Running for fun

Jacob ran a 5K this morning, just for fun. So the kids and I joined him. Before his
race began, they had a small race for all of the kids that wanted to participate.

Ben thought he wanted to, but when he got to the other side, he changed
his mind. So he came to join me. I guess you could say he ran
the race before the others, without the pressure of competition.

And then the older kids took off. You can see all three of our kids on the right side.

And here they come a little closer.

The look on Cam's face is cracking me up. He did NOT want to get beat by
the girl on his right. He thought they tied. I was too busy laughing to notice.
Wait though, where is Annie girl?

Oh there she is, running right toward the front, laughing
her way through the whole thing. Typical Annie.

The three racers and their medals.

And now for the reason we came.

There is Jacob, toward the front, behind the girl in red.

And off they go!

The kids found something fun to do while waiting the few minutes for Jacob to finish.

And here he comes.

The kids were cheering like crazy and my expecting-a-baby self
was seriously fighting back a few tears. I love road races.

And here he is at the finish. His time was a few seconds faster than this says, as he was
obviously not the first one off the line. He wanted a better time. I think he is incredible.

We all do.

*Update: Jacob ran another 5K the next Saturday, again just for fun. He was a little
disappointed in his time, as it was about the same as the above race. But when he
showed me the official results, which put him 17th out of 895 runners, I couldn't
quite muster up the sympathy. Did I mention I think he is incredible?

Grandparent's Day

Every year, the kids' school has a special Grandparent's Day celebration presented by the
third graders. We obviously don't have any grandparents even close, but I get to go
and support them and it is one of my favorite things the school does. Annie did a
tremendous job and is it just me or is this girl super darling to boot?

A post where none of the paragraphs relate

Did you hear I was expecting a baby? Of course you have, I share every second I can. But I keep repeating it, both because I can't believe it and am so very excited and because it gives me an excuse for everything. Exhausted out of your mind? Yes, but I'm pregnant. See, no questions asked. Cannot remember the names of your children? Yes, but did you hear I'm working hard to grow a little human? Once again, excused. And believe you me, friends, I have a lot of places I need some leniency. Sweet chicken, I feel like a big old mess. And that is why this blog is neglected of late. I not only lack in the clever, funny department these days, but quite honestly, I'm pretty sure even being interesting is a bit past me of late.

Apparently feeling shaky and weak, when you have had plenty to eat, isn't a normal thing. You are welcome for that info, I am here to serve. No one knows why I feel that way (past blood tests look fine in the anemia area, in case you wanted to ask), so we are going to pretend my electrolytes are out of balance and drink a glass or two of Gatorade each day and see if it helps. The problem? I'm not a fan of dyes in food. I go out of my way to avoid buying food with dyes for our family. And so, in searching the Gatorade shelf, I assumed I was out of luck in the dye department. But apparently OCD pays off, folks, because there is one flavor of Gatorade that uses vegetable juice for color instead of dyes. Happiness in a bottle! It is Fierce Strawberry, in case you are all dying (pun intended) to know. Once again, you are welcome. I am going to have to start charging a fee for my helpfulness.

Why does laundry never go away? (Sorry Mom, I know you did much more laundry than I ever have and that you can't understand something being so difficult when the machines do the actual washing and drying for you, but I'm a wimp in this area.) Usually if I just keep up with it each day, it isn't an issue. But lately, I don't want to keep up with it. And then it overwhelms me. And then I whine and complain on the blog. So, if I figured out the equation correctly, I see that the answer is to do a little each day. Blast, it always goes back to that.

The kids have 23 days of school left until summer vacation. There is nothing more to be said about that. Well except, HELP US ALL, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO START CALLING OUR BREAK FALL VACATION, FOR PETE'S SAKE! As you were.


Some of my friends here have joked that all of this cold weather has made them want to turn their heat on again. Umm, I never turned ours off. (See areas where I am a giant wimp above.) And I'm not going to lie, it feels lovely.

Yesterday Jacob had meetings in NY and then a gala, with super important people, in the evening. He said the food was pretty good and the entertainment was, well, entertaining. Except a couple of times and although he didn't use the word, I'm going with painful. At one point late last night, I texted him just to say I was going to bed and to enjoy his night. He wrote back, "If you even knew..." and then he called, which I thought was odd. When I answered, I quickly figured out he wasn't going to say anything, just wanted me to hear the music that was being played. I started to laugh so hard, I had to hang up, for fear someone of great importance would hear me. Good grief, I'm honestly not even sure what to call that noise. And then I peacefully fluffed up my pillows and picked up a good book to read. And texted Jacob to tell him he should be jealous of me. He was.

I threw away my scale. Many, many weeks ago. Best decision ever. And surprisingly, it hasn't given me an excuse to eat whatever I want. In fact, if nothing else, I am more aware of actually being hungry and full then I ever have been. But I have to admit, when I went to my doctor's appointment yesterday, I was trying to decide if I thought I had gained ten or twelve pounds the past few weeks. (Thirteen weeks is my magic number for beginning to look like I am having a baby. Which I am, have I mentioned that?) I haven't gained an ounce people. That is a giant miracle and a big old bag of bragging all in one. Sorry about that. But please keep in mind I am only 15 weeks (well, in a couple of days) and please don't ask me in another 15 weeks. I can guarantee the answer will be just a little different than today's.

I LOVE the Book of Mormon. I made a goal at the beginning of this year and it was extremely important to me that I follow through on it. I can't get over the fact that we get to do things with our time that bring us happiness and peace and joy and contentment, and then the Lord blesses us in addition. His goodness is beyond what I deserve. I'm so grateful.

Happy Tuesday! I'm off to do a load or three of laundry. And play a game with Ben. And sit in my warm house and smile. And wait for my three oldest to come home, along with their father.

And be overwhelmed with all of my incredible blessings.

An odd relationship

That piece of transportation you see to your left is how our children get to and from school each day. The school bus and I have a love/hate relationship. Well, love is kind of strong. And hate, at times, isn't strong enough. (And that is not just because in the town we live in, we will be paying $550 for all three children to ride the bus next year. No, I am not kidding. Yes, I felt sick even typing that. Anyone ever paid for their kids to ride the school bus? Help a lady out, please.) Anyway, back to my strange relationship with the large yellow (or is it orange) piece of traveling metal.

I watch the situation with the bus like a hawk. I wouldn't hesitate for seven seconds to pull the kids off the bus. So far, any problems there have been haven't escalated to the point we would need to pull them. But good grief, sometimes there are ridiculous things that happen and kids that are really mean. It is really hard for me at times to see them go through it. But they have always come out of it better and stronger and wanting to be kinder themselves. And especially to make good choices about the things they say and do. Don't get me wrong, we don't have constant problems or anything, but stick 50 sweaty, tired kids in a large piece of tin at the end of the school day and boy howdy, you are asking for trouble.

On the other hand, I was standing at the door waiting for the bus to pick up our three oldest this morning, and I felt so grateful for them and for the opportunity they have to ride the bus. It teaches them a little about the world. About the good and the bad and the hard and the fun. It teaches them that not everyone is kind and that being kind is still the right thing to do. It teaches them to be grateful to adults that serve them and to say thank you every day, even when you've said it a thousand times before. It teaches them to ignore a lot of junk (yeah for reading great books on the bus!) and it teaches them, in a small way, about handling real life, without letting it change who you are.

So for now, they will keep riding the bus. And they will keep growing up and making me proud to call them my kids. And every single one of us will keep doing our best, one day at a time.

Coming soon

But hopefully not too soon.

Fallen hero

Giddyup

Three years

This is my parents forty years ago. They had four very young children and my
dad had just been called as the first mission president of the Fiji Suva mission.
And off they went, to serve for three years.

This is my parents today. Their children are all grown, with children of their own.
My parents have just been called to serve as the temple president and temple matron
of the Fiji Suva temple. And off they will go again, to serve for three years.

I have a favorite scripture. And it has been running through
my head over and over these past many days.


"I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand
and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts,
and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

- Doctrine and Covenants 84:88


For the next three years, I know my Heavenly Father will fulfill this
promise in my parents' lives. And in the lives of those they
are leaving behind, who love them so much.

The blessings are worth the sacrifice. I know it without question. I love
the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because it helps us to become the
people we promised God we would become.

I also love my parents. More than I could express in words. And I am
so thrilled for them. Even if there are moments that three years
seems a little long and Fiji seems really far away.

When is someone considered an addict?

Actually, not sure I want the answer to that. Thanks anyway.

Yesterday I swung by the library to pick up a book that a kind library email had told me was waiting for me. And when Annie ran in to grab it for me, there was not one of my books on hold ready, but two. Two, people. Like a Christmas miracle. Only with books. And in May. I can guarantee you that the last person in Indiana to win the lottery was not as excited as I was on my drive home.

It is a sickness. I realize that.

And may I never be healed.

Fortresses and frogs

While building this:

The kids found this:

They begged to keep it. I'm a nice mom so I let them. For about three or four hours.
(I have always told the kids, "nature stays in nature" and don't plan to go back on
that anytime soon.) They had more fun building it a home out of shoebox, than
actually keeping it. It hid in the corner, where it couldn't be seen. It was fun. After
a while, I suggested we let it go and no one seemed disappointed to do just that.
How could you be with a frog this happy to be free?

Jump, Hoppy, jump. Feel the wind beneath your wings knees.

Do frogs technically have knees?

It's ramble time, oh yeah

The moment you've all been waiting for. Or dreading. Either way really.

The royal wedding was delightful. But remember when I was all prideful about actually being a part of the wedding as it was actually happening and not being a cheater by watching it later? Yeah, apparently the small baby growing inside me didn't get the memo and when the alarm went off at 5am, I was having none of it. My own wedding wouldn't have pulled me out of bed, people. I kid, I kid. Of course it would have. Because I would not have scheduled it at 5am. I may be exhausted, but I'm not dumb. Usually.

I'm not quite twelve weeks along and I've had two ultrasounds, four doctor's appointments and given nine vials of blood already. In the next four weeks I have two more appointments, one ultrasound and two more blood draws scheduled. Sigh. Pregnancy and I struggle. And it is worth every second. We already have the ultrasound (our fourth) scheduled to find out the gender. Oh the excitement, I'm not sure Annie can last that long. Or her mother.

Speaking of her mother, she has been off sweets and desserts for more than ten weeks now. (Except predetermined holidays. Actual ones, mind you, not fake ones as you might imagine could be the case.) And in the beginning, she thought it was going to kill her. (Can I stop talking in third person, I feel like Elmo, only less red? Thanks.) Especially when morning sickness was at its peak and I believed with all of my heart that the only thing that could make me feel better was an ice cream sandwich. But I didn't do it and that is a giant miracle, friends. A giant, GIANT miracle. The thought that I have not had sweets for more then ten weeks, save six holidays when I did and then went right back off the next day, there are no words. Check your windows folks, you don't want to miss the flying pigs.

Everyone who is looking for a good time should volunteer to be the room mother for at least three of her children. Anything less wouldn't give you that end-of-the-year-how-many-more-activities-could-I-possibly-be-in-charge-of? rush. And anyone expecting their fifth baby, still sick most days and too tired to wake up to watch the wedding of the decade, needs that kind of rush. After all, what else would she do with her time?

Last Sunday, I saw Jacob in the halls at church. He stopped and said to me, "Hi Love. I'm not sure what time I will be home tonight, I have to go to prison."

And that, good friends, is a perfect way to end a ramble.

Except to say Happy Cinco de Mayo! May your day be full of fabulous food, wonderful people and husbands that stay out of prison.

Anyone recognize these two?

Well, I hear tomorrow is a big day. I say that like I really don't know. Actually, this is the kind of thing that is incredibly interesting to me, so I've been surprised I've hardly been into it. (Blame nausea, I guess. I know I always do.) In fact, I've been so not into it, about ten days ago or so, I had to ask someone when the wedding was actually taking place. Well, now I know.

And I really think I will wake up to watch it. Oh how I value my sleep (and even more than usual these days), but there is something about being a part of history while it is actually happening that appeals to me. The royalty thing is nice of course, but it is the history that is what will wake me very early tomorrow morning. This is one of the times living on the East Coast has its advantages, as five am (actual wedding start time) is much easier to handle then three am.

Anyone else waking up or are you just setting your DVR? We actually don't own a DVR (or TiVo or anything else in the delayed television family), but I'm not sure I would use it anyway, so it is probably okay we still live in 1985 here at this house.

Manchester United

Our family is a huge fan of the Manchester United Soccer team. Especially Jacob and the kids. (I have nothing against them, I just don't cheer as loudly during soccer games. I think March Madness exhausts me and I don't have as much left over for soccer.)

Anyway, a few weeks back, Jacob had a business trip to England. And the kids were convinced (or just really, really hopeful) that he would run into Wayne Rooney. They begged him not to forget to take a picture with him if he did happen to see him on the streets.

Well, Jacob didn't have the pleasure, but he did the next best thing--a tour of the stadium where the team plays. He took several photos with his Blackberry and you'd better believe the kids thought it was pretty awesome. It may have even caused me to take my feelings for the team up several notches. I mean really, how clean and organized is this place?

Easter Sunday

My favorite Easter photo ever

Decorating eggs

We love our cousins!

Jacob's younger brother, his wife and their four kids came to visit and it was honestly the BEST! I don't think anyone who has had our family of six for several days would say that they were hoping we stayed longer, but I can honestly say that about Jonny and Taunya and their incredible kids. It wasn't long enough and we are trying to figure out a way to get them to move to Boston.

We loved talking and playing and having an Easter egg hunt and just being together. And that baby, I could have held her forever. She is one little sweetheart. We miss them all and hope we can get together again in the next few months.

Thanks for coming all of you! We sure love you guys!

Best purchase EVER

Next to the children, of course.

My mom

My mom came to visit last week. And it was wonderful! But then she left. And that wasn't wonderful.

We talked and laughed and watched basketball games and watched General Conference together and ate out too many times and she made sure to spend some fun time with each of the kids and on and on and on. And while my mom will be thrilled with my next statement (apparently she isn't a paparazzi fan, can you imagine?), my tired pregnant brain forgot to take a photo. A single one. That has got to be a first. You will all just have to take my word for it that we loved having her so much and that we all miss her like crazy. I guess a photo can't show that anyway.

Thanks Mom! We sure love you and hope you can come back soon!

Wow

I just had to write and thank you all for your incredible kindness. I tell you, between the blog

 and Facebook (not to mention phone calls and sweet words in person), I could not believe 

how many comments of support and congratulations we received. I was seriously blown away.

We are just as humbled, just as thrilled, just as overwhelmed with gratitude for this 

amazing miracle we have been given. And to feel so loved on top of it all, wow.

Thanks sweet friends.

Gratitude

How many feelings can you feel at the same time? Absolute joy, complete shock, overwhelming humility and total gratitude to our Heavenly Father and His amazing goodness. We are expecting baby number five. And are so very thankful.

Happy Spring!

How Ben talks to his dad

When Jacob happens to be traveling out of the country.

Testing, testing...

:::tap tap tap:::

Is this thing on?

:::tap tap tap:::

Wow, looks like it hasn't given up. I'm sure I can't say the same for several of you.

The good news? I didn't die, have a funeral and not invite you.

The bad news? My need to share my innermost thoughts apparently did.

Is that bad news? Don't answer that.

Okay, let's get you caught up.

I was born in a little town...

Not that caught up.

Life is good. The biggest news of late definitely being that my team (cue beautiful, heavenly choirs singing their name) BUTLER has made it into the Elite Eight. That may mean nothing to many of you and I feel sad for you. But for those that get it, you have felt March Madness joy and it feels good doesn't it? Was I sad that BYU didn't make it? Very. That game last night gave me stress the likes of which have not been seen for some time (and that is saying a lot about yours truly). It was horrible. I was so sad. And I tell you it must have wiped me out, because as the Butler game started, all I remember is, um, nothing, until I woke up five minutes before the entire game was over. Gratefully Butler was winning by a good amount or I would have felt horrible. Their #1 fan sleeping during a game? That isn't right people. Not right at all. But all is well. They play Florida Saturday night and you'd better believe I got all of my sleeping out of my system. Well, during games. Believe me, sleeping is never out of my system.

What else? Oh yes, I have children. That are pretty darn funny and amazing. And you know how people always say, "but I'm the mom and I'm biased"? In my case, so not true. (Well, I am the mom, but I was talking about the biased part.) They really are the four greatest little people (some taller than others) that I know. Come spend seven minutes with them, I promise you'll agree.

Cam and Matt are starting soccer this spring. We haven't played spring soccer since we moved here, because we couldn't find a league that didn't have games on Sunday. Looks like we didn't look far enough. It was in our own town. (Long story, don't judge.) Anyway, I have to say I really love going to soccer games, so I'm pretty excited to be watching my boys this spring. They are such good boys in every way, athletic and otherwise.

Annie decided to skip on soccer (she likes it, doesn't love it) and focus on piano and running during these months. She is really getting great at both. I love to listen to her play, but my word, you should watch the girl run. I would pay large amounts of money to run as smoothly and effortlessly as she does. The first time (many months ago) she decided to try a mile she did it in something like nine minutes. I was proud people, incredibly proud. She will only get faster and I cannot even imagine.

Oh Ben, little Ben. That boy is growing up. Jacob is working from home today and spent some great time with Ben. After Ben had gone upstairs for his quiet time (turned nap), Jacob told me, "He is such a good boy." And that about sums it up. He is three and he can give you a run for your money, but his sweetness makes up for it over and over again. Plus, his dance moves make you sick from laughing.

Jacob/Bishop Allen is doing well. He has so much on his plate you might mistake it for my dinner. But do you know what? He is learning this incredible balance that seems to give his work, his calling, his exercise what he needs to and always makes sure his family has his best. Always. It is something else and honestly, I pray each day in gratitude to be married to him. Plus, he doesn't laugh and jeer when his wife falls asleep during an important basketball game. He just smiles and says "good morning" when she finally wakes up at 11:42pm. And his smile is almost not a smirk. See why I adore him?

Well, there you go. Don't you feel caught up? Don't you feel like you can now go on a better person? Don't you wish this dumb cold weather would go away and spring would bust its way out? (If you live where that has happened, I do not need to know. Do. Not. Need. To. Know.)

Take care wonderful friends. Thanks for sticking with me, even through the sparse times. I'd like to think I'm worth it.

Even with narcolepsy.

Let it begin!

Now I'm ready.

Cracking up

Throwing rocks

Darling boy