Autumn is almost here!

I am feeling rather content and happy tonight and wanted to document the weekend. However, I don't have any pictures to show for it and that's very disappointing... I guess it's better to write something without the visuals than forget about it all together.

There is a lot of positive to say about the school transition for the older boys, but one thing I've noticed is that our weekends are so much more appreciated. Friday and Saturday are full on parties compared to the weeknights. We spent lots of quality time together as a family.. it honestly doesn't really matter to me what we do-- it just makes it that much better when we're all doing it together.

We got a few projects done on the house. The nursery is still a disaster and needs to be put back together asap. We had an awesome homeschooling book club (that I still consider myself a proud member of.) I cut each of the boys hair, we went swimming and BBQ'd with friends, watched a disappointing football game, played cards and made lots of yummy food. In fact, we made so many homemade meals that our freezer in the garage is almost full. It's my goal to have at least a months worth of go-to dinners before the baby is born. I think I am almost there.

On Saturday, my thoughtful friends threw me the most incredible baby shower. I felt so spoiled and a little guilty for taking home a CARLOAD of pink things. Diapers that will last for months, darling shoes, dresses, tights and hair bows. But more than the presents, being in a room full of women who love and support me and only want the best for my family is a little overwhelming. This was my third baby shower and as much as I fought doing it again, I am so grateful for all the love, support and excitement that has been given for this little girl who hasn't even entered the world yet. We have been truly blessed. Out of all the gifts I received, my most favorite was a thoughtful book of messages (and advice) written by loved ones, both near and far. If you contributed to this book, thank you. It really means the world to me and I will treasure it for always. Such wonderful messages and such great advice on how to raise a GIRL! I am going to need it, I'm sure.

The past couple of months have been a little crazy, but I have never felt so grateful. My children are all healthy and strong... no one has needed to see a doctor all year, there have been no broken bones on the trampoline and our house was literally saved from being burned to the ground last week. I know we're being watched over and protected. Last night, while cutting the boys hair, Simon touched a hot lamp we'd pulled in for better lighting and blistered his little fingers. While he was crying himself to sleep, I was thinking about how much worse it could have been and how blessed we truly are.

Today at church, I dressed up as Sister Friendly and visited JR & SR sharing time. I know it's going to be several months before I will be able to do it again and I am so happy I felt well enough to do it today. I absolutely LOVE the Primary in our ward. My boys have such great friends and teachers and I love being able to interact with the children... even if I have to embarrass myself to do it. Our ward has truly become our family here in Vegas and this weekend solidified that more than ever. It's hard living away from "home" but it makes it so much easier when you are surrounded by amazing people.

While cleaning up after dinner tonight, I accidentally broke the disposal in the kitchen sink. Aaron spent a long time researching how to fix and then got to work while I laid on the couch and talked to my dear friend Bev Olson on the phone. When I finally hung up, the sink was working good as new. I am so grateful for my husband and all that he does for me. He's not naturally a "handy man" but he is always willing to spend the time to figure something out and to do it right. He is such a hard worker and never has any down time. Sometimes i get frustrated being home all day long, but I have so much more free time than he does. He has been an amazing provider for our family and I am grateful that he worked hard through years and years of school so that we can make ends meet today. We have always been blessed financially, never exactly having more than we need, but always having enough. These past few months with the experiences we've had, I feel more than ever that God is aware of us and watching out for all of our temporal needs. My cup runneth over!

Tomorrow starts a new week and there is a lot on the TO DO list. I am still contracting consistently but I believe she will come when she is ready to come. I was a little uptight a couple of weeks ago, afraid that I would deliver too soon, but I am feeling very relaxed and chill lately. There is something so magical about labor-- and I am so looking forward to meeting our daughter! The next few weeks will be very exciting and I am trying my best to be patient and get as much done before she comes. I get so giddy just thinking about Fall weather, General Conference, Halloween.. add a baby girl to the mix and I can hardly contain myself! It's the most wonderful time of the year...