life according to rachel

NEW HOUSE!!!

2011-07-12T15:05:00.001-06:00

We finally bought our new home and need I say more? WE FINALLY BOUGHT OUR NEW HOME!!!!! :)

Growing like a weed...

2011-07-12T14:25:00.009-06:00

SO I have been completely MIA for some time... I guess the stress and time consuming job of having 7 kids, packing, moving, unpacking/organizing, going back to work, and keeping everyone alive and happy leaves little time for luxuries like blogging. But before you think I've fallen off the face of the earth, here is a quick update of baby Ryder with pictures!

10 days old.

Happy Mother's Day. 2 1/2 weeks old.

Night owl. 3 weeks old.

6 weeks old.

We called his sock-hands "paws". 7 weeks old.

Happy Father's Day. 7 weeks old.

2 months old.

2 months old. 10 pounds 10 ounces. 3 shots.

Just chillin'. 10 weeks.

Loves to suck on his fingers/hands. 10 weeks.

Pictures from hospital

2011-04-30T19:53:00.003-06:00

Birth Story

2011-04-30T19:09:00.004-06:00

Today was my due date. I'm so incredibly happy to be holding my 8 day old son in my arms rather than waiting for this day and possibly longer to arrive. I've had scheduled inductions for my last 3 kids because my body doesn't go into labor on it's own and my babies get too big for me to handle if I wait... So on Friday, April 22nd we went in to labor and delivery at 7:30 am for an elective induction.

We arrived at the hospital a little late and by the time I was changed into a gown and settled in my bed, it was close to 8:30. I was checked then and only dialated to almost a 3, 80% effaced, and baby was still pretty high. My doctor stopped by and said once the pitocin was started and my contractions were going, she'd be back to break my water to we could really get things moving. The nurse had a hard time getting my IV inserted, so the anesthesiologist was called in to do it. We decided he'd come back and get my epidural going before my water was broken. So... IV in at 9, pitocin started shortly after, Epidural in at 10 and water broken at 10:30. Then, finally some time to relax and let my body do it's thing. About 12 I was checked again and was only at a 4. Kinda bummed, but was thinking from my previous inductions, this would be an all day laboring event. I was wrong....

I slept for a little bit and Spencer got some much needed lunch. My epidural was working great and I could see my contractions getting pretty big on the monitor. Around 2:30 pm, I started feeling some pain in my side and realized I could feel my contractions coming and going. I changed positions, but with every contraction I was feeling more intense pain and it was spreading to my entire belly and my uh, girl parts. My epidural was failing and I was in a lot of pain. The nurse decided it was time to check my progress and to everyone's surprise I was at a 9. Crap, no time to fix the epidural and most important no time to really wrap my head around THIS WAS IT! I felt like I was swimming in pain. I couldn't talk during the contractions and was oblivious to everything happening around me. Spencer later told me it was a mad scramble to get everything set up and my doctor was paged for delivery. Next thing I realized, my legs were being pulled back and I was told to start pushing with the next contraction. The pain was so intense I could hardly stand it. And I was confused because I could feel it so much it my lower back and butt (TMI). I pushed and I admit, screamed for 10 minutes before I finally told myself the only way out of this pain was to get this baby out of my body. So the next contraction I gave it everything I had... I now know what it means to push through the pain. Baby's head was out and with one more push his body came too. I laid back in complete grateful relief. Ryder was born face up which explained the backside pressure and the difficulty getting him out. Spencer cut the cord and my son was placed on my chest. Wow. How do you explain falling in love with someone so tiny in an instant. I loved him before he was born, but seeing him just melted my heart. He was SO beautiful. He never cried, just looked around taking everything in. We got to spend a long time just staring at him and loving him.

After I got to my room they gave him his first bath and I spent a long time having skin to skin contact time with him... I love that. I felt so good and he was doing well so we were discharged the next day. This first week home with him has been great. His siblings love him and we feel so blessed to have him in our lives. I can't imagine life without my sweet baby Ryder.

He's arrived...

2011-04-24T21:48:00.006-06:00

Ryder Mason Black

Friday, April 22, 2011

3:19 pm

6 pounds 8 ounces

19 inches

(more info to come later... I'm tired)

end in sight...

2011-04-13T09:10:00.003-06:00

I am amazed at how much pain I can be in and still not be in labor. Ugh... today is already miserable. I am having low abdominal pain. I think it's pressure from baby's head pushing my cervix, which is good since we need to dialate, but it's bringing me to tears... I've never felt pain like this with my previous 3 pregnancies. All I can say is this better be doing something to get things moving... Regardless, I have at the most 9 days left. I'm scheduled for an induction a week from Friday. SO hoping I go a little sooner on my own, but at least I can finally see an end to this! It's what's keeping me going at this point. This little boy has by far been my most difficult pregnancy. Not sure if it's because it's the first boy I've ever been pregnant with, or that I'm just older. Probably a combo of both. Just ready to be done and hold his warm little body in my arms and kiss his fuzzy little head. That's my motivation! Hopefully my next post will be his birth story... stay tuned.

Baby Progress...

2011-03-28T16:13:00.002-06:00

We are moving ever closer to having this baby... Today's Doctor Appointment Stats:

1 cm dialated

50% effaced

Baby has turned into head-down position (not fully engaged, but at least he's finally going the right direction)

Belly measuring right on at 35 cm

Baby's heart rate at 135 bpm

Induction set for 4/22 at 7:30am

Doctor will also strip my membranes at my appointment on 4/18 to see if I start labor on my own....

It's getting close... can't wait!

the ABC's of me...

2011-03-28T10:54:00.005-06:00

A. Age: 37

B. Bed size: King… I love being able to stretch out without kicking my husband in the shins. LOVE our bed.

C. Chore you dislike: Mopping the floor, scrubbing the shower… and I HATE stopping to fill my car up with gas.

D. Dogs: none right now, but we promised our kids a dog when we finally move.

E. Essential start to your day: Ice water… especially being pregnant, I am SO thirsty when I wake up.

F. Favorite color: turquoise

G. Gold or silver: silver – except for the gold college ring my dad gave me when I graduated. It’s sentimental and I wear it every day.

H. Height: 5’3

I. Instruments you play(ed): piano and violin when I was younger.

J. Job title: HIV Supportive Services Program Administrator

K. Kids: almost 7: Kesley (17), Ashley (14), Dallin (11), Max (10), Hallie (6), Audrey (4) and baby Ryder due in 3 weeks.

L. Live: in Farmington, UT in a townhome that is too small for us. WE NEED TO MOVE!

M. Mom’s name: Diana

N. Nicknames: Rach, Princess

O. Overnight hospital stays: having babies, kidney stones, hyper-stimulation from IVF.

P. Pet peeves: Ignorant/oblivious people

Q. Quote from a movie: “Shut your mouth when you’re talking to me!” (wedding crashers)

R. Righty or lefty: right

S. Siblings: just one, my younger brother Jared

T. Time you wake up: depends… for work about 6:30ish, on days off… whenever.

U. Underwear: I love underwear… Victoria’s Secret gets a lot of business from me. I love their sales…..

V. Vegetables you don’t like: broccoli (I actually like it, but my body hates it… makes me sick), lima beans, tomatoes.

W. What makes you run late: the snooze button, my little girls refusing to cooperate and hurry.

X. X-rays you’ve had: head, wrist, abdomen, lungs

Y. Yummy food you make: cookies, chicken soup, poppy seed chicken casserole, cheesecake

Z. Zoo animal favorites: tigers, wolves

Getting ready to POP

2011-03-23T10:54:00.006-06:00

I will be 35 weeks this Saturday... countdown to D-day is in full swing. Since I will be having an induction at 39 weeks, I only have 4 weeks left ~ that's about 30 days according to MY plan... of course we all know babies often have their own plans...

My baby has been lying sideways (transverse) for several months now. He's perfectly content to stay that way it seems, so unless he turns head down on his own within the next 2 weeks, we're looking at a "version", which is where my doctor manually tries to turn the baby from the outside. Painful? YES! Worth it to avoid a c-section? Double YES!!!

So the possibility of a c-section is very real this time. I really want to do this MY way, but I realize the most important thing is a healthy baby... and I will do anything for that. If he doesn't turn and/or the version isn't successful, I'll deal with the c-section. But hoping like mad I can give birth to him on my own...

I have an appointment on Monday with my OB. She'll check to see if I have stared to progress yet... hoping for that as well since my induction will go much smoother and quicker if my body has already started to dialate and efface.

Sorry if this is all TMI. It makes me feel better to write it out and deal with it this way. And SO many of my friends and family are also expecting right now, so I know I have a lot of empathy and support from these girls. Hoping all of your pregnancies are also going well. Can't wait until we all start having our babies. ♥

Here is a photo from this past weekend. I'm now classified as ginormous... and I can't see my feet anymore.

You've got a what in there?

2011-03-03T14:30:00.003-07:00

So for weeks I've been pretty convinced I'm pregnant with an octopus. This baby is ALL arms and legs, with some elbows and knees thrown in there as well. He kicks, punches, pokes, stretches, and MOVES constantly. Either he's super healthy (and I'm very grateful to be feeling all this healthy movement) or he's the most hyper baby I've ever been pregnant with.

Lately I also have toyed with the idea I'm going to give birth to an elephant. He's getting so heavy and I'm feeling lots more pressure, uh... down there. I feel ginormous.

And the past day or so, I'm fairly sure that he's a pinball machine. Who knew a baby could poke and kick you so hard it looks like your stomach is going to burst open. Sitting in a meeting today, I had to hold my belly with both hands because it was visibly shaking and rolling as I was sitting there.

Since I'm being induced a week before my due date, I'm down to 7 more weeks (that's 49 days if your counting... I know I am). I am very anxious to be done with this whole thing. I'm excited to welcome Ryder into our family and put pregnancy behind me for good! For now... it's seriously ONE day at a time.

Week 30 Survey

2011-02-17T10:44:00.003-07:00

I stole this idea from another blog....

How far along: 29w6d
Total weight gain/loss to date: +23 pounds total (hopefully not much more… I usually gain next to nothing in the last 2 months)
Maternity clothes: Mostly since week 14, there are still a few non-pregnancy shirts I can wear, and I sleep in regular t-shirts. But sadly, even one pair of my maternity jeans is getting snug… I know it won’t make it to 9 months.
Stretch marks: A few, but nothing more than the usual. Light marks on hips and chest.
Sleep: I wake up every few hours… I can’t remember the last time I slept through the entire night. I’m always tired.
Movement: YES!!! He is always moving and kicking and poking. Sometimes I wonder if he’s really an octopus!
Cravings: Ice cold water, sometimes sweets, not anything real specific though.
Aversions: I can’t stand pizza or anything with red marinara sauce. And I hate most veggies right now.
Gender: BOY!!!
Symptoms: Tons of movement, backache, BH contractions, shortness of breath, slight swelling in feet, dizzy, nausea, SO tired!!!
What I miss: pants that button, my regular sized bras, my innie belly button, being able to see the lower half of my body.
What I look forward to: Holding this baby in my arms!
Moods: No huge mood swings… I am tired, which makes me impatient. And I’ve had a few crying spells that in the end made me feel much better.
Milestones: Every week is a milestone for me… I’m on the countdown!
Medical Concerns: Hoping to avoid a C section… crossing fingers he turns head down, isn’t too big to deliver and my induction progresses and doesn’t stall out.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy this time and don’t rush things… it will be chaos soon enough with a new baby and 6 kids…
Worst moment this week: I passed 2 kidney stones over the weekend… don’t wish that kind of pain on my worst enemy. Just horrible.
Best moment this week: Baby keeps getting hiccups and the rhythmic jumping low in my belly is so cute. Makes me smile.

Holiday Pictures & More... finally

2011-02-07T11:49:00.006-07:00

Finally got some pictures from Christmas and such uploaded on our computer... sheesh, you'd think we have a billion things going on or something. So here goes...

Dallin, Hallie & Audrey with my nephew Ricky and niece Jenna

Christmas Eve at grandma Fullmer's house

Kesley passed out on the couch on Christmas Eve

Spence and I (5 months pregnant) on Christmas Eve

Kids waiting to see what Santa brought Christmas morning

Santa couldn't get it all under the tree... we have a ton of kids!

Tearing into stockings from Santa

Opening Santa gifts

Christmas pretty much exploded in our living room

Hallie's 6th birthday

Thrilled she got a wedding barbie... just what she wanted

Life moves fast!

2011-01-24T11:07:00.002-07:00

So here we are a month after Christmas and I STILL haven't posted my holiday pictures. I haven't even downloaded them off my camera! Guess I'm pretty distracted with 9 million other things going on in my life. (((just breathe)))

We are on the countdown to baby... Twelve and a half weeks until I get induced. I am busily making blankets and burp cloths and other fun things for him (will post pictures when they are finished). The baby is getting much bigger and his kicks and punches are starting to hurt! It's becoming harder to get comfortable at night; I can't remember the last time I actually slept the entire night all the way through... guess I'm once again getting prepped for those middle of the night feedings.

Our town home is still for sale and we are SO anxious to get it sold and move on with things. It's been such a frustrating situation, but hopefully spring will bring on some motivated buyers and we can get it done. We have NO idea what to do after it sells. The plan was always to build, but we are thinking that moving right into a house would be great for all of us, so if we can find the right home at the right time at the right price, we would try to go that route. Just have to wait and see and hope the stars align I guess.

I'm rambling... which is boring. I will post pictures about our lives very soon. Just wanted the 3-4 people who actually read my blog to know I am still alive.

BIG ultrasound

2010-12-27T10:18:00.002-07:00

And when I say big, I don't just mean the ultrasound itself... we have a big baby. Our little bundle is measuring a full week and a half ahead of where he should be. He's supposed to be just reaching his one pound mark, but they say he's more than likely already a pound and a half. That doesn't sound like much of a difference, but when his weight is supposed to double over the next 4 weeks... and then double again, you see where this is headed.

Other than being bigger than we expected, he's forming beautifully. Everything looks great and all systems are where they are supposed to be. And he is FOR SURE a boy... NO question!

He's laying head down with his legs up above his head, almost in a yoga position. So I get kicked up high, and punched down low... and he REALLY moves a ton now. Not too painful yet, but soon he'll be packing quite a punch I'm sure.

Here are a few ultrasound pics....

Black Family Christmas Party

2010-12-15T11:30:00.003-07:00

Last Saturday we trekked up to Heber for a fun Christmas party with Spencer's family. We had a yummy lunch, the kids all participated in the nativity reenactment, and we opened some gifts. We hadn't seen most of his family since summer, so it was fun to visit and catch up. Out of the blue, Hallie climbed up on Spencer's mom's lap, threw her arms around her and said, Oh, grandma, I love you so much! His mom was SO thrilled! I am really happy with how well my kids are blending in with his family. They are all very welcoming and sweet. Again, I just feel SO blessed...

Half Way!

2010-12-09T14:40:00.002-07:00

I am half way to getting this little guy here... his movement has really picked up this week. I can feel him kicking and bumping around inside. And Spencer has finally felt him thump a few times. Hallie and Audrey are obsessed with hugging and kissing my belly. We are getting past the shock and becoming much more excited. Big ultrasound scheduled in 2 weeks.

Here's a belly shot from this week... can't hide the fact that I've got something going on!

Movement!

2010-11-22T11:31:00.002-07:00

I started feeling my baby moving this past weekend... I love this milestone. Up until now pregnancy always feels so surreal, but feeling the fluttering and squirming inside makes it suddenly very real! I'm sure I won't feel quite the same about him moving and groving once he's kicking me in the ribs and keeping me up at night, but I love the reassuring feeling right now that he's really in there.

This pregnancy is really moving along quickly... and with the holidays over the next 5 weeks, it will zoom by even quicker. Looking forward to 2011 and his debut in April. It will be here before I can even think about it. Yay!

Locks of Love

2010-11-15T09:58:00.003-07:00

Last week Hallie was complaining as usual while I brushed her long hair and pulled it back into a pony tail. She wanted to wear it down, but I explained how snarly it gets when she wears it down to school. She pleaded, "Mom, can't I just please cut my hair shorter so i can wear it down?" Well, duh... why didn't I suggest that! I said, well sure you can if that's really what you want... and you know, you can also donate it to be made into a wig so someone who is sick and doesn't have hair will have beautiful hair to wear. That was it, she totally wanted to donate her long hair. I waited 2 days to make sure she really wanted to go through with it. Thursday morning we took her to Fantastic Sams (who is awesome by the way, free haircut if you donate your hair) and the transformation began...

She was thrilled with her new short hairdo and so excited her hair will be used to help someone in need with Locks of Love. Proud mom is a complete understatement. I love this kid!!!

We are having a.....

2010-10-21T13:26:00.004-06:00

This morning we had a gentic screening ultrasound because according to all the stats I am old and at a slightly increased risk for genetic abnormalities. It isn't anything I am super concerned about, but just want to be on the safe side and have as much info as possible about this little baby. After a meeting with a genetic counselor and getting some blood work (and a HUGE wait because as usual they were running behind), we got to take a peek at our little baby again. As all the measurements were being done, the ultrasound tech was talking with us about our other kids and asked us what they were hoping this baby would be... then she asked if we wanted her to look and see if she could tell. Um.... YES!!!!! So she scanned under the baby and it was immediately obvious what we are going to have... it's a BOY!!!! His parts are so obvious and even the tech was surprised. She said she's never seen a baby so obviously a boy at this early of a stage in pregnancy. I'm just shy of 13 weeks, but measuring a full week ahead. There's no question he's a boy and we are very excited! He looked good and the heartbeat was measuring normal. We'll have preliminary results about the genetic screening soon and then some more bloodwork to follow-up and so we should have some good info about his health. We are both really happy he's a boy... this is awesome for our family! :)

Going Nowhere...

2010-10-13T15:44:00.002-06:00

So, have I ever mentioned how much this housing market sucks??? Maybe a few times. Now I really hate it. Our buyer's financing fell through yesterday. Yep, THREE days before we are supposed to move. We are packed, we had our rental home secured and deposit paid, we had met with our builders to get the new home started (luckily had not paid them any money yet), and now we are beyond frustrated...

We were SO close to finally progressing with this whole housing situation. Now we are back at the starting line. It really sucks and we are pretty upset. So our house is going back on the market and we are staying put. And now we are going into the hardest time to sell a home... the holidays. I just can't believe this has happened... are we a bullseye for bad luck or what? Sheesh!!!! Somebody throw some good karma our way! PLEASE!!!!

SOLD!!!

2010-09-27T10:23:00.003-06:00

Our townhome is under contract and technically sold. 99% sure the financing will be fine for the people who want to buy it, so in less than 3 weeks we are going to be homeless. They want us out by October 15th...

We've found a couple rental homes we are trying to look at and hopefully one will be able to agree to our terms of a 6 month lease while our new home is being built. If all goes well, we will be applying for permits and getting things underway with construction very soon... hopefully getting our basement dug out before the ground freezes for the winter!

We are VERY excited and honestly totally freaked out at the same time! Stress levels are super high at our house, but we're taking it a day at a time and happy that we are moving onto the next phase with getting into our dream home. YAY!!!

Are you serious??? It's +++

2010-09-20T16:40:00.004-06:00

Yes, this is exactly what is looks like... an ultrasound picture of our surprise pregnancy. Okay, so it looks like a blob, but it's a tiny little baby complete with a very beautiful and healthy beating heart.

Just FYI... The pill is seriously only 99.7% effective people... we are living proof!!! I'm now about 9 weeks along... due the end of April. We've known for about a month and are still a little shell-shocked, but the kids are pretty excited and we are starting to get more excited as well (just needs to sink in). Wow, seven kids... I'm shaking a little just typing that! This little miracle will be VERY loved... ♥ Hoping for an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy baby. :)

Our house... the infirmary

2010-09-14T11:18:00.002-06:00

We have been passing around the flu/cold bug for almost a week now. Started with Audrey last week and moved on to Spencer and I (although didn't affect us as bad as her) and then Kesley got it, and finally Hallie and Dallin. Now Max and Ash are with us this week and I'm just waiting for them to catch it as well. Ugh... I hate sicknesses!!! Maybe we'll be lucky and get them done early this year and have some luck through the winter without getting anything major. Flu shots are at my work next week... we are ALL getting them!

And to add insult to injury, I have a lovely eye infection that makes it look like I'm crying all the time. Enough is enough, right? Seeing my Dr tomorrow for even more issues... Stop the insanity!!!!!

August Recap...

2010-08-31T08:49:00.002-06:00

WOW, this past month has seriously been crazy!!! I'm pretty happy to see it go and move onto fall... Some of the MANY things we accomplished/got through/survived/and even enjoyed:

My birthday weekend... thank you Spencer!
Scorpions concert... this was my favorite band in high school. Man, they are old... but they can still Rock It Like a Hurricane (forgive me, that was pretty lame).
Stuck kidney stone = emergency surgery. ugh... NOT fun!!!
Back to school shopping, shopping and more shopping! 6 kids is killing us!!!
Work deadlines and projects... but at least I got out of going on my DC trip!
Hopefully we have figured out a way to sell our house and still keep our credit in tact... now we need some buyers. C'mon, we're practially giving it away...
Kids started school: Kesley is a junior, Ash is in 8th, Dallin in 5th, Max in 4th, Hallie in kindergarten, and Audrey in pre-school. And the 6 of them are at 5 different schools.
Dallin, Max and Ash are playing soccar this fall... we have either games or practices EVERY day except Sunday for the next 7 weeks. It's crazy...
Kesley got her first car... and it was terrifying watching her drive it away from the DMV after we registered it. My baby is almost 17!
And one last major last thing I'm not going to post yet... have to figure some stuff out first.

Bring it on September. After this past month, I think I'm ready for anything.

Frusrated!!!!

2010-08-10T13:39:00.002-06:00

Can I just say this housing market is insane!!!!! When Spence and I got married this past spring, we decided that my 4 kids & I would move in with him & his 2 kids into the townhouse he bought in Nov 2008. 8 people in a 3 bedroom sounds ridiculous (and it is), but we were confident it would be temporary. We were working with his bank to short sale the townhouse since it appraised for $15,000 less than he owed on it. AND we were willing to take out a loan for the difference (out of our own pockets) to ensure the bank received their FULL LOAN amount. AND if the townhouse still wouldn't sell (plan B), we'd rent it out.

We've picked out our house to build and lot to build it on. We have the money to put down on it. Then everything fell apart. New housing regulations were released from the feds... Anything termed a short sale would be reported on your credit as a foreclosure. WHA??????? The bank gets ALL of the original loan paid back to them and it's STILL a foreclosure? I know, makes NO sense to us either. OK, so we'll rent it out... NOPE!!! Regulations now say that rental income has to be reported on your taxes for TWO YEARS before it will count as income.

AND to make everything so much better (that was SO sarcastically typed)... the townhouse community that we live in continues to build even more townhouses and selling them even lower than this townhouse is approved to short sale for. Who in their right mind would buy a more expensive used townhouse if you can buy a brand new one for less money. No idiot I've ever met.

We are SO frustrated. We both have good jobs and make decent incomes... we would qualify for twice the home we want to build. But because we can't get out of this stupid townhouse, we are stuck. We obviously can afford our home but we don't fit in it. Victims of a ridiculous situation we have NO control over. At this point, I'd love to just pack our things and walk away... except that would cremate Spencer's credit and we'd be unable to build/purchase a home for 5 years. Even then, it would be hard to get a good interest rate. And rates are SOOOOO low right now, who knows where they will be in 5 years. Home prices could again skyrocket by then too...

So what do we do? We cannot stay here much longer. Kids are going insane and making us lunatics as well. It isn't fair to them and nobody has any privacy. Ugh, seems like an impossible situation, huh? I know I'm not the only one stuck in a messy housing problem, and I am grateful we have a home and we can afford it... we just don't fit in it!!! Grrr..........

Highlights from my Birthday Weekend

2010-08-02T12:50:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday, but in true Rachel-style, I like to drag it out and party and celebrate for as long as I can... My fun started last Thursday...

Thursday, July 29th

Left work early to get my 3 youngest ready to go camping with their dad for the whole weekend. I love my kids dearly, but this was much anticipated because it meant I would have 3 whole days to sleep in as long as I wanted... oh, the blissful heaven of laying in bed and not having a 3 year old pestering you for cartoons & apple jacks at the butt-crack of dawn on a weekend...

Received some unexpected birthday cash in the mail from my grandma... woo-hoo!!!!!

Went to a lovely dinner with my amazing husband Spencer and his two kids, Max and Ashley to Spaghetti Factory. Oh, dinner was SO good!!!! It was really nice to do something with just them for a change.

Friday, July 30th

Saw "Dinner For Schmucks" with Spencer and my oldest Kesley. She really didn't want to go at first, but ended up having a great time with us. After we grabbed a quick lunch at the mall food court and then shopped a little too. Spence got me the cutest necklace...

Later, dropped of Kes to work and picked up some yummy pasta for a quiet dinner at home. Watched a movie and got to relax!

Saturday, July 31st

Spence gave me my present a little early... cutest tee from Buckle... I love it!!!

Headed over to Good Times Tattoo and got my 2nd tattoo (the ankh - Egyptian symbol of life) on my ankle. Also touched up my hearts tattoo on my shoulder blade and added a flourish to tie it together better. VERY happy with the outcome... but OUCH!!!!

Quick lunch and a little shopping at the Gateway. Got a new phone case for my IPhone.

On our way home we bought 2 new fish for our fish tank as well as figurines of Spongebob and Patrick - we already have the "pineapple under the sea" in our tank, so this made sense, right? :)

Stopped to see my mom and she surprised me with a new book that I wanted and $$$... glad we got to visit with her for a bit.

Didn't feel like going anywhere that evening, so we made a frozen pizza and finished watching Season 6 of 24... we are almost caught up!

Had my first diet coke in 2 months.... hey, it's MY birthday!!!

Sunday, August 1st... MY ACTUAL BIRTHDAY!!!

Had a very low key day... slept in till 11am. Colored my hair. Ordered 2 more shirts from Buckle with birthday money from my mom (thanks mom!). Pre-ordered a book coming out later this month.

Spence gave me a very sweet birthday card.

We had a yummy dinner at Happy Sumo... Vegas roll - my fav & Coconut Encrusted Halibut (seriously, it's like candy... SOOOO good!) I love that place!!! ♥

Finally found a water bottle at Dicks Sporting Goods to replace the one I melted in the dishwasher. I am SO particular about my stupid water bottle, but this one is awesome.... and it's pink :)

Picked up my kids from camping... they were all freshly bathed and even their laundry had been done. Happy Birthday to me! I missed them, so it was awesome to get them back again. They were tired, but had a blast.

Went home and kids sang me happy birthday and we had cupcakes and ice cream that Spencer had picked up earlier.... so thoughtful.

Kes gave me some really cool earrings and lip gloss. I love that she picked something out for me... it was really sweet of her to do. Made my day.

Finally got to crawl in bed and watch E! with Spence... perfect ending to my birthday weekend!!!

THIS WEEK

Planning a birthday lunch with my work friends.

Lunch on Wednesday with my bestest long lost friend Shalayne.

Lagoon on Saturday with Spence, Kes, Ash & Max (rest of the kids are floating the river with their dad).

AND in 2 weeks... Scorpions concert!!!!! These tickets were also a birthday gift from my amazing husband. Can't wait!!!!

End of June

2010-06-28T16:54:00.002-06:00

Summer is FLYING by, and by flying I mean I'm seriously getting whiplash watching is race on by... I can't believe it's almost July! We really haven't done a whole lot of note-worthy activities this past month. It seems like just adjusting to our new family life and settling into a routine has been enough to tackle for now. And we are doing quite well with all of that... especially considering all 8 of us are living in a 3 bedroom town home. We are working on a deal with the bank, so hopefully we can lower the price significantly and get this thing sold... AND keep our credit in tact so we can start building our new home. Yep, I think we are going to build in Farmington. We've pretty much decided on a location and as soon as the bank confirms the deal we are proposing, we can start to move forward with our next steps of this process...

Kids are busy too.... one word summaries of their summers:
Kesley - Work!
Ashley - Soccer
Dallin & Max - Video Games (2 of them = 2 words)
Hallie - Coloring
Audrey - Barbies

Not that these things are ALL that they do... I would feel like such a bad mom! But they are very busy with the above activities. Each of them are super good kids and we really love having our combined family life... it's SO busy (and noisy) and yeah, there's a lot of drama... but considering our close living quarters right now, we are doing very, very well and the kids all enjoy each other and being at home with everyone.

♥ Spence and I have been married for 2 months now and we are SO happy... life is very good and we feel extremely fortunate. Dream. Come. True.

A few more wedding pics.....

2010-05-27T14:19:00.005-06:00

Hallie's Dance Recital

2010-05-24T10:29:00.005-06:00

Hallie had her spring recital about a week ago. She refused to show me any of her routines, so I was a little concerned she would just stand there and do nothing. Nope!!! She totally rocked it... was one of the only girls that knew what she was doing. I was laughing and so proud at the same time. Love this kid!!!

Wedding/Honeymoon

2010-05-03T11:10:00.005-06:00

Just a few pics from our wedding on April 20th...

...and a few from our honeymoon vacation to Cancun, Mexico...

Countdown......

2010-04-12T15:08:00.004-06:00

I am gatting married a week from tomorrow. To say I am excited doesn't even begin to cover it. I love Spencer more than I can even explain... he is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t match for me. I am so happy to start a life with him and to be his wife. I sincerely can't wait.......... LOTS of photos to come soon! ♥

Engagement/Family Pictures

2010-03-16T10:55:00.005-06:00

Rachel & Spencer

My beautiful engagement ring

Our family of EIGHT!

Rachel and kids

Spence and kids

Rachel & Spencer

♥ I love this man ♥

Kesley

Ashley

Dallin

Max

Hallie

Audrey

I said YES!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-05T08:41:00.003-07:00

On Wednesday night..... Spencer propsed! He had a beautiful dinner planned at his house complete with red rose petals on the table, chilled wine, beautiful flowers and candles, he put so much thought and effort into planning the whole thing. It was SO romantic...

Then he dropped to one knee and with both of us crying, asked me to marry him. A long stem red rose had the most beautiful engagement ring tied to it.... I was SO overwhelmed with emotion. It was an amazing moment!

So we are getting married on April 20th! I know, that's really soon! It will just be a small ceremony and lunch here in Utah, then we are taking off to Cancun for our honeymoon and getting married again on the beach for fun! We are SO excited!

This is my best friend. I am so excited to become his wife and spend the rest of our lives together. He is so kind and thoughful... he reminds me of my dad. I am VERY lucky and feel so blessed we found each other!

Quick update...

2010-02-09T21:27:00.002-07:00

Life is pretty busy, so here's the quick list of what we've been up to since the Holidays...

New year's came.... I love the fresh start o a brand new year. It feels like a clean slate to work on. And the anticipation of what may come in the whole next year is always kind of exciting.
Hallie turned FIVE and all of a sudden seems so grown up. For her birthday she wanted to go to Training Table, so Spence and I took all 6 kids to dinner and then had treats and opened presents afterwards at his house. My computer crashed and I lost the few photos I remembered to take...very sad about that...
Audrey is finally staying in her bed when I put her in it at night. We went through a phase of her coming out at least a dozen times every night. It was rediculous. She's at last learning that bed time means TIME to stay in BED!
We took the four older kids to see Avitar on the I-Max on MLK day...it's such a fabulous movie and they all enjoyed the experience. I love days off of work.
Kesley was grounded the whole month of January. Is that reallya punishment for her or more for me!!!! but she was pretty complient and hopefully is learning her lesson!
Dallin's birthday is in 2 days... he will turn TEN. He's getting a Nintendo DS and I seriously think he might self combust when he opens it. Very excited to give it to him.
This weekend is Valentines and I get to spend it with Spencer... I can hardly wait! AND it's a holiday weekend with President's day. YAY!!! Love, love, love time off work (it's SO extremely stressful right now!!!)

More updates soon....

Holidays 2009

2009-12-29T20:12:00.006-07:00

Happy Birthday Audrey

2009-11-27T23:28:00.005-07:00

Sweet little Audrey turned 3 today... she was sick for part of the day, but wanted McDonalds for dinner. I think she ate 3 fries and 1 bite of chicken nuggets. I wish I coud have forseen that, I would have suggested something a little better! Anyway, she opened her presents and was SO excited about her pink princess dress-up set... it's similar to a white dress up set Hallie got for her birthday last January (Audrey always wants to wear it). Now she has her own and she's so happy! I can't believe my baby is now 3 years old...

I am thankful for...

2009-11-24T17:04:00.006-07:00

My children (even when they are naughty and I think I can't do this another second). I sincerely love them and love being their mom.
Spencer... where have you been my whole life? You are so good to me and I am amazed daily that you are a part of my life. You make me so happy. Thank you... I love you.
Our health. We are so blessed to be healthy and strong. I am very grateful.
My job. Even when I can't hardly stand it. I am very thankful to be employed, work with people I enjoy, and have health insurance.
This country... it isn't perfect, but we are so blessed to have the freedom of making our own choices. And I am thankful to those who continue to fight and are willing to die for that right.
My family & friends. After all I have been through over the past year (and more), I am so appreciative of the love and support I have received.
Opportunities. Sometimes the greatest blessings come when we least expect them and in the most unusual ways. I am learning to always be open to change and never let opportunities pass me by...
Time. Each day is a gift and I am learning to appreciate the expereinces and memories each day brings.
Simple things. It doesn't take much for me to be happy and content. I am grateful for the small things in my life that make the journey so much sweeter. And for those in my life that do small things that let me know they care and love me.
The Lord. He has blessed me with the above and in so many additional ways...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Riding in the car...

2009-11-16T11:01:00.004-07:00

This morning as I was driving to work with Miss Hallie and Miss Audrey, there was a commerical on the radio about the dangers of secondhand smoke. Hallie asked me what "hand-smoke" was, so I explained the danger of breathing the air around someone who is smoking. I told her about getting the smoke in your lungs and that is isn't good for your body. She thought about that for a minute and then told me "we shouldn't eat marshmallows anymore either". What????? "Yeah, they get smoke in them when we roast them in the campfire, so they aren't good for our bodies." LOL... after I quit laughing, we talked about how marshmallows are ok... and hotdogs too. I love how little kids think... so cute.

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-02T09:28:00.007-07:00

Hallie as Batgirl & Audrey as Tinkerbelle... at their pre-school costume parade.

My cute girls.

All ready for trick or treating.

Audrey was SO tired... she was not happy about posing for pictures.

Hallie loved her costume... she came up with it herself out of the blue. I didn't even know she knew who batgirl was...

Scary Skeleton Dallin. He was so excited about painting his face... turned out pretty cool!

Quick visit to grandma's.

Pirate Spencer =)

Gypsy Pirate Rachel (love the tattoo Spence drew on me)

Ready to storm the neighborhood...

Sorting and eating the candy

Dallin and Max spent over an hour going through their candy... picking & exchanging it.

P90X

2009-10-05T14:39:00.002-06:00

Day 1 of 90 starts today... Spence and I are starting P90X and are gonna get toned and super healthy. I am excited and scared all at the same time. It's an intense workout regimine and nutritional plan. I can do this, but what am I thinking starting it before the holidays? No, it will be fine... the 12 weeks is up just before New Years, so come 2010... we'll be starting the new year out right.

I'm debating posting before and after pics... we'll see how I feel as time goes by. But stay tuned for updates periodically... I am hoping to see fantastic results!!!

Happy Birthday Kesley

2009-09-29T15:05:00.006-06:00

Kesley turned 16 yesterday... I know, how is that possible??? She's a sophmore in high school... I don't know where the time went. She wanted Spence and I to take her to the Spaghetti Factory with her boyfriend Devon and best friend Tazia (who also turned 16 the day before Kesley). And then afterwards we went back to our apt and had cake. I think she had a great time....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KES!!!

Fun afternoon at the zoo...

2009-09-20T20:26:00.004-06:00

We had a super fun afternoon at Hogle Zoo with our SIX kids... had a few moments with them all running in opposite directions, but it was a great afternoon. So many cute new baby animals at the zoo. Loved it...

Kids climbing on the bronze rhino.

Dallin, Hallie & Max

Audrey enjoying her ice cream - actually my ice cream that she stole ;)

Ashley & Kesley

Spencer and me =)

baby tigers

baby giraff

baby elephant

cute penguin

black bear

Ambulance, Hospital, Ugh!

2009-09-14T14:13:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday Hallie was coming down with a cold, but was still well enough for preschool/daycare. At lunch I checked on her and she didn't want to eat, just wanted to lay down and rest... she was starting to wheeze. By 4pm I went down to check and she was struggling harder to breathe, so I took her home. I soon realized she wasn't getting better and was more lethargic, so I called her Dr and then took her to Kid Care (insta-care). As we are checking in, they tell me their facility isn't contracted with my insurance. Great... so where do I take my child??? About this time, the nurse came out into the waiting room and took her O2 reading, scooped her up and said, this kid's not going anywhere...

So we spent the next 3 hours giving her oxygen, albuterol, steriods... anything to get her to keep her oxygen levels up... nothing was working. So they transported us via ambulance to Primary Children's Hospital. After 7 1/2 hours in the ER, a chest x-ray, and more breathing treatments... she was admitted at 4 am.

She was NOT thrilled about being back in the hospital. Everytime someone walked in, she shreeked, "what are you going to do to me???" She even yelled at the janitor. Her lungs were all crackly sounding and her oxygen levels couldn't be stabilized... we got to spend the next 2 days confined to a hospital room... do you know what it's like to be in a room with a bored, overly-tired, very dramatic, bossy, scared, sick 4 year old??? I wanted to light myself on fire at several times...

But we made it. She was released Saturday night and diagnosed with severe asthma. She'll be on daily maintenance for a long time... hopefully it will help us avoid these scary flairups in the future. So scary to see your child struggling for air.

So even though she wasn't the best behaving patient... she was by far the cutest...

School update

2009-09-03T14:59:00.003-06:00

Kesley started high school this year... seriously can she be this old??? She's taking drivers ed since she will turn 16 at the end of this month. After really struggling through jr high... at 4 different schools mind you, she loves high school. This is one relieved mom, I have really hoped this would be the case. It's fun because she is attending the same high school I did! She's excited about this weekend's football game and so far has straight A's... this is amazing!!!

Dallin is in fourth grade and is attending a brand new school... just built and opened this fall. It is a beautiful building and only a block and a half from our apartment. He has a super cute teacher and was thrilled to find out many of his friends from our old WX neighborhood are in his class! He's had a great start, now just to keep this kid motivated (and quiet... he likes to chatter). Oh, and he loves reading... yay!

Hallie is in the pre-school program at her daycare. She is so thrilled to be in the "big kid" class. She's looking forward to learning how to read and is figuring out how to sit still and follow directions... so hard when you are only four. But she wakes up excited for school everyday, especially today because she also starts dance lessons this afternoon. Seriously, it's all she's talked about for the last 2 weeks.

Audrey is attending her daycare class minus her big sister, which has really rocked her world. She's had a rough time and had a few tears missing Hallie. Yesterday was great though... she made it through the whole day without biting anyone AND she proudly stripped off ALL her clothes and used the potty all by herself! She had her teacher rolling with laughter when she found Audrey buck naked, but proud as could be. Ah, one step at a time.

Yep, I love back to school...

DISNEYLAND for my birthday

2009-08-16T19:52:00.007-06:00

Spencer and I went to the happiest place on earth to celebrate my birthday... It was an awesome weekend... my best birthday EVER!!! And the best thing??? We didn't have kids with us. Now I know, Disneyland is so much fun to experience through the eyes of your kids (and we are taking all 6 of them back later this winter), but it was great to do what WE wanted to do, stand in lines without anyone complaining or whining, and seeing other people's kids meltdown and smiling because we weren't dealing with it. BUT, almost everything we saw or rode made me think about how much the kids would love it, so I am very excited to take them back, but was equally excited to be there with just Spence...

New Family Pictures

2009-07-10T19:35:00.003-06:00

We spent this morning at Target getting some much needed picture updates of the kids. And they actually cooperated really well and I'm very happy with the results... There are some posted on my blog layout as well as a whole bunch below...

Summer...

2009-07-01T08:03:00.008-06:00

Hard to believe it's already July... summer is one-third over with and it feels like it just barely started. We've had some fun adventures already, although with this being the first summer I have worked full-time in more than 10 years, it's a bit of an adjustment. Still, we've managed to get to the zoo, seen some movies, played in the pool, took the older kids to Las Vegas to see the Broadway Lion King, and just hung out and had fun. Dallin is spending part of the week at his dad's house this summer... I know he's enjoying spending time with his dad and his grandparents... and he's got some friends up there, so I feel really good that while I work, he's having a good summer. My little girls are at my work's daycare and LOVE it there... they call it their "school" and are especially excited fro Thursdays since that's Toy Day and they can bring something from home. Kesley has a Lagoon pass this year and is putting it to good use. She got her learner's permit to drive last week... scary she'll be 16 this fall (ugh, I'm getting old).

Here are a few pictures from our summer fun so far...

Hallie's Hospital Scare

2009-05-13T13:04:00.006-06:00

A week ago today, I had an appointment scheduled with Hallie's pediatrician. After a week of her feeling so lousy and having a weird rash on her torso, her hands started peeling over the weekend, so I called her doctor and they wanted to see her. I also told them my suspicion that her symptoms were very much like Kawasaki Disease (thanks to BIL nurse Eric). So as we are walking into the lobby for our appointment last Monday morning, my cell phone rings... it's the nurse telling me to take my child directly to the ER. Information that would have been helpful 20 minutes ago when we were already in Salt Lake... grrrrrr! So off to Primary Children's we go...

Five hours later, an IV later, Many tears later, and an EKG... Hallie was admitted to the hospital with the suspicion of KD. Later that night... more blood work and an attempt at a strep culture (where she bit my finger). She made me sleep in her hospital bed with her... I was soooo exhausted, I was just happy to lay down. And she was so cute, I would have done it anyways. The next morning it was decided she probably didn't have KD because her fever broke after 4 days and one of her blood tests for a protein they look for was negative. She had every other symptom, but the head neurologist came and talked with us and said her was very confident she didn't have KD. They discharged her later that afternoon.

So what the heck was wrong with her??? Don't know... her doctor thinks it was a bad reaction to a virus she picked up, maybe strep. She is being treated for strep since if it's left untreated, it can lead to rheumatic heart fever later. She is still not fully recovered... her hands are still peeling, but healing (they look so raw), her feet has also started to peel, her skin is SO dry and she still has episodes of red bumpy rash on her bum and inner thighs. She complains her body aches too. It's frustrating, but her Dr still thinks it's from a stubborn virus. Guess I'm going to have to put my trust into their medical expertise.

Is this the happiest kid you've ever seen in the hospital or what? Don't get me wrong, she definitely had her moments of hysteria...

Hallie getting her EKG to make sure her heart was not damaged. It took us 20 minutes to get her to lie on the table. At one point she was kicking at me from one corner of the room.

My sweet little princess... she honestly looked so sweet and innocent sitting in her hospital bed.

AND.... as if staying in the hospital wasn't enough, later that night, we were taking the kids on a walk and Hallie tripped and face-planted on the road. Scraped all down her cute face and two swollen lips. Maybe I need to put her in a bubble.

Puerto Vallarta

2009-05-03T19:54:00.005-06:00

Just week ago, Spencer and I got home from a fabulous vacation in Mexico, yeah I know - swine flu... Don't freak out (my mom already took care of that for everyone), we are fine - no illness here. We had a great time... the beach was amazing and the weather so beautiful. The town of Puerto Vallarta was fun to explore... we went to the flea market and walked along the boardwalk along the beach. It was so hard to come home and go back to the routine of work... wish we were still on the beach (((sigh))).

First night in Mexico

Beautiful beach view from our window

Soaking up the sun on the beach

All smiles after Spence went parasailing

Day we went home - but we'll be back!

Overdue Update :)

2009-04-21T09:43:00.005-06:00

Hi! Remember me? Yeah, I used to write on this blog, quite a bit actually.... Lately I've been a little distracted and forget that I need to keep up with documenting everything going on in my life (that was said sarcastically). And there have been some big changes...

The biggest change is my house finally sold!!!! I am so lucky... houses in my area are NOT selling right now but mine sold for a fair price and I am free and clear of it. We moved about a month ago to a 3 bedroom apartment in North Salt Lake. Quite the adjustment going from a comfortable home to a small apartment. (I hate sharing walls, floors and ceilings with my neighbors - I don't want to know when they are vacuuming or flushing the toilet). But we are adjusting there and the kids are looking forward to the pool opening soon.

Another big change in my life is that I am dating someone... and it is going very well. I met him in December through a mutual friend. We've been dating seriously since mid-February. He's been through a lot of the same issues that I have and we just seem to connect on a level I never imagined. His name is Spencer. He has 2 kids (girl: 12 and boy: 8). He works for Disney as a graphic designer making video games. I admit it, I have fallen for him... and he for me too :) I am VERY happy.

Dallin also turned 9 since I last wrote. I need to get some pictures of him on here and show how much he's grown over the past 9 years... he just started baseball again this week and had his first game last night... he won!

My ex finally got a job about 2 weeks ago, which I am very thankful for... hopefully child support will be more consistent now... keeping my fingers crossed. And we are getting along much better... he's dating someone as well and it has taken a lot of pressure off of me.

Well, that's the big things that I can think of since I last updated my blog. I can't promise I will be as consistent as before, but I will make a better effort to keep up...

This is a picture of Spencer and I with our friends Paul and Jyl at Happy Sumo... taken about a month ago.

Three Years...

2009-02-03T12:42:00.002-07:00

This was my stop before work this morning...

Miss you dad!!!!

Just Laying Low

2009-01-29T14:20:00.002-07:00

I'm still around... haven't written much recently, but I have just wanted to lay low and do my own thing... It's amazing to me how many people have an opinion about my divorce... or my life... or my kids... or anything else personal they feel they should talk about with me. While I don't mind sharing what has happened in my life (it's no big secret), it's really hard to hear people challenge me when nobody but me has walked in my shoes... My decisions were based on my own experiences and I would never suggest that this is the right choice for everyone... so why tell me I should have done things different. It's done. It's over. And I have no reservations that this wasn't the correct path for me to follow. Not to say that it isn't hard, it's just a new set of challenges - but ones that I am more than capable of meeting. Hmmmm..... it's just so frustrating.

The other issue I am dealing with, that I really didn't anticipate, is all the gossip that goes on when something major happens in your life. I can't even believe the things that have been said... so blown out of proportion and so many half truths. It hurts a lot that I seem to be the topic of so many conversations... and they do get back to me. I guess this is when you learn who you can trust and who your true friends really are. So sad...

Anyway, I am doing good. We are still adjusting to a new routine and things are different... but we seem to be finally settling. My house has technically sold - the sale is contingent on the buyers selling their house though, so we are leaving it on the market and if another offer comes in, we can get around the first offer if needs be. I am anxious to be out of here and making a new start with our lives.

Happy Birthday Hallie

2009-01-10T09:05:00.008-07:00

Today is the day Hallie has anticipated for months... she is finally turning four!!! Hallie is constantly thinking about what holiday is next and her birthday has been on her agenda since about August. This morning, I said - "Happy birthday Hallie, you're four now!" She replied - "Oh, I'm so happy...thanks mom for letting me turn four today." I love this kid... she constantly makes me laugh with what she does and says. She is by far my biggest drama queen, but it is so fun to watch (ask me how fun it is when she turns 12). Hallie loves princess anything... she lives in her own little princess world. She's very girlie - loves to have her hair done, loves to have her nails painted, and LOVES to play dress up. As I am typing this, I can hear her trying to argue Audrey out of the Cinderella dress becuse she wants to wear it. So, Happy Birthday my cute little Hallie!!! I am so glad to be your mom and so thankful you make me smile every single day.

ChRiStMaS

2008-12-26T11:30:00.004-07:00

Chistmas Eve was spent at our house with my kids, mom, brother and his family and my grandma...

Christmas morning was a bit stressed. Kesley had to work at 7am, so we all got up at 5am to open presents. YOu can see in this picture it was a bit rough... lens cap not all the way open, Kesley is asleep, Audrey is crying... we are a sorry looking bunch. Scott also joined us for Christmas morning...

Next week???

2008-12-16T22:45:00.004-07:00

Is anyone else overwhelmed that Christmas is next week? I am SO unprepared... and I'm a planner, so this is really unlike me. I know that I have the excuse of all that has recently transpired, but that doesn't mean Christmas will come any slower or can be postponed...

Ours will be quite scaled back holiday from years past, but that's ok. Not only is money really tight, ok maybe non-existant is more the word, but I'm just not into it either. I put up the tree of course - mostly because a certain 3 year old has asked me every day since before Halloween why we can't put up our tree today... But I have boxes of decorations I didn't even open up this time. I think I'm just going through the motions for the kids this year.

Things have changed... my whole life is going to be different. And don't get me wrong, it is fine that it's different. Adjusting to some new routines and new traditions will be hard though. And I really miss my dad right now. He loved the holidays, so I think this time will forever be a little empty feeling with him gone.

Anyway, I'm just so unprepared... am I the only one???

Update... It's Final

2008-12-13T13:43:00.002-07:00

I got word on Thurday... The judge signed our divorce decree on Monday the 8th. Kinda surreal, but a lot of relief. It's what needed to happen at this point. I'm glad 2008 is almost over, I really want to have a fresh outlook and some new goals for 2009...

House For Sale

2008-12-05T20:32:00.002-07:00

My home is officially up for sale. Anyone interested in living in Centerville? Here's the link... http://www.utahrealestate.com/849893

Happy Birthday Audrey

2008-11-27T20:00:00.006-07:00

My sweet baby turns two today. She is growing up so fast! Her favorite things in the world are her purple blanket (she calls a mimi) and anything Arial. She's a little obsessed. Audrey was in heaven today with it being Thanksgiving - her favorite thing to do is help me cook and we cooked and baked all morning long. Audrey is such a joy in my life. I love her silly grin and her slobbery kisses. I love that she makes up her own words and "talks" to you so serious - but you have no idea what she is saying. Happy 2nd Birthday baby!

Breakdown

2008-11-24T08:36:00.002-07:00

OK, so it was bound to happen... I have been going along fairly well, keeping it together and obviously suppressing my emotions. Last night I completely lost it. I had a melt down - cried and sobbed and felt sorry for myself. Being a girl, I knew this would be ultimately a good thing, because today I feel better and more able to tackle the things on my ginormous plate of life. I've recognized that I am overwhelmed and that I can't do it all. I need to learn to say no and not continue to let people tell me what to do. I am an adult for crying out loud... stop treating me like I am 14. And just because I am doing things differently or out of the norm from what others think I should be doing (or what they would do), it doesn't mean I am doing them wrong. I've never been through this before so cut me some freakin slack here. This is a learning process and I am trying to figure it out. And I have an awful lot to figure out. I'm still in the one day at a time mode, which is SO hard for me because I am a planner and want to have my future mapped. Not so easy right now since my world turned upside down and everything is up in the air. But again, even venting here is helpful. (((breathe))). Thanks for listening, er, I mean reading - love you all. :)

7 Quirky things no one knows about me . . .

2008-11-17T22:54:00.003-07:00

Tagged by my beautiful and talented Alaska friend... Tonya. (and yes, I realize this is 2 tags done in one day. It's my blog so deal with it.)

1. I talk to myself - and answer myself. I have full on conversations with me at the grocery store. Sometimes if I'm caught I pretend I'm talking to Audrey. She plays along so well.

2. I can't eat cows. I haven't had any red meat in more than 5 years and the thought of eating it makes me a little nauseated. Even when I was pregnant with Hallie and Audrey and I craved cheeseburgers with a fierceness, I didn't give in. If only I had that same willpower against chocolate...

3. I am very claustrophobic. So bad that even using earplugs or being blindfolded makes me nervous. I've had countless MRIs for my migraines and a MS scare, and all but twice I freaked out in the tube. Had to be pulled out in hysterics. The two times I was ok... much better drugs.

4. I don't know how to drive a stick shift. So stupid, huh? I just never learned and now I don't care. We've always had automatic cars, so no big deal.

5. I love graham crackers. My favorite way to eat them? Break apart the whole graham cracker into the four pieces, stack them together and dunk them in milk. So good. Hallie and I sit together and eat them this way. I also love them as smores (Dallin's fav) and in any pie as a graham cracker crust, especially a chocolate graham cracker crust.

6. I adore flip flops. I wear them year round. Only time I won't is in a blizzard. Just last week I was going into the courthouse and the sheriffs doing security check at the front doors were laughing at me cause it was freezing and I had my cute little flip flops on. But I had cute painted toes that begged to be free. Oh, remember when we used to call them thongs? Yeah, not the same meaning anymore.

7. I hate it when someone reads my magazine before I have a chance to flip though it. Drives me insane. I want it to be fresh. Same goes for catalogs in the mail and coupons/ads out of the Sunday paper. Kesley knows this and reads them just to get to me - I'm onto her.

8 Things Tag

2008-11-17T09:36:00.002-07:00

I don't have a lot I want to write about lately, so I saw this fun tag on another person's blog and just to let you all know I am still alive, here it is...

8 Movies I like to watch

PS I Love You
Juno
Phantom of the Opera
The Electric Horseman
Walk the Line
The Notebook
The Saint
The Italian Job

8 Things that happened yesterday

Made cookies with the kids. We ate a lot of dough.
Started a new book... The Hungar Games
Took a nap (thank you kids)
Finally finished folding the laundry
Furnace broke in the morning and it was 61' in our house - it's fixed now.
Made dinner
Everyone bathed/showered - major accomplishment in our house!
Planned out my week.

8 Favorite places to eat

Red Rock
The Pub
Cafe Rio
Paradise Bakery
Thai Siam
Macaroni Grill
Cheesecake Factory
Market Street

8 Things I am looking forward to

Spending the holidays with my kids.
Selling my house - not too optimistic about this one though.
Twilight movie comes out this Friday.
My 2 little nephews arriving in Spring '09.
Getting together for dinner with my childhood best freind this weekend.
Only have to work 2.5 days next week.
My mom's house being finished - love her, but having her live with us is hard.
Putting this year behind me and starting fresh in 2009.

8 Things on my wish list

Wish I was out of debt!
Wish I had more patience.
Wish Scott could find a job.
Wish I had enough money for my kid's Christmas.
Wish my house would sell (and for the asking price).
Wish I wasn't so hard on myself. Why are we our own worst critics?
Wish I had more motivation to list all the things I have to sell on eBay.
Wish I was home in my warm bed and not at work right now.

Fall Chores

2008-11-08T14:42:00.003-07:00

BEFORE... (or really during - Hallie loved helping me rake)

AFTER...

I voted

2008-11-04T11:49:00.004-07:00

Pleasantly surprised that there weren't long lines at my voting place. Felt good to do my American duty. We live in an awesome country where we have the right and priviledge to vote. So if you haven't voted yet, what are you waiting for????

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-11-03T10:34:00.004-07:00

Today is my dad's birthday. He would have been 64 years old. I think about him everyday and miss him so much. I feel so cheated that he isn't here anymore. So unfair that he had to go. I KNOW he's in a good place and I KNOW I will see him again, but for right this minute I am feeling selfish and I just want him HERE. Dad, I love you. I am kinda lost without you, but I know you are not far because I can still feel you helping me, guiding me. I know we will be together again someday. I hope you like the balloons and flowers for your grave. I wish they were in person. Happy Birthday. All my love, Rachel

Rick Fullmer (November 3, 1944 - February 3, 2006)

Cancer is so limited…
It cannot cripple Love.
It cannot shatter Hope.
It cannot corrode Faith.
It cannot destroy Peace.
It cannot kill Friendship.
It cannot suppress Memories.
It cannot silence Courage.
It cannot invade the Soul.
It cannot steal Eternal Life.
It cannot conquer the Spirit.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T19:51:00.005-06:00

Halloween was kinda low key this year and if you ask my 3 year old... "trick or treating is lame". We had Scott's family over for chili and breadsticks - minus Scott. But he came later and took the kids out to gather candy. Hallie only lasted about 6 houses and then didn't feel good. Audrey was happy to just put all our candy from our bowl into her bag. And Dallin went out with his dad for awhile, but even he didn't last long. What??? What happened to hours of trick or treating and pillowcases full of candy? At least we won't have to ration it out, they could eat it all tonight and be fine.

Dallin was Batman, Hallie was a witch and Audrey was a leopard (with her finger up her nose - so lovely)

Ready for trick or treating with their dad

Some of Scott's family over for dinner.

Weight-loss report

2008-10-28T08:01:00.003-06:00

OK, so those of you who have followed my blog for awhile (that's gotta be, what? 4 people?) know that I used to have a very short-lived activity called "Wednesday Weigh-in". What a stupid idea that was - Jennie, stop laughing. Anyway, I ended it when I realized even going public was NOT helping me lose any of the weight.

But some of you may have noticed a small weight loss tracker on the right lower side of my blog. AND, drum-roll please... I am finally within 3 pounds of my goal weight. I'm thrilled that I had to buy new way smaller jeans cause my old ones no longer fit. That is an awesome feeling. So I just wanted to share cause THIS is something happy going on in my life. :)

Twilight Tickets

2008-10-26T17:50:00.003-06:00

My friend Karin texted me today and said she got all us girls (my work buddies) advanced purchase tickets to Twilight on Nov 21st. Got yours????

still here

2008-10-26T10:39:00.003-06:00

I'm still around. LOTS going on in my life but nothing I have the energy to blog about right now. Once all is over, I will give a complete recap, so stay tuned...

On another note, I am sitting here drinking a diet coke thinking how wonderful it is. I love diet coke. I didn't drink sodas for many years and have recently taken it up again. I know, bad habit. I don't care. Since going back to work full time (and remember, I work 4 tens), I need the caffine, especailly since I have 2 little girls that often wake me up at night. They usually just need a blanket tucked around them, or a trip to the potty, or a lost binki found - but just getting up and taking care of that is enough to wake me more than I can tolerate to fall blissfully back to sleep. So at work it's either diet coke or falling asleep on my keyboard (or worse, in a meeting). My boss is probably glad I choose diet coke. And yes, I own coca-cola stock and I don't know how much I lost cause I refuse to look until the market rebounds - optimistic aren't I?

Recovery

2008-10-17T12:45:00.002-06:00

Had my right side lithotripsy done yesterday. I hope this is it cause it is so not fun. I'm sore and groggy, but doing ok. This one was way harder for me coming out of the anesthesia. I really had to fight it and I was out of it all day yesterday. On the plus side though I have good drugs so the pain has been minimal. Just wanted to let you all know I'm still here and it went well. :)

Update on my life...

2008-10-12T18:46:00.002-06:00

So here goes, there is no easy way to say this - Scott and I are getting divorced. I won't play the game of blame or describing the reasons. It has been in the makes for a very long time and honestly is overdue at this point. I am very sad, but mostly for what are kids will go through as we dissolve our marriage. Scott was removed from our home 3 weeks ago. I will be filing papers before the month is over. Just please pray for our kids and keep them in your thoughts. They are my biggest concern.

I will be putting my home up for sale in the next few weeks. We need to make a fresh start. If you know anyone who wants a 5 bedroom home in Centerville, send them my way. This is really a hard decision I have come to, probably the hardest thing I have ever had to decide. I am firm in this though and will only look ahead. My hope is that Scott and I can eventually be friends and put our children above everything else that has happened.

I love you all and thank you for your support - I imagine I will need shoulders to cry on and lean on in the weeks and months to come.

Handbag Planet

2008-10-09T15:15:00.003-06:00

My SIL Kellie posted this on her blog and so I am entering the contest and hoping to win too!!! Click here to enter to win a free handback - no strings attached! This is the one I want to win...

high school friends

2008-10-09T13:21:00.003-06:00

Back in July we had a get together with some of my friends from high school. We have tried to do this more often since several of us live around the area and Tonya was down this month from Alaska. I just got these pictures forwarded from my friend Tamilyn, so here they are... Front row: Mary Ann, Nannette (holding Henry), me (holding Audrey) and back row: Tamilyn, Tonya & Kaysee. Second picture is of 3 of our girls. There were many more kids there playing the Wii and even a husband (go Dan!). I love getting together with my high school friends. They make me feel young cause we can laugh and talk like NO time has passed!!! We have been through so much and continue to love and support each other! AND I love all the friends who couldn't be there - we miss you!

Daycare

2008-10-08T08:18:00.004-06:00

I hate that word. Daycare. It makes me feel like such a bad mom. But it is my reality and today is Hallie and Audrey's first day at daycare. I found a really cute girl who was looking for a playmate for another 3 year old she tends. She wanted one child four days a week and I offered two kids two days a weeks. She was thrilled, so we are trying it out to see if it's a good fit for both her and my girls. Since my Mondays and Tuesdays are covered by family, their daycare days will be Wednesday and Thurday. Not as bad as full-time daycare, but still.

When I dropped them off and Hallie was immediately impressed she had a cat named Simon. They are going to be best buds until Simon realizes Hallie is not going to leave him alone. He'll have to find a really good hiding spot. Audrey liked the kitty too, but kept looking at me strange as I was taking off her shoes and jacket. Then I kissed them both goodbye, threatened Hallie to be nice to the kitty and her sister, and left. Audrey didn't scream hysterically as I went out the door so I took that as a very good sign. They've been there for 43 minutes - is it too soon to call and check on them???

Daycare bites. Working full-time bites more.

random pictures of my little girls...

2008-10-04T09:12:00.002-06:00

Hallie and Audrey - on a good day.

Lithotripsy

2008-10-02T19:08:00.003-06:00

Yeah, you heard me. I had never heard of this procedure until a week ago when my Dr found 2 very large kidney stones (one on each side) during a CT scan. I've had back and kidney pain for a long time. My Dr called me a "ticking time bomb". With EVERYTHING else going on in my life this was not exactly what I wanted to hear.

So Monday I got to undergo a lithotripsy . Since it is extremely painful I was put under general anesthesia, so I don't remember a thing. Basically,they use sound waves to pulverize the stone so it can be passed. Uh-huh, I said passed. For the past three days I have been in a drugged fog trying to cover up the pain from the procedure and the resulting smaller stones. NOT FUN!!!

And the funnest part??? I get to do it AGAIN in 2 weeks to the other kidney. Do I have ALL the luck or what? GRRRRR........

Happy Birthday Kesley... a little late!

2008-09-30T10:13:00.007-06:00

Just a quick and overdue update... My oldest baby turned 15 on Sunday. I am just in shock she is so grown up. Kesley, I love you so very much and I am so proud of what a beautiful young woman you have become. You are so much fun to be with and I love just hanging out with you talking and laughing. You are one of my very best friends. I hope you know that I am always here for you and even though things are rough right now, I will always do my best to do what is right for you.

We had a nice dinner at Bill & Bonita's Sunday evening and spent time with the family. Kind of low key, but Kesley seemed fine with that. She and I are going out to dinner this next weekend with her best friend who also turned 15 this weekend.

Some birthday pictures...

FYI

2008-09-15T13:16:00.004-06:00

My posts may be few and far between for awhile. I'm going through a rough time and don't think I can keep up with this blog right now, but don't worry - I will be ok. I just need to take some time and figure some things out. Love to you all. Rachel

Friday FIVE

2008-09-12T13:34:00.003-06:00

1. Children's Tylenol & Cold - 2 of my kids have colds, which mean all 4 will soon have colds, which means Scott and I will also have colds soon. This medicine stops runny noses & helps them sleep. 2 very good things.

2. Texting - Kesley reminded me I need to pick her up today (yeah, I had forgotten!) and I've been texting an old high school friend back & forth all morning. So great to chat with your thumbs.

3. Lean Cuisines - I am trying not to eat as much bread in my diet, so what to make for lunch in place of a sandwich? These are quick and easy and Albertsons has them on sale for $1.88 each this week. My freezer is stocked. Oh, and I love them for "eating at my desk at work lunches" too!

4. Madonna's New CD: Hard Candy - We don't buy CDs anymore (itunes is all you need), but this CD is awesome and I love every song. Yes I have loved Madonna since her early days - her music, not her acting or her books! I guess I am and always will be a material girl at heart.

5. Jergen's Shimmer Lotion - not only is this an awesome moisturizing lotion, but it adds shimmer to your skin. Not like glitter, but very subtle. I love it - beware though, it is hard to find!

7 years ago...

2008-09-11T10:18:00.005-06:00

I still get tears in my eyes when they replay the towers being hit. I still hold my breath as they crumble and fall. The hair on my arms stands up when I think of all the people who died in that tragedy and all the families and lives their deaths affected. My heart aches for them. It still seems so surreal - like it was supposed to be a Hollywood movie. My brain still can't quite grasp all that happened that day, even seven years later. My prayers will continue to go out to ALL of those who were affected.

Tagged by Tasha

2008-09-09T12:02:00.005-06:00

Sure, I'm game - but I don't have much time, so I'm using very short answers..

20 years ago.....

I was a sophmore at Bountiful High.
I was 15 (almost the same age as my oldest child!)
Scott and I hung out a lot - he was always one of my best friends.
I was totally addicted to Depeche Mode and INXS.

10 years ago.....

I had been married for 3 years.
I was in between jobs and loved being home with Kesley, almost 5.
We had barely begun the infertility/adoption rollar coaster.
We went on a fabulous vacation to Disneyland with my parents and brother.

5 years ago....

I was mom to Dallin (3) and Kelsey (almost 10).
We lived in Woods Cross, UT
I paid off all my student loans (woo-hoo!).
Scott and I went to Boston/Cape Cod - just us!

3 years ago....

Hallie was a baby and we were just enjoying her in our family.
Dallin started Kindergarten and Kes was in 6th grade.
Scott quit the Highway Patrol.
We sold our trailor. :(

1 year ago...

Audrey had joined our family and I was glad to be done with pregnancy/nursing for good!
We had been in our new home for 4 months.
My work schedule changed and I now job share.
Must have been boring - I can't think of anything else!

This Year....

I have completed several big projects and am getting ready to start another.
My mom moved in with us - so far, so good!
My work schedule changed again and I work 2 days a week (5 off in a row isn't half bad).
Scott and I have been married 13 years.

Yesterday...

I worked 10 hours.
We tried to have FHE - the little ones have very small attention spans.
The girls and I made cookies.
I ate too many cookies and too much dough.

Today...

I am again working (shhh... don't tell, I am taking a much needed break!)
Kesley is home "sick". Third absense since school started. (((help)))
I have headache from drinking too much diet dr pepper yesterday.
I hope my mom makes dinner so I don't have to.

Tomorrow....

I need to do laundry!
I am taking my girls on a walk if it isn't raining.
I really need to work in my yard.
I don't have to work!!! :)

Next Year....

We hope Scott has a different job.
My mom will have a new house (and I get my basement back).
Hallie starts pre-school.
I hope I've lost 10 pounds!

This really made me think! I tag Shelly, Kate and Elizabeth (only if you want to).

It's the small things

2008-09-06T18:38:00.004-06:00

Raising a teenager is hard. It can be SO frustrating and can seem like there is so much you give and then you receive very little in return. So I am trying to really appreciate the little things. Kesley got paid today and like any almost 15 year old girl she wanted to raid the mall. I served as chauffer for her and her friend - no big deal. Today I am totally wiped out though and she noticed that I had spent most of the day cleaning and was exhausted. She suggested we stop by 7-11 and she bought me a Diet Coke BIG GULP. Never has a drink been more appreciated and meant so much. I savored every swallow and was able to drive to the mall and back without falling asleep and killing myself. Thank you, Kesley!

Friday FIVE

2008-09-05T16:32:00.008-06:00

Five things I love about September...

1. Fresh fruit and vegetable stands. Last night we had fresh corn on the cob, fresh baby red potatoes and fresh peaches. SOOOO GOOD!!!

2. Back to school. The kids got so bored by the end of August. I like the routine of school and homework and bedtimes (not that we are all that great at keeping them, but we strive!)

3. Cooler nights and crisp mornings. We've needed jackets each morning and Dallin doesn't want to wear shorts to school since he rides his bike. I L-O-V-E opening the windows and letting cool fresh air in my house.

4. Darker earlier. Summer is hard since it stays light so much longer - the little girls can't settle down for sleep. Right now it's dark at 8:30 p.m. - the perfect bedtime for them!

5. Leaves changing color. Since we've already had some light snow in the northern Utah mountain tops, the leaves changing color is right around the corner. I love living right by the Wastach mountains and watching for the first signs of red and yellow leaves. We always go for scenic drives to see the beautiful fall leaves.

State Fair

2008-09-04T17:09:00.005-06:00

I'm not a huge fan of the fair, but since today was opening day, admission was only $2 and kids 5 and under were free. So my mom and I took Hallie and Audrey to see the animals and eat lunch. I actually had way more fun than I thought I would. We wandered around looking at all the cheap crap they have for sale and mingling with the awesome array of freakishly strange people that usually hang out at fairs. The highlight for the girls was riding the miniature horses. Hallie was beyond excited and Audrey being the dare devil child she is got right on and LOVED it. I honestly don't think the fair is worth it to pay full price, but for $4 to admit us all and $5 to park the car - it was TOTALLY worth it!!!

Lake Powell

2008-09-04T00:09:00.005-06:00

We were so lucky to spend the weekend in Lake Powell with our good friends, Eric and Holli Jones and their four kids. Some of the pictures we took...

Malibu ski boat and the houseboat

Dallin, Scott & Audrey on the watercraft

Hallie, Audrey, me & Scott

Scott wake-boarding

Kesley & Tazia jumping off the houseboat

Me enjoying the boat ride

Sawyer, Camrynn & Hallie

Jace, Dallin, Jenna

Holli and I

Eric & Sawyer

Kesley & Tazia

Swimming

We're Back!

2008-09-03T09:20:00.004-06:00

Actually we got back late Monday night - really late, it was almost Tuesday morning. Lake Powell was great. We had some bad weather on Sunday, but the water temp was 81 degrees and the houseboat was beautiful. We were down in Wahweap by Page, Arizona. It was a very relaxing trip and we wish we were still there! No pictures yet - our camera batteries died and we took a ton of pictures with our friend's camera, but are waiting for them to email them to us. Hopefully sometime this week!

Friday FIVE

2008-08-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Since we are on vacation this weekend, these are my 5 top place to visit (in the US)...

Bahamas - OK, so it isn't really the US, but it's VERY close! Love the sun, love the crystal clear blue water, love the crazy taxi driver that almost killed me with his driving skills. LOVE the beach.
Florida - What can I say, I am a theme park enthusiest. Just DisneyWorld alone is enough to make my blood run quicker, but throw in Sea World and Universal Studios. I'm SO there!!!
Yellowstone/Tetons - Besides the fact that Scott and I honey-mooned here, I just LOVE this place. I love all the natural wonders and all the wildlife - and NO I have never seen a bear, dang-it!
Washington DC - I love the history in our nation's capitol. I love visiting the Smithsonians - you could spend a lifetime there. But don't go there in the summer - so freakin' humid (and crowded).
Southern Utah - Yeah, I don't have to go very far for this one. I love where I am this weekend - Lake Powell. Love our national parks - Arches, Bryce and my fav: Zions. Love hiking through these awesome formations. So incredible.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

Oh, What A Busy Day

2008-08-27T09:48:00.003-06:00

Isn't that the title of a Richard Scary book??? Anyway, I have SO much to do today, yet here I sit at the computer wasting time. Oh, well. Items on my list of things to accomplish today...

Laundry (mountains of it, actually) - this is actually happening as I type, so see, it's not ALL wasted time.
Packing - we are going to Lake Powell over the long weekend - WOO HOO!!!
Shopping - need several things for our trip and a few items for dinner tonight.
Cooking - people expect me to fix dinner around here, so there you go. Plus, I need to make a few things in advance for the trip.
Errands - need to return the DVDs that were due last Monday, pick up some shampoo from the beauty supply, and put gas in my car.
Tanning - yeah, yeah, I know. But I don't want to look totally freakish in my swimsuit.
Mommying - probably the MOST important thing on my list. So far we've gotten dressed, eaten breakfast, played Polly Pockets and now we are gearing up for a snack.

So what are YOU doing today???

13 years...

2008-08-25T14:18:00.005-06:00

Happy Anniversary to us!!!

Got hitched 13 years today. Scott and I have known each other MUCH longer though - we met in 9th grade (Scott was 15 and I was 14). We dated on again off again through high school - but were always best friends. I wish I had a scanner to add some of our wedding photos - please suggest for Scott to buy me one for Christmas!

I just got a delivery to my work... a dozen red roses, a cute stuffed animal and a mylar balloon. My friends were jealous.

Friday FIVE

2008-08-22T08:00:00.004-06:00

This week's five is a list of the top five things I always check when I log on...

1. MSN - I must know what's going on in the world. This is my homepage and I can quickly see any breaking news (which I also have e-mailed to me), national headlines, world news, entertainment gossip, sports headlines, and most recently - current Olympic coverage. Must be informed!!!

2. My e-mail - I can log onto my work e-mail over the internet and I check it often. I use it as a personal account as well. I probably should get a hotmail account, but I'm too lazy to check TWO accounts. Through my email, I also keep track of a yahoo chat group I belong to and I have each post e-mailed to me.

3. eBay - Gotta watch, bid, buy & sell!!! Those of you who follow my blog know that I love eBay. I am addicted and I don't care. It is such a rush to win a really good auction for next to nothing. I have scored the cutest clothes for my girls for fall and I just won a Batman costume for Dallin for Halloween - he's so excited!

4. Facebook - I'm pretty new, but it amazes me how many people I have reconnected to through this networking site. It's fun to build your profile and put fun and quirky things that represent your likes and interests. For example, I get daily quotes from The Office and from Friends. It makes me smile.

5. Blogger - Duh - I love to check on my favorite blogs and see the comments made on my entries. I also use my blog to connect to some of my other favorite links and websites. Technology is awesome.

Why am I so tired???

2008-08-18T16:54:00.004-06:00

You could pick from ANY of the following reasons why my eyelids feel like they are made out of lead right now, but "lucky" for me all of them are true...

Audrey is cutting some more teeth and is miserable, she can't sleep and keeps everyone up.
Audrey just wants to be held about 4am and she screams, not cries, ScReAmS until I get her - which wakes up Hallie and then I have TWO whiney kids!!!
I'm working 2 tens, meaning I job-share, so I am working 2 consecutive days out of our 4/10 workweek. They are killer.
I keep getting hooked on watching the late-night Olympics!!!
Scott snores - his medication makes him pretty much comatose, so I can't even get him to turn on his side. AHHHHHH!
I have so many issues running through my head - I just can't turn it off at night.
School starts in one week - so much to get done.
My mom moves in this weekend - don't get me started.
It was REALLY windy 2 nights this weekend and the noise kept me up forever.
AND FINALLY.... I had another lovely kidney stone episode this weekend. Up at 3am in a hot bath trying to scald my pain away; then from 4-6am I watched all the good parts of Phantom of the Opera and PS I Love You . (I am a little obsessed right now with Gerard Butler).

Hope everyone else is sleeping better that I have been. Maybe it's time to break out the Tylenol PM.

Temple Square

2008-08-17T17:13:00.008-06:00

We were so late for church today we decided to skip it all together and take the family to Temple Square. I felt kind of bad about it at first, but honestly it is just what I needed today. We sat through an awesome presentation on The Family. Everyone felt such a strong spirit, even Kesley cried. Such a great afternoon with our family, I'm almost glad we were slackers and missed our church meetings - don't worry though, it won't be a regular occurrence. :)

Friday FIVE

2008-08-15T10:21:00.007-06:00

Today's five are my favorite things to do in my spare time - what, spare time? - yeah I don't even know what that is anymore. Anyway, here's my wish list of things I would do if I had a moment to myself!

1. Reading. I am almost done with Breaking Dawn and next on my list is Uglies and then Pretties. I'd also like to FINALLY read the Harry Potter series since we have them ALL and I have never picked them up.

2. Scrap booking/Card making. I am SO far behind, but I sincerely love sitting down and losing myself in this activity. I did get all of my pictures in complete order so all I have to do is get going, but it's a little overwhelming when you are five years behind. Still, I have so many cute ideas, so maybe this weekend I'll get on it. I at least need to finish Hallie's baby book and get STARTED on Audrey's book. Plus I need to make a memory book about my dad (one for me and one for my mom). And I owe Dallin a book of his first 8 years (he was baptised in March). See, overwhelmed!

3. Cooking. I love to cook and bake. I love to try new recipes. I even cleaned out most of my pantry cupboards yesterday and threw out things that have expired or I have never used. My little girls love to cook with me, so we have a good time. Night before last, we made fondue with the new fondue maker they gave me for my birthday. It was so yummy.

4. Taking naps. I love naps. I wish we had them mandatory every day. When I am chosen to be queen, it will be my first ruling. Seriously though, there is nothing like taking a time out and laying down in a soft comfy bed (or couch), pulling a blanket over yourself and closing your tired little eyes. Oh, love that. Until the little ones wake up and tiny sticky fingers are trying to pry your eyes open, "Mom, are you awake? Audrey's poopy."

5. "Working" on the Computer. Obviously. I always love to check 5 things when I sit down to the computer - you'll have to check back next Friday to see what they are...

I am Ariel!

2008-08-13T09:22:00.004-06:00

Headstrong and fiesty. You have a mind of your own that's full of romantic dreams about the world around you. Exploring exotic places is your ultimate dream, and although you can be a little naive you'll realize that there is something to be gained from your family's wisdom.

Cute quiz - Thanks Tonya! So everyone - which Disney Princess are YOU???

A family of seven

2008-08-12T13:46:00.006-06:00

Last fall my mom put her house on the market For Sale By Owner. In November she bought a lot to build on about 2 miles from our house. This spring she listed her house with a realtor and in July (after dropping the price a quite a bit) a couple made an offer and she sold her home. They close on it next Thursday. So now my mom will be homeless. No house, just a nice piece of dirt to call home. She didn't want to start builing her new home until the ink is dry on the closing papers and the money is in her bank account. (I really don't blame her - the market has been really crappy).

SO... my mom is moving in with us and will be staying for about 6 months - give or take. I am mixed about this. Of course I am more than happy to help out and get her into her new home and we really do have the room in our basement for her (just need to clean out the kids toy room and get her some space in my craft room for her clothes and her computer). And I absolutly promised my dad on his deathbed (literally) that I would take care of my mom. I really think that is why he finally let go. I would never renig on that promise, plus I love my mom too. BUT, mom is very different (almost difficult) since my dad died. She is very opinionated and because of the trauma from his drawn-out suffering and death, she has very little coping skills - she freaks out over anything and seriously everything. I'm not looking forward to walking on eggshells in my own home. I don't want our relationship to suffer and become strained during this time and I fear it might. My brother just laughed and said "good luck" when he found out she was coming to stay with me. I think I may be checking the progress of her home on a daily basis. Scott is less than enthused, but he made the same promise to my dad, so we are moving her belongings to our home this weekend. She's already called me twice today and reminded me to call her when I get the basement cleaned out (this week's project). I've told her for 2 weeks I am devoting the latter part of this week to getting it ready for her and I work Mon-Tues. I think she lays awake at night and stews about things she wants me to do, but I can't get to yet. Won't that be convenient to just tell me in person rather than call me with guilt.

Camping @ Whitney Lake

2008-08-11T20:37:00.008-06:00

So maybe you've noticed I was MIA for a few days (no Friday FIVE for one - sorry). We've been camping in the Uintah Mountains with Scott's siblings, our nieces and nephews and his parents, as well as a few others thrown into the mix. It was a huge group and lots of fun...

Our campsite

Scott, Audrey & Hallie on sheep rancher's horse

Kesley, Angeleah & Spencer (cousins)

Eating suckers in the dirt

Me with Hallie & Audrey

Scott shooting skeet

Dallin eating lunch

Grandkids (most of them)

Our Family

MY book - FINALLY!!!!

2008-08-05T11:06:00.006-06:00

I finally got my copy of Breaking Dawn (yeah, I know, as excited as I was you'd have thought I would have been first in line). Many people have already finished it, but here I am just buying the thing. Two reasons for this:

This weekend was busy and quite honestly I never had time on Saturday to go buy it; I don't buy things on Sunday; on Monday I went to Smiths hoping to get one but they were sold out (ok, don't panic!); so Today I was able to get to Barnes & Noble.

We are going camping the rest of this week and I really want to save it for vacation. Had I bought it Saturday, it would be finished by now.

So, I am looking forward to finding out what the heck is going on with Bella and Edward - as I hopefully lounge in a chair in the mountains. Can't wait!!!

This Weekend's Project: Little Girls Room

2008-08-03T17:13:00.006-06:00

I finally got the time (more like I made the time) to finish Hallie and Audrey's room. It is SO much better then the room they moved into a year ago. Now I finally feel like it is "theirs". One funny thing: Audrey was scared to sleep in there last night because her bed was in a different spot. She bawled and cried, "Audy bed Audy bed" and kept pointing across the room.

BEFORE...

AFTER...

Friday FIVE

2008-08-01T16:58:00.007-06:00

1. Cereal Sales. We eat a ton of cold cereal in our house so getting name brand cereal for $1.oo a box is sweet savings. Thank you Albertsons (last week) and Smiths (today).

2. Anticipating a night out, minus children. Scott and I are going out for my birthday and since I let Kesley have a sleepover with her friend last night, she owes me and is babysitting her siblings. If things go REALLY well,we might even go see Batman - let's not get CrAzY though.

3. Orbit gum. I love the fruity-mint flavors the best.

4. Ban deodorant - ok this one is a little weird, but seriously try this new scent they have out: Island Falls. I love it (as far as deodorants go anyway). This picture is a different scent, but it's SO new, I couldn't find a new one.

5. Cold Stone Creamery - Pleeeeease take me there tonight Scott!!! Cake batter ice cream with brownie chunks is calling to me!

It's My Birthday & I'll Cry If I Want To

2008-08-01T09:08:00.003-06:00

Yep, today's my birthday - never mind how old I am turning. This is really the first year I am NOT thrilled with having another birthday. I don't feel this old, most people tell me I don't look this old (please don't burst my bubble and tell me any different) and I hope I don't act this old. This year my birthday just sounds old. But don't worry, I'm still accepting presents and treats - I'm old, not stupid! Scott gave me some A&F perfume (see, still hip) and a fondue pot (oh no!). Dallin gave me a pack of gum. Hallie sang to me and Audrey just grinned. Kesley is tending for us tonight so we can go out to dinner ALONE!

So Happy #%th Birthday to me!!!

eBay Selling Tips

2008-07-31T09:31:00.004-06:00

Keeping in the theme of this week's unintentional topic (and because one of my commenters asked me to) I will share some of my successful tips for eBay selling. I in NO way proclaim myself to be an expert, but I manage to make a nice re-sell amount in selling my kids outgrown clothing.

One of the most important things you should consider is your item's title. It only allows for 55 characters, so you have to choose your words wisely. This is how buyers will find your item, so it needs to include as many key words as possible. For example, I sell mostly children's clothes so I will list the name brand (Gymboree), product line (Sweet Cherries), clothing article (Dress Tights) and size (3 3T). Now I use up as much room as I have left to add extra stuff like the season (Fall Winter BTS - which stands for back to school), condition (EUC - which stands for excellent used condition), gender (girl), and a more descriptive word of what I am selling (LOT, outfit, or set).
Many people wonder should I sell my items individually or group them into a lot? I do both. If I have a piece that I feel will stand well on it's own, I don't add anything to it. Most buyers are looking for clothing for their kids because the season is changing or their child needs a different size, so they are likely looking to replace a large part of their child's wardrobe. Lots help your buyer get the most bang for their buck and can also attract a lot more interest since their is a variety of items being showcased.
Know when to sell. It seems silly to get out fall/winter things in July when it's 100+, but back to school is huge in July. I usually sell winter coats and Halloween costumes in August. Same with selling summer clothes in January/February - it's snowing and you are selling swimsuits and flip-flops. Don't forget Easter outfits in January too!
Sell brand names for the most part. I have the most luck with Gymboree and GAP by far. But now that Dallin is in bigger sizes, Abercrombie and Ralph Lauren are also good sellers. Old Navy and Children's Place (TCP) sell reasonably well too - especially when combined in lots with some of the other high end brands.
Be descriptive! Think of what you buy and what is important to know about purchasing used clothing. I include the following statement in every auction I put on eBay... All items are in new or excellent used condition, unless otherwise noted (no rips, stains or holes). I take great pride in my children’s items and am very picky – you will NOT be disappointed. Please read all descriptions carefully. Smoke free & pet free home.
Start your pricing low with no reserves. Yes, it is a gamble if you will get the amount you are hoping for - and you won't always get it! But, buyers are far more likely to pay attention to your item if they think they are getting a good deal - and as people bid it creates interest and others will want to see why your item is so popular (cause they don't want to miss a good deal either!).
Take the best pictures - I lay my clothing out on the floor in a brightly lit room. Arrange matching outfits together and show close-ups of details. You can purchase picture packages when you sell on eBay - I take full advantage of this option.
Communicate with your buyers. I check my eBay messages multiple times daily when I have items for sale. Fast responses are always appreciated and give you credibility. I also send out a message confirming I have received their payment and their item has been shipped. ***And always remember to leave appropriate feedback!!!*** Feedback is gold on eBay and both buyers and sellers deserve feedback to add to their overall eBay ratings.
Invest in a postage scale. It saves time and money to know exactly what your items weight so you can charge the appropriate shipping. Be sure to factor in packaging/handling costs such as eBay fees, Paypal fees and/or package materials. I keep this at a minimum though.
Get a Paypal account. It is safe and it makes money transferring very easy for you and your buyers. I don't buy from people who don't have Paypal accounts.I love to use flat rate mailing boxes. For a set price (currently $9.80) you can mail up to 70 pounds in a designated box. It is the same price no matter where you send it in the US (international rates are higher, but it is a good option if you sell outside the US).
If you are selling lighter items, use the lightest weight packaging possible - usually a large manila envelope or a Tyvek bag.

Hope this helps! I'd be interested in hearing how some of you do in selling your items - and maybe you have some additional tips that would help me too! Oh, and put a link on your blog if you are selling, you never know where a potential buyer may come from, plus we'd all love to see what you are doing! Happy selling!!!