The roads were really slick, the snow was piling up fast, and the fog and snow made it difficult to see at times. We saw highway patrol and tow trucks what seemed like every 100 yards pulling people out of snow banks and ditches. And not just the sports cars you would expect, most were actually trucks, suvs, Awd cars, and even a subaru. People seem to forget that driving in the snow, and especially in the snow in the mountains requires different driving, and that 4wd and Awd don't make you invincible. People would cruise along as fast as they could until they found themselves skidding out but going too fast to do anything about it... but maybe we can blame the insane amount of crazy drivers on the Sundance Film Festival that was going on. Hollywood doesn't get much snow, so I hear. (For an example of some of the crazy driving in our good 'ol state Saturday, just check out THIS video. It's worth it. The whole thing. Honest.)

Our destination on Saturday, the Loco Lizard, is a fun little Mexican restaurant practically across the street from the Olympic Park and right next door to Szechwan Chinese Kitchen, which is were Dev and I went to eat the night we got engaged, but that is another story...

but I'll tell it anyway (more cake!), for those of you who are bored enough to still be reading...

At the time, I was training as a skeleton athlete and working at the park, so Dev had called up to some of our friends who also worked at the park (the same friends who helped me get the courage to call Dev for the first time) to have them make the score board at the track say "Will you marry me?" at the end of the Luge Junior World Cup race that was going on that night.

However, that night was also a snow storm of epic proportions.

I knew Dev liked going up to watch the training, but honestly I was a little boggled as to why he was so insistant we go up that night when it was blizzarding. There were over 15 inches of snow on the roads, but Dev seemed pretty anxious to get up there, so up we went. One of his friends had a really pimped out H1 Hummer that Dev borrowed for the night, so we were able to plow our way up the canyons without a problem.
Usually I try to stay away from using phrases such a "pimped out" because, well, I am a white girl with 2.5 kids and I live in the suburbs, but there is no other way to describe that amazing beast of a machine with its leather and dvd players and such. Good times.

When we arrived at the park we discovered that the world cup was being held up by the snow as well, and they were quite far behind. Dev seemed very concerned about this, and kind of mad that they were still sliding. Only at this point did I begin to get a little suspicious. I had no clue he was going to propose, but I knew he was acting really funny. And so I suggested we go up to one of my favorite places in the park, the warming house at the top of the K120 nordic jump. It's a glass room at the top of the jump that is usually kept heated, and it has a great view of the entire valley. I would often go up there in the evenings when I wanted some time alone to just think about things, it was just a really peaceful place to me.

We just sat and talked in that room, looking out over the valley (the snow was dwindling and you could see all of the lights below), and my suspicions died as it all just seemed random and normal, and a bit romantic.

At one point I stood up to get a better view and then heard from behind me, well actually I don't remember the exact words Dev used because I thought he was teasing me, but in some form or other he had asked me to marry him.

And like every classy lady would, I told him to "shut up" without even turning around. And not the way Cher says it in clueless.

Cue the crickets.

His silence made me realize there was something more going on than I had previously realized, and I turned around to see my sexy man down on one knee, those big brown eyes staring up at me expectantly, and something very sparkly in his hands.

After coming to again, I somehow said yes, and the rest is happily ever after.

I didn't really faint, but might as well have. Though I thought Dev might propose in the next month or so, I didn't think it would be so soon.

I was beautifully wrong.

And now, every time I see the ski jumps I think of that night I told Dev to "shut up."

On this past Saturday as we drove into Park City, it was snowing so hard you couldn't even see the ski jumps, and we passed an obviously homeless man who was slowly crossing a crazy intersection with cars sliding all over the place, carrying what appeared to be all of his belongings and wearing not enough clothes to be living in this weather. He was on the opposite side of the highway from us, and the thought crossed our minds to give him one of the bags we keep in Bertha for just such purposes. However, with cars sliding crazily close to us, and the snow falling hard, we decided to keep on keeping on, and get off the highway as soon as possible. That decision has haunted me ever since. Jesus would not have just walked by, even if the road to find the one is difficult. I am ashamed. Hopefully this guilt is a lesson learned.

Guilt trip aside, we had a great time together as a family, enjoying the snow and this beautiful world, stuffing our faces silly, and not getting in an accident.

Only 4 more days until the next weekend...
and if you made it to the end of this post, you most certainly deserve a great one. ;)

I Just Eat Bon Bons

2012-01-21T20:06:00.001-07:00

Dear LadyAtTheBank,

You asked me what I do all day.

I have this hanging up in my laundry room to remind myself every day...

just in case I forget, you know.

Thanks for the laugh.

Love,

Singing In The Rain

2012-01-19T19:29:00.006-07:00

Ok. So it was more like Tagg and Boston were screaming "Jingle Bells" as loud and off key as they could to be "funny" while we went for a walk.

Pretty sure the new neighbors might have already found out we are a little nuts.

Better they know up front, right?

This 50 degree weather is unheard of 'round these parts. But I'll take fun walks to see the ducks anytime. We are so close to a lot of great places to walk and run (dear running, I miss you so)!

At our last home anytime we wanted to go for a walk that was longer than about 50 feet we had to cross an insanely busy street (cars zipping at 50+ mph all the time) with no stop signs and working train tracks. Needless to say, Boston didn't get to ride his bike much.

We are already in love with the trails and roads around here.

Sippies full of hot chocolate, lovies and snacks packed, food for the ducks, and a little drizzle. I would have thought it was autumn if I didn't know better.
We love the snow, but this is nice too...

Yuppers, today was a beautiful day.

I got to wear my beloved wellies that have been quite neglected due to lack of h2o.

Bosty got all O's again on his end of term report card,

and we celebrated by having a lunch date with Daddy at 5 Guys.

Cheeseburger with pickles and jalapenos? Why yes, don't mind if I do.

Baby girl is a spicy one.

Back To Life

2012-01-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

It finally feels like things are getting back to ~~the usual craziness~~ normal around here.

We're falling back into routines and it's nice to just enjoy being again.

The boys are really in love with our home and when we asked Bost what we should name it (we name everything, don't judge, I've warned you we are dorks like that), he said, "Home Sweet Home."

Awwww, presh, right? ;)

Whenever Boston is working on his homework Tagg likes to have "homework" of his own.

And say what you will about kid's educational tv, I love some of the shows like Little Einsteins. The boys know the names of so many works of art and music because of that show.

Tagg was coloring THIS coloring page I found on pinterest. "Starry Night" is his favorite work of art right now, he'll even draw his own version whenever he can, like on restaurant menus... and tables...

So, thank you, boobtube for helping to make up for a mom with no artistic abilities whatsoever.

Homework is much more fun when your buddies can help you. Calvin and Hobbes much?

Boston Says

2012-01-17T08:45:00.008-07:00

"Look! I'm Toad!"

"Dad, grass is the Earth's fur. How come it needs fur? Oh, to stay warmer, huh."

"Dad, your head is bigger than Mamma's head. How come your head is so big? Oh, because you are smarter than Mamma, huh."

(As you can imagine, Dev loved that one.)

One night we were out until pretty late as a family, so when we got home we put our half asleep boys into their beds and tried to snuggle them right to sleep. After a minute they were out (or so we thought), and as we went to tip toe out of their room we heard from Boston's bed a little whisper, "I can't sleep without scriptures and prayer first."
(Nothin' like being reminded of priorities by your 5 year old.)

24 Weeks Pregalicious

2012-01-15T00:19:00.002-07:00

24 Weeks. Taken in the blank canvas that will be Elli's room. It's fun to go in there and start to imagine it all. Our baby girl and her room. I can't wait to get her nursery put together.

So far January has been a busy, nonstop month. House hunting, moving, taking care of Bosty and Dev while they get over the pukes, and trying to keep Tagg germ free while also trying to set up house has been exhausting, but in an "I have definitely accomplished something today" way.

And also an "I can not go up those stairs one more time today" way.

Pregnancy wise though, I definitely can't complain. I have the usual water retention and such (I can still see my sock lines from the previous day when I wake up in the morning, hello!), but nothing crazy or out of the ordinary.

By this time during my pregnancies with both of the boys I was experiencing pretty severe arthritis and chest pain. But with Elli, so far, there isn't a trace of it. She is sitting very, vaaheeeeerrrry low, and I would imagine that is helping things (the pain, not my bladder). And I know there are people praying for me, and I can feel it. And how do you say thank you enough for something like that? Prayers can bring miracles. Sometimes even unexpected, undeserved ones.

I came into this pregnancy expecting that it would be just like my other pregnancies, so it is a very pleasant surprise that so far it is quite different. I've been able to just experience being pregnant this time around, and it's wonderful... in a hippo-ish, waddling, miracle sort of way.

Actually, I think I have been taking for granted a bit how normal this pregnancy is. I haven't really had to time to think about it, but realizing it now is a bit overwhelming. It is such a blessing!

My next doctor's appointment is in just over a week, and the weighing part of things should be interesting. Because of the type of appointments I've had, they haven't weighed me since the begininning of November. For those of you keeping track, that was before Thanksgiving, our trip to Cali, Christmas, the holidays in general, and the move (hello, I am a stress eater).

Let's just say that the numbers on the scale between this time and last time will probably be a leeeeeetle bit different. Ha ha haaooooodear.

January is a fun month because everyone is talking about losing weight and getting in shape, which is awesome when you are pregnant and your goal is to gain weight and lose shape as you become more penguin like every day.

So, I love it, I love that the latest pregnancy update emails are all about maintaining your weight during pregnancy, it's awesome. So thoughtful.

I am ~~moving~~ waddling a bit slower these days, and Tagg is taking full advantage of it.

He's really at such a cute, sweet, cuddly stage and he says the funniest and sweetest and sometimes completely full of attitude things. But he knows I can't catch him like I used to and he has become a bolter. It seems not a day goes by that he doesn't climb something, or run somewhere that makes my heart stop.

Yesterday we had a buddy date. Daddy and Bosty were home sick, so I took Tagg out to get pizza and a treat and run errands together (when we went to leave, Boston who was sick himself, said, "Bye Mamma! I'll take good care of Daddy while you're gone!" So sweet). Tagg and I had a lot of fun, and he was really enjoying some much needed alone time after the craziness of the move.

And then,

at Target

while looking at curtains

he discovered that he could climb out of the cart basket all by himself in a very sneaky matter.

The first time I was able to catch him and wrangle him back into the cart. (It was his special date, so I let him sit in the basket where Boston usually rides, does anyone smell a mistake?)

The second time, and I swear in 1/100th of a second, he was out and around the corner of the aisle before I could blink. I did my best jog/waddle to catch him, but he was no where to be seen. I then kicked it up a gear, ditched the car full of groceries and ran/waddled up and down the aisles starting to panic a bit.

No Tagg.

Aisles packed with people.

But no Tagg.

I finally ran into a store employee and he started a store alert. Everyone started looking for the 2 1/2 year old male in the brown sweater, and "the Mom" started crying and feeling like the world's crappiest mother.

The store employee wanted me to go up to customer service to wait while they found him. Um, no thanks. I am pregnant, crazy, and I am going to look for my son thankyouverymuch!

And then I saw him.

Back on the same aisle he originally bolted from, peeking his mischievous little head around the corner and giggling like crazy.

Little. Stinker. I tell you what.

Have you ever wanted to hug, squeeze, and ground your kid for his entire life all at the same time?

It all happened in probably under 3 minutes, but it felt like 30. And boy, was it embarrassing. We can add that to the ways mothering comes along with huge doses of humble pie. After I found him we still had to march up to the front of the store so that they could physically see we had found him before clearing the "code yellow."

It was embarrassing to me (and apparently super fun for Tagg), but I have to say I am impressed and grateful with how fast and kind all of the employees were. They had that store locked down in 1 second flat.

Hopefully I'll never have to test out another store's emergency plans though. I've had my fun.

Overall this week I am feeling like my brain is mush, but very grateful for my life and how blessed we are. And just very thankful our boys and Elli are generally healthy and safe.

Oh, and Dev told me he is going to get me a "pregalicious" shirt.

I don't know if he's kidding, making fun of me, or being serious.

Whatev, I'll go with it.

Thank you Beyonce for making everything "alicious" sound fabulous.

... and so we moved

2012-01-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

I'm so grateful for good friends. You won't ever know how much the encouragement, prayers and kindness helped me pick myself back up.

Last week during my pity party I was overwhelmed by the love and quite honestly it made a world of difference to this pregnant lady.

It's amazing how even a few words from a friend can change your day for the better!

~~Our family's~~ this prego's pickiness for a temporary home for our family was not exactly a life or death situation. Sometimes I need a kick in the pants reminder to count my blessings. There are people out there fighting for their lives. Yes, sometimes I need to remember the mole hills are just that, mole hills.

But, the good news is that we found a home! We had dismissed the home at first for some reason, but what it came down to was that we couldn't shake the feeling that this is where we are supposed to live right now. And we feel really peaceful about our decision to move here.

An adorable young family (seriously, they are so cute) is renting it out because they just built a new home, so we are the first renters in it.

It is closer to Boston's school, Dev's work, a few blocks from one of my sisters, and closer to two of my other sisters and Dev's parents.

Our gas budget is super happy.

It has its gives and takes.

The good sized back yard with a play ground is awesome. Hopefully Tagg will get used to it and not want to be out there ever second of every day even if it is 20 degrees and he is only wearing socks.

The boys are in love with the "secret hideout" (four foot tall play room). I mean, come on, what kid doesn't love a secret hideout?

The wood floors in our new home are beautiful. It's our first time with wood floors, and so far I just love them.

It has the perfect room for Elli's nursery (yay!).

It is right by a great walking/running trail, and it's also our first home that doesn't share a wall with someone else's home. Wins all around.

I will miss the granite. We only had it for a year, but it was enough to spoil me into thinking my cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies and I can't live without it. (spoiled rotten sigh)

And we'll miss our big master bathroom (big tub, big shower, big spaces for big bellied pregos to move around without knocking everything over). Again, someone around here just got used to being spoiled...

It also doesn't have a gas line for our dryer. I'm not sure why we didn't think of that before, but we still need to figure the whole dry clothes thing out, which is fun with pukey laundry. But, hey, at least we aren't washing by hand! Holy brownies, bless those pioneer women. I probably would have had our kids just run around nude back then.

But all in all we are really happy to be in our new home and excited to get settled in.

I'm sorry for the disappearance for a while (Oh, you didn't even notice I hadn't blogged in a bit? Haha).

Boston has had the stomach flu in the middle of all of this. Poor little guy! He's been such a trooper. It's so sad to see though, and boy do I hope no one else catches it.

We have just been busy cleaning and unpacking and trying to sneak in a few hours a sleep here and there, and jeepers I'm very grateful that we moved with a few months to spare before Elli comes.

We had one day to get everything moved over and we are so thankful for all of the help we had. At our old home we had probably 15 or so neighbors and men from our church helping us at the last minute, and at the new house my older sister's family and Dev's parents helped us until we all couldn't move any more, and some of our new neighbors saw the moving truck and ran over to help! My younger sister and her hubby who now live down the road from us watched Boston and Tagg for most of the day. I don't know what we would have done without everyone! We are blessed to have so many good people in our lives.

Poor big brother... little brother's box playground heaven... and Tagg doing what we all want to by hiding under a desk for a nap.

I cried when I left our old home for the last time.

I cried for the friends we won't see as much,

and mostly I cried for the memories.

It had really been home to us there, and there are so many good memories living in that house. It was heartbreaking to just leave them there (prego hormones much?). But it got me excited for our goal of building our own home. A place to raise our babies and stay for a while and make memories and friends and grow older. And leaving our old home is a stepping stone to that place.

Box by box and picture after picture (ok, so there are only two pics up so far... but you get the idea) this new house is starting to feel like home.

And it's time to make more memories, and more friends.

And to realize how very very blessed we really are.

I Need A Hug

2012-01-04T09:09:00.001-07:00

No one likes a whiner, so I apologize in advance.

But I am really really really stressed out right now.

And I know prego hormones are not helping.

You can tell because I am not typing in full sentences and I could care less.

Grammar police, please go ahead and skip this post, it will only give you a headache.

You see, we are planning/hoping to build a home this fall(ish).

However,

our home has sold.

And we need to be out, like, yesterday, so that the new owners can move in.

It would all be fine and dandy, potentially moving twice in a year doesn't sound fun, especially with Elli, and I hate moving the boys around, but the reward of building our own place would be completely worth it. Our own place.

The problem is that we can't find a home to live in for the next little while.

Oh sure, there are homes out there, but after touring countless of them day after day for the past month, I am shocked at how trashed most rental homes are. And I mean trashed.

It is really sad. It is really really sad that people could show such a lack of respect for someone else's property.

I have a cleanfreak problem. I know I do. I see a mess and I.have.to.clean.it.up! But I don't expect anyone else to be so ocd. It's my problem.

However.

The way I see it, God gave us an incredibly beautiful, diverse and amazing world. And God has given us all that we have. And what better way to show Him our gratitude than to take care of all that we have? And to create beauty places in the beautiful world He has given us.

I am not perfect in this, hello, please don't come look at my half packed closet right now, oy!

But, it has been a bit heartbreaking to see how messed up some of these rental homes are.

We are just trying to find a home that feels like home, you know?

Somewhere that feels safe and clean.

Somewhere to put a nursery.

Somewhere where little boys can build with their legos on the floor and not worry about catching a disease.

There are nicer places out there, but the problem is, they are usually double the size and double the cost of what we are looking for. And the goal here is to keep saving money to build...

Anyhow, just needed to vent a bit.

Our home is cleaned up, half our things are in boxes, our pictures are all off the walls, and we don't know where we are going to be living this weekend.

I know it will all work out, and we are praying for guidance.

I just need more faith...

a good cry...

and a hug.

22 Weeks

2011-12-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Yup.

I'd say that about sums it up.

The ultrasound this week was a lot of fun. Our tech is just a sweetheart and was really cute with the boys and answered Boston's 5000 questions. Boston thought it was really neat to see Elli and especially loved seeing and hearing her heartbeat. Tagg thought it was cool for about 2 minutes and then just loved holding my hand and eating the free suckers to his little heart's content.

Technology is such a blessing. Elli is still a girl, and she looks to be as healthy as can be. She's measuring for her due date to be about a week later than we first thought, so we'll see how things end up in May.

In other random news, we woke up to hear Tagg (who had come to snuggle with mom and dad since about 4 or 5 am) get up when he heard his big brother in the hallway and run to Boston and saying, "Bosty! Bosty! Buddy!"

And then Boston said to Tagg as he gave him a huge hug and kiss on the head, "Good morning Taggers! I love you!"

It's why we do what we do.

Don't Want It To End

2011-12-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Boston's Christmas break has been wonderful.

I love watching our boys play together all day long.

I love not having to rush to get ready and staying in jammies until lunch time.

I love staying up late as a family playing games guilt free knowing the boys can sleep in.

I love having both of my buddies here.

21 Weeks

2011-12-26T23:46:00.002-07:00

Symptoms:

Pretty sure I have definitely gained 10 Christmas pounds this week. It's a good thing we don't own a scale. Stretchy pants are my friends, they don't tell secrets easily. Jeans though, they are like the town gossip. Cute, but a few extra pounds and the buttons start flying.

It seems 21 came along and suddenly I feel very pregnant.

I'm feeling Elli move a lot, and she's getting stronger every day. It's really reassuring to feel her dancing around, and Boston was even able to feel her kick for the first time today. He was really cute.. at first. He felt her kick and said, "Awwwww, that's so cute!" Then he felt her move again, then leaned in and told her, "Hi Elli!" And then, out of nowhere he "whammed" my belly, they same way he will playfully banter with Tagg. We had a little talk about being nice to baby Elli (and Mamma's tummy, hello!).

And holy camel. And hippo. I am a hippamel.

Retaining water like crazy throughout the day, and spending the night ridding my body of the water with bathroom trips on the hour. And retaining, um, something else, in the hip region that doesn't go away at night and seems to be sticking around for good. Dear Kim K, thank you for making big bootays cool.

Starting to get the nesting bug like a crazy lady. I have turned into little miss ocd organizer/junk disposal person. Toy room, you have been warned.

Cravings/Aversions:

I have been craving bagels smothered by cream cheese all week long. Cheese, cold cereal, and anything salty (especially Kettle Cooked baked salt and vinegars yumyum), and a lot of ham. At the Johnson party the smell of delicious ham was so strong to my hound dog nose that I kept snitching it from Dad J while he was carving it. Nobody snitches from Dad J, however, I think that batting my eyes and blaming Elli saved my skin. Also, thanks to adorable Leenie, all I can think about is fried chicken, Kentucky style.

Can't stand the thought of brownies and ice cream. Odd. And ewe.

Definitely counting my blessings, really treasuring every part of the experience this time. I think I am more fully aware of what a miracle this is, and I'm also more grateful to my body for doing all that it is doing. This week we will get to take Boston and Tagg in with us for the "half way" ultrasound. It will be fun to see Elli, and also to see her older brothers' reactions.

'Twas The Night Before

2011-12-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

One maaaaaaaaad sheep, the three wise ~~guys~~ men, and the nativity re-enactment at the Johnson party.

(Sheep costume courtesy of Devin and a glue gun.)

Normal and then acting "normal" for the camera.

The Johnson party/gift exchange/smorgasbord/ is always a blast. So much fun to celebrate with family!

Grandma and Grandpa always give the kids new jammies on Christmas Eve and they love wearing them for the rest of the day/night. Tagg was a little possessive of Grandpa J this year...

After the party we made a quick stop at Krispy Kreme to pick up part of breakfast for Christmas morning. The boys got a kick out the donut machines and hats.

And today I am feeling even more grateful for stretchy pants.

After ~~gorging on~~ taste testing a few donuts, we drove around looking at Christmas lights before heading back home to watch the Polar Express. (We may have had to make a few stops because Mamma was craving crazy things.)

Where's Tagg???

Oh, there he is, in his new "fort."

All ready for bed and about to head upstairs to read the CHRISTmas story from the Bible (Boston was really worried about how taking a picture would take too long because we had just shown him that Santa was already in flight on Norad. He was all business about getting to sleep!).

Bost wrote Santa Clause a thank you note and left it by the cookies, and was excited to see that Santa had written his own thank you note as well while we were asleep!

Christmas Eve was beautiful; full of anticipation, fun, love and food.

I now feel very ready for a new year, but can't wait to do it all again in 12 months. Christmas time as our family grows just seems to get better and better.

Temple Square Lights and the Machine

2011-12-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

This week had been full of stresses, and amazingly, most not Christmas related.

But a night spent driving around in snow, walking around gorgeous scenery, fountains, lights, laterns and nativities really put things into perspective. No matter what worries we have, they are always lighter when we rely upon our Savior. That's why He did what He did anyhow. To help each of us. With everything.

Usually I would laugh at calling the flurries we had "snow" but this December has been pretty dry so far, and this close to Christmas we'll take what we can get!

The lights at Temple Square are always breathtaking, and with the beautiful nativities and music spread all over, it is a wonderful break from the comercial craziness, and reminder of why we have this holiday.

It was really cold outside, and as we bundled the boys up until they couldn't move, we couldn't help but think about all of those who are homeless right now. My heart aches for those parents who don't have a warm home to take their children to. And here we were, getting out of our warm car, bundling up with plenty of blankets and clothing, and we had a nice warm home and hot chocolate to look forward to at the end. It's a mixed feeling, counting your blessings with gratitude and hurting because there are those without.

It was a beautiful night. The light snow really made it magical, and the boys just loved taking it all in. Boston was being such a ham all night (notice his face in all of the pictures).

Looking at all of the beautiful depictions of Mary it got me thinking of how awesome it would be to able to sit down and talk with her, or better yet, listen to her. I bet she has some wonderful advice and perspectives on mothering! What an amazing amazing amazing daughter of God! And what an example.

We ventured across the street to the new Deseret Book store and the first thing you see is a huge machine with wheels and steam and pumps "making" gingerbread cookies. Boston and Tagg could have watched that thing all night, and they kept talking about the "machine!" and the free gingerbread men the rest of the night.

Also, I'm VERY proud of Boston for a reason I cannot disclose until Monday... Shhh, don't tell Dev.

... And A Button Nose And Two Eyes Made Out Of Coal...

2011-12-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

One thing about Boston and Tagg...

when they get to play together all day...

their energy levels play off each other and

they are hyper and crazy until they crash.

It is equal parts cute and exhausting.

I need a black and white striped shirt and a whistle from Santa this year.

In spite of this, we attempted a little art project today.

(we even got out the scissors although Tagg cut up his only white long sleeved shirt just yesterday)

It turned out a success, the boys had fun and no one (or their clothing) was harmed.

Hooray!

I figured if it isn't going to be a real white Christmas, we will just have to make our own!

So, This Really Happened To Me

2011-12-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Well, my coat didn't tear all the way, but there was seam rippage and loud noise involved.

Oh, the incredible dignity of the pregnant woman.

Ha ha ha.

Said The Little Lamb To The Shepherd Boy

2011-12-21T13:46:00.001-07:00

Boston was a shepherd in the nativity at the Henriksen fam Christmas party, a job that he took very seriously. It was so darling to see our big boy acting out his part.

Lauri (my dad's youngest sister who is more like my older sister/bff/one of the world's best photographers) currently lives in NM, so she and her family joined the party through skype. Technology rocks. Aaaand, they will be moving back home in February! I'm so excited!

Aren't we so photogenic, ha ha?

There is always a little talent show at the party and Boston and Tagg's "band" played "Jingle Bells."

A few days ago they had come up to me and said, "Mamma! Do you want to hear our band?!"

Um, heck yes I want to hear your band! (How cute it that?)

And they proceeded to play and sing "Jingle Bells" over and over.

Seriously, I know they're my kids, but it was the cutest thing ever.

Talented sisters doing what they do (and little sister's hubhub). Twas beautiful.

Sweet Grandma Lu (Grandma Blue to my boys). She has always been the most amazing host, and she is so generous in all that she does. The party was so much fun, with lots of delicious goodies and fun games, and music.

Some of the boys showing their nativity costumes to cousin Jack and Aunt Lauri (apparently Jack wanted to be in on the costume biz too and ran and put his Jango Fet costume on, ha!)

Tagg was an angel ~~the whole time~~ for about 2 seconds. Good thing Dev is quick with the camera.

My younger brother narrated the story.

He's always been my bud, and yes ladies, he is currently single.

Luka (my older sister who was puking her guts out at home's daughter) was really excited to find out we are having a baby girl.

When I first told her the news she exclaimed to her mom, "I'm going to be a big sister!!" (She is the youngest of three, with two older brothers). I love that she is already planning to be "sisters" with her cousin.

My younger sisters spoil these kids rotten with love, and the kiddoes just eat it up.

It's really fun to see all of our cousins growing up and starting their own lives, and to catch up with all of our family. I don't have pictures of everyone, there's usually 50 or so of us that get together, but Grandma's party and getting together to celebrate our Savior is something we have all looked forward to ever since I can remember.

You Might Be An Awesome Daddy...

2011-12-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

... if you have errands to run on Saturday and you take your boys along to play even though it will take you ten time longer.

... if you always stop to get a snack and drinks, because that's what the guys do in Daddy's truck.

... if you spot a Mater at a random tree lot and pull right over so your boys can say hello and take a picture.

... if you leave random love notes and treats to surprise your boys.

20 Weeks

2011-12-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

HALF WAY THERE FOLKS!!!

Elli should now be the size of a cantaloupe!

We'll go in for our next ultrasound after Christmas and I can't wait to see how she's grown and make sure everything's OK.

I've neglected the blog a little bit lately, but we've been Christmasing and such (aka eating haha).

Also, there's a bit of something something that has kept us pretty busy, but I'll post more on that soon! It's craziness!

Symptoms:

Leg swellage. Yes indeed, by the end of each day the kankles have arrived.

The heartburn disappeared this week. Maybe that is my Christmas present?

Tired. Very tired. At the beginning of this pregnancy I had the best of intentions to try to stay fit and run as much as I could throughout it this time around. But the month that we were all sick really threw a wrench into that idea. I now consider carrying Tagg up our stairs to be a full workout. Sad, I know. Boston sweetly pointed out to me this week that I haven't touched my dust collecting ipod in "a veerrrrrrry long time" and that I should "be trying to stay healthy and exercising." Ouch. Haha! He can be such a crack up sometimes... and a bit of a conscience. But I do see people out running and ache to be with them. I can't wait to be able to do it again in the summer! I miss taking our boys for runs.

Acne. Super. duper. fun. Prego "glow" = oily skin = not cool.

Cravings/Aversions:

Hmmm. I really can't think of anything that I've "had to have" this week.

But I do still eat my share of sugar cereal (golden grahams!!) and I have been wanting a lot more meat than usual. Helllooo Arby's, you beautiful delicious, totallybadforyou beef sandwich place you.

Over all, just feeling great. Hungry and tired all of the time, but happy and healthy and blessed. :)

The Bertha Express

2011-12-18T23:35:00.001-07:00

A few nights ago,

as we went to put the boys to bed for the night

(a little early, but they didn't know),

Daddy suddenly got a text (who knew they were so tech savvy??) from Santa's Head Elf.

The text said that he knew the boys had been good and had left them a surprise on the Christmas tree.

"What a sneaky little elf!" Boston exclaimed.

The boys grabbed their lovies (dumbo and kitty kitty) and bolted down the stairs in excitement.

"Mamma! Daddy! There are tickets! And there's one for everyone in our family!"

Boston and Tagg were very excited that some elves had left them real tickets! And they loved that they had their names printed on them.

The tickets instructed that it wasn't bedtime yet, and we were to load up the "Bertha Express" (our loving name for the auto), and go see the Christmas light shows around the county. The elves even left treats for us to take!

The whole time we were out the boys were just glowing with excitement.

It was pure Christmas magic.

And Boston kept saying, "That was SOOOO nice of the elves! They were so sneaky!"

We all had such a fun time together, and it really made it finally feel like Christmas is here (even without the lack of snow, bah humbug).

The adventure wore these two out, and they fell right to sleep on the return trip... still holding tightly to their special tickets.

I love pinterest and it's fun ideas!!

Oh My Laws!

2011-12-13T08:51:00.002-07:00

I haven't laughed this hard during a prayer since Boston said,

"Heavenly Father, thank thee for the BIGGEST PIZZA IN THE WHOLE WORLD!"

at the very tip top of his lungs IN the restaurant in which we had ordered a 28" pizza for our family to share.

This morning it was Tagg's turn to say family prayer before Boston and Dev left.

It started out normal.

But a few words in he started singing the prayer.

And not just your average singing.

We are talking full on Hallelujah Chorus style.

Gladys Knight would be proud.

I have no idea where he got it, but boy, our kiddo has some soul!

We don't normally have our video camera with us at family prayer.

But if we had, we would be well on our way to $100,000 from AFV.

Hahaha!

The Perfect (To Us) Tree

2011-12-11T10:11:00.002-07:00

This year when we brought the good 'ol fake Christmas tree up the stairs and plugged her in we found a bit of a problem.

Nearly half of the lights were burnt out. We were in the middle of moving last year at Christmas time, and didn't even get her out, so this was a surprise.

The problem was that in order to put new lights on it you had to go through and one by one snip off the 278635 clips that held the lights on in the first place, then untangle the crazy mess.

After 30 minutes into it and approximately 1 out of 5000 branches finished I decided to ask myself a few questions.

Do I really love this fake tree?

Is this worth the 80 straight hours it's going to take?

Again, do I even love this tree?

Nope, nope, and nope.

And that was that, she was packed up and labeled "pretty but needs lights" and set in the middle of the garage for Dev to take to the DI (like the local goodwill).

The thing is,

I don't even really care for fake trees all that much.

I mean, they all hold magic with the lights and ornaments and there has been one particular flocked fake tree that I drool over every time we go to Tai Pan (you know, the one with the big colored globe lights), but they just don't hold a candle to the real deal.

And so it was decided we were going back to a real tree this year.

We wanted to go out Griswald style and chop our own down, but the tree tags all sold out while we were in California.

Thus began our search throughout all of the tree lots for the perfect tree.

Perfect being a relative term, it's different for everyone.

Our tree needed to be tall, but not too fluffy, and it needed to have some personality and not look like a bush you would buy at The Home Depot.

We wanted her to look like the trees we love in our mountains.

After glancing at a few tree lots, and going in and quickly back out of another one, we finally found the right place.

It was a tree lot run by a local family who cuts down all of their own handpicked trees right here locally.

(at the "bushy" tree place, and yes, we were all in jammies, ha ha)

Boston and Tagg had a lot of fun running around and comparing trees, trying to find the right one.

And then we spotted it, our tree!

It was reeeeaaally windy that night, and we had a good 20 miles or so to get her home, so the boys loaded our 9.5 foot tree INTO Bertha. My gosh, we haven't laughed that hard in a long time!

Yup, we ended up Griswald style after all.

Someday if my non-crafty self gets ambitious I want to make THIS tree skirt. Big if. But it's beautiful!

We always love having a star at the top of our tree because of what it represents and it just seems to finish the magic of the tree. :)

The Christmas Star

High atop the Christmas tree

A star glows shiny-bright

Reminding of the one that shone

On that cold and Holy night

In a humble stall in Bethlehem

From The Virgin was His birth

The Son of God, a gift of love

For the people of the earth

He lay upon a heap of straw

Placed in an old cow trough

Our Infant King slept peacefully

Wrapped in a swaddling cloth

Amid starry night an angel’s song

Rang softly through the stall

Child shivering from the cold

But not a tear from Him did fall

The animals did honor Him

They slept close by His side

Camel, donkey, ox and lamb

In peace all did abide

Kings and Sages traveled long

Bearing finest gifts and gold

To lay before the tiny babe

This miracle to behold

The star did shine night and day

It kept the manger bright

Christ the Lord, the Son was born

Beneath its holy light

by Sherry Gail Helm

The DL

2011-12-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our day at Disneyland was about as perfect as they come. We only had one day there because we were short on time (and hello, those tickets are 'spensive this time of year with Christmas coming up and all), so we planned to hit it hard from open to close (which happened to be 8 am to 12 pm that day).

We got there sometime just after 7am prepared to wait in line so that we could try and get in and get on some of the kiddie rides that tend to get huge lines as the day goes on. But as we were walking to the waiting line, a very nice couple waved for us to follow them. They had an early bird pass and told the Disney people that we were with them. Score! Nice people rock!

We ended up being able to ride Dumbo, Casey Jr., Peter Pan, Nemo, Buzz, and Pirates all without a line.

My gosh we had so much fun! That place just turns you into a kid, and I'm so glad Dev is just as big of a Disney dork as I am.

In the afternoon when it got slammed, and I mean, slammmmmmmed, I think I must have looked like a tired walking hippo trying to keep Tagg and Boston right by us because out of no where a really nice woman pulled Dev aside and gave him what turned out to be a golden ticket.

The ticket got 4 people right onto the rides without waiting in line! The lady said she knew what it was like to have little kids in crowds, and I gave her a hug, and then she disappeared. I'm not kidding. It was crazy and awesome. I still can't believe how lucky and perfect our day there was.

The boys still talk about the trip every single day and Tagg asks if we can go back almost every time we get in the car. He even asked Santa for Disneyland this year. Sometimes vacations have their usual meltdowns by both kids and parents, but this was one for the record and memory book. It was just a perfect few days we were finally able to spend with just our family having fun.

And already we can't wait to do it again! You can't put a price on memories, and these ones were worth every penny.

Day 2: Life Is A Beach

2011-12-07T23:16:00.000-07:00

After picking up the Denali and officially naming her Big Bertha, we stayed the night in San Diego, right across from the beach. After a breakfast of donuts (Winchell's was right next door, what are you going to do, you know?), we spent the day going from beach to beach up the coast. It was rough, what can I say? Haha.

Honestly, this trip was nothing short of perfect. Everything went well and we had some much needed time alone together as a family. It was spur of the moment, and a great time that we'll always remember.

It was about 70 degrees that day, perfect for flip flops and playing in the sand, but not quite warm enough to swim.

I guess Tagg didn't quite get the "too cold to swim message." But after a quick change back at Bertha, he was back in business.

It was so much fun just to watch these two playing together, chugging along their sand tracks.

We spent some time at the beautiful Hotel Coronado, the boys especially loved the cute candy shop.

Later in the day we found some front row parking at Newport Beach. The sun was just starting to set and it smelled so nice!

What's a day at the beach without chasing a few sea gulls around?

Because they are cute 'lil bums, that's why.

Sometimes it seems like yesterday that we fell in love, and here we are, nearly a family of 5!

Time flies.

It was hard to leave the beach, but not so hard when we knew we were heading to DISNEYLAND!

We love eating at the Rainforest Cafe on our first night there, it's a bit of a tradition for us now.

When we arrived, the host told the gentleman in line in front of us that there was an hour and forty-five minute wait for a table for four, but when Dev got to the front he sent us right in and straight to a table! Hello, lucky! Nice things like that just kept happening to us on this trip, it was really amazing.

MMmm, pizza!! Fried chicken! French fries! You know, all the healthy stuff.

After dinner we visited the Lego store, and then our boys, exhausted from so much fun, crashed in the stroller while Dev and I perused the shops of Downtown Disney.

Vacation: The Explanation

2011-12-07T13:19:00.001-07:00

One month after Tagg was born in 2009 Dev got laid off from his job of nearly 5 years.

At the time it was one of those "Oh crap! Now what?" moments. But it ended up being a great blessing and change that was needed. From the beginning we felt God would guide us, and we know that He always knows what is best, even when everything seems impossible.

After going through our savings, and much time, and applying and searching, Dev finally had two opportunities come up at nearly the same time.

One had a substantial financial compensation and benefits, the other had neither.

But the other one had promise, a good cause, great, smart co-workers who wanted to better the world, and it was the one that felt like the right thing to do.

And so, after much prayer and fasting, we went with the wild card. We couldn't deny that we knew that was the path God wanted Dev and our family to take.

We made our decision and we felt completely at peace. We knew we were in God's hands and things would work out.

And they have.

When our decision was made we knew we would need to make some sacrifices in order to help the company grow. One of these things was my SUV.

Ever since we were married I have been a wee bit, ok, a lot a bit spoiled in the vehicle department. After we sold my SUV, my car became a one owner 1991 Honda civic that we named "Bessy".

She had a stick shift, no power steering, no air conditioning, no power windows or power anything for that matter, and itty bitty living space, not to mention safety issues, but the boys love her and she blessed our lives.

I have to admit she was as reliable as they come and you can't beat getting 40+ mpg consistently.

We still have Bessy. Dev just loves her to pieces. She has become that old couch you just can't get rid of.

I, however, can't wait until she can "bless" someone else's life as much as she "blessed" ours.

I write that with quotations, but I really do know she was a huge blessing to us.

Annnnyhow.

The reason for our quick trip to California was to pick up mamma's new SUV that just so happened to be in San Diego. It was pretty much the best week ever.

That was the week we found out we were having a baby girl join our family, it was Thanksgiving, we got to go to California, and we got a new car!

The drive down was a lot of fun. We rented a Chevy Traverse on the way down, and drove from 8 in the morning until 9 or 10 at night (with many stops on the way for the prego's bladder/hunger). But we had a great time just being together. When the boys were babies they both screamed their guts out at the sight of a car seat, but now they both love road trips and travel easily, thank goodness!

These crayons were a life saver! Hours of coloring and no dropping and picking up of a hundred little crayons over and over again. All hail the circle crayon!

This is the snack cup turned frosty holder.

Tagg loves frosties. Tagg hates cold hands.

Mamma doesn't like turning around every 5 seconds in the car.

Enter the snack cup. Hallelujah!

And I'm very very very grateful we made a few of THESE.

Somewhere in the middle of the California desert (Baker maybe?) we saw a man digging through fast food garbages, finding wrappers, and eating other people's left overs.

He wasn't out on a busy intersection begging for money. He was scavenging for food.

It was one of those times when you are grateful to have something to give, but still feel like you wish it was more.

He was very grateful for anything, and I'm embarrassed I ever thought twice about whether someone would appreciate a bag like that or not.

May God bless that man.

Thanksgiving Fun Family & Food

2011-12-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! (I swear I say that every holiday, ha ha) Our Thanksgiving dinner was with the Johnson family this year and it was sure a wonderful day.

Plenty of delicious food and desserts (Mom really outdid herself this year!), and catching up, and cousins playing, and tree climbing and leaf jumping made for some awesome memories.

I'm seriously salivating just remembering the food.
We are sure blessed!

18.5 Weeks: Better Late Than Never

2011-12-06T22:18:00.003-07:00

I am feeling so far behind on everything right now! We need another first week of December!

I'm a youth leader for the Young Women in our church (so much fun, ell oh vee ee these girls!) and tonight we went bowling.

I even tied my own shoes. If you aren't impressed, you should be.

Sorry it is the only picture of 18 week Elli that I have.

Feeling tired but over all really good.

Eating everything in sight.

Craving cold cereal and not the healthy kind,

oh, and chocolate, the good kind.

Right now I am eating a chocolate double layer ribbon cake and a chocolate creamy.

At the same time. No lie.

Dev affectionately calls me "Gloria" now.
If you haven't seen Madagascar II, see here for the reference.
It might seems harsh, but you have to know that song is really "our song."
Yes, we are romantic like that.

Parum Pum Pum Pum

2011-12-03T09:11:00.002-07:00

Remember this post from last year?

It seems it was only the beginning for our little musician.

Ever since then Tagg has been turning anything and everything into a drum and drum sticks.

Lately in the mornings he will ask me to turn on some Christmas Pandora (he loves the Polar Express station), then he will set up some sort of drum on the floor and pound his little heart out, singing at the top of his lungs while I shower.

I really need to catch it on video, hehe.

Cute little kiddo.

And,

because I know you are dying to know about Tagg's poop habits,

you might be happy to know we have passed the fist fulls of poo stage.

I know I am.

Hooray. What a milestone.

He actually has moved on to something adorable.

He will now (as soon as he poops) get a diaper and wipes all by himself and lie down and say, "I'm ready!"

I smell potty training in our near future. Hooray! Perhaps we will only have one baby in diapers come May.

We can pray, he he.

17 Weeks

2011-11-30T08:53:00.001-07:00

I'm a bit late with this one. More on the trip soon. :)

Symptoms: Feeling fabulous (and a bit whalish, trust me, there are definitely less flattering photos that I could have put here for this picture). Heartburn is starting to make it's lovely appearance, but nothing tums can't handle.

Cravings/Aversions: Appetite is back in full force. I need a sign to put around my neck that says, "Feed me!" I probably gained 10 pounds in under week with Thanksgiving and this trip. We don't own a scale, but the pants don't lie! Ha ha.

Trying out a new blog title to see if it sticks.. (title suggestion from Maureen)

oh, and drum roll please....

We have finally decided ~~agreed on~~ her name!

ELLI GRACE JOHNSON

Story behind it to come.

Full Of Thanks

2011-11-24T08:29:00.003-07:00

This morning both of the boys came into our bedroom for some early morning snuggles, and after Tagg and Daddy got up for the day, Boston and I laid there and talked about what we are thankful for.

Boston's list went like this:
"I am thankful for kitty kitty. Oh, and trains! I'm thankful for all of our family. And Disneyland. Oh, and MarioKart (N64 style, because we are oldschool awesome like that). And Mamma, I'm thankful for our whole world! Are you thankful for our whole world?"
Then, as he scooted off the bed he looked back and said, "Oh, and Mamma, I'm really thankful for our baby girl."

Every day I feel a bit guilty because I have been blessed with far more than I deserve. Thank goodness blessing aren't dished out only when we earn them.

I have so many blessings. Some I couldn't live without, and some I definitely could.

But thankful for them all!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, even if you aren't in the states celebrating today's holiday. I hope everyone can feel God's certain love for them today!

And if you are really lucky, I hope you get to binge yourself into a food coma surrounded by family and friends.

I saw a saying recently that said,

"God has 3 answers for our prayers:

-Yes

-Soon

-I have something even better in mind."

I have discovered that often He really does have something better in mind.

Just a few blessings

in no particular order:

A Father who lets us pray to Him, and listens our Savior my faith handsome, hardworking, patient, funny, husband who loves me Boston Tagg Baby girl prayer scriptures good health for our family (woohoo!) the internet/technology in general my cell phone washer and dryer dishwasher drivers who use their blinkers drivers who don't text/put on makeup/read while driving warm home soft bed transportation diet mnt dew family friends contacts and glasses zit cream warm, running water clean water laughter hope flush toilets apple pie (if I make it until Thanksgiving dinner without putting a fork in the one I made it will be a miracle miracles tender mercies, they happen a lot a great school for Boston my legs, that let me run them to death when I feel like it pineapple my body, for doing all that it has and putting up with all I have given it cheese the cosby show boots the food network good examples good chocolate see's walt disney good music diapers my oven microwave four seasons that change just when you are growing tired of them electricity good writers good books honest people mountains straight from the dryer, warm towels competitive sports fruit soup dreams family time (seems to be harder and harder to come by these days) date nights a toy room 2 shelves in the shower blog friends and followers who help me feel like I'm not just talking to myself, though I do it regularly my long board (though I haven't used it in years, looking at it makes me feel younger) the fact that I am alive the safety our family has been blessed with the opportunity to pray for safety every day laughter, this one deserves to be here twice memories pictures the choice I made to say "yes" to Devin pine trees vacations/staycations paper towels magic erasers story time playing outside holiday traditions nintendo 64 with the boys, old school yes, fun times yes bed time and new days being a wife being called "Mamma" by two of my greatest loves good food priesthood power people who inspire me to be better people who make me laugh (on purpose or not) days with 3 or less diapers chapstick flannel jammies rolo mcflurries fried potatoes (prego card) autumn walks people who are kind waffle iron (you can cook anything in that bad boy) silly moments weekends

The Name Game

2011-11-23T18:01:00.002-07:00

It's been a lot of fun trying to decide on a name for our little girl. But it's also something to take seriously. Her name will be with her forever and I really hope she doesn't hate us for whatever it is when she is 30 years old, haha. And, to us, a name should also mean something. For baby girl, her middle name will take care of that portion, and we have a few names we like for that.

Boston's full name is Devin Boston Johnson, named after his awesome, hardworking Daddy of course.

Tagg's full name is Tagg LaMont Johnson, named after his great grandfather Alma LaMont Henriksen, a great man who left everyone better than he found them.

We have a list of first names we like for baby girl, but we keep adding to and subtracting from it, and it seems it might be a while before we finally choose. Who knows, maybe we'll just have to see her to be sure? But it will be really nice to be able to refer to her by her name and not just "sweet baby girl."

Here is our current list:

Bailey

Holland

Grace

Gracen

Gracyn

Elle

Bree

Ellie

Elli

Bentley

Skylee

And a few we have liked but crossed off because of one reason or other:

~~Noelle~~

~~Holly~~

~~Porche~~

~~Payton~~

~~Aspen~~

~~Lexi~~

~~Alexis~~

~~Skylar~~

~~Hadlie~~

~~Hinckley~~

~~Ashby~~

And, I have come up with nothing when it comes to a new blog title, but have received some excellent suggestions:

3 men, 2 ladies

me & the crew

Two princes & a pea (I like the idea of using that for now, then changing it when the pea is born)

So, what are some girl names that you love? And any more ideas for a new blog title?

Dev has already picked out a princess crib for our little girl. Daddy is seriously going to be out of control trying to spoil and protect his little princess (in a good way).

I showed him THIS (that I found on pinterest), and his response was, "Man, I'm in trouble. She hasn't even been born and I already don't want her to ever leave!"

He is such a great daddy to our boys, I can't wait to see him get wrapped around the fingers of our little girl too. :)

Tagg's Tendencies

2011-11-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Right now Tagg has started doing some really sweet things:

- He loves to help empty the dishwasher and gets mad if he can't help.

- He loves to help put clothes into the washer (dirty & clean), and then say "Great helper!"

- He loves to pretend he is doing homework next to Boston during homework time. He will scribble and then tell me what it says.

- When I'm cleaning or getting him a snack he will say, "Great job Mamma! Way to go!"

- He loves to hold hands, even if we are just sitting by each other.

- He loves to listen to "Jingle Bells" and "Holly Jolly Christmas" over and over and is often found singing them at the top of his lungs, and by that I mean screaming.

-His favorite singer right now is Michael Buble

- He now grabs a handful of poop out of his diaper (within seconds of doing the deed) in order to show me he needs a change.

I hope all of these things last forever... except for one.

I'll let you guess which one that is.

We need to nip this one in the bud, asap. :P

It's A...

2011-11-21T21:57:00.002-07:00

... and the whole family is already smitten!

You should see the look in her Daddy's eyes already when he talks about her.

We are going to have a daughter and a little sister, and we are thrilled!

I'm so excited to meet our little girl!

When I told Boston the news he looked at me with a look that said, "I already knew that. I've been telling you that for the past few months now."

But on the drive home he piped up from the back seat, "Mamma? I'm so glad I get to have a little sister!"

He is such a great big brother!

Tagg is happy and indifferent at the same time. He'll say, "Baby girwl!" Then just walk off to play with his play drumset.

Mamma is reeeeally excited and a wee bit nervous! A daughter... I just hope I can do her justice, you know?

Daddy is going to spoil. her. rotten. I love it!

One thing is certain, baby girl is going to get a lot of love!

Now... time to think of some names!

And a new blog title! I've loved the suggestions so far! Thanks for the help!

I almost still can't believe it.

It definitely feels even more real now.

16 Weeks And Life Around Here

2011-11-19T21:18:00.002-07:00

These two pictures pretty much sum up how we have all felt this week.

Last week we were all just getting over the 1-2 week flu, and this week we all got the 2-4 day stomach flu.

We really do take vitamins around here and wash our hands and sanitize in public places, but you'd never believe it judging by our luck the past month and a half. I think my cleanfreakness is quite possibly backfiring on me.

Boston's teacher says it's all going around in kindergarten though, and a lot of the families are also being hit with one thing after another. I guess it is just part of the game with little kiddos in elementary school and primary Sunday school.

And honest to goodness, it's all ok.

Illnesses like these will pass, and we are very grateful that we are all generally healthy and safe.

Can't ask for more than that.

*Ok, but I admit a little part of me would really, raheeeelly like us all to be healthy from this next week through Christmas.

After being cooped up inside all week long, we took the boys on a drive through the snow today, and finally made a daring try at some real food (which I am currently very much regretting right now). It really seemed to lift the boys' spirits and we had a great time just hanging out together and enjoying the beauty outside... and that fact that no one puked in the car. Count your blessings, ha ha. :)

16 Weeks

Symptoms:

I've been feeling peanut move around more and more every day, and it's really nice to be able to feel that and know that things are OK. :)

I just said this to Dev:

"I just really can't think of anything else right now because I can't think and I feel sick and I just want to go to bed."

And Dev said:

"Well, just put that."

And I said:

"I don't want to just whine."

And Dev said:

"It's OK. Just put it. That's a symptom of pregnancy."

Haha. So funny, he thinks he is.

So maybe it's true and that's why it's funny.

Cravings:

Saltines and bland soups

Aversions:

Everything else

This is what you do if you are Tagg and you are finally feeling better.

You bob for donuts.

And you love it.

Over all though, just feeling really, and genuinely blessed.

Some of our sweet neighbors, the Jorgensen's, brought us soup last night, and my friend Heidi brought over a darling gift basket. Sometimes small acts of kindness can sure mean the world to someone else. We feel blessed to have so many great people and friends in our lives.

Oh, and really excited to find out this next week if we need to change the blog title or not!!!

PS, if we do, any suggestions? :)

Tagg Says

2011-11-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

At about 5 o'clock or so Tagg and I both got the "so tired I can't stand anymore's" and so we snuggled up to rest our legs and count our piggies.

The conversation went like this:

Me: (Pointing to belly) "This is where our baby is growing."

Tagg: "Baby!"

Me: "Yes, there's a baby growing in there."

Tagg: stares blankly and confused as if thinking, "My mom eats babies?"

Me: "We're going to add to our family."

Tagg: "Famiwwee! Love famiwee!"

Me: "Yes, we will have Daddy and Mamma and Boston and Tagg and a new baby."

Tagg: "Yes! Baby! Our famiwee."

Me: "Do you think we should have a girl baby or a boy baby?"

Tagg: "Girwl. A girwl baby! And colors!" (colors? haha)

Me: "Are you excited to have a baby in our family?"

Tagg: "Yes. Let's go!"

Me: "Um, well, we can't right now..."

Tagg: "Ohhhhh. Why?"

Me: uhhhhhh changing the subject

Little does this sweet little boy know what wake up call is in store for him in a few months. No longer will he be the baby, but it will sure be fun to see him as a big brother. He loves to help so much that I can already picture him trying to change diapers and pick up the baby and other such things all by his big self and without supervision. Oh, the adventures that await us!

Right now I'm sitting with Boston on one side of me and Tagg on the other and they are both coloring. And I wish I could just freeze this time, these ages that they are at.

And yet, I'm excited to see our family of five.

One thing is for sure. This little one will have some great big brothers to watch out for and lovingly torment him or her.

Dear Daddy

2011-11-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being such a great buddy and for snuggling me anytime, even when you are doing work stuff.

Love, Littlest Buddy

15 Weeks: Stuffed Like A Sausage, And A Scare

2011-11-14T00:23:00.001-07:00

Definitely the last time I will be able to wear this particular skirt for a while...

I felt little peanut move for the first time last Wednesday! It changed everything. It is such a miracle, this whole business.

Suddenly it all seemed more real.

It was early in the morning and the boys had climbed into bed for some wake up snuggle time. I had one on each arm, and then I felt peanut. And I knew it was peanut. For some crazy reason, that sweet moment in time made it all seem manageable as if I suddenly felt, "Ok, I can do this. We can do this, there is plenty of love to go around."

I've only been able to feel our little peanut a few times here and there since then, but each time is a reassuring reminder that this is indeed the real deal.

For some reason food this week has just seemed blah. I'm always hungry for goooood food, and yet nothing I eat seems satisfying. Not even brownies and ice cream. Not even chocolate. Not. Even. French fries. What is the world coming to?

Hopefully this phase passes quickly because we all know how I love my food! "Get in mah belly!"

Over all, just feeling blessed. Very blessed.

Tonight Dev took Boston into the ER.

He had been really nauseous, and then tonight he was really sensitive to light, didn't want to eat, and kept complaining about his neck hurting. He hasn't ever complained about his neck before, so that was was really started our concern since it is a big warning sign. Then he started to get a bit lethargic and unresponsive before he fell asleep.

Cue the worried worried worried parents.

All symptoms point to meningitis. You don't mess with that. No, no you don't.

I was such a mess not being able to go with them. But Tagg had just fallen asleep, and we knew if we took him he would just be cranky and not help Boston stay calm at all.

So, I watched Dev wake him up and put Boston into his super hero bathrobe and his Lightning McQueen slippers (both hand me downs from his older cousins he looks up to so much). And cried as they drove off to the hospital.

Thank goodness for prayer. I prayed and prayed like any mom would, and really felt a peace that all would be well. Tender mercy.

Thank goodness for cell phones and IMing and texting! Dev kept me posted and sent me pictures. Boston was so good, and thought everything there was really "cool!"

Cute, sweet boy.

Thank goodness and Heavenly Father, the doctor says Boston will be fine.

Not meningitis, and he will better with time. Whew!

Always better safe than sorry.

Such a blessing.

I definitely do not like the sight of our big little mister in a hospital bed though. Nope.

But glad he loved his bracelet so much.

Oh, sweet Boston! So very glad you will be Ok!

Idea For The Homeless

2011-11-12T10:30:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I always have a hard time knowing what to do when we see homeless souls out begging on the streets. I want to show kindness and compassion, but I also don't want to aid a drug habit. All I know is a little kindness can go a long way for anyone, and don't want to just not do anything. These are real people who, for whatever reason, are going through a really tough time.

I came across this idea on pinterest, and thought it was brilliant.

So I threw together a few bags like the one below, but I think I'll add a spiritual/hopeful thought too, and possibly a small picture of our Savior.

And a bonus that I loved about doing this was seeing how excited Boston was about the idea, and how involved he wanted to be with it. We ended up talking about how truly blessed we are, and the decisions we make, and how life also has "hard" parts as well as "fun" parts.

I think I will also put together a few smaller bags with just some handwarmers and a few candy bars too that would be easy and pretty inexpensive to have on hand.

Who knows if anyone will even appreciate this? But at least it will feel better to do something rather than nothing when face to face with a stranger in need.

Rule Number 251 For Raising A Toddler

2011-11-08T10:14:00.001-07:00

If you don't give them something *exciting* to do while you are busy for a minute (let's say showering for example), then they will find something *exciting* to do by themselves.

Note to self: Coloring books and 1000 washable crayons are apparently not *exciting* enough.

Time to cleanup the *excitement* of a flooded bathroom and soggy toilet tissue and clogged sink.

14 Weeks

2011-11-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Not much to say this week.

Busy eating ~~and recovering the house and laundry and life from being sick.~~

Not much change. Just feeling blessed and excited for our appointment in two weeks. :)

Better post next time, I almost promise.

Love

2011-11-04T09:21:00.000-06:00

Love is when your Daddy asks you to run grab a bowl for him to help your little brother because he is starting to throw up again, and you grab your precious lego container and dump it out as fast as you can and run it to him. If you have a little boy, you know that is indeed true love.

Love is when your mom is coughing at night and can't stop, and it keeps your two year old little self awake and you say, "Bless you Mamma. Are you OK Mamma? It's OK Mamma. Hugs!" And then you hug her until she able to stop hacking and snuggle you back to sleep.

Love is filling up a vaporizer for your wife every single night, and putting it right by her pillow, even though she never even asked you to. Then, in the middle of the night refilling it for her and making sure she's OK, even though you are really sick yourself.

Love is letting your child throw up all over you because he is frightened and didn't make it to the bowl in time and needs a snuggle.

Love is when your big brother is sick and so you say, "Poor buddy." And then give him all of the smarties you had stashed somewhere because you know they are his favorite.

Love is when you husband is doing that loud, open mouth, mynoseisfullofsnot snore in the middle of the night, and he has one sick child curled up in his arms, and another snuggled into his neck, and you think he has never, ever looked more handsome.

Love is surprising your wife with lunch, knowing she is exhausted from doing loads and loads of pukey laundry and carpet scrubbing.

Love is when you wife looks and smells like the grim reaper of death in the morning and still kissing her goodbye as you leave for work.

Yesterday I went to pour Tagg a bath and came back to find him exhausted into sleep from being so sick.

But, no puking since yesterday. Hallelujah!

There's nothing like being really sick...

2011-11-02T16:41:00.001-06:00

... to make me really grateful for the good health our family generally has.

Over the past two weeks we've gone though the head colds and aches and fevers and sore throats and hacking-up-a-lung coughs and now the pukes.

Our littlest tractor is really feeling it today, poor Tagg.

But it is a blessing to realize that we will all get better.

And it makes my heart ache for those whose children are seriously or chronically sick. It's so hard to watch your children suffer when there isn't much you can do about it except snuggle.

Trick Or Treat!

2011-11-01T12:04:00.001-06:00

Halloween was a lot of fun for the boys. I love seeing how excited they get over holidays! It makes them 1000% more fun!

Boston was feeling better, but Tagg wasn't feeling great so we only visited Grandpa and Grandma Johnson and trick or treated to a handful of houses.

Tagg had played with his costume all day, but as soon as we stepped outside to trick or treat he wanted nothing to do with it. Of course. He was tired and wanted to go home at first, but as soon as he figured out he was getting candy at every house he was all over it! After getting candy he would say, "Thank you! Have a good trip!" Hahaha! Who knows where that came from? Silly kiddo.

Boston has been James the train for 3 years now, but it's his favorite, and he doesn't want to be anything else. Who am I to complain about not buying or making another costume?

I made Tagg's John Deere tractor costume from a diaper box and a wipes box, but he was more interested in pushing it around than wearing it. All well. Maybe next year? :)

13 Weeks

2011-10-30T13:17:00.001-06:00

With all of the sickness and coughing we've had around here the past two weeks, the poor boys have missed out on Halloween parties, and corn mazes, and the barnyard boo we usually go to. Boston was near tears realizing he couldn't go to his "cousin" party. They are on antibiotics now, so we are crossing our fingers for successful trick or treating tomorrow night.

But it has been nice to slow down for a bit, spending a lot of time in jammies and enjoying slow mornings, waffles, and cartoons, and ~~letting the laundry pile up and the beds remain unmade and justifying goldfish crackers as a meal~~...

Yesterday we finally ditched the jammies and stretchy pants and got dressed for a drive to the mountains to get out of the house and get some fresh air again.
It was wonderful as usual (as was the Mexican food on the way). Some people lose their appetites when they get sick, but apparently when pregnant mamma bear gets sicks, she gets hungry like she's preparing to hibernate.

13 week bump + gallon of salsa, chips, and ~~large~~ huge burrito
(oh, and DC w/ lime... shhh, don't tell)

Symptoms:
Feeling blobish.
I've been really nauseated, weak, and dizzy this week, and I have completely lost my ability to think clearly at all (which I'm sure shows in my blogging) but who knows if it's the bad cold or the pregnancy?
I also have a super man voice right now, which definitely is a result of the cold.
Boston came up to me this morning and said, "Mamma, what's that big red thing on your neck?"
Yup, acne is still loving the prego glow. Hooray.
This week, for some reason, the pregnancy is starting to feel more real to me. And I love it. :)

Cravings/Aversions:
This week has been nuts when it comes to eating and smells.
One day I'll love something, and the next I will vomit if I think about it.
A few things that hold steady though are my cravings for melted cheese, and cinnamon hot chocolate with toast.
Eggs are still a huge aversion, yucky yuck yuck.
And creamies and fudgesicles have saved the sore throated day this week.

Tagg is quite the fan of this craving, because when mom gets one, he gets one. Even if it's first thing in the morning.

Also had a bit 'o prego luck this week and won a free pair of darling earrings from Dear Ears. Still trying to decide which pair to choose... :D

I Love My Job. No, Really, I Do.

2011-10-30T10:45:00.000-06:00

I realized last night while perusing our blog trying to decide if I should cut my hair again, that a few ~~many~~ of my posts as of late have been filled with a bit of rambling about trivial things. Perhaps "whining" might be a good word?

But you know, it is sometimes easier to handle the simple and crazy parts of life when I can laugh and write about them (which reminds me I still need to write about my "awesome" day a fews days back, so that you can all feel ohhh so much better about yourselves).

Of course our family has more serious and difficult things we deal with in life too, and great blessings as well, but some experiences are too close to the heart to put into words. Often much remains unwritten, which I imagine is the same for most people.

I blog about a lot of the simple things, but when I read through the books I have made out of all of my posts, I realize that it is all of the craziness, and seriousness, and silliness that makes for fun memories and a beautiful life. It's funny how the "big" things aren't what fill up our lives, but a lot of the "little" ones.

Even with all of the exhaustion, and human-wash-clothness, and referee-ing, and never ending laundry and meals and cleaning that is "the mom,"

I wouldn't trade my job for anything.

I've dreamed of doing and becoming great things.
But I never imagined anything as great as what I have,
though I would have laughed at that thought before I got married.

There is something beyond words about finding little love notes around the house and next to sticky finger prints on the fridge I had just cleaned hours before.

Having a family of my own, with our own traditions and fun and rules is all I want really (hottie hubby is definitely a bonus). And I have that.
I am blessed.

This week I came across this post by Little Stay At Home Momma. Her post, and the post she links to are really worth the read for any parents.
I love this:

"We aren't ever guaranteed a tomorrow with our children. No matter how much we stress and research and give to them everything we think will equip them with the tools for a perfect or more sound adulthood, nothing is certain. Only what is right now is certain. Today I will try to love them best in the now."

Every day we have together is a blessing, and only God knows that plan for our lives. And so, I will try harder to fully appreciate each day and minute for what it is.

Wonderful.

And on crazy days I will watch this video.

And when our bed is taken over by little sick bugs, I will be grateful for the 6 inches I get on the edge that has a perfect view of every breath these sweet little brothers take.

The Magic Treehouse

2011-10-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

Boston received his first report card from school this week. In kindergarten "A's" are equal "to O's" and Boston got all "O's" and two "O minuses".

We are so proud of this him! He does his homework without complaint including the daily required reading.

I have to give credit to "The Magic Treehouse" series for that.

He can't get enough of those books. They are a lot of fun, and often I will read them out loud to Boston and Tagg (who amazingly sits and listens too, probably just because he wants to do whatever Boston is doing, but hey, it works). Some of these books have over 100 pages but Boston can't stop reading, or begs me to read until each book is finished.

Before I found this series, he would often get bored with the beginning reader books aimed at kindergarteners and want to stop after a few minutes, so I'm grateful to Mary Pope Osborn for creating these fun books for kids!

Dear Miss Manners

2011-10-26T16:43:00.001-06:00

Or whatever they call you now,

Today I broke a few rules.

I'm sorry.

But it was a matter of life or death.

Ok, maybe not quite that dramatic, but almost.

Today was just a stressful day, and a sick toddler to top it off wasn't helping.

Did I mention I'm pregnant? That gets you a few freebies right?

After I picked up Boston from school, the boys got crazy.

Mamma got tired of being referee.

And so I did what any insane mother would do.

I drove the boys to say "Hi" to Daddy, then drove straight across the street to See's and took my boys in, sick toddler, germs and all, and bought some chocolate and happiness.

It worked.

We were all much more pleasant afterward.

In case you were wondering, the key lime chocolate is divine.

Sorry about the germs and bribing the kids. It won't be a habit.

Sincerely,

The Bad Example

Epic Mom Fail

2011-10-25T21:46:00.001-06:00

Yup.

Today had not one, but 3 (maybe four?) doosies.

Prego brain + head cold + feeling dizzy and nauseated + blonde = lookout world.

I'll post details when it's funny.

Right now it's just down right embarrassing and we are exhausted from the aftermath.

But be prepared, today was a good one.

'Lil Mountain Men

2011-10-23T14:48:00.000-06:00

Boston had a school break last week, but we have all been fighting colds, so our plans to camp and boat fell through. We still promised him some fun though, so we headed up to the mountains for a day to play. At about 10000 feet we found snow, and the boys had a blast playing around. They had a great time doing what little boys do, throwing rocks in the lake and running from tree to tree.

The fresh air, smell of pines, yellow aspens, and peace and stillness of the mountains make it feel close to heaven and one of our favorite places to be.

It was faareeezing cold in the high 30's (holy ish, we didn't expect it to be that cold in case you couldn't tell from Tagg's shorts), but that got me excited for colder weather and the holidays! Back at home it was nearly 70 degrees. Just a little difference.

Apparently we feel the need to rub the buddah and take a pic everywhere we go, ha ha!

12 Weeks

2011-10-22T22:28:00.002-06:00

Sorry the pictures are a bit blurry...

...but my cute professional photographer was doing his best on a banana chair with his Mamma's phone.

At first Boston was really excited because he thought that when he took a picture of the baby bump it would show up like an ultrasound picture and he would actually get to see our new little family member.

He was a little bummed to find out it was just a picture of the bump. Haha. Love big boy.

These ones are my favorite though, Tagg was showing me how it's done:

Symptoms (I feel a little weird saying symptoms like it's an illness. But what else do you call it?):

The whole "pregnancy glow" thing is starting to equal breaking out... a lot. (Dear Face, is your idea of the constellation Cetus the sea monster on my cheek and a big North Star on my forehead your idea of a joke? Awesome. Just awesome).

I've felt quite a bit of nausea this week, but not to the point of puking, as long as I eat something. So that leads to me eating all of the time... maybe that's part of the reason my clothes are all starting to feel reeeeeally uncomfortable. (You're only at 12 weeks girl, hang in there, don't break out the hubby's sweat pants every day just yet!)

Still dead dog tired. But nearing the end of the first trimester, so positive thoughts that will get better soon.

And finally (and Dev's favorite I'm sure) are the crazy prego hormones that seem to appear right around the time he gets home from work, hopefully that will taper off too. Haha!

Cravings/Aversions:

Eggs. I'm allergic anyhow, but the smell or thought of them makes my literally dry heave.

And lately I crave these two mixed together a lot:

However, I'm sure the sodium content in this mix has nothing to do with the elephant legs I get each evening... nothing at all... whistle whistle whistle...

Fall Farm Field Trip

2011-10-20T23:09:00.001-06:00

Boston had his first kindergarten field trip this week.

He was so excited for it, counting down the days.

Tagg and I got to tag along, and much to his delight this farm only uses John Deere tractors. Someone was in heaven the entire time.

The farm is a really fun place to visit, with wagon rides through orchards to a pumpkin patch and a big barn selling donuts, fresh cider, and homemade chocolates, fudge and ice cream.

Boston was running around with his buddies for the most part, but I was able to snap a few pictures of their fun. :)

Do You Ever Have Those Days

2011-10-20T22:41:00.002-06:00

When your heart just aches for people?

People you love who are having trouble.

People you hear of with heartaches.

People going through loss and hurt.

People in far off places going through tragedies and disaster.

People living in war.

And you just wish there was something you could do about it, but know that you are pretty much useless to most of these situations.

So you feel guilt because you are so happy with your life.

Because though it has it's own difficulties to be sure, it's wonderful.

Anyhow, I don't even know if that makes sense.

But I really felt that way this week, and it put me into a blogging funk.

I wish I could do more.

I wish I could be more.

I wish a was more.

Thank goodness it's never to late to become more.

Perhaps the best thing I can do in this world is to try to be the best mommy and wifey I can.

And maybe in some little insignificant way, it will make a difference in the world?

And I can pray.

I believe in the power of prayer.

I know it is real.

On a happy note,

some nice things I noticed today:

- Two teenage boys offering to carry the bags of a mom with a toddler on one arm and baby on the other, and helping her out.

- A physically challenged girl working hard and a high school "jock" looking coworker coming up to her and telling her how great she is and what a great job she does.

- A neighbor over at another widowed neighbor's home, helping her with repairs she needs.

- Handsome hubby was up all last night with big boy who is battling a cough, so that big Mamma could get some shut eye while little boy was (miracle of miracles) sleeping in his own bed.

I know there were more, but my prego brain has kicked in, ha ha.

He's On A Horse

2011-10-17T17:38:00.002-06:00

Every morning when I am getting ready, after I put on my deodorant Tagg pulls up his shirt and jumps up and down saying, "Tagg some!" But he is only satisfied if I get Dev's Old Spice deodorant and apply it directly to his little pits.

In other Tagg news, he just came up and pointed to me saying, "Ginormous Mommy!"

What a charmer.

Love this silly kiddo!

If you get a second, I really enjoyed this post today. :)

11 Weeks

2011-10-15T22:05:00.000-06:00

We got to see peanut this week!

My first OB appointment was on Monday, and it went really well.

It was such a relief to see a strong little heartbeat! You can't really see much at the first ultrasound, but it sure made everything seem more real.

Our Doc is such an awesome guy!

When he first came in to see us he blurted out, "I thought we had convinced you guys to be through!"

And then he broke into how happy he was for us. He was just really supportive and ready to go through this whole thing again. I love the guts out of that guy. He is a good man.

Aaaaaaand... we will find out if peanut is a he or a she the week of Thanksgiving.

Mamma's just a leeeeeetle excited to find out!

11 weeks and half awake

Symptoms: Ok, I know you are tired of hearing me whine about how tired I am. But well, I still am. Pretty much by the time 3 or 4 o'clock in afternoon hits I turn into a half-alive zombie. But it is only fitting, seeing as how it is nearly Halloween and all. However, I can't wait to get my brain back.... someday?

Still no sickness (lucky, I know.. don't hate me). But certain smells do make me gag. Diaper time with sir-poops-a-lot is especially fun.

Cravings/Aversions: I couldn't think of anything I craved this week so I asked Dev and he said, "You mean, besides the 845 cookies that you ate?"

Oh. Ya. Riiiiiiight.... those...

Just feeling more hippo, tired, and pretty darned lucky every day.

Tonight They Were Capital C Crazy

2011-10-13T22:43:00.000-06:00

Most days I have honestly hoped for another boy. Gosh I love our boys! Boys are so much fun and sweet at the same time. They are rough, but need lots of snuggles too. I love having boys. Everything about it.

However.

Tonight was a "oh please, oh please, oh please, ourhousewillfalldownwithanotherboy, let peanut be a girl" kind of night.

Dev is in the process of building a business, and with that comes long hours of working. Tonight was no exception.

I knew he would be late though, so I had a plan.

I walked the boys to a park and let them ~~run around like crazy~~ be boys, to try and wear them out. Hoping the warm sunshine from a beautiful day and time spent climb and jumping and running and giggling would wear them out so that we could snuggle in and calmly hunker down until Dev got home.

Boy did that backfire.

My first clue should have been the antics in the stroller on the way home... pretending we were a jet and seeing who could make the silliest noises

and best of all, the stroller shades going updownupdownupdownupdown

"those aren't toys boys!"

updownupdownupdownupdownupdownupdown.

Ok, crazy boys, whatever, I shall pick my battles, we'll be home soon.

Dun dun dun (imaginary dramatic theme music)

I'm pretty sure the term "bouncing off the walls" was coined by a mother of little boys.

Because when we got home that is exactly what was happening.

Toys were flying, trucks and little jammy bums were racing around the furniture (at least I think that's what those little blurs were). There was screaming"it's gonna blow!" and "weeoooweeoo-ing" and "boy noise" making. The table and chairs in the kitchen were literally shaking from the madness. I'm pretty sure our neighbors thought we were having an earthquake.

I tried everything, reading, a movie, even time outs. Nothing could calm these hyper 'lil pups down even long enough to eat dinner.

I realized I had completely lost control of the ship.

It was a laugh or cry moment. Maybe both. But too tired to cry, I just sat in the middle of the chaos, ate candy, and looked up yummy recipes on my notebook. One of my better mothering moments, of course.

(Note to self, looking at goodies online is a bad idea when you are too exhausted to bake because you will only long for those yummies all night long, and there is.no.way. you are loading this madhouse into the car and driving somewhere that sells such goods).

Miracle of miracles they are now somehow both sleeping soundly and dreaming, sweet as sugar.

You know, I would love to have three sweet crazy little brothers. My boys. :)

But.

I think we would have to build a home out of steel and soundproof materials.

I love this crazy life.
Boy or girl, I can't wait to add to the madhouse we have sometimes.

A Keeper Fer Sure Y'all

2011-10-12T21:32:00.000-06:00

this recipe

is fantastic!

We made it with chicken though, which made me a little nervous, but it ended up "deeeewishes" in the words of Tagg.

We made quesadillas with the meat, and had fresh homemade salsa and chips (thanks to our sweet friends Shad and Dawn for the generous amount of homegrown awesome veggies!).

It is definitely a new favorite, and next time I think I'll double it so that we can freeze a bunch too. It would be simple to put in a salad or over rice or on a sandwich too.

MmmmmHmmm.

I el oh vee ee the genius who figured out this strange combo of ingredients!

I Usually Don't Care

2011-10-12T14:41:00.002-06:00

Yes, I am a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.

Sometimes we are nicknamed "mormons" by people.

Whatever, doesn't bother me.

Yes, our church gets attacked, made fun of, and thrown around in the media a lot.

But where there is good of any kind, Satan is bound to stir the pot against it, no surprises here.

And I realize we aren't the only religion this happens to.

So, honestly, it usually doesn't bother me.

I believe what I believe.

Others can believe what they believe.

It's ok to disagree, but yes, let's be nice to each other about it.

Let's not spread bigoted, blatant, and uneducated lies about another religion.

That is what has my pony in a tussy this time. It especially hurts when people say that I am not a Christian, when my Savior is the reason for all that I do!
You can disagree with or not believe in another religion.

But calling it a cult and spreading lies and false assumptions about it is NOT ok (see this and this which are only a few examples from the past few days... don't get me started on the ladies on "The View").

I don't like soapboxing, not my thing at all.

But I love what Sheena wrote HERE about it.
What Michael Otterson wrote HERE.
And what David Politis wrote HERE.

They say it all fantastically. :)

I hope you will read it.

What I want to know though, is why some people think a man can come up with what the definition of a Christian is anyhow? How about we leave that to our Savior Himself?

Let's look for the good in others and be good to others and try together to make this world a better place.

Just Something I Want To Remember

2011-10-10T20:24:00.000-06:00

This is what can be found at my feet as I get ready every morning.

My sweet little Taggerroo, I'm glad we are buddies. :)

I Want The Lord To Know I Lived: Thoughts Today

2011-10-09T11:14:00.001-06:00

“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates

in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully,

tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and

with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I

want to drive up in a station wagon that has

mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout

camp. I want to be there with a smudge of

peanut butter on my shirt from making

sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I

want to be there with a little dirt under my

fingernails from helping to weed someone's

garden. I want to be there with children's

sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a

friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know

I was really here and that I really lived.”

- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

A quote, I love and need to remember more often.. and thanks to my friend Lacy for the reminder...

Philosophy For Parents
by Ear Paffrath

When he grows up, I don't think he'll recall

How, on a sapphire morning in the Fall,

Dust bunnies tumbled up and down the stair,

And smudges lined the woodwork here and there,

Wile he and I ran hand in hand together Carefree, into the bright October weather.

I hope my son looks back upon today

And sees a parent who had time to play

Whether the work was done, or it was not,

Who realized chores are sometimes best forgot.

There will be years ahead for cleaning house and cooking,

But little boys grow up when we're not looking.

A poem passed on from Grandma Lu, I've posted this one before,but I think of it every October.

10 Weeks: Let It Snow!

2011-10-08T22:28:00.003-06:00

One of Boston's favorite things to do in the fall is to drive into the mountains looking for snowfall when the storms come. With the rainy/snowy week that we had, we were able to surprise him after school and took him up to our favorite little ski resort looking for snow.

It's hard to see in the pictures, but little flurries started when we got there, and got heavier as we left.

It really is one of our favorite things to do this time of year, the beauty and fresh air of the mountains are so peaceful, and the suckers and hot cocoa from the gift shop are a treat.

I'm so grateful for moments like these.

While we were up there we figured we might as well snap some 10 week bump and stretchy pants pics...

lets pretend I get sort of dressed and do my hair every day... ha ha ha

We have our first doctor's appointment this coming week and I'm really excited for it (most of it). It will just be a huge relief and wonderful to see that precious little heartbeat!

Symptoms: Growing... quickly. Still no sickness (yay!). And I definitely have the nose of a hound dog. I'm still really, really hallucinatingly tired though. Poor Dev, some of the conversations he tries to have with me end up with me saying, "huh?" And he just said to me, "You know, I worry about what people are going to read on our blog. Most people write best when they are awake." Har har, thanks babe (this is my disclaimer, sorry if the post makes no sense, apparently I is super sleepy). And I never really noticed that we live on two different floors before, but now I have to raaaaheeeeeeeellly need sometime from the kitchen in order to scale those 16 steps (I know there are 16 because Tagg counts each and every one each and every time he goes up or down and sometimes in Spanish, only then when he gets to "siete" he just says it over and over until he runs out of stairs).

Cravings/Aversions: It's official. I am cuckoo for cocoa puffs. No other cravings that I can think of, but plenty of aversions are popping up. A crazy one is ice cream. Before I was pregnant I would have a bowl of ice cream with brownies nearly every night, but now I can't even choke it down. Pregnancy is so strange and miraculous at the same time.

Over all just feeling tired, blessed, and excited about this new little spirit that will join our family. :)

ChuckNorrisInABox

2011-10-07T19:41:00.002-06:00

This morning after I loaded Tagg into the stroller for our daily waddle, I noticed this. A flat. Tagg was too excited to go see his friend the tractor for me to change plans, so thanks to the co-pilot I put in the stroller with him, we carried on.

PS it has been raining/snowing around here and it is awesome! Freezing cold sweater and hot chocolate weather. :)

I tell ya, I'm not one to do an infomercial on our blog, but these things are pretty great. We've been given two as gifts now, and we use them both a lot. They have air compressors, jump cables, radios, and otherstuffihavenoideahowitworks. Anywho... if you are looking for a random gift for someone this year....

In other news, Dev is a saint.

He got home from work, noticed how exhausted I was (curled up on the couch), with the boys bouncing around, hyper from eating sugarsugarsugar while we were making a haunted gingerbread house for Grandma Lu...

...and he whisked them off on a drive so that I could take a quiet, warm, relaxing, bubble bath/catnap.

I told ya, a saint.

You know he is currently answering about 567 questions a minute and telling the boys to keep their hands to themselves every .1234 seconds as they drive around.

Bless that man. I love him.

Though now I'm sitting here blogging without them and missing them all terribly. I'm such a homebody, Those boys are my world! Come home already! Ha ha.

This Will Change Your Day

2011-10-06T10:30:00.000-06:00

It's worth the time, I promise.

Thanks to sweet Grandma Lu for passing it on to me...

Stretchy Pants

2011-10-04T16:30:00.001-06:00

It began when I saw this post and thought to myself, "Mmmmmm, those took super comfy."

"Super comfy" in prego terms = heaven. And so I meandered to the nearest store to find them starting at 50% off (they are still on sale if you happen to need some stretchy pants of your own).

It was meant to be.

Poor Dev. I'm only almost 10 weeks and already resorting to stretchy pants.

My new motto:

Kindergarten Cutie

2011-10-04T16:17:00.000-06:00

We are so proud of Boston! He is doing so good and loving kindergarten. His teacher is wonderful, he is learning a lot, getting all O's (like A's for kindergarten, ha ha) and making a lot of friends. His favorite part of school is "Even all of it! And playing with my friends and playing with Abby at recess." He really is such a great kid and we feel lucky that he is ours.

Right now he loves doing his homework (we'll see how long that lasts...).

Today part of his homework was a sorting activity, and when he was finished I came into the room to find him sorting his cars into colors too because he didn't want his homework to be over yet.

And when he has handwriting or math homework I always have to get a pretend homework sheet for Tagg too, so he can sit by his big brother and do the same thing. :)