Case of the Uglies

I'm feeling ugly-pregnant at this point. I get HUGE! Tara is my empathizer (though I never remember her getting this big - she just tells me she does....either way, it's nice to know there's someone else out there). It happens early on in my pregnancy, so at 6 months, I was looking pretty pregnant. People would always acuse me of being pregnant with twins or say things like "Girrrrl, you'll never make it 'til May." Ugh. So at this point, I truly only comfortable in jammies/warm-ups.
My last hi-light job was not very good, so I'm hoping to get these roots fixed before we begin having visitors. This isn't helping my self-esteem. I might just be ready to whack my hair all off.
I get a mild case of malasma at the end of my pregnancies, so my skin looks a little not-so-glowing. Why don't we go ahead and chalk that up there.
And I need a pedicure. Mostly because I can't reach my toes.
I have 7 weeks to go. I think I can. I think I can. My neighbor was induced today (2 1/2 weeks early) and I'm insanely jealous.
I get weekly updates on the developmental stage of my baby from a website called babycenter. This is the "picture" of what I'm supposed to look like. I don't look like this.

Suburban Savings

Yesterday I received our new renter's insurance policy with the changes regarding our move. When I called to make the changes, I figured we should probably double our assets. So, with doubling our assets and moving into a home rather than being in a tiny apartment, I thought my premiums would sky rocket. In fact my agent "guess-timated" that it would possibly more than double. Yesterday with the policy came a refund check in the mail. My premiums have been lowered! I LOVE this kind of news.
So with that news, I quickly called my car insurance company to ask them about any changes. It, too, was lowered by over $60 a year. Woo-hoo! I guess there are perks to suburbia. And all this time I thought I'd hate it. Hmmm, what to do with this extra cash just burning a hole in my pocket.....that huge outlet mall nearby looks awfully inviting.

Rain Rain Rain

Today it's raining. We've been stuck inside all day long. The kids have been watching cartoons, snacking, and playing random games with each other while I've finished the organization of our house (sometimes it's a pain to figure out where you want everything to go!). The rain in R* isn't like the rain in H*. Even though we're under a flood watch, I giggle at the thought of this kind of water being any sort of threat. When you have lived in a place where "torrential rain" and "monsoon season" actually mean something, I will never underestimate driving around in REAL rain.
PS I've been walking around all day singing Winnie the Pooh's: Rain Rain Rain Came Down Down Down. Ha! Now it's in your head, too.

Piano

Today I'm grateful to my parents for allowing me to take music lessons growing up. Money wasn't always flowing freely in my parent's home and practicing wasn't always my favorite activity, but for 9 years I took lessons from a woman who I still turn to for musical advice (I will always love & appreciate you, Cathy).
Occasionally I would feel overwhelmed when asked to play the organ at church. I'm just not good at it. I have a hard time figuring out the foot pedals. I've had a few lessons on how to play the organ, but no where near enough to play it with any sort of proficiency. I'm sure to the untrained ear, it sounds just fine, but to my ear, I'm rather embarrassed.
Today, one pianist was gone and the person conducting the meeting was looking around frantically and finally asked aloud, "there wouldn't happen to be a new person that can play?" I offered and realized how much I've missed having a piano in my life.
For a while, while we were in H*, one of Steven's classmates let me borrow her small keyboard (pictured above) which was received graciously because before that, I was using Bradley's toy keyboard (pictured below) to figure out choir music for ward and stake choir.
Steven took these pictures took these pictures when I was trying to figure out which Beethoven piece to use for our Stake's Easter program last year. He thought it was sadly funny.
Let's just say I hope a piano will be one of our first big purchases...right after a house, car, etc, etc....

Rounding Out

I need to stop wearing horizontal stripes at this point in my pregnancy. I'm beginning to look like a walking advertisement for a well known telephone company.

Role Reversal? Nah.

Let me paint a picture.

Steven is thoroughly excited about our newly acquired yard work and has been outside every night until dark doing various things. The only thing is that it's been rainy here and his only work gloves are leather and he's been slow to want to get them wet. I told him to feel free to use mine, as they are cotton.......but they are pink.

Two nights ago, while he was out weeding, I thought I should start on dinner. I decided to grill up some hamburgers. So I was in the backyard on our porch grilling away in Steven's grilling apron. Our house in on a slight hill so you could see me on our back porch from the sidewalk/road.

A couple happened to be walking by that evening while I was in the backyard grilling in my husband's apron and Steven was in the front yard pulling weeds donning my pink gardening gloves. I can only imagine what was going through their heads.

Has my working and him being a stay-at-home dad really changed us that much? I guess you could say we aren't your typical couple from the 1950's.

Book Worming

Last night Bradley and I finished reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (#1). I can't believe he stuck with it. It definitely took us a whole lot longer than it took me by myself, but he'd bring it to me nightly and we'd read a small section of each chapter. He'd laugh at all the right places and ask me why certain parts of the movie weren't in the book. He's so observant. We'll see how #2 comes along. He's my little HP fan. We both can't wait for this summer! Keep 'em coming Rowling.

As for me, I finished listening to Life of Pi. It had been a book club choice months ago and I couldn't get past the beginning. There was lots of philosophy and I found it a little dry. Jenny and Chris talked me into listening to it. They both said it was much better. So I did it. I listened to it as I drove to and from work. It was excellent. I would also recommend listening to it rather than reading it. Yann Martel, the author, is the reader and he is SO entertaining. His accents are believable and he does a wonderful job bringing the story to life.

Settled but NOT Settling

All is well! We finally got internet yesterday, so I'm back. We are settled in and loving every minute of it. I can't keep the kids in the house to save my life. It's definitely a dream come true to finally have a house with a fenced-in backyard.

It's been an easy transition - especially since Steven didn't have to begin work until yesterday. We are all but unpacked. I must admit I had a hard time at church. I was looking around the congregation and thought 'wow, everyone is white.' I immediately (and to my huge surprise) missed the character of my old ward. Yes, its "character" meant I had to give rides every Sunday and have slightly more responsibility/callings within my ward, but it still had character. In the middle of Sacrament, Bradley looked up at me - his eyes brimming with tears - and said, "Can't we just go to our old church?" That did it for me. I couldn't stop the flow of tears for about 10 minutes. I assured Steven we were okay but I'm sure he was a little distraught at his son and wife sobbing. But we sure missed all our friends. It also didn't help that one of us is pregnant and the other is a very sensitive 5 year old.

The lack of character was made up with everyone's warm hospitality. We were welcomed with open arms. Teresa and her family had us over for lunch on Sunday. My kids were in heaven in there home - not to mention their ever-entertaining backyard and puppy. Thanks for the hook-up, Tara.

Besides our ten minutes of home-sickness, we have been blissfully happy. With all the stuff there is to do here, we are debating whether or not to even bother finding Bradley a school until next fall. We'll see.

The Move

WE MADE IT!

After a couple sad farwells and a few doctor stresses, we took off this morning just before noon.

Yesterday 3 amazing women showed up and packed up every little thing in my house in under 3 hours. It would have easily taken me 3 days. It was worth every penny (even though Steven's new job is paying them, not me, I would have definitely done it)! Especially since I'm pregnant, packing just sounded dreadful.

Today, 3 wonderful men - from the same company - came and loaded up the truck in about 3 hours, drove to our new home, and unloaded it in an hour and a half. AWESOME!

What wasn't so awesome was that our water had been turned on yesterday, then turned back off because after they watched the meter, they realized somewhere in the house water was runnning and they are required to turn it off for fear of water damage to the house. So - no running water.

Also, the electricity guy showed up earlier this week to turn on our power and he needed access to our house. So - no electricity.

To make a long story short - we're in a hotel tonight.

PS Congrats to Emma & Aaron, Julia & Devin, and Melissa & Dave. Like any of us doubted you would match.

Wills and Such

It wasn't until after I was pregnant with Emmy that we purchased life insurance. What's even more terrible than waiting until after we had children to purchase life insurance was that it wasn't until last night that we signed an official will. So, our wonderful friends came over for a "Will Signing Party". (We had to cheer it up somehow - I mean, come on, we're discussing imminent death. )
Our great friend, John, also comes with this great perk where he turns into a lawyer for us and one who's willing to hook us up big-time! He and his wife Eli showed up late last night with Chris and Jenny (we needed witnesses for the signing) for the ordeal.
I can't explain the sense of relief that came with the signing. I love knowing that our children will be taken care of how we want them to be. It's also reassuring that they'll be with people we want them to be with if anything was to happen to Steven and me.
Though some of it was a little more complicated than "everything goes to the kids and the kids go to so-and-so" it was well worth it all. I would highly recommend everyone doing it. The weight is now off our shoulders and Steven and I can definitely sleep easier. Thanks a million John. We owe you big!

The ABCs of Me

* ACCENT: Redneck, UT w/ a slight Texan flare

* BEST FRIEND: Steven

* CHORE I DON'T CARE FOR: Cleaning Shower/Tub & putting laundry away.

* DOG OR CAT: Dog - I'm thinking a yellow lab or retriever....

* ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS: Computer (internet)

* FAVORITE SALAD DRESSING: Brianna's Poppyseed - mmmmm.

* GOLD OR SILVER: Gold

* HANDBAG OF CHOICE: My Ninewest!

* INDULGENCE: Pedicures

* JOB TITLE: Wife of one, Mother of 2 1/2, Maid, Cook, Driver, Financial Planner, etc. etc.

* KIDS: Bradley - 5, Emmy - 2 1/2, monkey #3 - 7 months and counting.

* LATEST PERSONAL PURCHASE: Dinner with the hubby.

* MOST FREQUENTLY CRAVED SNACK: Diet Coke

* NAIL POLISH OF CHOICE: Some obnoxious bright pinksih-red for my toes, and french-tipped nails.

* OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAYS: Babies, gall bladder removal.

* PHOBIAS: Heights and things with eight legs.

* QUOTE: "Well-behaved women rarely make history." -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.

* REASON TO SMILE: I'm going to be in a house soon.

* SIBLINGS: Kristen, Ryan, Scott, Holly & Karrie

* TIME I RISE IN THE MORNING: usually 7-7:30ish....lately 4 am.

* UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: I have anxiety attacks when I'm pregnant.

* VEGETABLE I REFUSE TO EAT: Brussle sprouts.

* WORST HABIT: Chewing on the inside of my cheek - gross, I know. It's nervous thing. Oh - and being pregnant - make that VERY PREGNANT - during major moves.

* X-RAYS: Teeth and left foot (for a surgery)

* YUMMY FOOD I MAKE: I love my pumpkin roll, chicken pot pie, and I'm really good at ordering take-out.

* ZOO ANIMAL I MOST LIKE: Orangutan.

Farewells

Things are wrapping up as we are getting ready to leave. My last day of work is on Tuesday. Women are packing up our home on Wednesday and the movers come on Thursday. I'm getting a little nervous that we've forgotten something.

This past weekend my dear and very thoughtful friends, Ali and Tara, threw Steven and I a little farewell party. In the invitation they also thought they'd throw in the fact that we were having our third baby and "practical" gifts could be used. I'm a long standing aponent of 2nd+ baby showers - they've always driven me nuts. But I have to admit that the gifts were wonderful to get and so very thoughtgul. The presents are appreciated and were very practical. I don't think I'll need to buy wipes for at least 6 months. I love it! Thanks to all!

Here are some pics from the party. I'm sure the people in them are grateful to know that I've posted these. Oh well, that's what they get for being supportive.

Bon Voyage.

Moonbeam

In the mornings, Emmy will finish her cold cereal, tip the remaining milk still in the bowl slightly to one side and say,

"Look, Mom, it's a moon."

Fighting Siblings

I don't know if it's the 900 square feet that we are living in, or the boxes we are all maneuvering around, but our space - or lack thereof - is getting to all of us. Luckily, we're moving. Until then I'm hoping to get a few words of advice form those who've gone before me.
Bradley and Emmy are just about ready to kill each other. Our plans were to keep them together sharing a room so the baby could have its own room. Now I'm not so sure. Maybe the baby should just go with whomever is the same gender. Part of me thinks, they need to work out their issues, but the other part of me doesn't want to deal with it and thinks it would minimize their fighting.
What would you do?

Presidential Candiate

Audra had a blog that inspired this one...Here's a take on the 2008 presidential race. There's no doubt that history is in the making. We may have either the first Black president, the first Woman president or the first Mormon president. Why not kill three birds with on stone: elect Gladys Knight and call it a day?

Thanks for the email, Terica.

Did someone invite Hitchcock?

Winter must be coming to a close.

In the past three weeks I haven't been able drive downtown without seeing tens of thousands of birds. They line uo all along the power lines looking rather magnificent and formidable. H* does fall along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. You see over 600 species of birds here, so while I should be feeling lucky, I feel like my eyes are going to be pecked out. The skies seem heavy and overwhelmed with these countless blackbirds.

Little fast fact: The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail runs along 500 miles of the Texas coastline from Beaumont to the Rio Grande Valley. A true avian treat awaits you at the Texas coast: from Whooping Cranes to Black-Chinned Hummingbirds, from Painted Buntings to Magnificent Frigatebirds, Royal Terns, American Oystercatchers, ducks, hawks, Piping Plovers plus several hundred other species. This dons from being a SIL to two who LOVE to go birding.

But last summer grackles (the really large, black crow-looking bird) were attacking people downtown. So while they look really impressive, I think I'll keep my distance. The next time you drive around this city at dusk, look up. You can't miss them.

Is this a random blog for me, or what?

Birthday Boy Guilt

Bradley's 5th birthday was yesterday. It wasn't bad enough that by Wednesday he was still giving me his invitation list to his "Harry Potter Party", but we also told him that his last day of school was going to be Friday, the 2nd - devastation wreaked havoc on him.
As the guilt began to really take toll on me, I was finding myself buying EVERYTHING on that boy's list. I had to remain under control. Instead, I tweaked our own plans to make him feel like everything we were doing that weekend was for him.
Friday we picked him up from school and drove straight to our new destination to look for a place to live. We told him that for his birthday, we were going to stay in a hotel and going to find our family a new house and we really needed his help with the decision. I didn't pack all his presents thinking we'd get home in time, but we didn't make it back until after 11 pm last night. He did help with the decisions:

• we ended up getting his house with stairs.....I don't know about this
• he chose every restaurant we ate at.....I can't look at another french fry
• we went bowling after we filled out our applications.....watching a pregnant woman bowl has to be pretty comical

Yet we drove those two kids around for hours! Late last night, he did get to "open" his big present. He finally got a new bike. That kid has lived in an apartment his whole life (more guilt) and I couldn't wait to get him a toy that required a sidewalk or yard or something we have avoided because we didn't have a house.
Today - again, out of guilt - we're going to re-celebrate with cake and ice cream, more gifts to be unwrapped, and he and daddy get to be men and assemble his new toy - that he can't truly use for another two weeks - will the guilt ever go away??? I think so, he has his sweet, new, red bike - just what he asked for.

Okay, okay, here's some pics of the new pad. We're very, very, very excited about it. But I'm going to continue to act obtuse and nonchalant like it isn't a big deal. Here's a picture of the backyard.
And just across the street is the community pool. Yes, this will come in handy for a pregnant gal in the summer time- which lasts 6-9 months in Texas.
Mabybe that will tempt someone for a visit? Perhaps.