The Magical Journey of the Bott Family

So we are thinking...

2012-02-13T13:46:00.003-07:00

That we may have a house built here in El Paso. We are praying and fasting (well I'm not fasting b/c of being pregnant). We haven't made a decision yet. But we are hoping that we can come to a decision by mid to late March. Our lease is up in July and the people at the model home were saying that it takes 3 to 4 months to build a house. So we'll see if it is the right time. I would love to be in a house of our own where I can choose the paint colors for the rooms and we can get a pet if we want. We just don't know if we should while we are here or wait.

While we were looking at the model homes, Iain was just so happy to be looking at houses. He doesn't seem to like living in an apartment (I can't say that I blame him for that one). He kept asking Brian and I if we were moving into one of the houses. And when we said no that we were just looking at them he would pout and get all quite. I think we would all be happier living in something other than an apartment. As nice as it has been to live on our own in our apartment neither Brian or I have been to happy with management. Or the way the walls are paper thin. We also dislike that people will yell at each other in between buildings and curse at one another all hours. I hate going to the playground (I was so excited that there was on not 5minutes from my front door) and finding glass bottles and beer cans all over the place. I really don't like the disrespect that some of the kids show an adult (I asked some kids not to throw sand on Iain when he was playing off by him self with his sand toys. They turned around and called me the stupid white woman). These kids were 5 or 6 years old and where were their parents, oh no where to be found. This is just a few of many reasons we are looking to get out of here.

So we are going to start praying and fasting about this starting this week.

Another pregnancy update...

2012-02-09T16:51:00.003-07:00

I had an appointment with my ob-gyn on post. She said that the twins look great. Our little boy (baby A) is butt down (it feels like his head is in my rib cage and he is using my lungs as a pillow). he is always flipping around, its kinda weird to watch, a couple times a days we'll see this round head/butt move from the top to the bottom (if you have ever seen the movie Aliens where one of the actors has an alien pop out of their abdomen it kinda reminds me of that). I'm hoping that he keeps turning and that closer to my due date he stays head down. My doctor said that Little Man is taking up most of the room in there.

Our little girl on the other hand is head down, her head is in my pelvis and it looks like it is there to stay. She does kick me in the ribs (she did during the ultrasound today). And it feels like every time her brother flips she hits him because it bothers her (and I feel it happen its not all that comfortable for me). So with her head where it is is causing pressure so I have started to dilate. I'm still high but dilated to a 1. My doctor doesn't seem to concerned about it (yet) but wants to keep an eye on it. I see the specialist next Tuesday and I'll see what she says. I'm kinda concerned but since I'm not having contractions I staying positive that everything is alright.

I don't know what this means for physical therapy because that has been helping with the pain in my lower back and hips. So I'll just have to talk to my doctors and see what they say.

I guess I need to just take it easy. I was really starting to get my energy back and was able to do a lot more. I just started cooking and taking walks again. I guess now I need to cut back. Oh well. Its time to play the waiting game again to see if I stop dilating. Please keep us in your prayers.

Thing I love...

2012-02-08T15:23:00.002-07:00

Ok lately I've done said more negative things about this pregnancy than I ever thought I would. But there are quite a few things that I do love about it.

It's true this pregnancy has been far from easy but every pregnancy is different.

I love that Iain is so excited for a baby brother and baby sister.

I love that he kisses both of them when ever he gets a chance.

I love the fact that Brian is so over the moon excited for twins.

I think it's funny when Brian says that he has to learn a whole new set of rules because we are having a girl.

I love that I'm getting both a boy and girl. I can't wait to hold them in my arms.

Iain is going to be the best big brother to his new babies.

I'm so excited that we are getting not one but two new members of our family.

I love the fact that we are a forever family that we will be together always (even the 5 we lost).

Feeling two new people move is surreal but I love knowing that they are safe and healthy.

Love the fact that my body is capable of carrying not just one but two babies, it amazes me every day.

I may hurt and hate puking but hearing my husband say that he is more in love with me because I made him a daddy puts a smile on my face.

Knowing all this makes the pukey days that much easier to deal with.

I'm almost 26weeks along and hopefully 14 more to go. Here's hoping that they stay where they are till than.

The month of April...

2012-02-07T20:44:00.003-07:00

We found out that Brian is going to be in the field for the whole month. And it looks like I'll be home alone, that's really close to my due date and I'mm going to be so big and uncomfortable. Not to mention Iain turns 3 years old. We're hoping that his sergeants can get him out of it at because a twin pregnancy is 'high risk' (their words not ours). But as of right now we haven't heard if they were able to so it looks like Brian will be gone. I'm kinda worried about being alone but I guess that's part of the deal, right.

I guess I wouldn't be so stressed and worried if the person who said that they were coming out before the twins were born wasn't being so wishy washy about dates and when they are really coming out. I guess my biggest worry is I'll go into labor with out anyone here with me. And I'll scare Iain with whats happening to mommy. I just don't want to scar my sweet little boy.

I'm hoping that things work out and that Brian will be here with me but I'm not holding my breath. Please keep us in your prayers that everything works and he gets to stay home.

Back room is almost empty of stuff

2012-02-05T21:09:00.003-07:00

My parents said if we cleaned out the back room they would get us another crib and double stroller for the twins. So Brian and I made a goal of cleaning and going through all the boxes in that room. We are almost done. I have to re organize my craft stuff and finish going through all the boxes that have books in them that are in the closet. Than we will be ready to start setting up the nursery for the twins. I pretty excited that this time I get to decorate a nursery. I wish I had had a chance to decorate a nursery with Iain.

Potty Training pit falls....

2012-02-02T19:38:00.004-07:00

So we have been trying to get Iain interested in potty training but as far as we had gotten was him sitting fully clothed on his potty. We came to the conclusion that he just didn't like his potty seat so we went to Babies 'R" Us and let him pick one out that he liked. Well that still didn't get him sitting on it without his clothes on. A few weeks ago that changed and he asked to sit on his potty without his clothes and diaper. We were so very excited. He has been doing that for a few weeks now but he wont do anything while sitting on it. I've tried everything and still nothing. I'm at a lose as to how to get him to go on the potty. I seriously need advice and help with this.

Baby things...

2012-01-30T17:44:00.003-07:00

So a few weeks ago I decided that I was going to start working on a blessing dress for our little girl and few other dresses and things. Well this blessing dress is going to take longer than expected to finish because I made the skirt of the dress super full. I'm 17 rows into the skirt and already used two skeins of yarn. So yeah it's going to take a while but that's ok. It sure is turning out beautiful. I also bought the fabric for to blankets for little Miss. I just hope that I'm able to get all the things for the babies and even some things for Iain done before they are born. Wish me luck. (Sorry no pictures of the dress yet).

UPDATE: I've used 3 skeins of yarn and I hoping that by picking up 5 more skeins thats it will be enough to finish the dress and bonnet. I plan on making the dress 4.5 feet long after I finish crocheting the dress I have to make a pattern for the lining of the skirt and than saw the lining in. Than I can start on the blessing outfit for Little Man. I also want to work on an outfit for Iain to wear for the blessing of his siblings. Blessing blankets have to be made as well. And than maybe work on a dress for me to wear but that may have to wait till after they are born.

Iain is so sweet

2012-01-25T10:25:00.002-07:00

So yesterday afternoon, Iain and I were in my room and he saw my phone. He very sweetly asked if he could play the puzzle game. As a baby we taught him to sign a few things, one of the signs we taught him was please. Well, he never did get the hang of doing the sign the way the book taught you, he just runs his hands up and down on his chest for please. So he while he was saying "Momma please may I play the puzzle game. Please momma puzzle game." He was signing please. Of cause I told him yes. Right after I said yes he looks at me and said "See Momma I use my manners. I have good manners."

Brian and I have mean working really hard on teaching Iain manners. I was in despair that it wasn't working. We are really good about praising him when he does use his manners. So when he said that do me yesterday it was like it finally clicked for him. I guess we are doing a good job with this whole parenting thing.

I'm so proud of my little boy. And watching him turn from a baby to a big boy is amazing. I can't wait to see him with his little brother and sister.

Pregnancy/family update

2012-01-24T20:17:00.003-07:00

So about a week ago, the specialist I'm seeing said that the babies were measuring bigger than average. I asked her what she meant by that, the doctor's reply was not what I expected at all. She said that if they were to come early (which she thinks they will) they could be anywhere from 7-7 1/2 lbs. (Which if you think about it is really good for preemies. But my mind went what if they come on or after their due date, does that mean I could give birth to not one but two babies that weight 9lbs or more. That would kinda suck (I mean hurt). As long as they are healthy we'll handle whatever happens.

I'm still puking but at least I'm gaining weight not as much as my ob-gyn (the military doctor) wants me to gain 70lbs but I've gained 7lbs after losing 25lbs. So she's not to happy with me but oh well they are growing and are healthy, so oh well.

I'm carrying them a lot lower than I carried with Iain. So my lower back and hips are always killing me. I seriously want to die from the pain. This past Saturday I couldn't move because my hips hurt so very bad I would cry or scream every time I moved. So it made it a whole lot of fun to take care of Iain and myself while Brian was playing D&D with his friends from work.

My ob-gyn put in a referral in to our insurance so that I can go see a physical therapist for my back and hips. So my first appointment is a week from today. I hope that this will help.

I'm just excited that this pregnancy has gotten this far and that despite all the puking, lack of weight gain and the pain. That the twins are going to be joining us some time this year and are family will go from 3 to 5. As hectic as things will be and how very tired I'm going to be (am) that there will be to more sweet babies to kiss and cuddle. To watch smile and giggle. Iain will have not one but two siblings to play with and to learn with.

I can't say that I'm super excited to be so tired but I love watching Iain and Brian around babies that it will be all worth it. But things are going to be so much fun around here when they finally get here.

Iain is such a big helper and so very sweet. He loves to use his manners and is so very kind. Though he is typical boy, rough and tumble. He is my big tough teddy bear. Loves to kiss the babies good night after he says prayers at bed time. Finally showed an interest in potty training after months of asking him if he wants to sit on the potty. Iain loves bath time. Playing outside. He still loves going to nursery every Sunday. He is so very smart and such a talker, story teller, and little singer. I can't wait to see him with his brother and sister.

Brian, is now working night as a night baker. So he is able to attend PT in the mornings. Than he comes home to sleep for a few hours. He has a group of friends from work that he gets together with every week-end to play D&D with. It's a great way for him to de-stress from work. I'm glad that he is able to play/hang out with his friends because it makes him happier and more willing to help me around the house while I've been so sick.

Hopefully, I'll do better at blogging this year but who knows. I will try.

It's the end of January...

2012-01-24T18:22:00.002-07:00

I just realized that I have yet to post anything this year and it's already the end of the month. I still have to post about Christmas and New Years (but later hopefully).

I'm 23 weeks and 4 days into this pregnancy with our twins. I can't believe how fast its gone by. According to my doctor the twins could come anywhere from the end of March all the way to their due date. So I'm kinda stressing about getting stuff done around the house. Like the last of the decorating and organizing, setting up the 3rd bedroom as a nursery/craft room (b/c its a little bigger than the master bedroom and Iain's room. The master bedroom has a bathroom so that's the trade off there I guess). But right now the 3rd bedroom is kind the catch all room. I need to clean would few girls clothes I do have and put them away. I would also like to make so freezer meals for after they get here.

I have completed some craft items for our little girl. I made her coming home blanket and some little dresses with hats. I'm working on her blessing dress (its really going to have a full skirt, I'm crocheting it). As soon as that is done I plan on making her brothers blessing outfit.

But the list of things that I have to finish making/working on is so long but it will be done before they get here.

Hopefully the things I'm stressing about goes away so that I can just enjoy the time I have left with Iain as an only child. Here's to hoping...right.

Hate being sick...

2011-12-19T17:02:00.002-07:00

On December 9th, we went on a marriage retreat that the Army was doing, it was in Ruidoso New Mexic0. Well I soon as we all got back Iain and Brian caught a stomach bug. Iain has had it since than. And now I think I'm getting it. My poor little boy can't seem to kick this bug.

Out numbered still....

2011-12-15T20:54:00.005-07:00

We found out this morning that Baby A is a BOY....And Baby B is a little girl. Brian and I are over the moon about our new additions to our family. Both are healthy and right on track growth wise. So, I asked Brian how he felt about having a little girl and he said that he had to learn a whole new set of rules. I laughed so hard when he said that.

The Holidays are here....

2011-11-20T18:40:00.002-07:00

So who is ready. I for one am not in the least bit ready.

Pregnancy = kicking my butt

2011-11-18T20:06:00.002-07:00

So this pregnancy has been so very different from my pregnancy with Iain. I was totally unprepared for morning sickness and extreme fatigue. I knew that I would be tired but this is ridicules. I get so extremely tired 2hours after I wake up that it makes it so very hard to do anything with Iain. The morning sickness just wont go away. Every one said that it I should be over it once I got into my second trimester, but I guess its the difference between a single and and twin pregnancy. But it is totally kicking my butt. I really hope that I have a little more energy by next week (so I can actually make Thanksgiving dinner, my first time. And I would like to spend an enjoyable visit with my parents while they are here).

Update...

2011-11-17T12:43:00.003-07:00

Brian and I found out in September that we were expecting (again). And than the next week I started to spot and had some cramping, so we went into the ER. Where the ER doctor ordered an ultrasound and everything was okay. The only thing that was out of the ordinary was that there were two babies. I was shocked (well to be honest I'm still shocked) and Brian was (is) super excited. I'm 14weeks along (the farthest I've gotten since Iain). Have had 2 ultrasounds since our ER visit. We have another one next week (and if the twins aren't too shy we may be able to found out their genders, just in time for Thanksgiving and my parents visit).
Iain is no longer a baby. He has gotten so very big and I can't believe how much he has changed since we moved to Texas. Not only how much he has changed physically (he is almost 38lbs and he is 3'4" tall) but how independent he has become. Oh and his imagination has changed. He also talks all the time. He has even started to say the prayer without being prompted by Brian or me. His prayers are just so funny sometimes. (I'll post them later).
Brian is now working nights from 7pm-6am. He is on the Thanksgiving team. He loves it.
Brian's parents were just out here to visit us for 5days. It was nice to have them to come and stay with us. Iain loved have grandma and grandpa here to play with. He sure became grandma and grandpa's boy while they were here, he didn't want them out if his sight. He was always asking "where grandma and grandpa?, "I want grandma and grandpa". And he was always showing off for them. Well they were here I was no longer the favorite. But I'm okay with that, it was nice to get a little extra rest. I don't know who was more excited to be here, Marlene or Darrel, I think it was a tie between them. While they were here Marlene and I went to get a pedicure well the guys had Iain. It was nice to just have a girls day (even if it was only for a few hours). We showed them around base and El Paso.

What makes you think of Halloween...

2011-10-14T16:31:00.003-06:00

When I think of Halloween I always think of Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven. It sends the right of chills down your spine.

THE RAVEN.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore —

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

“ ’Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door —

Only this and nothing more.”

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;

And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

Eagerly I wished the morrow; — vainly I had sought to borrow

From my books surcease of sorrow — sorrow for the lost Lenore —

For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore —

Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain

Thrilled me — filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;

So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating

“ ’Tis some visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door —

Some late visiter entreating entrance at my chamber door; —

This it is and nothing more.”

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,

“Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;

But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,

And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,

That I scarce was sure I heard you” — here I opened wide the door; ——

Darkness there and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,

Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;

But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,

And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, “Lenore?”

This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, “Lenore!” —

Merely this and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,

Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.

“Surely,” said I, “surely that is something at my window lattice;

Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore —

Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;—

‘Tis the wind and nothing more!”

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,

In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;

Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;

But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door —

Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door —

Perched, and sat, and nothing more. [column 5:]

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,

By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,

“Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,” I said, “art sure no craven,

Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore —

Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night’s Plutonian shore!”

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,

Though its answer little meaning — little relevancy bore;

For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being

Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door —

Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,

With such name as “Nevermore.”

But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only

That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.

Nothing farther then he uttered — not a feather then he fluttered —

Till I scarcely more than muttered “Other friends have flown before —

On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before.”

Then the bird said “Nevermore.”

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,

“Doubtless,” said I, “what it utters is its only stock and store

Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster

Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore —

Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore

Of ‘Never — nevermore’.”

But the Raven still beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,

Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;

Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking

Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore —

What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore

Meant in croaking “Nevermore.”

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing

To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom’s core;

This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining

On the cushion’s velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o’er,

But whose velvet-violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o’er,

She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer

Swung by seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.

“Wretch,” I cried, “thy God hath lent thee — by these angels he hath sent thee

Respite — respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore;

Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!”

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil! — prophet still, if bird or devil! —

Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,

Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted —

On this home by Horror haunted — tell me truly, I implore —

Is there — is there balm in Gilead? — tell me — tell me, I implore!”

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil! — prophet still, if bird or devil!

By that Heaven that bends above us — by that God we both adore —

Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,

It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore —

Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore.”

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

“Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!” I shrieked, upstarting —

“Get thee back into the tempest and the Night’s Plutonian shore!

Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!

Leave my loneliness unbroken! — quit the bust above my door!

Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!”

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting

On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;

And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,

And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;

And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted — nevermore!

On September 11th, where were you that day...

2011-09-09T11:04:00.006-06:00

The tenth anniversary of September 11th is here. Sometimes it seems like yesterday that it happened. I remember sitting in my second class of the day of my junior year (Physics with Mister Becker) at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA. Mr. Becker always had the radio on but when the music stopped and the radio DJ come on and started talking about a plane hitting the World Trade Center Mr. Becker ran to the TV and turned it on. We were all in kind of a daze while it was happening first one plane than another. The a TV reporter said the a plane had been highjacked and was heading to the Pentagon (in our own backyard) most of my friends have parents and extended family that worked in or around the Pentagon. So we all started to pull our cell phones out to make sure that the ones we loved were safe. But the lines were down. It was surreal in a way that this was happening here in the US. My generation had always lived without fear of this magnitude.

I cant believe that it has been ten years since the WTCs went down. But at the same time I'm glad that high school is over. Since 9/11 I've gotten married and had a child. Also moved more than half way across the US. My husband is a solider in the US Army. And though I'm worried that he'll be deployed I have faith that he'll always come home safe. We are active in our church and have been sealed in the temple. And know that Heavenly Father is in control. I also know that Heavenly Father doesn't control the actions of man but gives us leave to chose our own way. We are accountable for our own actions and choses. I just hope that one day things will be different not the same that they were ten years ago but somehow better than the last ten years. I would love to not be afraid that the other shoe was going to drop at any given time.

I'm thankful that my family was safe on the day and is safe today. I'm also so very thankful for our service men and women and all others in uniform that helped rescue so my lives that day.

I don't know how we are going to tell our son about that day. But for now I think we wont tell him anything (he is 2 years old after all). But one day Brian and I will tell him where we were and what we thought and how we felt that day way back before he was born.

Sorry for the bullets blogger is spacing my paragraphs.

My friends are trying to adopt..

2011-09-07T22:36:00.003-06:00

I hope that anyone that reads this can pass their information along. They are such sweet people. And great parents. http://www.mikeandjessadopting.blogspot.com/ Please go check their blog out and you'll see just how wonderful they are. I've known them as a couple since 2005. But Jess and I went to high school together. Mike and Jess are the most deserving couple I know to raise another child. They've always wanted to have a large family. It never mattered to them if their children came to them naturally or through adoption. However their children come to them they will be loved just them same. Mike and Jess have the biggest hearts and give their love and friendship freely. They don't hold anything back. Here's hoping that their information gets into the right hands and to the right person out their.

August 25th

2011-09-07T21:20:00.004-06:00

So on the 25th at 8:30pm I told Brian that I needed to go to the ER. Off and on the week before I would experience pain just under my right breast that would feel like some thing was stabbing me and I would feel it all the way around my chest (my back and down into my hips and legs). But it would only last a few minutes and go away. I would experience this once or twice a day until the evening of the 25th at 6pm. The pain continued for a week and half after I left the ER. So as I said we got there at around 8:30pm, they started some tests and than made me wait in the waiting room till 2am, at which time I was finally in a bed waiting to see a doctor. But before that Iain was so over tired and I was in so much pain that I asked Brian for a priesthood blessing. So he called the only person that we had there phone number. It was 11pm. And the brother came and they gave me a blessing. After the blessing the brother asked if their was anything that he could do for us. When we couldn't think of anything he asked if he could take Iain to his house so that he could get some sleep. And we could pick him up after we were discharged from the hospital. So after he left with Iain. Brian and I waited to for forever. After we finally got into a bed we didn't see a doctor till 8am. Meanwhile I hadn't eaten since dinner the night before and I hadn't been given anything for my pain. So at 8:30am the doctor came in to examine me. He ordered an ultrasound. And also ordered morphine. The ultrasound showed that my gallbladder was inflamed and the opening looked to small. So the doctor started talking about gallbladder surgery. Which made me freak out a little bit. The nurse came in to give me the morphine (.05) I was in lala land faster than you can say well fast. I fall a sleep. So surgery was out ruled and I was discharged at 11am. 15 hours in the ER. And on my discharge papers it said "you came in with acute abdominal pain, the cause of your pain is unknown." So that was the worst day that I have had since we moved to Texas.

Potty Training...

2011-08-20T17:16:00.004-06:00

So I was thinking I might start potty training Iain at the end of the month. What books and movies to you guys recommend using? Iain will be 2.5 in October and I was hoping that we could have him potty trained my Christmas or his 3rd birthday. I would like to save the money we spend on diaper and wipes. Do you have any suggestions or advice would be great?

We are in Texas

2011-08-14T20:55:00.004-06:00

We finally moved out of my in-laws house at the end of July. Brian called me the Monday before we moved to tell me that he found an apartment and was ready to sign the lease and get things moving. He also said he hoped to be in Colorado by Friday night. Well I was in no way ready to move (I had not finished packing our stuff yet). I told two of my really good friends (sorry I don't use names unless I have asked them before hand) that it looked like we were leaving at the end of the month but I needed help packing. One of them set up a packing party and even said that she wanted to throw a farewell party. So the Thursday before we left a bunch of our friends came to the house to help me pack. We were packing for 6 hours. And got all but the last minute stuff done. I'm so thankful for friends and family that helped that day. If it had only been me I don't think I would have gotten it done. Brian got in last the next night. Saturday morning a few people came over to help bring everything up stairs and to stage it on the lawn before we picked up the truck. After we finished staging everyone left but told us to call them after we picked up the truck. We did and between my husband and brother-in-law and two others we got everything onto the truck. Sunday morning we finished all the last minute things packed on the truck and our van than we were off. We got a much later start than we had planned but oh well stuff happens. Darrell drove the van while we drove the van. Iain wanted to ride in the truck with grandpa so we let him. We drove till about midnight and just couldn't go any longer. So we stopped for the night in New Mexico. And left early the next day to drive the rest of the way. We finally got in and started to unload the van and truck. We left most of the stuff on the truck till the next day. And we explored the area. The next day we called the missionaries in our new ward to see if they could come to help us unload. They come over and we were able to get everything off the truck and into the apartment. Than the real fun began. Oh unpacking is so much fun. I think I like unpacking less than I like packing. But oh well I love being able to use my own stuff and having my our house. Its great.

So Sunday is the day...

2011-07-15T23:34:00.004-06:00

As a few of you know Brian and I have been trying to have another baby for a while now. Gotten pregnant and miscarried more than once. So we (I) started going to see a specialist and after the tests for run and the results came in, the doctor's advice was that we try Clomid. Brian and I talked and prayed about it, so we told my doctor that we wanted to try the medication for a while. She also told me that she wanted me to go on a higher dosage of the Clomid. So I'm on a higher dosage of this medication and Sunday is the first day that I supposed to start taking it. Here's hoping that the medication works the first month. Here's hoping and praying.

I'm a lisensed driver...

2011-07-15T22:21:00.003-06:00

On the 22 of June 2011 I took the driver's test in CO... and wait for it... I passed. I know I'm 27 1/2 years old but better late than never. And after the minor accident I was in I was in so much pain and the meds I was on I haven't driven till today. I drive to Costco to get gas and than to K-Mart to get dinner for Iain and I. I'm not going to lie it was a bit uncomfortable driving tonight. I was in a little bit of pain and a little bit afraid of getting hit again. So I hope that this gets better the more I drive around.

Waitting to sign a lease...

2011-07-10T17:37:00.005-06:00

So Brian found us an apartment. Its 15minutes from the base. Which means Brian was able to attended the ward that we will live in the bounders of. We are going to be the newest members of Hondo Pass Ward of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Brian is going to see if the apartment complex has a 4 bedroom because he said he thought that he read somewhere that it did. But if not there is a 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom with a washer and dryer. We are just trying to get all the paper work together so that we can get the ball rolling. He won't be able to come out here to get us till he is done with in processing which could take up to another week (or more) than he has to wait till he gets the all clear for the DDY leave. So we are looking at August till we are together again. And can start setting up our home together. But the best part is Iain will finally have his own room for the very first time. I actually get to decorate a room for my little boy. Its not the nursery that I wish I had been able to do for him but a big boy room. He says he wants a Thomas the Tank Engine room. Maybe one day I'll get to decorate a nursery. I'm just so ready to have our stuff out of boxes and out where we (and our guests can see it). Decorating our home the way I want to. I'm really looking forward to it.

Babies grow up

2011-07-09T12:38:00.002-06:00

So I cant believe that Iain has gotten so big over the last few months. He is talking up a storm and doing more and more by himself. Iain is even understands that we are moving to Texas (though he say to the airport on a plane. Its super cute). His loves Disney's Cars and Thomas the Tank Engine. Everything is either about Queen or Thomas. He loves to say nap time and bed time prayers. Favorite books right now are Hand Hand Fingers Thumb and Stop! Train, Stop! Playing in the dirt and sand is more fun than anything else in the world. I love my boy who is getting so very big each and every day.

So...We are in limbo

2011-07-08T23:37:00.005-06:00

So Brian left for El Paso last week. He has been looking at apartments to see if one of them we are going to call home. He is coming up empty. Either they are too far from base, don't have washer and dryer hook ups, or are just plain on the wrong side of town (we're talking scary part of town). This limbo kinda sucks. I hate being separated from Brian again. I really don't like sleeping alone. And on top of that I'm in pain from a minor car accident the day after Brian left. So I'm in a little bit of pain. (ok you see we just traded in our car and got a 2006 Saturn Relay mini van. And while driving it around the side view mirror was almost taken of my car. Oh I finally have my drivers license and yes I know I'm 27 1/2 years old but better late than never). So I was pretty shaken up about it and yes I know it really could have been worst and I'm glad that Iain wasn't in the car with me. So being in pain I need help but I have to be the mom and moms don't get a sick day. But I was that Brian and I were together so that he could help with picking up Iain and any thing that is 2lbs (the doctor I went to told me not to left anything heavier than 2lbs). So life kinda sucks and this being in limbo is even worst. I can't wait till we are a family again.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T22:30:00.004-06:00

So this morning the ward that we attend here in CO had a pancake breakfast. It was so very hot today. Iain had so much fun playing with his friends there. Than we came home after that and I put Iain down for a nap (while I took one myself). I invited my friend Regina and her family to come over to the house for a bar-b-q. It was a lot of fun to have people come over to celebrate. The only thing that would have made this day even better would be if Brian had been with us. The fireworks started after Iain went to bed so he wasn't able to see them so maybe next year. Remember that our freedoms where fight for by many service men and women. Not with words but with blood, sweat, and a lot of times tears. Our freedom is not free it was bought and paid for with the blood and lives of our service men and women. I for one am so thankful for those soldiers and their families that a lot if times cant be together during the holidays or even birthdays of their love ones or don't get to ever see their loved ones again. So thank you to all our service men and women.

Graduation from AIT

2011-06-26T11:07:00.003-06:00

(I know that this is late but what that saying. Oh yeah. Better late than never). I've been so utterly happy and excited to have my husband by my side again that this blog has kinda taken a back seat. But I thought that I should write it all down before I forget details of the things we did.

So on June 2nd Brian graduated with honors from AIT at Fort Lee in Petersburg VA. I'm so very proud of him and the things that he is doing for our family.

Saturday after he graduated from AIT we went to the DC Temple to perform sealings. I was the only female in a group (so I got to do a bunch of sealings) it was quite memorable. We were able to help seal one of the other gentlemen's family for all eternity. He was so nice. He was grateful that we were able to help him do that for his family. He looked at peaceful and utterly happy. I'm glad that we got to go to the Temple that we were married in and even more grateful that we are sealed for eternity.

He doesn't have to report to Fort Bliss until the 28th of June. So we are going to have him in Co for almost 3 weeks. Brian is going to be working at the Recruiters for 14 days which is great.

Hershey Park and train rides

2011-05-27T10:39:00.003-06:00

Last week end we went to PA to visit Hershey Park and to go on a train ride. We left Friday night to drive up to PA. We stayed in Strasburg Pa at a Marriot (my parents wanted to stay in Hershey but all of the hotels were booked). Iain rode all the kiddie rides at the Park that he could go on. I've never seen my little boy have so much fun riding the kiddie rides he didn't want to get off. He would ask to get in line again just so he could continue to ride them. My parents and I wear he out so that he crashed in the stroller. So my parents and I walked around the park so that he could get a nap. We also went to chocolate world and bought chocolate and some other gifts for Iain and family. The next day we went on a train ride but before the train ride we went to a toy train museums. I was impressed by the shire number of toy trains that there are out there. Iain and my dad were in heaven while we were there. After we left the toy train museum we went to the train station to board our train. Iain's little face just lit up like a Christmas tree and his beautiful blue eyes got so big when he realized that Gram, Pop Pop, and Mommy were taking him on a real train. We had lunch on the train. Iain gave our tickets to the conductor. I was so excited that he was telling every one that would listen that he was on a choo-choo train. He loved to hear the train whistle and would laugh in delight whenever he heard it. There was a photographer that came around and let Iain wear a conductors hat for our picture. After we disembarked from the train we went to the train museum across the street. At that museum there were interactive stations that kids could actually try out how to shovel coal into the fire box, push buttons on the dash board of a train, and make the whistle sound off. After riding the train and playing at the museum he crashed on the drive back to my parents house.

Motherhood...

2011-05-24T20:58:00.002-06:00

No one told me that I would fall so madly in love the first time I saw 2 lines on a home pregnancy test (no not announcement just my thoughts) with someone I had never seen. But be so scared that I was going to be a mom to a little person.
How much labor hurt but forgetting all about the pain when you hold your baby for the first time. Knowing that you would do it all over again for each and every child that is yours.
Breastfeeding is hard but worth it (as long as your not under a ton of stress). Wishing that I hadn't given up when I did.
Get as much sleep before your baby is born because you won't get any till they are 18years old.
Saying no the first time is always the hardest. But your the mom and you need to let them know that.
Dirt is ok it won't kill them. Because it didn't kill you. Kids say "God made dirt and dirt don't hurt." Believe it and just get over your fear of it.
Kids are fearless. They will claim on everything and jump off everything that they can.
If you try and protect then from every germ they will always be sick. Some germs are ok. Be careful but don't try and shield them from everything.
Kids smile all the time. And they don't hold grudges for long.
Your child will always know that you are his/her mom but they just do.

I sure there's more but it has slipped my mind for the moment.

Made it to VA...And the angels I meet on the way...

2011-05-17T19:49:00.005-06:00

Well I woke up at 3:15am to finish last minute packing before we headed to the airport. I woke Iain up at 3:30am so that he could wake up Grandpa. We got on our way at quarter till 4am. Iain and I got to the airport at quarter after 4am. I was able to get through TSA rather quickly. There was a lady right behind me in line while we were in line with TSA who helped me get everything out of my carry ons and folding the stroller. I'm so grateful for the angels that Heavenly Father sends to me in places like this. Iain and I got to our gate with 45minutes to spare. While we were on the breeze way (well at the end of it) I was trying to get the stroller folded up so I could get Iain and I on the plane so we could get some seats. But I was struggling with folding the stroller and Iain was making a bee line for the door of the plane. One of the co-pilots saw what was happening and asked me if I thought Iain would like to see the cockpit. I told him that Iain would love that and that would make his day. I asked him if I should wait for him, the gentleman said that they would bring him to me at my sit. One of the stewardess's brought Iain back to me and about 5minutes later the co-pilot came up to me and said that this was a bit unorthodox but he took some pictures of Iain on his phone and would like my e-mail and/or number so he could send them to me, but he was unsure if he could get them to send because he had just gotten his phone and was unsure how it worked. I of cause gave him the information that he asked for. (And after we landed I got 2 text messages from a number I didn't know but it was 2 pictures of Iain sitting in the cockpit. I was thrilled that this man was willing to one take a little boy into the cockpit while I finished folding the stroller and two was thoughtful enough to take pictures of a little boy how was over the moon to be flying on a plane and send them to his mother as a sweet reminder of his excitement to be flying. Iain was bouncing in his seat the entire time and claiming all over me (pretty sure I'm going to have more busies on my hips and legs. It's not the first time and I know it won't be the last). We landed at Midway airport and had an 1.5 hours till we boarded our connecting plane to IAD. I changed Iain out of his pjs and into comfortable clothes and his harness (child leash) just so I wouldn't lose him in the airport (my boy knows how to get out of his seatbelt in the stroller). During this leg of our flight Iain watched Disney's Peter Pan and stayed in his seat the entire time. (Oh did I say that Iain had yet to fall a sleep). After we landed we headed to baggage claim. We passed Trace Atkins (way cool and no I didn't stop and get a picture but he said hi to Iain and told me Iain was a cute little boy. And that just made my day. I'm going to count that as another angel). I saw my brother PJ, we than got my suitcases and headed out to my mom. Iain fall a sleep in the van. So we drove around a little bit. Mom wanted to show me the new buildings on GMU's campus. Holy moly there is so much new construction on campus it doesn't look the same to me.

The Doctor says...

2011-05-15T21:33:00.003-06:00

According to the doctor that I've been seeing about the recurrent miscarriages, she would like me to go on Clomid and possible do a few IVF treatments. Brian and I are ok with going on Clomid but the IVF we are a bit unsure of. We want to try the medication for a little while and if nothing happens we'll go through with IVF. I don't know how many of you have been reading our blog but this has been really hard to write and even harder to go through. I'm sorry for any of my friends that have gone through losing a baby and than being told that you should try IVF to carry a baby. I know Brian and I haven't been trying for another baby for very long. Please keep us in your thoughts and your prayers while we go through this.

Any Suggestions...

2011-05-14T18:24:00.003-06:00

I'm trying to start our food storage over again. Since we didn't have a lot of money and places to put it when we first came to CO. And we are moving in July I was hoping to re-start our food storage. I've made 22 jars of jam and plan on making 12 more. Plus I'll be canning salsa and tomatoes when we get back from VA in June. We have cereals and water. But else should I be looking to get stocked up before we leave for Texas?

Thomas the Tank Engine

2011-05-14T18:10:00.004-06:00

Iain loves Thomas the Tank Engine (I'm obsessed with Tomas and any and all trains). When we went to see Brian at Fort Sill in OK, Brian got Iain his first Thomas train wooden play set. And since then he has gotten 2 more trains, aquarium cars, and and expansion tracks for the wooden play set and he even has a battery operated train (which is pretty cool). Brian asked me to pick up a big Thomas wooden train set (which I have yet to get. I will hopefully on Monday). But which one to get? Any suggestions?

All Domestic and stuff...

2011-05-11T22:01:00.000-06:00

So earlier this week I decided that I wanted to make home made jam. I have never canned in my life. I thought that it would be so hard but in truth it was quite easy. I made 14 jars of strawberry freezer jam to take with us when we move to Texas in July. I had all these strawberries left over but I didn't want to have my freezer totally full of freezer jam. So I made shelf jam. You have to cook it than while it is still hot you ladle the liquid into the jars. So I made 5 pint mason jars of strawberry jam and 3 pint mason jars of cherry jam. That's a total of 22 jars of jam. I want to make pear,orange marmalade jams, and salsa. Any one have recipes for any of those. So how knew that I was this domestic.

Oh yeah, Iain has croup. So this is fun. We are leaving for VA on Tuesday. So of cause he would get sick so close to us flying out of town. Hopefully he will be all better by the time we leave on Tuesday. I don't want to fly with a sick little boy.

Currently

2011-05-10T20:39:00.023-06:00

Book(s) 1) The Thorne of Fire (book two in The Kane Series) by Rick Riordan, 2) Unbuttoned a book where Women open up about the pleasures, pains, and politics of breastfeeding edited by Dana Sullivan and Maureen Connolly, and 3) Great Expectations: The Essential Guide to Breastfeeding By Marianne Neifert, MD

They say knowledge is power, so I've been reading any and all books on breastfeeding. I'm hoping that the more I know before I have another baby that I wont give up they way I did with Iain. And the first is purely for pleasure. But for most of my day I read children's books to Iain.

Song Angel by Beverley Mitchell

Frequently worn outfit/item bright blue sweat pants with hearts on one side, white camisole, and a gray zipper hoodie.

Perfume Don't normally wear any. But when I do it's Fancy by Jessica Simpson

Makeup Don't normally wear it. Just Sundays, date night, and when we get pictures done. I prefer the natural look light colors (sometimes blues to make my blue eyes look bluer) and a pink blush. Gloss for my lips.

Food hotdog, chips and dip, and watermelon.

Drink ice water and Sierra Mist Natural

Guilty Pleasure Cosmopolitan (Cosmo) and Pepsi

Bane of my existence interfering hypocrite sister-in-law and brother-in-law

Joy My sweet boy, Iain and my wonderful husband, Brian

Anticipation Seeing my family and friends in VA and getting to see Brian graduate from AIT and than bring him home with me.

Wish List To be able to carry another baby to term. From my little family to be together again under the same roof.

Thought

"Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is not only aware of us but cares for us. He is our Father. He is accessible to all who seek Him." Gordon B. Hinckley

Yesterday was Mother's Day...(a few days late)

2011-05-09T21:59:00.004-06:00

Lately I've been thinking about what a mother should be. Growing up my birth mother wasn't always the best example of what a mother should be. She had days that she was the worlds best mother but for the most part she wasn't. I loved her but I feared her more. I didn't want my children to fear me. Than after I was placed with Anne and Russ (from here on out to be Momma/Mom and Dad). I got the best example of what a mom should be. And I hope that I'm more like her than the other. I had so many good examples of what a mother should be while at church. I was blessed to be exposed to these wonderful women while attending church.

So some of my thoughts on motherhood are: you don't have to have it all together all the time, sometimes your house is going to be messy but your kids will be happy so does it matter that the dishes in the sink have been there for a few days. The answer is no. I would rather have a happy baby. Rocking your baby is more important than dusting any day of the week. Even if you take a shower while your kids are napping and not when you wake up who really cares, your kids don't mind. Playing with them on the floor is more fun than just watching them play. Teaching them about the world around them gives you more insight and joy than you could ever imagine. There are always going to be days when you want to throw the towel in but when your kids give you the brightest smile and tell you that they love you we'll know that you would go through it all over again but so you could hear that sentence and see that smile again. Let your kids know that you love them not just with your words but your actions. You may be a mom but try and remember that you were a wife first and show your husband that you still(and always will love him), again not just with your words but your actions. Even if you don't like what you look like after having kids your husband still does and your kids don't care anyway. Show everyone around you that you take proud in your family (no matter how small or big it is) because being a mother is not a right but a privilege and a blessing. These are just a few things that I have learned over the last 3 years (mind you the first two were kinda a blur). I'm so blessed that I have the privilege of being Iain's mommy and learning from all the wonderful women in my life of what makes a great mom (being able to pull together for my self from taking from their collective wisdom is an honor. Thank you to all you wonderful and caring mothers out there. Hope your Mother's Day was as uplifting and joyful as mine was.

Mark.....Set.....Go!

2011-05-04T21:58:00.002-06:00

So today Iain and Gabe were running circles around the main floor of the house. And Iain stopped in front of Leslie and said "Mark...Set...Go!" than starting running just as fast as he could. Every time he would get to were Leslie was sitting he would say it again. How funny is that? I didn't know that he could say that at all. This morning before we left for his doctor appointment I had he watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so that I could get stuff together to go. And todays episode was about shapes. He could name all the shapes. I was quite impressed by that. He doesn't do it on command but when he thinks no one is listening and watching him he will say and do many things. He really is quite smart and a huge stinker.

Apartment Hunting...is the pits

2011-05-03T17:33:00.003-06:00

So for the last 2 and a half weeks I've been looking for apartments in El Paso Texas. And finding a few that I think would be great for a little family. But when I finally get someone at the apartment complex to either pick up the phone or call me back I'm told that the 2 bedrooms are all taken and they are unsure when they will have one available for rent. And there is a waiting list a year long for base housing. I'm so at the end of my rope. My mother-in-law says that its time that we are a family again (I agree with her) and she wants us out of here when Brian is done with Home Town Recruiter but what do you do when you aren't having any luck finding a place to live. I could seriously scream.

books you have to read to qualify as a person

2011-04-30T22:57:00.002-06:00

1. Tuesdays With Morrie -- Mitch Albom

2. The Shack -- WM Paul Young

3. Way to Be! -- Gordon B. Hinckley

4. The Town Beyond the Wall -- Elie Wiesel

5. The Last Lecture -- Randy Pausch

6. Dawn -- Elie Wiesel

7. Siddhartha -- Hermann Hesse

8. A Christmas Carol -- Charles Dickens

9. Black Like Me -- John Howard Griffin

10. The Book of Mormon ('nuff said)

11. Eat. Pray. Love -- Elizabeth Gilbert

12. The Count of Monte Cristo -- Alexandre Dumas

13. To Kill A Mockingbird -- Harper Lee

14. The Outsiders -- S.E. Hinton

15. Travels With Charley -- John Steinbeck

16. Hamlet -- William Shakespeare

17. Oedipus Rex -- Sophocles

18. The Republic -- Plato

19. My Name is Asher Lev -- Chaim Potok

20. The Kite Runner -- Khaled Hosseini

21. The Fountainhead -- Ayn Rand

22. The Chosen -- Chaim Potok

So does this mean I'm not a qualified as a person...?

30 Day blog challenge

2011-04-30T21:55:00.007-06:00

Day 1 - A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

Day 2 - A photo of something you ate today.

Day 3 - Your idea of the perfect first date.

Day 4 - Your favorite photograph of your best friend

Day 5 - A photo of yourself two years ago

Day 6 - A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet

Day 7 - Your dream wedding

Day 8 - A song to match your mood

Day 9 - A photo of the item you last purchased

Day 10 - A photo of your favorite place to eat

Day 11 - What's in your make up bag?

Day 12 - A photograph of the town you live in

Day 13 - Your favorite musician and why

Day 14 - A TV show you're currently addicted to

Day 15 - Something you don't leave the house without

Day 16- Your Celebrity Crush

Day 17 - A photo of you and your family.

day 18- Something you crave a lot

Day 19 - Another picture of yourself.

Day 20 - The meaning behind your blog name.

Day 21 - A photo of something that makes you happy.

Day 22 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

Day 23 - 15 facts about you.

Day 24 - A photo of seomthing that means a lot to you.

Day 25 - What's in your purse?

Day 26 - A photo of somewhere you've been to

Day 27 - A picture of you last year and now and how you have changed since then?

Day 28 - Your favorite movie

Day 29 - Something you could never get tired of doing

Day 30 - A photograph of yourself today + three good things that happened in the past.

So I'm planning to start this when I get to VA next week.

Iain is 2 years old today

2011-04-23T17:19:00.004-06:00

Happy birthday to my sweet little boy. I can hardly believe that you have been here two years today. You have grown so much over the last year and can't wait to see what this next year holds for you. You are so very smart and so kind to everyone around you. You, my sweet boy, amaze me each and every day. You have shown me what wonders there are in this world and have shown me more love and kindness than I ever thought one little boy could ever hold. You have this way at looking at people and knowing that they need a smile and hug to brighten their day. You are mommy best little helper always wanting to cook and clean. I love that you are turning into such a gentleman and a kind little boy. I thank Heavenly Father each and everyday that he sent you to me. Being your mother as been the greatest blessing of my life. One day you will be a man and marrying your forever sweetheart but I will have loved you first and best (well your father too). But for now you are my baby and I can't wait for the changes that are coming to our family this year and to see how you grow. I love you Iain and happy 2nd birthday.

And we are moving to...

2011-04-19T23:27:00.002-06:00

Fort Bliss TX come sometime in June. It's getting really close to the end of our separation. I can't believe how fast this time has flown by. Brian graduated from AIT on June 2nd. And than we will be together shortly there after. Iain and I are going to VA on May 17th for a few weeks.

10 days till my baby turns 2

2011-04-13T20:31:00.003-06:00

So Iain will be 2 years old in 10 days. And I can't believe it. It seems like yesterday that Brian and I brought him home from the hospital. I can't believe that he has turned into this little boy. One day he was a baby and than I blink and he is a toddler. He is talking up a storm and learning by leaps and bounds. I can't keep up with all the things that he is learning. Seriously where did my baby go.

Sleep Training

2011-04-04T20:31:00.002-06:00

So as many of you know I started sleep training a few weeks ago. I thought for sure that when we went to Oklahoma to see Brian that it would set me back in the training. But when we got back he went to bed at the normal time very easy. I was so proud of my little boy. Now if I could get him to stay a sleep but his problem time period is anywhere from 12am-3:30am, he'll wake up and than sit up and say "mum...mum...mum" until I come down there and put him in bed with me. So I've been sleeping on the couch for a little over a week. I hope that he'll stop calling for me. It would be nice to sleep in my bed again.

A busted lip

2011-04-03T22:15:00.003-06:00

The first night that we were in OK, Iain kinda woke up at the hotel and didn't know where he was. So he searched for something that he knew. Well in this case it happened to be my face. He landed right on it and busted my lip. It hurt so bad. The left side on my mouth swelled up so bad. I bit the inside of my lip. Besides swelling I have a pretty decent bruise on my lip. It hurt so bad to smile in pictures and kisses Brian made me want to cry. The left side just plain hurts. But it looks better now than it did. But my son gave me a busted lip. I think that's super funny.

My soldier graduated from basic training

2011-04-03T12:50:00.004-06:00

So my in-laws and I drove to OK to see Brian. Family Day was March 31st at Fort Sill. So Wednesday morning early (really early). I stayed up late the night before to finish packing for our trip. But I made to much noise in our room and woke Iain up so I ended up getting into bed and getting Iain back down to sleep. So I set my alarm for 3:45am and that's when I finished packing. But At 4:30am Iain woke up and wanted to build a train with the blocks. So I let him build while took a shower and packed. I was all ready to go by quarter till 6am (it was 'o' dark hundred. And getting up that early remained me of when I was still in high school). By the time we had the car packed and ready to go it was quarter till 7am. But by the time we got on the road in was 15minutes till 8am (and my mother-in-law wanted to be on the road no later than 6am because we had a 13+ hour drive ahead of us). But we finally got on our way. Iain stayed awoke till 10:30am. Iain was amazing on the drive out (except when we were 30minutes from the hotel. Iain kept saying "me done", "all done", "home now" and "push". He was super excited to see Daddy. And thought that we were going to see him at the hotel. And was disappointed that daddy wasn't waiting for us in the room. When we got to the hotel I gave Iain a bath (because we had to get up and be ready to go eat and be on base before 7:30am). But I stayed up late trying load music so I could sync it to the Ipod (but I never did get it synced). Well we got to Fort Sill and headed over to where Family Day was going to start. After the opening exercises we were asked to go out side to see our soldiers. Well when the platoon march by us I didn't recognize Brian when he went by. Brian is so much darker and leaner than he was when he went in. Though he has only lost 10 lbs since going. Brian has lost quite a few inches all over and he looks great (I will post pictures as soon as I can. He looks really great in his dress blues). Brian picked up Iain and was holding him and Iain was just staring at him like you sound like daddy but you don't look like daddy. And was really unsure of Brian for a few hours after we picked Brian up. Brian had to wear his dress blues all day and is not allowed to drive and he showed us around base. We went to the PX (Post Exchange) and we went to a museum. Marlene wanted to take pictures (so of cause we took a ton). Brian had to follow all the rules that he had learned during training even while he was with us off base. He wanted to go get pizza for lunch (man that man of mine can put food away and he eats so fast). We than went back to the hotel (Iain needed a nap). Brian, Iain, and I watched a movie and talked. For dinner Brian wanted to go to Red Lobster. It was so good. I wish we didn't have to take him back to base for the night. But he had formation (at 8pm so we had to have him back no later than 7:45pm) and he had to do some packing that.

So that brings us to Friday, 1st April 2011. Brian graduated from Basic training from Fort Sill OK. The day before Brian told us that he was going to be singing the National Anthem at graduation by himself and without accompaniment. He sounded fantastic and it was so amazing to see and hear him use his talent. I can't tell you how proud of him that I am. What he has done for us. And the things that he has gone through over the last 10 weeks (the lack of sleep and basic comforts that I know I take for granted). After graduation, my in-laws and I thought that we would have only a few minutes with him (we didn't know when he was shipping out). But we were surprised to learn that we were able to take him for the rest of the day. But we had to have him Back to base again no later than 7:45pm. So we spend most of the time on base with him except for lunch (he wanted Chinese food). We walked around the PX again. Brian and Iain played at the arcade for a little bit. We than took him back to the training field near his barracks. We took some more pictures and talked. I got to meet another of his battle buddies (the work in the buddy system no one can go any where with out a companion and that is what they call it). We than left Brian there at Fort Sill and started our drive back to CO (I felt like crying the whole way back but I didn't). I tried to not cry while I was with Brian (but if you know me you know I'm a big cry baby).

He is amazing and there is no doubt in my mind that he loves me and is willing to go through this trail to give us this chance for a better life together. I miss him every day but its only a little longer that we have to be apart.

Well I told Brian to call me when he was headed to the airport (I didn't care about the time I just wanted to hear his voice). So he called me at 12:30am on the 2nd of April. He said he was at the airport and his plane was going to take off at 1:30am and that he had a lay over in TX and he would call me when he got there. So I got another call later that morning and while we were talking I asked him to call my parents to keep them informed about things. He landed in Richmond VA at 12:30pm. He gave me a call and we talked for a little while and I reminded him to call my parents to let him know that he got into VA safely. I also asked him to keep me informed about everything. The van to Fort Lee finally got there and he said that Fort Lee was about 30minutes from the airport. And he would try and call me later on that evening (as long as they didn't take his phone from him) but he had to turn his phone off for a bit.

[So that's everything I think is safe to post (with Brian being in the Army I don't want to use names and I won't be describing places). And the reason for the two colors is for some reason it's not posting my posts in paragraphs (so each color is a new paragraph).]

My soldier graduated from basic training

2011-04-03T12:27:00.003-06:00

Graduation....Yeah...

2011-03-27T00:26:00.002-06:00

Brian graduates from Basic training on Friday April 1st. And we leave on March 30th to go see him. I can't believe that I haven't seen him in over 3months. I'm so looking forward to seeing him. Family Day in Friday so I think we are going to be able to spend most of the day with Brian. I don't know what we are going to do. I think if we have time I'm going to try and Skype with my parents. I think we maybe able to go out to eat. What I really can't wait to see is Brian's reaction to seeing Iain and how much he has grown since he left. And how Iain is more a little boy than baby.

Making cookies with 2 under 2

2011-03-23T13:28:00.003-06:00

So yesterday my sister-in-law Leslie and I made cookies with Iain and her son Gabe (they are 11days apart). It was so much fun to bake with the boys. We had each of them pour the measuring cups/spoons into the bowls. Than we had them stir the flour to mix all the dry ingredients together. And they thought that it would be fun to flipped it out of the bowl and all of themselves and the floor. It was so cute. They also thought that the flour, baking powder, and salt teased good. They were eating it by the spoonful.

It was such a great way to spend the afternoon. And a wonderful opportunity to teach the boys how to measure out stuff and that if you add stuff together it can be make into something else.

Oh we are going to OK

2011-03-21T17:57:00.003-06:00

So on April 1st Brian graduates from basic in Oklahoma. So on the 30th of March Iain, Brian's parents, and I are driving to OK. I can't wait to see Brian, it's been way to long. I really miss being able to talk to him and seeing every day. I think 3 months is too long not to be able to see the person you love. I can't wait to see him. (Originally I thought that we wouldn't be able to go and it wouldn't be till late May early June that Iain and I would get to see Brian again).

Family History

2011-03-20T00:43:00.002-06:00

How many people have started their family histories. I know for me I have always been really confused as to where to start. I over the years I have gotten so many conflicting information from so many sources that when I was given this web site by my sister I felt like it was sent by heaven. Now maybe I can actually get down to business and start putting all the names in individual family trees. It's going to take forever I think (its a lot of names. http://www.handfield.ca/).

Talking to people from the past

2011-03-19T17:42:00.002-06:00

My older sister has been in contact with one of our birth mother's sisters. So the other day when I called her she was at our deceased grandmothers house helping our aunt go through everything. So our aunt asked Susan to ask me if it was ok for her to talk to me. I had some mixed feelings about that. But I said sure. My biggest fear is letting that side of my family (well past) into my life again that it'll bite me in the butt. I don't want my little boy to be hurt or scared. But I have to try, right. The things I remember about her are all good. These are memories that I have I want to know that are true. I also want to learn more about my family history and our past as a family. So here's hoping that it doesn't bite me in the butt.

Sleep Training

2011-03-18T19:05:00.003-06:00

When did you moms out there sleep train your babies/kids? I know I waited to start sleep training Iain really late (I mean he is going to be 2 years old next month) but I just couldn't bring my self to let him cry it out. But I hate to hear him cry. So I've been letting him cry it out since last Sunday. I'm glad that my sister-in-law and her husband pushed my hand and started to sleep train him during his nap (they had brought him home early from church he had a cold so I didn't want him to go to nursery and his uncle Mark was giving his last talk before he leaves for the MTC (he is going to be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ for 2 years in the Washington DC North Mission). So for the all of this week I've been putting him to bed and leaving the room. Iain cries for less than 5 minutes and that is while I'm still in the room. Once I'm gone he stops crying and settles down to sleep.

Sleep Training

2011-03-17T00:34:00.004-06:00

So on Sunday my sister-in-law and her husband put my hand and started sleep training Iain without talking to me. Iain had a cold all last week and I didn't think it was a good idea for him to go to Nursery (I don't want it to be passed onto any other kids and their families). But Mark was talking for the last time in our ward before he leaves on his mission to Washington DC North and it was important that we were all there him. So I asked them to bring him home at 1st hour. Well Iain was very tired and I told them to make sure he got a nap. Well when they got home they put him in his crib and he screamed/yelled/cried for 15minutes. Well Julie saw that he was holding something small and ran down stairs to take it away from him. When she got down there she figured that maybe she should change his diaper. And while she was changing him she was telling him that it was going to go to sleep in his own bed. That when he woke up that mommy would be home and that Uncle would take him outside to play. After she left. He cried for 45minutes more and than finally fall asleep (well the stinker through all his stuffed dogs onto the floor). He took a long nap.

But that night Iain cried for 30minutes and I slept on the couch for a week and a half.

Its been awhile

2011-03-17T00:24:00.002-06:00

So I kinda decided to not write on here for a little while. Too many things have happened so good and some not so good. A while back Brian and I decided that it was time to try for another baby. Well over the (almost 2years) we have been pregnant 5 times since Iain. And lost all of them. (For those of you that know what that's like I'm so very sorry). We lost them at varying stages in my pregnancies that it was too early to really tell people that we were having a baby. But it still broke my heart. I often wonder weather we are going to have another baby. I'm decided that since we have insurance that I'm going to go to a specialist and try and figure out what is wrong and fix. Here's to hoping that it's something as simple as me losing weight.

Finished....

2011-01-31T17:34:00.002-07:00

So over the week-end I finished not one but two croqueted baby dresses and slips to go with them. It was so nice to actually get them done. I've only been working on them for months (its kinda hard getting them done with a toddler running around) but I did. Yeah me. I'll post pictures of them later (have to find where Iain hide it first).

Update...

2011-01-27T10:53:00.003-07:00

Last night at 20mintues to 8pm Brian called to say that he was moving from processing to the training part of basic training. All the paper work has been filled out and the part that I need should be here in a week or so. Which means that I can make am appointment to see the dentist for that chipped tooth. So this means everything is on track and Brian should be done with basic and his A.I.T. by June.

Crafting....

2011-01-24T17:09:00.002-07:00

I bought some cloth to make a wrap dress. I was so excited that it had come down in price. I can't wait to start work on my wrap dress. I just have to find a pattern. Well wish me luck. I'll post pictures has soon as I start it.

Things I want to make

2011-01-23T16:25:00.006-07:00

I've been thinking about making so things for me lately. I want to saw a wrap dress, a new temple dress, and maternity bands (for the next time I'm pregnant. No I'm not if you were wondering), a car seat cover (again for the next baby), and a diaper/wipes case. I really wanted to have that kind of stuff before Iain was born but I never had the money or time to buy/make it. So I will already have them when I have another baby (planning ahead kinda smart I think). I'm going to make a blessing dress for when I have a little girl. Some more crochet baby blankets, baby hats, baby booties, and some little outfits for a boy and girl just to do. Lets see if I can get all this done before Brian gets done with his training in June.

So I think I'll add nursing cover and an "I Spy" bag or 2 to this list.

Does Anyone Write To-Do lists

2011-01-23T15:55:00.003-07:00

When I moved out of my parents house in 2004, I've been writing daily, weekly, and monthly lists of things that I need to get done. Ever since I had Iain I haven't been so good at writing these lists but I hope now that he is almost 2 years old that I'll be able to start up this habit again. I really have missed having my lists. I'm the type of person that likes to cross of something that I have finished. It kinda gives me a sense of accomplishment. So I think I'm going to start this week and what better day to write it than on Sunday. So here it goes.

Let's start with Monday.

Straighten up my room.
Putt laundry away from a week ago.
Personal bible study
Figure out what I'm going to cook for dinner on Wed.
If its not to cold out side take Iain to the park.
Exercise for at least 30minutes

Tuesday

Do laundry for the week
Do an art project with Iain.
Exercise for 3ominutes
Personal bible study
Fold and put away laundry
Move boxes around

Wednesday

Personal bible study
Take Iain out side (if not to cold)
Exercise for 30minutes
Cook dinner

Thursday

Personal bible study
Write an e-mail to Brian
Exercise for 30minutes
Do an art project with Iain

Friday

Personal bible study
Exercise for 30minutes
Do my nails

Saturday

Exercise for 30minutes
Do something by my self
Start the baby booties for Leslie's new baby.

Sunday

Get up earlier for church
Write my list for next week

For the Week

Try to get all my stuff done daily.
Figure out what I want to get done monthly.

For the rest of January

Start and finish Leslie's new baby blessing blanket
Plan out and start 2 other blankets
Call Sis. Bennar to see if I can come over one day and get some help with a pattern that I'm a little stumped on.
Clean out my e-mail in box (it's too full).
Clean my bathroom and dust my room.
Start sleep training Iain.

I don't now if I'll get any of this done. Or even how much I'll have to put things of till the next day, week, or month. But I'm going to do my hardest to cross off things from my lists. Wish me luck.

Brian's Gone Away

2011-01-19T14:00:00.002-07:00

First of all I would like to say sorry for being gone for so long. We traveled to VA and UT over the holidays. And than there are so many birthdays in December, that we have been super busy. I'll post about our travels, holidays, and birthdays later. So getting to what the title says this is about. This past Monday we dropped Brian off at the hotel before he reported to basic. Brian had to go back to M.E.P.S. Tuesday morning. So we had to say our good byes the night before. I tried not to cry while I was telling him good bye (because its makes him feel bad and I wanted him to not feel that way) but it soo didn't happen the way I had hoped. I cried like a baby (my emotions are all over the place right now). I am so proud of him and what he is doing for our family it was just hard to let him go (its only for 6months and than we'll together again. Iain was being kept busy by grandpa that I don't think it's set in for him that daddy's gone away. Brian found out at M.E.P.S. that he was flying out this morning to go to Fort Sill in Oklahoma. And a little while ago he called to say that he landed in Oklahoma safely now he was waiting for the bus (it's not coming till 6pm). So he is officially at basic for the next little while. At least we are one step closer to being on our own. But for the time being I'm both mother and father to Iain (keep me in your prayers). Right now so that I don't have to think about Brian being gone I'm keeping myself really really busy. I don't cry unless someone asks me how I'm doing and I haven't cried in front of Iain (yet) let's hope that I don't. I doing just fine. At least I'm here at his parents house when its all familiar to Iain and I (and not in another state all alone) I have people that are willing to help out when things get hard. I know that Brian is safe and sound. Please keep him in your prayers while he is at basic. I'll try and keep this blog updated more often.

Being Thankful

2010-11-25T23:04:00.007-07:00

So its early in the morning the day after Thanksgiving and I realized that I have not written what I'm most thankful for this year.

For starters I'm thankful for a husband that has taken any job he could get just so that we had enough to get by when things were hard. And is willing to put aside dreams (ones that we have together for the moment) to do what is needed to get us out on our own. For being a fantastic father to our little boy. And he is going to make a wonderful solider. Who supports me and comforts me and loves me for eternity.
For a little boy who is so very sweet. For always showing me the wonder in the world that Heavenly Father has given us. All the kisses our boys freely gives. His chubby helping hands. And for how those same hands fit so well in mine when we walk down the street. The smile that is always on his face. How he asks for a book to be read over and over. And how he folds his arms for prayers and when we ask him who should say the prayer he points to who he wants to say it. The way his big blue eyes light up when his daddy comes home. Running down the hall every Sunday so he can go to Nursery. I really love our boy...can you tell.
For extended family who have helped and supported us during the last little bit. And more importantly love us no matter what.
For a Heavenly Father that always listens to our prayers. And who more importantly loves us more than we will ever really know.
For a Savior that gave his life so that we may return to Heavenly Father's home.
For the blessings of the temple. Being sealed in the house of the Lord was the happiest days of my life and knowing that my family is going to be together for all eternity is more importantly something that brings me great joy and peace. And the fact that I can go back whenever I want is such a blessing and comfort to me.
For the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so blessed that I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Friends that I can call anytime day or night when I want to talk to them (no matter how far away they are).

What are you thankful for this year?

Brian was sworn into the Army

2010-11-08T22:42:00.003-07:00

So on Friday the 29th of October, Marlene and I went down town to meet up with Darrell to see Brian get sworn into the U.S. Army. It was an all day event. We brought Iain with us. My poor baby didn't get a nap and didn't really get a lunch. He was a good boy the entire time and charmed everyone there. Well at 3pm Brian's dad was able to be sworn into the Army by his dad. It was surreal that all the paper work, sweat, and blood finally paid off. And the 2years of living with his parents is coming to an end. Brian leaves for basic in January and will be gone for 10 to 11 weeks and than he goes to his IT training for 9weeks. I'm going to miss having him around all the time. So wish him (us) luck and keep us in your prayers.

Stats for Iain...

2010-10-26T13:09:00.003-06:00

My baby weighs 35lbs. He is 33 1/2 inches long. And almost all of his 1st molars are in. I can't believe how much he has grown over the last 18months. He is my super strong little man. And such a blessing to us. (Side note: Iain goes in for his 18month well baby check up on Thursday. We weighted him and measured him the other day. So who knows what the doctor well say on Thursday).

Iain's first day in Nursery...

2010-10-26T12:55:00.003-06:00

So Brian and I dropped Iain off at nursery this past Sunday. I asked him for a kiss because mommy was going to class and he was staying with his friends. The little stinker was having so much fun playing that he didn't want to give me a kiss. So I kissed him and he gave me this look of mommy you can so go now. So I went to class and Relief Society. Well during Relief Society I started to hear Iain cry (but I dismissed it as it couldn't be him if it was him one of the nursery leaders would have brought him to me) after a few more minutes of hearing this crying it dawned on me that it was him. So I quickly got up and left the room to go and check on him. While when I go out side I ran into on of the nursery leaders holding my baby (who was at this point screaming). And she said that he had been playing and than tripped over his own two feet. The right side of his face was bright red (he has a little carpet burn over his eye brow now it just looked a lot worst than it really is). I asked if she knew where his paci was. So we walked into the nursery room to look for it (well it was still in his diaper bag (which was also in there). The minute he saw his paci he wanted it. Iain stopped crying and just laid his head in my should. And started to clam down. I was very impressed with my baby for staying in nursery for almost the entire time (the last 15 minutes he was crying and than with me). So I hope next Sunday he does just as well or better. I think he likes being in there.

Friday is the day....

2010-10-26T12:39:00.002-06:00

So this Thursday Brian goes to M.E.P.S and than Friday afternoon he gets sworn into the U.S Army. Brian's dad is swearing him into the Army (how special is that). I'm so glad that things are finally headed in this direction and that we moving passed this point in our lives. I'm so proud of my husband and am so glad that we are together. I love you sweetheart.

Why can't people grow up...

2010-10-24T20:18:00.002-06:00

Apparently people think its ok to tell you how to spend your money, time, and whether or not to have another baby. We pay our bills with out having to barrow any money from anyone. If we want to go on a date its between us and not them. If we are trying for another child that is between us and Heavenly Father. Butt out people. (This has been sitting in my edit posts box for months).

2010-10-22T00:21:00.003-06:00

We are both ready to see if we can do this whole parenting thing with out any help from his family. The whole time that Iain has been apart of our family we have lived with his parents and they have helped with the day to day stuff or just giving me time to shower/eat/or get ready for the day or just taken him because I would need to get away from him for a minute. Iain has never been able to entertain himself while mommy cooked dinner because someone is always willing to keep him occupied and happy. So when we finally get Brian's orders and are stationed out of state it will be adjustment for all of us. I won't have all the adult conversation that I do now. I'll have to figure out how to shower and get ready for the day before Iain wake up or do it while he is awake just in a shorter amount of time. So once we aren't living here anymore I'm sure I'm going to go a little bit crazy from all the adjustments that all of us are going to have to make. I don't know if I'm up for the challenge but I'm sure going to give it my all. I'll just have to open up to people in whatever ward we live in and get to know the other Army wives to have some type of support system. And brag my best friends to come out to visit me when I need a pick me up. (Who knows I actually might use all 700minutes on our cell phone plan). This should be quite the adventure for all of us.

First Step done...

2010-10-21T23:56:00.003-06:00

So Brian completed the first of many things to come to get ready for the Army. He now qualifies to go to M.E.P.S. (neither of us knows what it means) but its where he gets to go see the Army medical personal and get his medical workup and get sworn into the Army. And as long as I finish the paper work for his National Security Clearance before next Friday Brian will be going. Brian's dad is swearing him into the Army. The only down side is the next basic doesn't start till late March early April of 2011, at least he'll be here for the holidays. And we wouldn't get Brian's orders till at the earliest September or at the least November of 2011, so that means Iain and I will be staying in Colorado till than (so at the most another year of living with my in-laws but I think I'm up for the challenge). We are really excited that things are working out for us. And can't wait to start down this new path on our journey together.

Molars for Iain

2010-10-19T00:37:00.002-06:00

So a few days ago Julie was playing with Iain (she had him upside down) and had a clear view into his mouth and she saw that one of his molars was in (on the top right side) and that the other 3 were starting to come in. My poor poor baby. I mean I brush his teeth every day and I guess I just never realized that he was getting them (I use a finger brush and I get the job done and get my finger out of there before he bits me).

Thanksgiving In VA...

2010-10-18T23:27:00.003-06:00

So there is a huge possibility that the 3 of us are going to my parents for Thanksgiving. (I kinda wish it was for Christmas but the are going to be in NY with my older sister's husbands family. So there is always next year). So if you want to see us you should let either Brian or I know. I can't wait to spend time with my family. They are going to be amazed at how much Iain has changed. And I can't wait to meet my new nephew Evan. I plan on taking Iain to the National Zoo and the Natural History Museum (and maybe a few other places). Can't wait to show him all that and so much more.

Free Day at the Denver Zoo

2010-10-16T02:07:00.002-06:00

On the 13th Leslie,Chris, Marlene and I took the Iain and Gabe to the Zoo. First of all we didn't get out of the house till after 11am when we wanted to be out of the house by 9:30. And if you have never been to free day at the Denver Zoo its a mad house trying to find parking. And the zoo is so packed that you won't be able to see all the animals when you are there. (So go prepared by making a list of the animals that you want to see and plan to see only those animals there will be another trip to see the rest. And lets face it going to the zoo with 2 18month olds is hard). So we finally parked and made our way into the zoo. We were only there for 4hours and got to see the felines, reptiles, wolves, and few other animals before we left. While at the zoo Shiree and Kevin meet up with us. On our way home both boys feel a sleep. Iain and I went to bed early that night. Leslie took some pictures and when I get them I'll post the cutest ones on here. Brian and I plan on going to the next free day on October 21st (anyone want to join us?).

We hiked...

2010-10-16T01:47:00.004-06:00

So for our anniversary we went on a hike. We drove to Boulder (while past it about half way to Estes Park) and stopped at Lions Gulch. And we walked along a quaint trail for about an hour. We walked a little over 2miles (I know its not a lot and yes it was round trip. But I'm terrible out of shape since having Iain). We talked and just had a great time being together. We stopped at Subway and got a sub to split (I can't every eat a whole one by myself). We made a wrong turn on our way home from Lions Gulch and ended up in Longmont at a cute pumpkin patch/country store (we are going to take Iain there this week-end to pick a pumpkin and go through the hay maze. We went up to Flat Irons Crossing to walk around the mall for a bit. When we finally got home Brian made us buffalo burgers for dinner with smoked gouda and grilled pineapple. Oh my goodness so good. And we cuddled on the love sack to watch Iron Man 2. It was a great day and I'm so glad that his parents said that they would watch Iain so we could have this day to be together. I wonder what Brian has up his sleeve for next year.

My baby talks...

2010-10-16T01:35:00.002-06:00

So sometimes when I don't expect it Iain says something. The other day while I was cooking dinner Iain was helping his Aunt Leslie clean up his cousins mess from his dinner. After it was all cleaned up Leslie said that it was all clean and she got up from the floor. While Iain shrugs his shoulders (his hands up held to the side of his body palms toward the ceiling) and says "All done" in a sweet voice. Leslie turns to me and asks if that was Iain who said that. I told her it wasn't Gabe (Gabe is louder than Iain in pretty much every way). Gabe is also alot more vocal than Iain. Iain has just started .to use his voice to talk but most of the time he doesn't say anything (just really quite). So it amazes everyone when he says anything. A few people are worried that he isn't talking. But Brian and I know that Iain will talk when he is ready right now he is quite happy pointing at things till he gets it. Or grabbing someones hand and taking them to the object that he wants that he can't get. Or just plain going and getting it himself. I'm sure that he'll talk when he has something to say. But for the moment this has worked for him.

To Brian on our 3rd Anniversary

2010-10-10T21:10:00.002-06:00

Sweet heart, the best three years have had their up and downs. We have survived losing jobs and babies. We are stronger knowing that we have each other and can count on one an other and the Lord. We have had days, weeks, and months of not knowing what was going to happen down the road. Wondering if there was going to be a bend in the road or a light beyond the tunnel. We had our first child, who just adores his daddy (and I know you're Iain's hero and that he looks up to you). You are the best example of what I was looking for in a man to be the father of my children. I know that we have had of arguments about silly and non important things but at the end of the day I know that you'll always be there no matter what. I know I'm stubborn and not always rational (and at times act the a child because I don't get my way) but I hope you know that I'm trying to grow out of it and I'm trying to be more like the wife that you need me to be. And I'm hoping that I'll be that woman (way before our 10 year anniversary, here's to hoping anyways). I'm looking forward to eternity with you and only you. I'm thankful that you were able to take me to the temple and that we are an eternal family. I love you more than I can say. You are most diffidently my better half. And the brains of the whole operation. I'm looking forward to our next year together. To the up and yes even the downs. I'll take the good and the bad as long as you're by my side to get us through it.

Their Here...

2010-10-07T01:38:00.003-06:00

So Leslie and Chris have moved in. Iain and Gabe are having so much fun together. We've only had a few problems with them not wanted to share toys. And only one episode of complete and utter break down. But I don't know what will happen over the next few months. I hope that Iain and his cousin are doing as well as they are right now. On a side note this house is getting a bit crowded.

Two new words for our boy....

2010-10-01T23:06:00.002-06:00

So today well I was talking to my mom on the phone. I told her that Iain has really started to jabber. And he said it too. What surprised me more than him saying jabber was that he kept saying it. Well after Brian came home Iain said tickle tickle. Iain was trying to tickle Brian's feet and started saying tickle tickle. It was so funny. Brian and I were laughing so hard that my sides started to hurt.

I've been wondering when our boy was going to start talking. Yeah I know he says words but he didn't repeat them when you ask him to. But all of a sudden he does. And its amazing. I'm so proud of my baby. And you know what I'm doing something right. He is learning and fast. It's something new every day.

Oh yeah I have a question for the other moms out there. Do you children know how to open the child proof locks and gates? Because Iain does. And it's kinda scary. I'll be in the kitchen cooking and here the basement/bathroom/garage door open and there is a gate in front of the hallway. And I freak out every time. Or we'll be playing and he disappear and I'll hear nothing until I hear him giggle. And he'll have the cabinet under the sink open and he'll take the dishwasher tablets out (he likes to put it in the dishwasher) so I'm not worried that he'll put it in his mouth. But still scary that he can open these things that are at times adult proof and he is only 17 months old.

Potty training...

2010-09-30T21:50:00.003-06:00

So the last few days Iain has showed an interest in the potty. He will walk into the bathroom and try and take his diaper off so that he can sit in the toilet. So does this mean that I should start potty training him? Brian and I were talking about it and I think we will go and buy him a potty of his own. When did you moms start potty training your kids? And are boys harder to train than girls?

Iain says...

2010-09-30T21:46:00.002-06:00

"Me bath". Yesterday when we were headed downstairs to get him ready for bed, he said "Me bath". And he was right. We were going downstairs to give him a bath (he was such a mess after dinner that he really needed one). I was so amazed that he said that. He now says it when he thinks he is dirty. So like all day. Iain justs wants to play in the water.

Help!

2010-09-27T23:05:00.004-06:00

Ok a friend of mine has asked me to do a craft fair and sell some of the things that I croquet. (This craft fair is going to be in her house in November). And I need some help with pricing.

I croquet baby sweaters for boys and girls.
baby girl dresses
baby booties
baby blankets (and lovees that are smaller versions)
blankets
receiving blankets
womans sweaters
kitchen towels
wash cloths

Do you realize that Christmas is around the corner...

2010-09-24T00:41:00.002-06:00

1 month till Nursery

2010-09-23T23:59:00.002-06:00

Iain turned 17months old today and the count down begins till Nursery. I'm not to excited that I have an almost 1 and half year old but it should be fun for him because he'll be with his friends.

Fainted at the temple...

2010-09-23T23:43:00.003-06:00

No not really but almost. Brian and I went to the temple today (yeah for us). First of all we wanted to leave at 9am but we couldn't find my wallet (which had my recommend). So we destroyed our room looking for it when I finally sat down and called Julie (she and Dusty were watching Iain) and I asked her to look in the pocket of the diaper bag and sure enough it was in there. We by the time we straightened our room up and left the house it was already after twelve in the afternoon. We finally made it to the temple and were able to attend the 2:30pm session. Towards the end of the session I started feeling really dizzy and really hot (I also started to black out). I almost fainted (wouldn't that have been a sight to see for everyone there) but I didn't, thankfully. I told Brian that we needed to get something to eat and drink after we left the temple. So we ended up heading to the mall to get some food. But eating hasn't helped at all, I still feel weired and off.

Totally Random

2010-09-19T21:45:00.003-06:00

Ok so I just stumbled across a website that has ALL of the Baby Blues comic strip that I would read every day growing up. I just thrilled. I started reading them from the beginning again (1/1/1996). This is going to be great. So, how many of you read this comic? http://www.babyblues.com

Looks like another busy season

2010-09-18T21:36:00.002-06:00

It looks like the holidays are going to be super busy this year. Before Thanksgiving my parents will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. And than all the birthdays. Well, after my birthday and before Brian's birthday, there will be a wedding. His younger sister, Shiree got engaged on Wednesday. And she is quite excited that she is moving on with her life. She graduated from BYU in April and now she is getting married. Brian and I are so excited for her. So it's going to be busy around here for a little while.

Brian scored really high

2010-09-18T21:05:00.004-06:00

So, Wednesday afternoon Brian took the Army aptitude test (Asvab test) and scored a 93 out of 99, the national average is 43. This means Brian has his choice of any job in the Army. We're pretty excited about this. The recruiter told him he has lose 15lbs by October 1st. When the recruiter will see if he has lost the weight so that they can schedule the PT test. And after all that is out of the way the recruiter can schedule his French Horn audition. It looks like everything is coming together now. We are glad that this has worked out this way.

Again didn't make it to the temple....

2010-09-11T22:26:00.005-06:00

But we did go out to dinner. Brian asked me if I wanted to go to Red Robin or Olive Garden. And I said Red Robin. Its one of my favorite places to go to and we hadn't been there since March I think (that tells you how long its been since we went out to dinner).
Iain was at his aunt and uncle's house for the night, so we didn't have to worry about getting home early. Iain had a great time with Julie and Dusty. They took him to a bar-b-q at Dusty's aunt's house, where Iain got to play with Dusty's little brother, Ryan (Ryan will be 2 in December). So they are really close in age. The held hands and ran around the party playing (and begging snacks off of everyone). By all accounts they were the best of friends and just so cute together. Dusty's older brother wants them to bring Iain to his house to play with his little boy who is the same age has their little brother (sorry I don't have permission to give those names out).
I think it would be good for Iain to play with more kids his age to get used to being around other children. Since Brian and I would like to have more children in the future.
It was weired for me last night without Iain here. I woke up every for hours to see if he was still breathing and sleeping. And he wasn't there (and I would remember that he was safe at his Aunt Julie and Uncle Dusty's place) and would go back to bed. It was nice not to wake up with him in bed with us. And to get uninterrupted sleep. And to take a shower in the morning instead of when he is taking his nap. It was great.

Trying to go to the temple tomorrow

2010-09-09T19:39:00.003-06:00

Brian and I are going to try and make it to the temple tomorrow. We tried the last week in August but things just got all messed up and things came up. So we are trying to go tomorrow. Iain is sleeping over at his Aunt Julie's house. So we'll see if things work at this time.

Nursery here we come...

2010-09-08T22:58:00.002-06:00

So Iain starts nursery in October, so Brian and I have decided that every Sunday one of us is going to take him in to get him used to being in there. This past Sunday was the first Sunday that he got to go. He had so much fun playing with the other kids. When it came time to help put the toys away he was very helpful (now if only I could get him to do that at home :P). Singing time was next, and he climbed into the chair right next to a little girl (I have a lady's man on my hands, I'm in trouble). Iain was so cute sitting there with the sun cut out for the song "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam". Well because he sat in the chair the whole time he got some Skittles for a treat. Before the lesson he grabbed my hand and walked me to the door and started pushing on it (he was telling me that I could leave so he could play. Oh man, he is getting so big). So, I think he is going to enjoy being in Nursery come October. I think I might cry through.

2010-08-25T23:55:00.011-06:00

Babies Don’t Keep by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth, Empty the dustpan, poison the moth, Hang out the washing, make up the bed, Sew on a button and butter the bread. Where is the mother whose house is so shocking? She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking. Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue, Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo Look! Aren’t his eyes the most wonderful hue? Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep! I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

So I know I don't always get this put away like I would like but I remember this poem and think that its okay that things can wait. I love that Iain is still little but one day in the not so far away future he will be headed to school and I won't be with him all day long. But for the the moment things can wait to be put away my little guy is here wanting to explore this world. And I want to show it to him and see everything for the first time with him. To experience it all again because its all new and so exciting when you have a little person to show it too. So, the dishes and clothes can wait for a while. I realized that I was wishing Iain was older so he could tell me what he needs. Shortly after that thought I came to the realization that he wasn't always going to be this little and this time was special and to cherish this time for as long as it last because it won't last. There are days that I wish he was still a little baby but right now Iain is so much fun right now. He is so full of adventure and wonder that I can't wait till we are exploring this world together. So I'll stop wishing for him to be tiny again and be happy with right now.

Iain has leanred a new word...

2010-08-16T20:12:00.009-06:00

My baby has added a new word to his vocabulary. This morning while I was putting a way the dishes, Iain said gram and a minute later added ma. (So for those of you that don't know my mom is Gram and Brian's mom is Grandma. So technically he has added 2 words to his list). His list of words...

Mama
Dada
Hi
Out side
Yeah
Hey
Dug (for dog)
Gram
Grandma
Up
Bye-bye
Uh-oh
Da (for down)
Appa (for apple)
Bapah (for bath)

Wow I didn't realize that he said 12 words. My regular little talker. He is so very smart. He understands so much of what we say that we really have to watch what we do and say around him. I love my little man. Iain also points to his ears, eyes, nose, hair, mouth and toes. When we play this game with him he wiggles his toes when asked where they are and he makes this face and you just know he is so thrilled for himself. Its so funny.

Hair cuts and a trip to the temple

2010-08-07T21:32:00.005-06:00

Well, we all finally got hair cuts today. Brian and I wanted to go to the temple today. But we didn't realize that the last session started at 4pm. We left the house at 3:30pm and traffic was horrid. It took us over an hour and half to get to the temple. So, Brian and I decided to sit on the grounds and talk for a little while before we headed back to the house. After we left the temple we went to the book store because it had started to rain hard and we didn't want to be on the road in that weather. All in all not a bad day. Kinda wish that we had been able to go to the temple.

Things I've learned as a wife and mother...

2010-08-04T16:19:00.006-06:00

To look outside myself for help when I'm in need of it. My greatest joys are my husband and son. The gospel that has/is such a big part of my life. A roof over our heads (even if it is with my in-laws) To look for adventure/new beginnings every day. Teaching our son about who he is and where he came from. Teaching our son about the world around him. To always count my blessings.

Still not sleeping...

2010-08-04T16:12:00.003-06:00

Okay that's not all true. Iain does sleep through the night once in a blue moon. But most of the time he screams at us till someone comes and gets him. Still there are days that he will just stare at the ceiling for hours and than stare out the window till he gets bored (no screaming when he does this). But it's not every time. Brian and I are not getting the sleep we need because of this (one of many reasons). We have read Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child ( I've read so many books on this subject I think I could scream); we have decided that we are going to do the cry it out method. What did you guys do?

Things are starting to go right

2010-08-03T20:55:00.002-06:00

Well things have been pretty rocky lately for us but we started to actually talk to one another. Things that have been bothering us and we just didn't hold back. Brian and I started to spend time together again (instead of just sitting in the same room watching TV on different couches). We get out of the house and talk (we even hold hands...gasp). Its so nice to be on the same page again. I don't know why or even when things started to derail for us. But that's all behind us now.

LIfe is wonderful...

2010-07-28T23:24:00.006-06:00

I was just re-reading some of my past posts, and they are depressing (well not all of them). I hardly say anything about the things that I'm blessed to have in my life, which are many. So here is me going to post about the many blessing that I/we have.

I so thankful for a husband who has/is there for me, when things have been tough.
For a very healthy and happy toddler.
For the gospel of Jesus Christ.
That we have a living prophet leading our church.
For extended family that has been helping us out for the last little bit.
For friends that are always a phone call away when you need them.
For a loving Heavenly Father, that even when times a tough we can turn to for help.
For a ward that has been welcoming and friendly.
For being able to live so close to a temple and when worthy to enter the temple.
For being loved and being in love with a wonderful man.

How long do you wait...

2010-07-26T21:31:00.003-06:00

How long after your miscarried did you wait till you started trying for another baby? Brian and I haven't done anything to not get pregnant. I mean we both would like another baby but do you have to wait for a little bit between having a miscarriage before you try again.

We're unpacking....

2010-07-23T12:45:00.004-06:00

Brian and I started unpacking some of our boxes (and repacking some of them). Brian and I haven't seen most if not all of that stuff in our boxes for 2 years. When we moved to Texas in May of 2008. We had to pack everything that we would not need to take with us and store at his parents house in Manassas VA. When we moved back to VA, when stayed with his family (well we still are), we just kept all of our stuff in boxes. But well we were in Texas, his dad got a new job in Co. So, we made the decision to move out to CO with them. So, they were packing their stuff to go. So all of our stuff stayed in boxes. When we got out to CO, I was a little over a month from having our son and didn't feel like going through boxes. Than Darrel and Brian started building the apartment in the basement that coupled with getting used to having a baby around let to us waiting to go through stuff. So, on Tuesday, we started going through our boxes. We went through 31 boxes. And most of the stuff in those boxes I put back into 3 of 4 boxes. (That's just amazing to me). Let's see if we can get all of our boxes gone through by the end of the month.

We had to postpone Brian's audition...

2010-07-23T12:38:00.003-06:00

Brian started French Horn lessons 2 weeks ago. And his teacher said that he sounded wonderful but that he needed to work on his lower register and she also said that it would take about a month and a half before he would be ready to audition. So this means he has a bit more time to get ready for the PT test and his audition. We are hoping that he will be able to audition at the end of August. Please keep us in your prayers.