Friday, April 8, 2011

missing him

I once had a boyfriend who, in a last-ditch effort to keep me from breaking up with him, told me that I would NEVER find anyone who would love me as much as he did. That comment haunted me for some time afterward. Not because I wondered if I had made the wrong decision in breaking up with him, but because being with him was so exhausting for me. It felt like so much WORK to be in a relationship and if that was as good as it gets, if that was as much as anyone was ever going to love me, than I would rather stay single forever.

Then I met someone who truly loved me. He loved me even if I didn't love him back the way he'd hoped. He loved me despite my huge faults and rollercoaster-like personality. He never pressured me, never made me feel guilty and never told me what to do. In his last-ditch effort to try to make something happen with our relationship, he told me that all he wanted to do was to take care of me. And that is exactly what he's spent the last decade doing. Taking care of me and making sure that I am comfortable and happy. I am not the easiest person to get along with (he will testify to that) but I am a better person just because I am around him.

It's been three days since I've seen him and I miss him terribly. Granted, I am busy catching up with my family, staying up late talking to my sisters, playing with my kids and their bazillion cousins, hanging out with my girl friends... and it may seem like I don't have any extra time to even be thinking about my other half. But I think of him often. I miss him when I lay down at night in an unfamiliar bed and always wish he was there to keep me warm. I feel grateful that he's working hard to provide for our family. He takes care of me and makes me feel secure and safe and protected. I am so glad he's coming to join us tomorrow! It's a short trip for him and a lot of traveling, but he's coming because he loves me like no one else ever has.


This is my cute husband after he returned home from the Priesthood session last weekend. The minute he returned home, he sat next to me and told me the impressions he had during the session and how he wants to be a better husband and father. After he finished talking, he changed his clothes, paid for movie tickets for my sister and I to see a show & sent us on our happy way. He stayed home with 8 little crazy kids and entertained them so I could have some R&R. He is always sacrificing to make my life better. And believe me, ever since he came into it, my life has been so.much.better.

Monday, April 4, 2011

saying goodbye

after 7 days and 6 nights of sisterly bliss, Deb packed up her van and left. But our goodbyes weren't tearful... for I will be at her house tomorrow. We wanted to caravan up to Utah together, but she had to get back a day early so Anna could go to dance & Ben and Luke needed to stay for their Monday-only school classes. All of the other kids were free to drive with whomever they chose. Lilly stayed with us and Zack wanted to go with the girls... and then because she's an absolute angel (notice the halo in the picture above) Deb decided to take Simon with her too. That left me with the three oldest (most responsible) kids while she drove home with the 5 youngest. I am not exactly sure how this is fair, but you won't hear me complain. I was able to get so much done at home today without my two crazies!

Forgive me for posting this early morning picture of myself, but it's what we've got. Debbie and I don't look anything like sisters.. but we are and I am so grateful. She is my best friend-- the only person besides Aaron that I talk to every day. She is happy, hard-working, spiritual, fun-loving, optimistic, frank (the girl says it like it is) and such a delight to be around. I just love her and could honestly live in the same house with her forever.. We took early morning walks with the dog, went to a late night chick flick, played & danced & worked with our kids, watched old Adam Lambert videos, and talked like it was going out of style. There is never a dull conversation with Deb around. I just love her so and I am so glad she came to visit. My house is so much cleaner than when she arrived!

My parents leave on their mission in just a few weeks. This coming Sunday is their farewell so we are going to spend the week saying our goodbyes. I finally found my cell so that's how you can reach me if you need me. It's always great going to visit family, but I hate it when my husband can't travel along.... but at least I'll have Deb to cuddle with! Catcha later, alligators.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

the first swim of the summer


How I spent April Fools Day...

8:00 AM- woke up to happy kids playing and Debbie making breakfast.

9:00 AM- take the dog (and 8 kids) on a walk around the neighborhood.

10:00 AM- start school. Prayer, pledge, silly songs, science experiment, animal facts quiz. Deb scrubbed my bathrooms while I kept the kids occupied. My bathrooms were so dirty... I love my sis!

11:00 AM- Tuna sandwiches for lunch.

12:00 PM- Swimming! Nothing makes me happier than laying by the pool and hearing the kids splash. LOVE this time of year!

2:00 PM- trip to Sonic for slushies, which we took back to the pool.

3:00 PM- I went home with the 4 youngest kids. Deb and the oldest 4 stayed and swam for a while.. it was so hard to leave!

3:30 PM- bubble bath for me. Followed by a short nap. Can this day get any better? Yes, it can.

5:00 PM- Aaron home from work early. Date night!

5:30 PM- Dinner at Olive Garden. Just me and my man. Fantastic future-planning conversation. Aaron keeps teasing me because while at dinner I told him, "I'm not just anybody." I wasn't being defensive-- just stating the facts.

7:00 PM- Book club with our homeschooling group. I've never done a couples book club before, and I love it. Next month we're reading The Abolition of Man by CS Lewis. Can't wait to read it!

10:00 PM- Come home to sleeping kids and a spotless house. Did I mention how much I love my sis? We stayed up late talking-- even considered going to a late showing of the new Jane Eyre movie, but ended up hitting the sack around midnight.

Perfect day. No April Fools jokes. I got in trouble last year for telling Aaron that we were at the hospital with Zack who swallowed a quarter. He still hasn't forgiven me, so I was a sweetie this year and didn't fool around. I did give the boys each a gift. New swimsuits. They've been sitting in a closet since the end of last summer, when I bought them each for a buck. Love these boys and their muscles.

it ain't no joke.

Due Date? October 10.

Were you trying? Indeed.

How do you feel? sick.

Home delivery? Undecided, but hopeful.

Twins? nope. One baby with a really cute profile.

Do you want a girl? Unanimously. But boys are okay too.

I suspected and took a pregnancy test the first week in February, but it was negative. A few days later (Feb 11) I took another one and it was negative. Instead of throwing it away, I left it on the bathroom counter and went about my day (planning a Valentine's party, cleaning up salsa in my car, picking up babysitters & pizza. etc.) When Aaron got home from work, I went to throw the test away and saw that it was positive! Over the course of the day, another line had appeared.. The next morning I took another test and then told Aaron. It was a happy Valentine's day for us.

The original plan was to tell the kids on April Fool's Day, but it was too difficult keeping it under wraps with so much family visiting. And it was also really hard to keep it a secret while I was throwing up-- at public functions. I got super sick at our co-op school one day and ended up throwing up IN class... with kids present. Luckily, none of my own children were there to witness it (except for Simon) but word spread quickly with the other moms. Then while dressed up in prom dresses at a Relief Society function, I threw up several times. The girls who were lucky enough to be in the bathroom with me heard the news. They have kids who are friends with mine, so I knew we had to tell them soon.

Funny thing is, a few days before we told the boys, we were reading a science book about sicknesses and how they spread. It talked about the symptoms of the flu and common cold. Without knowing anything, Ben casually said to me, "Wow, mom. It seems like you've had the flu for about 5 weeks now." I was dumbfounded because I had never complained about being sick. He's so observant and the way he phrased it- in weeks- could not have been more hilarious. When we finally told them, it all made sense! Zack is the most excited... he talks about (and to) the baby all day long. He will kiss my tummy at night and tell the baby to sleep tight. He wants to know everything about how big it is and what it feels like to be inside my tummy. He came with me to my doctor's appointment and was fascinated with the ultrasound. It was a fun date-- just Zack and mom. Although it would have been much more romantic had we not waited for 2 HOURS to see the doctor. That reason alone is good enough to hire a midwife.

Yes, we all hope for a girl. Several months ago, before we officially started "trying" Aaron had a dream about a baby girl. I am not getting my hopes up and honestly would be thrilled with another boy. In fact, since I've been pregnant, I only dream about boys. We'll see who's more subconsciously-psychic in about a month or so. I don't think I can wait to find out the sex. I am too outnumbered in this house and need to prepare myself-- either way.

Is this our last? I hope not. Granted, pregnancy is the worst. It handicaps me like nothing else. I literally throw up 3-5 times everyday. When my mom was visiting I believe I went 3 days without keeping anything in my stomach. I kept asking her HOW in the world she did this ten times. Pregnancy is such a drag! But it's also an absolute miracle. I feel so blessed and so happy to be expecting again. I have always wanted a big family and I hope I can be unselfish enough to want more after this. It's such a sacrifice in every way, but the end result is worth it, I am sure. If we have the physical, financial and emotional strength to have another baby, we will. I don't think there is any gift you can give your children that is greater than a sibling. Yes, it's a hellofalot of work, but I think I can do it. I think I can. I think I can.

This puts me at 12 or 13 weeks, but who's counting? Last time I looked at my pregnancy countdown, it told me the baby was barely the size of a kumquat. What's a kumquat, you ask? I had to look it up. It's a small orange of some sort-- how small, I have no idea. I will NOT compare my baby to the size of foreign fruit, if I can help it. I am due in October and that is all I need to know. I don't want to do a pregnancy counter on my blog or anywhere else. Looking at the actual number each day is going to drag things out and that's the last thing I need when I feel like poop. No paper chains for me... not when I have 6 months of misery ahead. Honestly people. If you love being pregnant and think it's the best thing ever, let's not be friends for a little while. We can talk again in October.

If that sounds negative, that's because I am an absolute grump. Remember when my husband told me I loose my SPARKLE when I'm pregnant? At the time I was hurt and tried to prove that I was the same person. But this far into our marriage and after this many babies, I think it's a great way to describe what happens to me. I have learned to accept the fact that I suck as a pregnant person. Admitting it is half the battle. But I sincerely hope that those of you who long for a baby of your own but for one reason or another can't have one, understand that I think about you every.single.day. I am often awake in the middle of the night tossing and turning, sometimes running back and forth to the toilet, and instead of complaining, I think about the WONDERFUL women who would be glad to trade me places. I don't know why some of us get what we want and others have to wait. I will never understand why irresponsible, under-aged, unwed, unhappy girls can conceive without even trying. It's a tough world out there and I know we all have a lot to learn from the experiences we've been given. I am just praying that I can play the hand I've been dealt and focus on ALL that I have. Because it is more than I deserve, that's for sure.

happy Conference weekend!

Friday, April 1, 2011

the announcement

We're expecting baby #5.

Luke made this secret note for Jake and Cody when they came to visit. He put it under their pillow, but they just couldn't wait until bedtime for them to read it, so Zack brought it to them the minute they entered our house.


just in case you can't read his artistic writing, it says:

"my mom's going to have a new baby in October"