My Boy

Amidst the chaos of moving and having most of our stuff in storage, we finally found our camera cord! YAY! So, Darrin uploaded the pictures and I noticed he named the file "my boy". Made me cry, the title of that file did. (No, I have not been watching Star Wars). But, without further adieu...Jeremiah at around 2 months give or take....

Oh the fun you can have while living at your grandparents!

A moment in time where Tessa and Malia weren't fighting over who got to hold him.

Kinda melts your heart, right?

Bow WOW!! (Translation--Malia's 5!)

Only a dog party would do for this canine-loving 5-year-old!!

So here's a funny story that my friend, Lisa--the mom of Malia's friend Mylee told me yesterday. Malia was at Mylee's house playing and Lisa was asking her about her birthday and what she would want to get. I had told Lisa that Malia was really into pets, hence the dog party. Lisa knew I probably wouldn't appreciate her getting her a real dog (thanks Lisa!) So she asked Malia if she would want a goldfish for a pet. Malia's answer was classic..."Let me put it to you this way..." and she proceeded to sing the entire song "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" Which include these lyrics...

How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the wagglely tail. How much is that doggie in the window? I do hope that doggie's for sale.

I don't want a rabbit or a kitten, I don't want a parrot that talks. I don't want a bowl of little fishies, you can't take a goldfish for walks.

Oh Malia. How I love you.

Grandpa Doug got confused and thought it was a mexican pig party. Silly Grandpa!!!

Made out like a bandit, that girl!! She got a ton of "Pet Shop" toys--something she's really into right now.

Grandma Julie did a "dog presentation". Malia and Tessa helped.

This little game was 95% for my entertainment. I wish I would have gotten a picture with their heads down in their bowls. HIL-arious! It was a contest to see who could eat their cocoa puffs the fastest. No hands allowed.

You can't see their collars very well, but they each made their own.

I brought out the cake and announced that I was so sorry, but Grandma's dog had somehow walked all over it! he he.

I do believe it turned out to be all that Malia could have dreamed in her little 5-year-old dog-lovin' heart. And what more could a mother want? Summary: We had a busy, but great Saturday afternoon.

Introducing Jeremiah Noal

Born: August 13, 2009 @ 11:35 a.m.

Description: 8 pounds, 21 inches, one dimple on right cheek, lots of hair, super kissable.

Welcome to Earth little one.

Dad, meet son.

What can I say? I worked up an appetite. Davis Hospital has really good food. This particular delight was a fabulous chicken caesar salad. They also give each new mom a complimentary pedicure given by the local beauty school students. I am in no way employed by Davis Hospital, but seriously, go here.
First bath at home--please ignore all the dishes on the counter. I have my priorities people.

These little girls are a BIT obsessed with the babe. They would hold him 24/7 if I let them.

All things go

Chicago, Sufjan Stevens

Today, driving myself to my last doctor's appt. before this little angel is born, this song played. It helped me.

I have tried so hard to imagine loving a third as much as my first two children. It troubled me before Tessa was born, but quickly got eaten up in the smell of her sweet breath and tetris-like quality that made her a perfect fit into our family. Is it possible to harbor this fit a third time I keep wondering?

And then there's the aspect of our Eternal Father loving each and every one of his children--as vast as that number is. What am I concerning myself with three for?

So, the first line of this song pretty much made my heart excited and filled with love that I'm sure is going to soon be regenerated enough and then some. Miraculously. Can't wait.

Thursday. 7:00 a.m.

All things go.

Wish us luck.

Mayfield Canyon

A few weeks back we went camping with my dad. That short respite from the heat may have been just what I needed to get me through to the end of this pregnancy. Well, and a lot of popsicles now that I'm home.

I attempted to make peach cobbler in our dutch oven. Let's just say good thing there were S'mores.

We saw many of these.

Tessa stayed dry the whole time thanks to Grandpa Ken's trailer's magnificent bathroom. I don't think she would have done as well with the stinky outhouse (nor would have I).

The girls got to meet their Aunt Angeline, a long lost half-sister I hadn't seen in over 10 years (she lives in California). The girls immediately loved her--she let them perform for her, played fun games with them, read stories, made funny faces in her camera with them, set up a squirrel trap with Malia, roasted marshmallows despite her not eating them herself (the whole horse hoof thing and she being a vegetarian) I could go on and on. It was so good to get to know her better and spend time with Grandpa Ken.

Grandpa Ken brought his toys. The girls loved going on rides. And yes, this pregnant lady went on some very breathtaking rides with her hubby over some very bumpy terrain, and no it did not send me into labor. Darn. Well, actually I don't think I would have wanted to give birth at Gunnison Hospital, no offense Gunnisononians.

Fun times, noodle salad. *$1.00 for anyone who can name that movie.

Sleepovers, parades, and slippery slides oh my...

Our townhome community held a 4th of July block party complete with jumping house, slippery slide, and blocked off road for kids to run and ride free. Thanks to Neil and Mindy our neighbors for planning it!
Tessa being sneaky at the parade opening the one candy she picked up. She didn't quite get the out of control fuss to get more and more.


4th O' July parade. Malia made out like a bandit with the candy this year...most of which has ended up in her mother's mouth. shhhh. And yes, we were pretending to have a Hawaiian 4th. One can dream.

These girls have been asking for sleepovers. (Well to sleep together) They're both such snugglers, as you can see by the top picture. And I sure delight in them when they're sleeping. shhh.

Stranger in Moscow

It was 10 years ago this August that I sat alone in a train station on a rainy day in Moscow. I had returned as a head teacher a week before my fellow American teachers. I knew so so so so little Russian, and the world swirled around me. Sitting in my lap was a Sony portable CD player and Michael sang to me this. I listened to this song over and over and over. My wait for my train was about 10 hours. Adding that to a 10 hour jet lag effect and you can see I was feeling a little strange. I felt like he knew my vulnerabilities and was singing me through them. I'll never forget that day or how this song helped me out. Strange, I know. Here's to the king of pop. His out of this world talent was heard and appreciated all over the world. May he finally be at peace and no longer be a stranger in his own life. If I didn't have this big ol' belly I would probably be busting out my rollerskates just for old time sakes and heading to Classic. Ah. memories.

"The Lagoon"

This place has held so many places in my heart...from fantastically awesome as a youngster to practically the scourge of the planet as an adult. It has officially returned to being fantastically awesome. Maybe it's because I didn't have to stand in line behind half clothed individuals bringing PDA to a new level. Or maybe it's all these smiles that my girls just couldn't hold in all day long. If there were a perfect day, it would have been Monday. It was supposed to rain (but was a mild 75ish degrees with sunny skies all day), so I think it scared people into staying away. Which=short lines, which=more rides to fit in, which=sooo soooo many smiles.

Waiting for the train.

Malia was her daddy's little ride buddy. We couldn't believe how brave she was!

I guess about 11.5 years from now this will be what we'll have to look forward to...hopefully sans bumping into other cars.

Best Sisters.

Puff the Magic Dragon. Even mom got to enjoy a few rides. Malia thinks the baby had fun too.

Create

My apologies of you have already seen this. I feel I need to do my small little part in getting it passed around the world though. So, if you haven't and you want to, pass it on.

I am giving a talk on a different talk by President Uchtdorf this Sunday and am just so impressed with his wisdom and light. I know he is an apostle of God.

Please watch it if you have not yet. If you just put mascara on, you might want to wait until you take off your makeup tonight.

Real

My favorite children's story of all time is The Velveteen Rabbit, written by Margery Williams. Growing up I had a tape of this read by Meryl Streep. With the most soothing British accent and beautiful piano music played by George Winston, I would be lulled to sleep dreaming of magical talking toys (Toy Story has nothing on this tale) and the love of a child. If you don't know this story or want to hear it with the beauty of Meryl and George, click here.

Malia graduated from preschool today. I suppose to most anyone reading this, the correlation between this story and my child graduating from preschool makes no sense. Here's the thing. I always said I wouldn't be one of those cliche moms who cry at every little thing that gets checked off on their child's list of childhood experiences. And I suppose I was heartless and callous when I would read their blog posts, thinking I was way above that kind of behavior (if it can be chalked up to a behavior...probably not the right word here). But, as I sat in my living room during Tessa's nap and Malia playing outside with friends I had a moment with all her preschool mementos. A spiral-bound notebook entitled All About Malia, in which, well, obviously it told all about Malia. Complete with documenting her favorite thing to do, setting the table. Tear. Another spiral bound notebook documenting all the wonderful things she had learned through the year on her path of learning and growing. About five more tears. What is this pull of me wanting and delighting in her growing and yet not wanting her to grow one more little bit?

With these mom tears running down my face I thought, "Oh no!!! I'm one of those moms!" But, then I surrendered. And I felt a bit defensive, as the velveteen rabbit must have to the "real" rabbits in the forest. To all the people out there rolling their eyes at my sappy mom behavior I cry out "I am real!!" Or in this case, these feelings are real. This comparison very well may make absolutely no sense to anyone but my little self, and I'm ready to accept this. I just needed to write about this breakthrough and apologize if my posts become more mommyish. Again, these feelings are real and I have nearly completely surrendered to them.

And a Tessa moment. Last night, rocking her to sleep. I remember rocking Malia to sleep with Tessa in my tummy rolling around. Now, my little boy rolls around as I rock my Tessa to dreamland. These moments are so fleeting. And so real.

Yeah for spring!

Tessa yells out "Grandma, push me realllly high!!" And Malia is learning to pump her legs and make herself go realllly high. Yay for grandparent's backyards! It's so nice to be coming out of hibernation!

Could these faces be any happier???

The other day Tessa saw a picture of her Aunt Whitney (above) and pointed to it. I asked her, "is Whitney cute?" and she said "nooo." To which I asked, "is Whitney pretty?" and Tess came back with "Yeth, Whitney is so pretty." She loves her Aunt Whitney. And, as you can read, her yeses are "yeth", not yeah or yes..."yeth". I so love a little lisp.

Mother Dear

I love you so.

I love that you delight in the flavor of my children's feet.

I love your love for dogs...watching you tube video after you tube video of dogs doing funny things. I love the fact that you would take in a million and five stray dogs if they were lost or hurt.

I love that you love to do projects with my kids.

I love that you love to watch things grow... plants, kids' intellect, my stomach. ;)

Your smile is a beautiful and lovely sight to me in this sometimes dreary world we live in. Your hugs have always been like a warm blanket on a cold, cold night. I remember as a little girl just thinking you were the softest, warmest, thing I could ever hope to cling to.

Thank you, my Mother, for being my Mother. I love you.

Malia's take on Mom's life lesson

Yesterday I had to intercede in a very heated moment with Malia and her friend. Malia realllllly wanted to push said friend's baby stroller and felt that her turn was never going to come. Or something like that... I don't know, all I heard was a very loud "I hate you!!!" Ouch!! Not the sweet, friendly sentiments you want to hear your daughter spouting out to her friends. I immediately came out and apologized to friend and brought Malia in for a talking to. She was very notably angry and I waited until she had cooled off to start in on the anger management advice. And here's how it went:

Me: If you feel that angry feeling coming on then you need to tell your mouth not to say something mean. Tell it to stay shut and come inside or away from the person so you don't say something that would hurt their feelings. The best thing to do would be to come inside and say a little prayer. Heavenly Father will help take that angry feeling away.

And this is all she heard of that little lecture...

Malia: But Mom, my friends will laugh at me if I start talking to my mouth.

And I guess they probably would. I now see that I'm teaching my daughter to be somewhat of a freak. I really need an instruction manual. Anyone know where I can get one?

And the results are...

Whew! The pressure is officially off. Any boy advice will be most appreciated, as this is completely new territory! We are overjoyed with the thought of having a son, as are our girls. Malia knew it was a brother all along, we should have just listened to her. And my sister-in-law Christy did a chinese horoscope thing last night that said it was a boy. Why we even bothered going to the ultrasound is beyond me. Seriously.

Spring Break Arizona Style

Apologies right from the start for the picture happy post. I do consider this a backup if my computer should ever crash (I know, I should really do something more reliable which would involve all of my pictures, but, you know...I'll get to it eventually, just like cleaning off this desk I sit at. Wow, just beginning a post and I digress). So, we had a fantastic time in AZ. Due to all the other areas being a bit too out of the way, we were able to visit just one area I served my mission in, Flagstaff. It was so much more exciting than I even thought it would be. To drive down almost every road and know my knuckles knocked on nearly each of those doors and my mouth testified of Christ, families, eternity, prophets, a restoration of truth, etc. to the people behind them. To have flashbacks of some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I feel, like my former comp Crystal wrote about her recent visit, that it is sacred ground for me. It was so fun to tell Darrin little stories here and there. I'm sure it was even more fun for him to hear them. :) He's sure a good sport. Anyways, I really tried to put the pictures in order, but I can't figure out blogger sometimes. So, they're completely out of order, except the last picture, which was on the way home and just sealed the trip for me.

Nick (my little cousin) and Malia at the Mesa Easter Pageant...the temple is in the background. We stayed with Nick's family (My Uncle Dean and Aunt Jan) for two of the nights. They're soooo great for having us!!
Malia and Tessa walking down a path near my apartment in Flagstaff where Sister George and I would get up and jog most every morning. Flagstaff is oh so beautiful.

In Gilbert at Riparian Preserve Malia and Tessa got to uncover fossils. Just before that we saw some cute little turtles swimming in the lake nearby.

Christ among the people in the Mesa Easter Pageant. This was so wonderful... palm trees blowing gently in the breeze as the Easter story was portrayed beneath them. Thousands upon thousands of people pondering on the Savior. Beautiful.

Me trying to show off my belly at Freestone Park in Gilbert. Looking at the picture now, I don't look like I'm showing as much as I feel like I am. Weird. We find out what we're having on Monday. Any guesses?

Malia and Tessa were transfixed by this little scene. Aren't they cute???

Sedona.

This is a church built right into the rock there in Sedona. We walked up to it and it was a really beautiful view from the inside. Unfortunately Tessa tried to run up and blow out all of the millions of candles burning, so we couldn't stay too long inside.

Trying to get the scenery in, but mostly you just see our goofy faces.

Malia pricking her finger for the camera.

Uncle Dean and Nick treating us to a fine meal of steak and salmon fresh off the grill. YUM.

The Lotts thought we were crazy for wanting to swim in their pool. It felt so warm to us outside, but was still a bit too cool for them to think of venturing into the water. Actually, the water was pretty darn cold, but Darrin and the kids were deterimined to swim!

And, the finale of the trip. Cowboys roping in their cattle who had wandered off onto Interstate 89. And darnit if I wasn't singing "Where have all the cowboys go-o-o-ne???" the rest of the way home. Once again, poor Darrin. :)