A Little More Grandma

After the baptism, my mom stuck around for a few more days. It was heaven. I was wiped out from all the excitment, so I sat on the couch and watched her do ALL our laundry, get the boys off to school, make or buy every meal, play millions of games with the boys, babysit, run errands, iron, and feel bad for me as I got sick time and time again. It just feels better being sick when your mom is around, you know?

I wish I could have been more fun, but I took advantage of every second of her willingness to help me out and loved it. She has an amazing amount of energy and so many talents. My whole life, I've wondered, "How does she do it?" I hope to grow up and be just like her!

We did do a few things, like visit the Children's Museum (we really love it)...

 

to see pics, click here

 

Went to grab dinner...
And just had a great, low-key time together. The boys were so sad to see her go. They were left with just a mom, who doesn't even come close to a grandma! We love you!

Big News!

And, yes, this is the REAL BIG NEWS...Number 4 is on it's way! We are thrilled, the whole family. I'm almost 13 weeks...still sick as can be, throwing up 1-5 times a day and often wondering, "What was I thinking?" But, when I can look past all the yuckiness, we are really happy. The due date is September 30th.
We told our boys the night of the oldest's birthday. After letting them watch me throw up for 5 weeks and telling me often, "Mom, I think you might have the flu," we had to let the cat out of the bag. They all jumped up and down with delight and plastered huge smiles on their faces, then gave me big hugs and wanted to look at my belly. Honestly, you've never seen 3 boys be so sweet with babies and little kids, every one of them (I think it comes from not having them around). After the usual questions and suggestions of names (Ellie, Ann, and Chad), the oldest looked at me and said so sweetly, "Mom, that's the best present you could have ever given me for my birthday."

Telling my boys we were having a baby was possibly one of my top 5 parenting moments...to think that we've raised such wild, fun, tender, sensitive boys that can't wait for a new baby does a mama good.

A few highlights and lowlights of being pregnant:
*I forgot how sick I get. It's been 5 years since I've been pregnant and apparently I'd forgotten or become very optimistic. This is the pits.
*I can't accomplish anything like I used to. My sister said it's good prep for a new baby.
*I'm older and I can tell.
*#1 saying, "Mom, I really think Jesus is going to bless us with a sister."
*#3 asking a billion questions about how the baby will get out of my belly. Telling him there is a special tunnel did not do the trick.
*Watching my boys play, "throw up," drink water, make gross sounds and spit into the toilet or sink. Nice.
*Puking in a plastic bag while taking the kids 5 minutes to school. When we told our friends, one of the girls in our carpool said, "I knew it becaue you threw up in the car."
*Realizing you can't convince yourself you're done if you are not. Mike and I spent the past 2 years trying to say all we needed was 3 kids, we were wrong and we knew it.
*Finding out I was pregnant without really planning it (though we do know how it works:). Such a pleasant surprise since I was having a hard time pulling the trigger, but knew we needed one more.
*Unbelieveably grateful with all the problems around us that we CAN be pregnant and have kids. Such a blessing.
*Nervous about my body...I've had it to myself for the last 3 years and everything had kind of settled in and I was decently happy with it. Not looking forward to gaining and losing the weight.
*Frightened about getting vericose veins again....the worst.
*Can't wait to have another baby in our house, for possibly the last time and especially happy that I get to have another 1 year old, 2 year old, 3 year old....
*Can't wait to see my boys with a baby. I know they will be wonderful and helpful and it will be so good for all of us.
*A little nervous about life needing to slow down; the 5 of us have been doing our thing together for a long time and loving it. #3 grew up quickly and had always been easy..we're a pack and roll well together adding another will definitely be different.
*Grateful for a husband who picks up all the slack he can while I'm feeling down and out. He's kind and understanding and helpful. Lucky me.

So, it's been a big winter season for us and we are excited, happy and grateful to share our good news!!!

Grateful.

Last Saturday my oldest was baptized, and I'm still having a hard time getting my feelings togther...I guess grateful sums it up.

Grateful for a church that baptizes at 8 years old by immersion...it's the age of accountability and the way Christ was baptized. I couldn't imagine it any other way.
Grateful to see the growth and understanding in my son during the last 6 months that allowed both him and me to know that he was ready to make this commitment to God.
Grateful he was serious and studious about this decision.
Grateful he continutes to take it seriously.
Grateful his dad was worthy and willing to baptize and confirm him. Watching them together makes me so happy.
Grateful he could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot imagine going through life without the guidance of the spirit.
Grateful his grandparents could be there and come from so far away to participate in the program with talks, songs, and help with ordinances. It would have felt empty without them. He loves them both so much.
Grateful Mitch and Kelly live close by and did all they could to help him understand what a special day it was.
Grateful for a distant cousin who has made us a part of her family and been willing to be a part of ours.
Grateful for the love we felt from far away family.
Grateful for the darling book of remembrance that was created at the baptism with testimonies and notes from those there and far away.
Grateful for the many others who helped us that day with food, set up and clean up. I don't know what I would have done without the support.
Grateful that almost my entire ward (we are small but mighty) showed up to support him on this great day. I can't express the love I felt from people I've only known for 6 months as they celebrated the wonderful day with our family.
Grateful that he has kind and loving primary teachers and scout leaders who constantly show their love and faith in him. We couldn't be any luckier.
Grateful for my husband's spiritual example in our home and for his belief that kids can understand more, sit still longer, and learn more about the scriputures and the gospel than I would ever expect them to. I married a giant and I'm so glad he's the example for my boys.
Grateful for the many gifts, letters and words of encouragement given to him.
Grateful for my mom and Kelly as they helped fix food for about 80 after the baptismal service. Everything was fresh and delicious and our way of saying thanks for all the support from so many.
Grateful for all the help cleaning up...we have some great work horses as family and friends and I feel incredibly blessed.
And, oh, so grateful for my sweet boy. I often feel unworthy as I try to raise such a determined, spiritual, in tune, and wonderful boy. I hope he knows how proud I am to be his mom...for him, I'm grateful everyday.

To see the ridiculous amount of pictures that go along with this post, click here!

The Princeless Princess

To see more, click here!

Best of Ann Arbor: Frita Batidos, Logans, Blimpy Burger and Mimi and Papa

One of the things we love about Mimi and Papa is that they are total foodies. They love good, interesting and beautiful food so it's always fun to eat with them. While they were here we spent a decent amount of time frequenting all the places we wish we could go on a regular basis and loved it.

A few of our favorites: FRITA BATIDOS...crazy good and not too pricey. The BATIDOS (basically really great shakes) are to die for as are the plantians and just about everything else we tried. Can't wait to go back!

We had our adult dinner at LOGANS which came highly recommended and for good reason. While the price will keep us from going back (thank you parents!), I'm craving the cream of cauliflower soup starter, and the sweet sea bass that literally melted in my mouth a top perfect mushroom risotto. The yogurt palate cleanser and fluffy biscuits with the town's best butter were all so delicous I would have been happy eating them all night. If you have some cash to spend (or people who are willing to spend it on you :) give it a shot!

Of course we took them to ZINGERMANS (super famous, crazy fresh, really good, but really over priced in my opinion...who wants to pay $15 for a sandwich?) where they sampled a few things and bought some balsamic vinegar and some gluten-free brownies, then headed to BLIMPY BURGER for the best burgers and fried veggies in town at the best price on the block.

We spent a little time wandering through the indoor portion of the botanical gardens. Funny that for Rick and Marci, it felt just like being in San Diego. I'm feeling a bit jealous.

What we don't have pictures of is the sleepover they had with the kids at their hotel. They are total saints! I'd never voluntarily sleep in the same room as my three kids, and they are mine. They swam, ate, watched a movie and had treats and went to bed WAY too late, but what are grandparents for?

On the other hand, Mike and I had a blissful kid free evening and morning, so THANK YOU!

The best of Michigan: The Henry Ford Museum

We were thrilled for Mike's parents to come to Michigan for the first time. Too bad they came during the gray and dreary end of winter. I promise Michigan can be green, warm and beautiful. The first day they were here we let the kids play hookey from school and headed to the Henry Ford Museum. I was amazed by how much I loved it...definitely a must see.

I'm not sure what part I liked best...the incredibly inspirational and well done video introduction, watching a Ford F150 be assembled, or touring around the history of the automobile. It was a fascinating spot that even my boys enjoyed. If you are in Michigan, you should go. To see more pictures click here!







Could he really be....8?

Yes, he can be. I can't believe it; it's like I'm entering a whole new parenting life and I surely don't feel old enough to have an 8 year old. A friend of mine said it best..."It's really strange when your child turns an age you vividly remember." I feel the same way, a little incredulous, a little nostalgic, a little proud, and a lot excited for the years to come. He's an amazing boy.

On Friday he had his traditional breakfast with dad and a trip to Target for one present. For his party this year (the day before his birthday), he invited 3 friends (only 2 could come), plus his brothers and we had a pizza lunch and cake then took the crew glow in the dark golfing. Made me wonder why in the world I've always done home parties...it was easy, not too pricey and we all had a great time, me included...no decor, no stress, no clean up and gift bags were 2 king size candy bars of their choice, awesome all around. My kind of party.

To see lots of cute pictures and more of the birthday celebration, click here

Delectably Delicious

Baking is a real chore for me, so when I find an awesome dessert that is foolproof and crazy good, I have to share. This Chocolate Caramel Delights recipe I got from my uncle gets rave reviews every time, and it's fast and easy. Plus, they are best if you make them the day before and all the ingredients can settle in. Enjoy!

Chocolate Caramel Delights


1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed

1 1/8 cups melted butter or margarine

14 ounce bag caramels (48)--I've also used the little caramel balls

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 12 ounce package milk chocolate chips--use the good ones

In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients to make mix. Melt caramels and whipping cream in a saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle 1/2 of mix into 9 x 13 ungreased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked mixture and top with melted caramel mixture; sprinkle remaining mix on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Allow at least a few hours to cool and settle.