Trick or Treat...Mostly Trick

Happy Halloween everyone! Guess who DIDN'T have a baby! Me!

We waited around all day Friday, just to find out that too many people went into labor on their own, and I was bumped from the induction schedule. Since we were already in Utah, we decided to stay for the weekend.

I'm on the schedule for Tuesday for sure, but hoping someone takes pity on me and hooks me up on Monday. Seriously! Help!

An Update

I just updated the old blog with some pictures from this past week. It's been a busy one, and it's only getting busier.

On Monday evening we drove to SL and spent the night at Carl's apartment. I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday afternoon, so we got quite a bit of final shopping done beforehand. At my appointment the doctor said that I was ready to be induced. His nurse scheduled my induction for this Friday {as in, tomorrow!}.

After the doctor's appointment we drove to Price to attend Christian's Grandpa's viewing. My parents were kind enough to take the kids to Castle and for the night where they had a glorious time.

Wednesday morning came, and we participated in a wonderful {if they can ever be classified as "wonderful"} funeral service. We met up with my parents and kids and spent some time visiting with family on Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday evening we drove back to Rock Springs.

So, I am here today, cleaning up my house and getting things ready for a tiny baby. It's just so crazy! I watched Cali walk to the bus stop today and couldn't help but think how much her life is going to change by this time tomorrow. Then I realized, so is mine! We are leaving this afternoon to go back to SL for the night and then hopefully have a baby tomorrow.

Christian and I are going to try to keep people updated via text. If you want to be on our text list, and I don't have your phone number. Please email it to me {my email is on the sidebar}. Wish me luck! I have a feeling I am going to need it!

Just in Time...

I finished the crib bedding for our baby just in time for his upcoming birth, or perhaps just in time for the World Series... I used the same bumpers that I made for Carter, but had to create an entirely new crib quilt. He became quite attached to his Yankee Blankee and has been carrying it around for years. So, here's my newest creation, a Yankee's baseball inspired theme.

I think it turned out pretty well, considering I don't really have any affection for baseball, but the colors are great and Christian is really impressed. Now the Yankees just need to win the series, and he'll be set!

Grandpa Gus

Christian's Grandpa Gus passed away last Thursday morning. He broke his hip early this month, and never quite recovered from the shock or surgery. I was able to visit him at the University Hospital on the 16th of this month. He wasn't very responsive, but I am grateful for the few minutes I had to spend with him. I'm also grateful for the 10+ years I've had to get to know him. He was a man like no other! And even though he will be greatly missed, he is much happier to be reunited with Glenna, his sweet wife.

Thanks for all the phone calls and texts, Christian is doing well and he had the opportunity to say the family prayer and dedicate the grave at the funeral services. It was a sad and special few days for everyone. Grandpa's obituary was published in the SL Tribune and Des News, as well as the local papers. You can read it here.

Guilt

I think that guilt is a special emotion reserved mainly for mothers. Before I had kids I felt like I lived a fairly guilt free life. Sure, I got in a little trouble here and there...I felt remorse for things I've done. But, I can't say that I experienced a lot of full blown guilt.

Enter, kids... There is no end to the guilt you can feel as a mother. For example, when I was working I always felt guilty on slow days when I had to scrounge up things to do, knowing that my house was a mess and I'd left my kids. Sometimes when I was at home I would feel guilty about all things I had to do at work...as I dozed off for an afternoon nap.

I've had this conversation with my mother friends before, and most seem to agree. Being responsible for tiny little lives is a huge responsibility...and because we all make mistakes, guilt is a very familiar feeling!

So, on Monday I had a guilty moment. I got Cali to the school bus, dropped Carter off at preschool, worked out, and then.....I went to the spa! I sat on my butt for a good hour while a poor unsuspecting ethstitician had to man handle the grossest pregnant feet you've ever seen. It was a pretty wonderful experience, but I did feel my old friend guilt as I sat there thinking of all the things I could and should be doing!

I wish I had a before picture of these feet...You're lucky I don't!

Oh yes, one more. With all the running around we've done and still have to to do this week, my kids are missing their school Halloween parties, the Rec Center party, the ward trunker treat, and will be going trick or treating with Bethany in SLC on Saturday. I feel horrible that their plans have had to change and that they've had to miss so many things they were looking forward to.

In an attempt to make things better for them, I bought them each a cute Halloween shirt from Old Navy. They are now 40% off, so I won't feel bad if they only get to wear them for a few days this year. However, I think I bought Carter a girl shirt. He was so excited to have a pumpkin shirt, that he won't take it off. So he's running around today looking a little girly.

Oh the guilt!

I Love a Good Closet

It's true! I love closets.

Maybe it's because in the ten plus years we've been married we've spent a good chunk of it in apartments. Even our first house didn't have the storage capabilities that we dreamed of. Now, I have the most fantastic closet. Christian and Carson built the shelves and dividers a few weeks ago, and I've been filling it up ever since. It's so nice to get things out from under the bed, out of laundry room, out of bedroom closets, out of the garage, and into this magnificent closet. Check it out.

{Yes, Bethany, this would be a closet-gasm!}

Finished and Empty

Filling it up, with room to spare. There's a whole row of shelves that aren't visible in this picture because the door is in the way. Those shelves are still empty...just waiting to be filled up!

And on a side note: Carter also organized his room and lined up his toys nice and neat in his window. A boy after my own heart!

Halloween Preview

Our ward had a little Fall Festival get together on Thursday night. It was fun to see all of the kids dressed up in their Halloween best! I made a cake for the cake walk that Cali and Carter both tried to win back...both were unsuccessful. However they did pretty well at the fishing pond and bingo.

This year Cali is going to be a "fancy vampire". We tried to talk her into being something other than a Disney Princess, and she only agreed if she could still be "fancy". She won't wear the vampire teeth and fake blood is TOTALLY out of the question. However, I think her own chompers will work just fine this year! Check out the missing, baby, and permanent teeth extravaganza!

Since Carter was Buzz Lightyear last year, he HAD to be Woody this year. While we were at the festival he kept saying to me, "Come on Bulls Eye!" and "Good Job Bulls Eye!" Apparently he thought I was his faithful horse from the Toy Story 2 movie. He also insisted on pulling the above face for EVERY picture I tried to take of him. Sheriff Woody means business.

Things NOT to Say...

to a 38 week pregnant woman. And believe me, I know, because all of the following have been said to me {by complete strangers} within the last few days.

The Deli Meat Cutter Lady At Smiths: How much longer do you have?
Me: A few weeks
Deli Lady: Your first?
Me: Third
Deli Lady: Haven't you figured out what causes it yet?

The Tattooed and Slightly Rotund Woman at Domino's Pizza: You look like you are going to pop!
Me: Thanks...

Some Random Lady at the Rec Center: Have you missed your due date?
Me: No...

So, if you feel the need to talk to, or touch {that needs it's own post right there!} a very pregnant woman. Think again. Think before you speak. Maybe even walk away and pretend like you don't see them. There is no tactful way to strike up a random meaningless conversation with a pregnant woman. There just isn't.

Unless, that is, you would like to tell me that I am glowing, my skin looks great, my hair is amazing, and my boobs are out of this world. Those kinds of comments I can work with!

Happy BURTDAY Bethany

Happy 25th {I cannot even believe you are THAT old} birthday to my sister Bethany. Our adventures together are too numerous and to hilarious to recount. Here are just a few of my favorite Bethany moments.Her excitement the first time she came to Rock Springs. Even Tyler looks like he might burst into smile too!

Going to dinner with her. We've had so many restaurant adventures.

Doing family activities with her. This was our latest undertaking earlier this year at he MS walk.

She's been my friend forever, and my best babysitter since Cali was born.

She's a very thoughtful aunt and always sends packages and presents for the kids.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and my all your dreams come true!

Lunch...

While grocery shopping yesterday Carter picked a delicious Lunchable as his prize for being a good helper. When we got home he immediately got down to business. And by business I mean...Cracker, Meat, Cheese, Oreo, Cracker....Repeat.

Assume the Position

Last Friday we took a trip to Salt Lake to squeeze in a few more doctor's appointments. I thought "assume the position" was quite a fitting title for this post, as I am now entering my 38th week of pregnancy, and if you've been there {or heard about it} you know that the doctor's appointments get progressively more involved.

It's also fitting for Carter too who had to have a yearly checkup with his allergist. He jumped right up on the table, got comfy, and pulled up his shirt exposing his back. He was willing and ready to have his skin tests. I was amazed. Not only was he not scared, he totally remembered the routine and was ready for action. Too bad the doctor was running behind schedule and we waited nearly two hours...By that time he wasn't AS cooperative. However, he still never cried and the nurses goo goo gagaed over how brave he was and he got a prize! I wish my doctor gave out prizes too!

These Boots Were Made for Walkin'

Actually I think these tiny cowboy boots were made mainly for sleeping, since {as I recall} that's pretty much what tiny babies do...We hope!

My friend Nicole sent these to me, and I just can't get enough of them. Carter has been carrying them around trying to keep them for himself. Although, he's quite disappointed that his big fat foot won't fit in them. Every time I look at them it just makes me smile.

Our little guy is going to fit right in here in Wyoming!

Thanks so much Nicole!!

A Visitor

On Saturday morning Christian's sister, Brittany, came for a visit. It was probably not the most exciting trip of her whole life, but we were sure glad she came. While she was here she played endless games with Cali and Carter, helped me carry boxes downstairs, straightened up my linen closets, helped me organize my closet, folded all my jeans, went shopping with me, and basically worked like a servant.

We were so glad she could come, and so grateful for all her help!

Extreme Makeover...Cali Edition

Cali's cute little friend, Rylee, invited her over to play for a few hours on Saturday. She was more than excited because she and Rylee aren't in the same class this year, but still insist that they are sisters who were separated at birth. Cali had only been at their house a few minutes when she called and asked if she could do hair glitter, I told her it would be fine. Several hours later Rylee's mom, Amy, called to let me know that they'd taken their makeovers to a whole new level.

The picture really doesn't do it justice! She was so happy and so giddy to have real makeup on. She pranced around like a fancy woman for the rest of the afternoon, until I saw her picking the mascara off her eyelashes {that's my trademark move}. At which point we washed her face. Later that night I sat on the edge of the tub and scrubbed the dried up glitter out of her scalp.

Today while I was straightening the bathroom I noticed a faint layer of glitter in the bottom of the tub. It made me laugh. So, I guess glitter can make old girls and young girls smile!

Bake Sale {Flu Season Style}

In conjunction with parent teacher conferences, Cali's school held a bake and book sale. Cali's teacher gave her a great review and we stocked up on some books she'd been eyeing as well. However, I kind of wondered who in their right mind would eat someone's baked goods amid all the germs and swine flu talk. I for one didn't want to buy random brownies, but Cali really wanted to bring something to the bake sale {don't you just love how they hype the kids up on fund raisers...} Anyway, my friend Nicole told me that she was going to make some candy grab bags and some ghost suckers {my favorite! tissue paper over the top of suckers, I loved those as a kid!}. I tried to think of something bake-ish I could do without actually baking. Here's what I came up with. Cookie mix, Halloween cookie cutter, tied together with a festive bow, and there you have it! Our contribution to the bake sale.

Tip Me Over and Pour Me Out

With Halloween fast approaching, and my stomach getting bigger by the minute, I am perplexed at how I will ever top last year's Halloween costume. I more resemble Mrs. Potts this year, but I am positive I won't be able to fit into this costume in my current condition. Any suggestions?

Getting "poured" all evening NEVER got old. Lucky for me I had my Little Red Riding Hood sister with me to pour me whenever I wanted!

Christian was less than impressed. Or maybe it was because he'd just driven 3.5 hours to be home for his first Halloween EVER. Either way, we were just so glad that he was able to spend the evening with us!

Oh, this just came to me...Maybe I could be a cheerleader. Pregnant cheerleaders are always hilarious. Especially if I could get my hands on a BYU cheerleader uniform...

Take a Peek

Carter made some binoculars at preschool yesterday.

They are special binoculars because, {1} they are made out of toilet paper rolls {2} they are made to spot the letters he as learned so far this year and {3} he may or may not look a little special while using them.

I LOVE This picture and am so glad that his tech savvy teacher started a preschool blog. She posts pictures and little stories about what they do each day. I love being able to peek in on his little world and see what things he's doing each day. It's so amazing...it's also private, so you'll have to take my word for it!

Even without his special binoculars he has been spotting letters all over the house. For example, last night he started screaming..."There's a B on my cup there's a B on my cup!" I rushed over thinking that I was going to have to be a hero and kill a bee. When in reality he was drinking out of a Tampa Bay Rays cup, and recognized the letter "B". I was pretty impressed.

{photo by Emily Pugmire}

Duh Nuh Duh Nuh {Think Jaws Theme}

The kids started their third session of swimming lessons on Monday. I also came to the realization that getting kids out of the pool and into the car is much harder when it's cold. During past sessions I've been able to let Cali run wild and free outside with wet hair. Now, it's a little too cold for such freedoms. So, in an attempt to keep her hair dry, I bought her a swim cap.

I think it's about the cutest thing in the world. It has shark eyes in the front, a shark fin on the top, and a shark tail in the back. She, on the other hand, doesn't think it's quite as cute as I do. She reluctantly let me snap these photos with my cell phone, but she was positive that people were going to make fun of her. She was very excited to report that one of the teen aged life guards said, "cool cap!" to her.

Please take note of Carter adjusting his bum crack in the background. I have got to find away to keep this boy's hand out of his pants. Seriously!

Confusion

"Mom is it Halloween time or Christmas time?"

Good question Carter. I was asking myself the same thing when I woke up yesterday morning. I had been bracing myself for the ferocious Wyoming winter, but was pleasantly surprised to see the snow actually stick to the ground {not blow away in 70 mph wind}. In fact, there was really no wind at all...also pretty confusing.

A Turn Coat

My sweet Utah Man of a husband has slowly {yet surely} been indoctrinated by the Wyoming Cowboys. *Our friends the Sorenson's invited him to ride their Cowboy Fever bus {this bus deserves it's own blog post....possibly it's own blog!} to a Wyoming game several weeks ago. Apparently Josh was so impressed with Christian's tail gating and grilling skills that he had a special bright yellow coat made just for him. If you look closely you can see the Wyoming Cowboy logo. What you probably can't see is that under the logo it says, "Christian the Chef". Christian was more than thrilled, as you can see by his toothy grin!

A big thank you to the Sorenson's for making Utah fans feel welcome in Wyoming. Or like Josh says, "Don't think of US {meaning Wyoming} as the enemy, think that we have a common enemy...BYU." Now that's logic I can wrap my mind around!

*NOT just Christian's friends! Sorry again Becca!