Blessings Abound

Every year our family puts up a Thankful Tree. It is a fun and visual way for us to reflect upon the blessings we have received. This year Tyler and Hannah were able to contribute to the tree. They loved thinking of new things they were thankful for and adding another leaf to our tree.

Here are just a few of the things written on my leaves.

1. This man. He is a wonderful husband and father and provider. He loves me. He tells me all the time how much. I appreciate it more than he realizes.

2. This silly Tyler boy. He gets more enjoyment out of the little things in life than anyone I've met. He teaches me something daily.

3. My sweet Hannah Banana. She gives me hugs and kisses just because.

4. Baby sister. While this pregnancy has really tested me, I am beyond grateful that she is developing strong and healthy. 

5. My testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that He is mindful of me and my family. I have felt the peace, love, and strength that comes from coming to Him. I can see his tender mercies in my life, big and small.

6. Laughing. I love laughing so hard you have tears running down your cheeks. Everyone should laugh like that as often as possible!

7. Sleep. I love sleep. I honestly need around 9 hours a night.

8. Cars that work. Our Durango is getting pretty old. It is loud, completely unfancy, and every time it turns on I am grateful.

9. Sunshine.

10. More than anything, I am grateful that my family is happy and healthy. With so many luxuries in life, it is  this simple fact that is most important.

Arrrr Matey!

We've been invaded by pirates! At least they are cute pirates. This Halloween season was super fun and super busy. We went to family and friend parties, a school carnival, carved pumpkins, and went trick or treating. Both kids wanted to keep going after an hour and a half! Thank goodness for good weather and a wonderful safe neighborhood.

She's all girl!

Hannah turned three last week! We celebrated for two days straight. We were all pretty tired after the birthday festivities. On her birthday we went to Hogle Zoo....along with 90% of Utah. It was super crowded, but we took our time and still had fun. The birthday girl was happy to get in the stroller after a fun day at the zoo.

Later that night we opened presents. She was beyond thrilled with all the fun dress up clothes she got. Hannah twirled and used her wand cast spells on us all night long! Even though she is young, she definitely understands that on her birthday the spotlight is on her!



The next night we had a fun family party for her, complete with a pink butterfly cake, as requested by the birthday girl! She got clothes, dolls, a My Little Pony, books, and a stroller and couldn't have been happier. Hannah now loves taking care of her dolls. Hopefully that means she'll be a good big sister!

Hannah is sweet, stubborn, a talker, a snuggler, emotional, caring, helpful, and a wonderful member of our family. Happy Birthday Hannah!

Pictures say it all!

In case you missed the announcement on Facebook, I'm pregnant! Below are the pictures of the kids faces the night we told them that there was going to be a new baby in the house.

Thankfully they were excited. I don't think they quite understand how things are going to change around the house, but I'm just glad they were happy about it. Tyler even said, "I can snuggle with the baby...not at night though, because I'll want to sleep!"

My due date is April 10, 2013! So far this pregnancy has been different than the other two. I got very mild morning sickness with Tyler and Hannah. This baby has really thrown me for a loop. I've been on Phenergan twice a day since about 7 weeks.  I'm pretty sure I didn't cook for 5 weeks straight! Mostly because food sounded repulsive! My energy level has also been lower than with the first two. At one point Steve laid down on the couch and joked, "I think this is the first time I've been able to be on the couch in over a month!" Thank goodness for wonderful family and a supportive husband who have taken care of me and the kids. Thankfully, the last week has been better. I actually cleaned the bathrooms this morning!

I am simultaneously thrilled and nervous about having another baby. Part of me loves where our family is at right now. Both kids are more independent, and no diapers. Yet the other part of me knows this baby is supposed to join our family right now. I just pray that this baby is healthy...and a good sleeper!

Circus!

Last Friday we took the kids to the circus. It was a first for all four of us. We got to go see the animals and performers up close before the show started. The BEST part was Tyler and Hannah getting up on the performer's platform and dancing in front of hundreds of people. Oh, to be a kid with no fear! The theme of the circus was the Spirit of the Dragon. During the opening number, Tyler turned to me and asked, "Do you have the heart of a dragon?" I didn't know how to answer that!



This was the typical circus you think of. They had horses and riding performers, clowns, gymnasts, trapeze performers, lions and tigers and a tamer, elephants, eight motorcyclists in a small steel circle, cats, dogs, miniature horses, and the list goes on.  The lions and tigers were incredible. They were growling and taking swipes at the tamer. It was totally tense and engaging!  I think Steve and I were more entertained at some parts than the kids. All in all, it was a very fun evening out!