I'm Back in the Saddle Again...

Well, it has been a long time since the last post, but in my defense, it has been a rocky road to here. In the past 6 weeks, we have listed and hopefully sold our house, packed up a good share of the house, started a new job, and all of this while pregnant and caring for two small ones. It definitely would not have and could not have happened without all of our family and friends helping us out. We have had so many people come to our rescue that I can't even count them or thank them enough. That being said, I hope to be back to a regular blogging basis, with the only fine print being that the holidays are upon us and we shall see what that does to us. We also have to complete the move across the country, so it could put a kink in things. But back to the blog....

This past weekend we had the chance to spend time with Grandpa for about 36 hours before he had to get up before the rooster's crow to get on an airplane. We were able to spend time down at the Washington D.C. Temple and Visitor's Center. It was so awesome. My kids were not on their best behavior by any means, as a matter of fact, they down right tried my patience. Jacob didn't want to walk and I was carrying Anna and trying to push him in the stroller with one hand through this tiny aisle. On either side were fragile and precious nativity sets....all of this while Grandpa was watching a movie. I was very near tears and gave up the mission of the nativity sets until I had back up with me. When we finally went through and looked at them, I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't if I get my cookies baked and delivered, and heaven knows I won't get a Christmas card out any time soon. It isn't whether my kids have everything their little hearts desire, although I desperately want to give it to them. It is about the spirit of Christ. It is about being with family. It is about loving and serving that family. I have been so completely blessed with so many serving me that I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. And after such a trying day with my kids and fighting sheer exhaustion on all levels---physical, mental, and emotional it was a great reminder of the true meaning of the season and the true meaning of life. As I returned home I vowed to be a better person: mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. And my feeling continued today as I went in for a follow up ultrasound for the baby. I hadn't really allowed myself to consider that there could be complications with this baby and fortunately for me, everything turned out okay. The baby is healthy, everything is where it should be, and I am more grateful and more in love with this baby after seeing it again today. Yet another reminder that life is beautiful and I am blessed. So, I guess the point of my whole blog today is that I am grateful for so much in my life, despite my challenges. I am grateful for this holiday season and hope I can keep this feeling with me throughout the next couple of weeks and hopefully into the new year. Wow, what a great feeling...to know that life is good. I hope that life is as good for everyone else. And let's see if I can't keep this blog thing going!

A Rocky Mountain High

Well, I guess it has been official for about a week now, we are moving our family to Denver, Colorado. Bart has been walking around the house singing every song he can think of related to Denver, whether it mentions Denver or it was sung by John Denver makes no difference! It is a bit hard for me to put it out there knowing that it makes it more real. I can't believe that we are moving back across the country and doing so while pregnant, again! I must say that I have been a bit surprised by how hard this has been for me. I never thought I would love the East Coast so much and now I find myself sad to leave it. There are so many things that I love here....the proximity to historical sites and big cities, the trees that are everywhere, the fact that I can drive to the ocean in just a few hours, and mostly, the friends and little family that we have created here. We have been so blessed to have formed such great friendships. Without a lot of family close by, they become your family. I don't have the same set of fears and worries that I had when we moved here as we have done it once before, but I am sad about having to create a new life for us. I like our life here. I love our first house. I love Jake's preschool and his new Kindergarten....I really don't want to be the one to tell him that he doesn't get to ride the bus in Denver....and I love the familiarity of everything. It will definitely be a big change for us. I have been additionally surprised by how much work it is to get a house ready for an Open House. I haven't been so stressed in a long time. I am glad that it is ready though. And while I am feeling so much nostalgia and anxiety about moving, I am also extremely grateful. I am grateful that Bart has a job that he is excited about. I am grateful to be moving closer to our families, to the mountains, and of course, closer to REAL Mexican food. I am grateful that I know that no matter where we land, we will be a happy family. I am just hoping we can be completely settled before our family expands in March. So, I guess this is the beginning of a long goodbye, or maybe just a farewell to somewhere we love so much. And if you see me walking around a bit emotional, just know that I am happy and emotional and pregnant all at the same time. As we know more details about departure dates and such, we'll let everyone know! Farewell our dear Baltimore!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!

One of my favorite things about living on the East Coast is that we are so close to so many wonderful things. Unfortunately, I haven't always taken the time to get out and do them as often as I should. Thank goodness for girlfriends though! We decided to get together and head down to the National Zoo in D.C. for an afternoon. We had the most perfect day, well, maybe a little too hot for the Fall, but otherwise, just gorgeous. I have long maintained that my most favorite time at the zoo is in the Fall because the animals are moving around and doing things instead of just trying to survive the heat. Plus the crowds are better and it isn't as hot for us either! My theory was proved correct once again.

We saw the Panda Bears climbing all over, eating, and just being so adorable. The kids were mesmerized. Anna liked the elephants and they were busy putting dirt on each other. For some reason, she was fixated on seeing the lions that day. By the time we finally got to them, it was well worth the walk. The female did choke up a hairball which was very interesting and disgusting all at the same time. The male was awesome...he was drinking from the river and playing with toys. She was in heaven.

The only bad part about the zoo was that they trick you when you are walking. You don't realize how many vertical feet you have dropped as you see all the animals, but when you have to get back to the car it is nearly a death march! Overall, it was a fantastic day. The kids were great, the animals were amazing, and it was just fun to be out and about in D.C. What a great opportunity to live so close to the nation's capital!

Some Highlights of the Day:

Camie, Anna, Lane and Ashley sitting on the rock near the Pandas.








Lane, Camie, and Anna peering into the cages of some gross reptile.

The stare down with the Kimodo
Anna spent several minutes staring at the Kimodo Dragon. The other kids had moved on, but she just stood there. It is a weird looking animal, but they just stared at each other and had a moment or something?!?

Which family is the most tired?
Jenny and Ashley, Mindy and Anna, Erika and Maddie, Jodi and Chloe, Serena holding Camie, Lauren holding Lane, and baby Holden was already well into dreamland in the stroller.

"A Taste of Maryland"

Resting at the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, before Mom takes off for Salt Lake City!

We were so lucky to have my Mom and my brother, Jeff, his wife, Merili, and their kids, Samara and Jack, come to visit in September. We titled the trip "A Taste of Maryland" because we really did a little bit of everything. I think we even got to 3 states plus D.C.! Pretty impressive in a week's time! We had so much fun just being together, watching the kids play, and most importantly, devouring the Amish Market food, predominately the pies.

We started the week with a trip to the real Amish country in PA. We spent the day going to the small towns of Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, Intercourse, and a few others. Bart stayed home with the boys watching movies so that we didn't have to beg them not to touch quilts and such. The next couple of days we spent traveling to Annapolis for the afternoon and then on to Ocean City where we were able to spend the night at the Cory and Beth Williams beach bungalow and had the most perfect day on record at the beach. Even Mom sat and relaxed and enjoyed herself. Merili, however, will never be allowed to put sunscreen on another human. Both Jack and Jeff suffered a little due to her lack of application skills! Jeff may still be able to show you the remains from this mistake! After returning, we spend time in DC, the Inner harbor of Baltimore, and at the National Aquarium of Baltimore. I am not sure who was most exhausted at the end of the trip, but it was time well spent together! Below are some of the highlight photos from the trip! Lots of fun! Oh yeah, and did I mention the shopping? It was awesome too!
Amish Country, Pennsylvania
Samara and Anna picking out pumpkins at the local Amish Market town.

The girls spent some time playing on the train and so Merili and Jeff thought they should join in too. This was much preferable to petting the gross llama across the playground.

Annapolis, Maryland

It was quite hot in Annapolis. We split up to make sure everyone saw what they wanted. We sat down at the water's edge, which didn't smell so great. The kids stole our sunglasses so they could sit still for a picture.

Taking a break from the heat with Mom. Bart later referred to this picture as "2 Lindas". I can't help that my Mom and I are so dang beautiful! And it should have been 3 Lindas since Anna is just the same!

Ocean City, Maryland

Jeff, Samara, Merili and Jack taking a break on the beach. Jack would promptly return to chasing birds, Samara to the water, and Jeff to digging in the sand. Merili just laughed and took pictures.

Jack and Anna's smiles say it all!Samara and Jacob look like they are practicing to be cheerleaders or something. They had so much fun jumping the waves. The water was so warm this time of year.

Did I mention Jeff likes digging in the sand? Bart did get in on the action too and I am not sure who enjoyed the end result the most...the kids or the Dads?

Getting closer to finishing the project at hand....

Washington, D.C.
We visited the Udvar-Hazy portion of the Air and Space Museum out by Dulles International Airport. It has all of the REALLY big planes that can't be housed in the museum on the mall. I love this picture of the boys sitting still, but also because Anna thought this part of the shuttle was a big toilet paper roll.

3 generations of beautiful women at the museum! (and one on the way is starting to show)
This picture is taken in Arlington Cemetery near the eternal flame for the Kennedys. I love the view of DC in the background. And did I mention how stinking hot it was?The kids at the Harbor awaiting the boat ride and before saying goodbye to Grandma. What a great trip we all had! Thanks everyone!

A Soccer Stud is Born...

Maybe it is because I played for the better part of 15 years, maybe it is because I share the same birthday as Pele, maybe it is because it is the best sport ever (although my father-in-law refuses to recognize it as a sport at all, but what does he know, he is from Idaho Falls!), or maybe it is just because Jake is such a stud, but we have had such a blast watching him fall in love with soccer. He has had a lot of firsts lately and soccer has been just as exciting as any of them. Jacob cracks me up. He wants to be the fastest and asks to spend time outside running to get faster. Hey, anything that is active outside is great! He has also met a friend, Whitney, who lives right by us---literally five houses down---who is on the team. They keep meeting to go outside and practice. Granted they get distracted looking for dinosaur fossils, but at least they attempt to practice.

I am learning that I am not a very good spectator. It is hard for me to watch my five year old running around in circles and giggling when I am so competitive. Big surprise, I know. I am learning that I need to keep reminding myself that it isn't about me, it is about him and his having fun. Man, is that hard to do when your son gets out there on game day and is so brimming with excitement that he is literally dancing on the field instead of playing. However, I do have to give Jacob a lot of credit. He is truly having fun no matter what. He listens very well to his coaches and is one of the few to not only listen to, but follow the directions during practice. It is sometimes baffling that they practice so well and then game day is such a circus. It is pretty cute to watch though.

The first week Jacob came home every day wanting to put on his jersey. He spilled chocolate milk on it, so as any good mother would do, I washed the jersey. I failed, however, to have it dry before he came home and he was very upset with me. And why is it that shinguards are near impossible to put on another human being? When all is said and done, this is turning out to be a great new experience for Jacob. He loves being active, he loves to be a big boy, and he loves to belong to a team. He looks forward to practices and games like you wouldn't believe. Maybe he has found his calling in life.....to take after his mother's athletic ability! And just so everyone knows, as competitive as I am, it is ten times worse for Bart. Thankfully we have both been able to hold our tongues on criticism and just cheer him on. After all, that is truly the most important part. Just like I told Jacob, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but as long as you do your best, that is what counts. But I can't wait for him to score a goal! Oh yeah, and Jacob gave the team their official name: The Tornadoes. GO TORNADOES!!!!

Jacob taking a practice shot before the first game....such form!

The aforementioned "dancing" on the field. It is hard to contain such excitement at only 5 years old...oh yeah, and he is also number 5, which he thinks is just perfect!Taking a break....Cousin Cooper on the left, and friend, Kevin, on the right.

A Kindergarten Boy.....and one made up teacher!

Well, we have officially entered the world of Kindergarten. Jacob was quite possibly the most excited boy to get on the bus this morning. He picked out his perfect orange shirt, he had his backpack all prepared, and he even combed his hair and put hairspray on all by himself. This is his newest phase of independence. We woke up the other morning to sounds in the bathroom and when Bart went to investigate, it was just Jake combing his hair and adding a large amount of hairspray. And just so everyone knows, he is copying his Dad on this one. But, back to kindergarten...

We were out at the bus stop nice and early to make sure we could take pictures (which are posted below) and to make sure we didn't miss the big event on the first day. However, 20 minutes later, Anna really had to go to the bathroom and we weren't sure the bus would ever come. Of course, right as Dad reached the porch we saw the bus a comin! So they ran back and we saw the bus pull up and turn on the lights and pull out the stop sign for our little boy.

I started to tear up as we saw the kids at the previous stop get on the bus, but I was determined that Jacob see a happy Mom before he got on the bus, so miracle of all miracles, I did not cry. He was a little confused about finding a seat at first as apparently he thought he could only sit in the first three rows, but as it turns out, there are so many kindergarteners, that they have four rows. And then the problem of all girls on the bus, and then wanting a window. He didn't let that overshadow the sheer joy and freedom that the bus represented. We saw him sit down, take off the backpack (that is incidentally almost as big as he is) and then his little head popped up to wave goodbye. And in that moment, I realized that this is the first step of his true independence. I had previously thought it was when they took their first step, ate by themselves, went to the bathroom by themselves, or had their first playdate. But really, those are all stepping stones for the real independence that comes as a child gets on the bus. I also realized that wow, the time had gone so fast and I hope that we have provided a good foundation for him. I hope that he is a nice boy at school. Does he share? Does he throw fits at school like he does at home? Will he include the other kids? Will he listen to his teacher? And then after the panic, comes the calm. The knowing that you have a good child. The best son a Mom could really ever hope for, faults and all.

My love for Jacob seemed to grow infinitely this morning. Maybe it is in a feeble attempt to hang on to my baby boy a little longer. It is such a mix of feelings to see him go. I am so excited for him to get to explore the world and enter this big school he has heard so much about. I am nervous about not being with him and able to see him every moment of the day. I feel a sense of freedom in having him gone and the chance to focus on Anna. What a strange experience for a parent. I guess that the best word to describe it would be "bittersweet".

Anna's take on Jacob leaving, and her own teacher

And then there was Anna. She was pretty upset at the whole experience. She wanted to go on the bus too. She wanted Jacob to come home and man, was she mad that he didn't just turn around and come home. She could hardly wait for him to come home all morning. It was really endearing in a sense and fortunately a trip to Target helped curb the questions for a few minutes. However, I have realized that Anna has made up her own teacher. I heard her on Sunday afternoon talking about some teacher named Allison. I didn't think much of it. I thought maybe someone new had been in nursery. Over the next couple of days, I heard her bringing up this "Allison" whenever we started talking about Jacob going to school. I finally figured it out. She wants so desperately to be a big girl, that she has invented her new school. So after Jacob left on the bus, Anna wanted to make a video of just her. It is hard to see your older brother get so much attention when you are used to commanding a room. I started asking her questions and we ended up with a cute little clip of her talking about her teacher Allison and how they will learn about flowers and maybe go swimming. She also claims she met her in Sun Valley (we recently took a trip there with Grandma). In the video she claims she met her at the pool though. It is pretty cute watching her make up her own school. Maybe we have a real scholar on our hands!

Getting ready for the big bus ride!

Here we are waiting for the bus....just look at how happy this boy is. He picked out his outfit too!

Mom is a bit sad as we wait for the bus, but I was a tough cookie and didn't let him know!

There he goes! It was so hard to not get right on and go with him the whole way to school.

Anna and Daddy playing with the camera waiting for the bus to get here. She is a real Daddy's girl right now!

And to make it that much more complete, here is a video of him waiting.

The second video shows the bus leaving. You have to look closely through the shadows to see his head, and at the last second, you see his hand wave out the window. As it left, my heart almost jumped right out of me and on board with him. But, I didn't cry, I handled it and walked back to the house to help Anna with the potty! Thank goodness for her to distract me!

Anna's discussion about her new little teacher, Allison. She cracks me up! We love her and her very active imagination. I wish for her sake that she was old enough for pre-school, but for my sake, I am glad to have her home.

Our little peanut!

Well, for those of you that we haven't been able to reach, I guess this is the official announcement that we are expecting one more tow-headed child! Due March 15, 2008 this baby is already making it's presence known. I don't know if this pregnancy is harder due to older age, two kids to chase after, memory lapse of previous pregnancies, or a combination of all of the above.

Luckily for me, this child has brought me a lot of needed joy this week. I went to my first doctor appointment on Monday at 10 1/2 weeks. I was hoping in my mind that I might get to hear the heartbeat, but not really expecting anything until the next visit. Much to my surprise, the doctor had an ultrasound machine all ready to go. And suddenly, before my teary eyes was my beautiful little one. The heart was beating perfectly and the little peanut was moving all around...if you have met the other kids, this should be no surprise. But as it waved it's little hand at me, it was almost as if it was saying, Hi, Mom. I can't wait to meet you too. In a week full of challenges and exhaustion and some pregnancy sickness, this little picture has been something I have really held onto. I know, I know, it is clear as mud, but it signifies that no matter what, I have what appears so far to be a healthy child and that somehow makes everything else okay. It helps to focus on what is really important in life. And it has made me love my other kids a bit more too. It makes it easier to love them when they are whining or fighting or just plain out of control. Man, who knew that a tiny little black and white photo could bring a mother so much joy---even on the third baby. So, if this baby ever doubts my love, it should know that before it was born, this baby was the source of much joy.

Now that my cheesy and totally pregnant hormonal rant is over, the details of the picture are hard to see, so I'll explain it. The baby's LARGE head (yes, they say it is normal for this stage of development, but let's be honest, both of my kids have unusually large noggins) is to the LEFT. The white stuff on the head is the mouth and jaw where there are the most bones forming. Directly below the head and mouth, you can see a little nubbin sticking out that is the baby's right hand. The feet were moving, but in the picture, they are tucked up at the end of the torso on the RIGHT side of the picture. And yes, it is true to size, it is smaller than a peanut, and therefore the term, "our little peanut" really seems to fit! We can't wait to meet this one--if only the weeks would speed up a little for Mom!

Drama Queen or Princess?

I have often wondered which of these adjectives most accurately described our 2-year-old daughter, Anna Kathleen (and as of late, don't leave off the Kathleen), but after yesterday I have finally found the answer. Yes, Anna can turn on the tears at a moment's notice to turn things in her favor, she can woo her Dad and her Grandpas with just one look, and she can get very angry and frustrated with her older brother, Jacob, but those are just an act to make one think she is a Drama Queen. In reality, our Anna is definitely a princess, a fact I realized yesterday in the middle of our most recent mishap and yes, our 4th visit to the ER in 4 small months. You see, Anna and Jake were playing in the tub while I dried my hair a few feet away. I had asked and asked and yes, scolded the last time a bit loudly for them to stop. Not a minute after closing the curtain did I hear the scream and see the water come flooding out. Now I was really upset...someone had actually gotten hurt. I am very proud to say I didn't come unglued. I didn't yell at either one of them. Instead, I picked her up to check her out and comfort her. That's when I saw it. She had a huge (well, huge to a mother) gash on the bottom of her chin. I knew immediately that it was going to need some real attention. None of us were ready to go out the door, so I very calmly got the three of us dressed, made a few phone calls and we were out the door to the hospital. All of this while on vacation in Utah, with Bart about an hour away at my brother's house painting. Grandpa met us and after checking her out, he agreed that it definitely needed stitches. You could actually see the fat cells on my very petite little girl. So, off we went. We spent several hours waiting. Thankfully they bring you Polly Pockets, your own stuffed animal to take home, and have a great Disney Channel to help with the waiting. But, not being able to eat for both of us for several hours was very difficult. However, through it all--the actual fall, getting us ready, the waiting and even the procedure, Anna hardly cried. She cried a couple of minutes when it happened, and a couple of minutes when they gave her the sedation medication (yes, she was totally stoned for about 6 hours, which was funny enough it could be a whole new post). She was so great. She smiled, she talked, she sang songs. Her only request was a second purple popscicle and a cry or two for Dad. She is definitely a Daddy's girl. After this whole event was said and done I realized that she truly is a Princess, not a Drama Queen. Something I am sure to need to remind myself in the future, but gratefully, she is still our beautiful little Princess.

Our first attempt at blogging!

Well, here I am, finally copying everyone else I know and getting in on the blogging world. I am excited to combine my love for scrapbooking and journaling in a way that will be fun to share with our family and friends. We have had such a fun summer. I will be getting our recent pictures posted after we come back from our last big summer trip to Utah. We are excited to spend three weeks there and to be able to help Grandma and Grandpa Nelson move. Jacob is most excited about the first swim lessons that he will remember with his cousins, miniature golf with Grandpa, and bowling with Grandma. Anna can't wait to pull her suitcase in the airport...pink with princesses, what else does a girl need? I am most excited about Cafe Rio, the DoDo, and a little time to relax and visit with the family. Bart is looking forward to hitting the links with some pals and Cafe Rio as well! Let's hope we can accomplish all of that in three weeks time! So, here we are, off on our adventure and we'll actually be documenting it on our webpage! Let's hope this works!