Wes the Weasel

Calling all Bachelorette fans. Believe it or not, our dish went down this weekend. We didn't even realize until Monday morning because we had a busy weekend with birthday festivities, family in town, a baptism... etc. Aaron was frustrated because he wasn't able to see the fabulous Wimbledon finale and I was freaking out a bit because even the local channels weren't coming in... which means no Monday night Bachelorette. Lucky for us, we have the internet.

I haven't seen the entire episode yet. But I plan on watching it as soon as I get a spare 2 hours in the day.. I do know that Wes FINALLY went home. And I saw his exit interview. What a weasel. I have no idea what to think of the final three. I still like Ed the most-- but it really bothers me that he never makes eye contact with Jillian. Should I be surprised that Reid is still in the running? And is Kiptyn gay or not? Please share your thoughts..

Our satelite is finally working again-- a little too late. At least I can record the MJ funeral.

And yes, I will eventually post pictures of my kid's baptism. First things first.

my guinea pig

Dear Benjamin,

Tomorrow you turn eight. I should say it's hard to believe, but you've been counting down for 158 days now-- and it's about TIME your 8th birthday is here. Whenever your brothers have a birthday, it seems shocking they're a year older. I have never felt that way with you. When your birthday arrives, I find myself asking, "Hasn't he already been (8) for some time now?" You were born wise beyond your years.

Eight years ago today I was planning a big event for work. I made what seemed like a million party favors for a local non-profit organization and called it a day at lunchtime. I got home a few hours before Daddy and decided to go swimming. I waddled to the pool, relaxed like a whale on the beach and got sunburned. Then I went home, showered and got ready for a 4th of July party with some of Daddy's friends. While at the barbecue, I got a stomach ache and asked if we could leave early. Little did I know those stomach cramps were actually contractions!

When my water broke at 11:00 pm on July 3rd, I was shocked. You were more than two weeks early. I wasn't ready to have a baby yet! I had parties planned for the 4th of July and I wasn't expecting to spend my evening at the hospital. But you wanted to come anyway. We quickly packed a bag and informed our family and friends that we had more important plans for Independence Day. Boy, oh boy! You were born at 7:09 am, weighing 7 lbs 9 oz. Hot air balloons filled the Provo morning sky.

The nurses nick-named you Harry because you had a beautiful mop of black hair. You were the cutest baby I had ever seen. Eight years later (and two brothers to compare) you still take the prize for the most beautiful newborn. Because it was a holiday- and because you were so popular- our hospital room was packed full of visitors. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors. We didn't get a moment to rest. It was a perfect holiday. We watched fireworks from the hospital window and felt so happy that you joined our family on such a special day.

Each year since, we've celebrated with HUGE parties. Over 100 people showed up to your 1st birthday (see what I mean when I say popular?) At that party, Daddy announced we were expecting baby #2. It's crazy to think how ready you were for a sibling. You were still a baby. But there isn't an older brother in the world better than you. It is your secret talent-- your superhero power. In fact, I am not sure your brothers would still be alive without you... you have practically raised them single-handed. You tell them where to put their toys, how to behave in public, what is acceptable to watch on TV, how to comb their hair, when to apologize, when to go to time out, when to fall asleep.. the list could go on for pages. You were born wanting to follow all the rules. You are an incredible example to all of us.

There is NO DOUBT about the fact that you have taught me far more than I have taught you over the past 8 years. You have always been more mature than me. You constantly tell me HOW things should be done and I hate it that you're right. Lately, while sitting in the back seat, you will ask me how fast I am driving. When I tell you, you sigh and say, "Good. You are only driving 3 miles over the speed limit." You are the family police officer. You are my go-to kid. You have yet to tell me a lie. With three boys, I usually get three different stories of what actually happened... and I know just who to believe. Thank you for being so obedient, so kind, so dependable. Out of the billions of children who have come to this earth, you were hand-picked for me. God knew I wouldn't be able to survive without you. I look up to you so much and truly consider you one of my best friends.

I have never really been able to discipline you. Granted, you have done a few things wrong, but you punish yourself more than you deserve. I remember one time when you were about 5 years old. Luke was 3 and the two of you were busy making crafts at the kitchen table. I was feeding Zack in the high chair and had my back to the two of you as you used your scissors to cut the screen on the sliding glass door. When I realized what you were doing, I was completely speechless. Had it been Luke doing it alone, I would have scolded and spanked.. but YOU were helping him! I honestly didn't have a chance to say a word. I just watched as you dropped your scissors, knelt down on the kitchen floor and sobbed. You kept saying over and over, "I don't know why I did that! I wasn't thinking, mom!" I rushed over and tried to comfort you. Your cute little face was covered by your hands. You wouldn't look at me. I kept telling you over and over that it wasn't a big deal, but you wouldn't listen. After a minute, I laughed at the situation. Here I was, sitting on the kitchen floor with my five year old, trying to console rather than lecture him about ruining our screen door. It didn't seem right. Later that night, at the dinner table, you broke down in tears again as you told Daddy what happened. I tried not to smile as I looked at Dad with my hands in the air and told him I didn't do any disciplining... In fact, I spent the afternoon trying to distract you with fun activities so you wouldn't think about the crime you had committed. Raising you is a privilege. You made my transition into motherhood easy. And as time passes, it gets better.

This year is a special one, Ben. You have the opportunity to be baptized on your birthday. You could not be more excited or more prepared. I know your Father in Heaven is so proud of you and the decisions you have made so far in your life. You still have a lot to accomplish. You can do whatever you put your mind to-- even if that's being a paleontologist AND a prophet at the same time! I can't wait to see the man you become. One of these days, your body is going to match your grown-up personality. I look forward to all the lessons you have yet to teach me (and your younger brothers.) Keep up the good work. Continue to laugh until you can't breathe. Don't ever forget how much I love you.

Happy birthday, son.

Mom

"psychic" grocery store checker is wrong

Any person who thinks that I would be pregnant with a GIRL has to be slightly wacko.


We had another ultrasound today. It was with a "specialist" which means it was more expensive and WAY longer than previous appointments. I took the kids again because last time was such a great experience (and I hate to drop them off somewhere else when they were throwing up yesterday.) Anyway, it ended up being a huge headache. It's amazing how clear my pictures were at 14 weeks... you would think two months later it would be even easier to see the baby. But everything seemed blurry on the screen and Zack was not the least bit interested. He was totally hyper and was such a pill! Ben and Luke were trying hard to keep him entertained... I love them for being so mature. Zack would say something silly like, "That baby is not in mom's tummy-- it's in MINE!" (while laying on the cold floor, lifting up his shirt and patting his round belly.) Ben and Luke wanted to laugh, but they were ignoring him. Once I heard Ben whisper, "We won't pay attention to you, Zack, because you are not behaving." What a little mom. And Luke threatened to take him out of the room if he didn't settle down. At one point, he opened the door and told Zack he could leave. Zack started to cry because he didn't want to go out by himself-- so Luke closed the door and tried harder to watch the baby on the screen.

The tech was a nice lady and all, but not exactly child-friendly. When Zack wasn't dancing around the room chanting nonsense, he was sitting in the chair next to me. I was able to reach over and pinch him several times for being so loud. It only made him laugh harder-- so I pinched harder. Then he would say, "Okay, okay. I promise I will stop." But he never did. I laughed when the lights were turned on-- Zack seriously had red marks all over one side of his body from the pinching. I know I am a mean mom, but sometimes I wish I could give him back.

After a very thorough 45 minute ultrasound, we switched machines and looked at the baby 3-D... which was another 45 minutes. This is when Zack got interested. The shots really aren't that great, but it was amazing to see him so clearly. I was shocked to realize how much he looks like Luke. I am hoping for another brown-eyed boy to even out our teams. 3-2 = Blue eyes are winning. When I showed the 3-D pictures to Aaron, he said it looks more like an alien than Luke, but I reminded him that Luke did look a bit like ET when he was born.. Not the cutest thing we ever saw, but he grew on us. The baby's hands were constantly by his face, but no thumb sucking this time.

I am 21-ish weeks along. I feel really good-- but fat. Nothing fits. Maternity clothes are too big and everything else is too tight. But I am not complaining. Baby boy #4 is moving like a champ and is apparently the length of a banana. Aaron hates when I compare him to the size of fruit, but I think it's the only way to visualize. He keeps referring to him as Kiwi... hopefully the name doesn't stick. I have officially given Aaron all the power in naming this one. I give up after three. We've talked about the names Simon, Xander, Ty, Blake, Thomas. I am trying to throw Roman in the mix... (if he I can't have a Roma, maybe he would agree to Roman.) But like I said, it's up to Daddy. I am crossing my fingers that he doesn't settle on Terrell, Carmello or Theo-- I swear Aaron thinks he's black.

I think ED is the one.

I know I should be spending my computer time writing about our trip to Utah or documenting the funny things Zack said this morning, but I'm not gonna. Priorities are priorities and the Bachelorette always comes before my family. Besides, I am two weeks behind-- so let's talk about all things shallow...

Lucky for me, I was able to watch last week with my sister. Our husbands joined in and made sly comments throughout the show. It was two solid hours of entertainment. Honestly, I am SO sad Tanner and his package got the boot. Seriously, that was fun to watch. I cannot believe he thought Jillian would pick him because he's "blessed". What a show. I think it was awesome she left Robby in the middle of no where. That's gotta hurt the ego. And Jake-- poor, sweet, adorable Jake. I am sure there are plenty of girls out there that want him to fly their plane, but Jilly is not one of them. So glad she got rid of him before the hometown dates..

And if last week was good, last night's episode was even better. I am very surprised Reid is still around. I don't think he will last another week. I think the clips about someone not being able to "perform" is totally staged. It's Reid's voice saying "I felt like I failed. My fears got in the way of the moment" but there is no way ABC is going to talk about erectile disfunction on Monday night tv. Reid's probably talking about his fears of raw meat. But then again, they did show Tanner dancing in his underwear.. so anything goes. Bottom line with Reid, I think he's way too uptight for Jillian's my taste..

Wes doesn't scare me. Of course, I would love Jillian to knock him to the curb, but he's adding too much drama (and getting too much exposure) to let him off this early. I am crossing my fingers that the producers will get a hold of Laurel and bring her to the final rose ceremony. btw.. Has anyone ordered a copy of his CD? I'm should be in stores by now.

I am relieved Jesse is gone. Deep down, I was worried he would make it to the end. It's not that I don't like him, but I didn't any sparks flying. I did think it was HILARIOUS when he compared Jillian to a great wine. He said you have to wait and let it sit before you take full advantage of it. Jillian was smart to get rid of anyone planning on taking full advantage of her.

My beloved Michael is gone. After seven episodes, I don't have a bad thing to say about him. If I was single, and shorter, I would pursue. In fact, I would even settle for his twin. I loved how cute he was with his sister and everything he says about Jillian is so adorable. Obviously, Jillian wasn't feeling it for him, but I think there are hundreds of thousands of girls who are. Wouldn't it be great if he was the next bachelor? Would the show actually pick a break dancer-- instead of a multi-millionaire, doctor or prince to be the bachelor? I hope so.

What do you really think about Kiptyn? He's handsome and all, but his mother totally bothered me. And he seems to be a nice guy, but don't you think he's boring? Rumor has it that he'll be the runner-up and is holding out to be the next bachelor. I just can't see him having enough fans to come back for another season. But then again-- there was Jason, who was a total loser and got the coveted bachelor position.

And last but definitely not least, Ed is back. How could he not be the one? Granted, I have thought in past episodes that he's very dry and monitone, but it's obvious that Jill has something for him. I think the fact that he went home and came back says a lot. This is the ONLY real life situation about this entire reality show. Work is a big issue in the real world-- and lots of couples break up and realize what it feels like to be apart, so I think this speaks volumes. They actually just might have a shot in the real world. I know in the earlier previews it shows Ed, Wes and Kip in Hawaii... but I can't go back to confirm because my husband recorded 60+ hours of Wimbledon when we were on vaca and it erased all of my previously recorded Bachelorette episodes. Bummer! Now I can't sit around all day and analyze side head shots and voice overs...

So, that's my unofficial unprofessional opinion. I haven't read any spoilers... (obviously, I don't have time to spend on frivolous things :) But spoilers are totally welcome in the comments. What is all this talk about Kiptyn being gay? I wouldn't doubt it.. considering his name is spelled with a Y. And one of my neighbors told me that Ed's parents fly to Hawaii to meet Jillian. I love how the Bachelorette is the only thing I talk about with my neighbor. Time to get a life.

Tell me whatcha think. I am looking forward to next week, but I literally can't wait to see the Men Tell All episode. I already miss Tanner.

remember the time

we're home. It's good to be home.

We had so much fun that we need a vacation from our vacation. We spent quality time with family, met up with old friends, partied for Ben's upcoming birthday, went to the zoo, cherry hill, a temple open house, played cards, ate good food, took lots of pictures and didn't sleep much. The highlight of the trip was meeting my sister's #4 daughter, Betty June. The saddest part of the trip was missing the Kimballs.. my sister and her family moved to Georgia a couple of weeks ago. It's gonna be a much longer drive to visit them.

We were lucky enough to catch a flu bug while we were there-- so instead of writing about our trip and uploading pictures, I am doing lots of laundry and tending to sick kids. At least I have good music to listen to while I clean up vomit..

I am not going to write a novel about Michael, but I am going to give him some love. He was one of the most talented humans to moonwalk across this Earth. His music is legendary. I don't care how many face transplants he received or whether or not he was guilty of child molestation. His life was a train wreck. Somewhere a long the way, something went tragically wrong. He dealt with family issues, pain killer addictions, and was a probably a victim of abuse as a child. His real story will never really be told because he was the only one who went through it. I cannot judge him-- there is a loving God who will do that. Talent doesn't insure success. Fame doesn't make all your dreams come true. All the money in the world can't buy happiness. I have learned from his tragic life and I will love his music forever. May he finally rest in peace.