I really need to do better at this blogging thing. I wish I new how to do better and include links. If only I had more time..made more time! Just wanted to update what has happened recently

Lexi is back at swimming. She told me the other day that she didn't like the swim meets but likes to swim. I think over time she will like it more when she gets better in shape and more confident.

Carter is still the same crazy kid. I still am not sure how to be his mother, but I need to figure it out soon.

Mallory has lost 2 more teeth and her 2 front teeth have come in. She started back up on gymnastics and trys feally hard. You can just see the look on her face when one of the teachers gives her a compliment!

Owen is loving speech. He still has articulation delays and it is hard sometimes to communicate with him. We are trying hard to get crafts and "school work" into his schedule so that he has something to do. He loves crepes with chocolate and almost everyday for the past few weeks he asks for them for dinner. He cracks me up, and really makes me smile.

Nora is really starting to get going! In other words she is a tornado and leaves a huge mess behind where-ever she goes. I think this stage is my least favorite although fun and amazing, it is just a lot of work! She still is waking up in th middle of the night and it is really hard on me. I am beyond ready for her to sleep through the night. She is walking everywhere now and can even stand up in the middle of the floor from a sitting position. She loves playing in the water bowl, eating the cat and dog food, tearing up toilet paper, playing peekaboo, climbing the stairs, getting into trash, and loves for me to cart her around the house. This girl does not sit still! She is cutting for teeth on top and currently has 3 on the bottom.

Me well I am exhausted. Trying to be mom all the time is down right hard. I love my family and wouldn't trade them..well except when they are fighting...which seems to be always. I really feel as though I need a vacation or something. A break to fill my mom cup back up..to reload! I started Weight Watchers and I am not losing really anything. I did South beach diet for about a week and lost about 5-6 pounds, but then switched. Now in 3 weeks I have lost 3 pounds is all. Which is making me depressed, and not a good mommy or wife. Time to rethink this diet thing!

Overall our family is doing great aside from normal typical family stuff. We were able to go to the Kansas City open house last week and it was amazing, marvelous, magnificent! Can't wait until it is dedicated and we can go and do temple work! I love the temple. I think my most memorable part was going into the celestial room and immediatly being overcome with the spirit. Another great memory was in one of the sealing rooms getting to talk to the kids about when they get married in the temple how they can see their future spouse in the mirrors for eternity. Getting to talk to them about what a great day that will be! I think Owen made the comment, "But I don't know who I will marry". Carter said, " No one will want to marry me". Mallory just giggled (she is a it boy crazy that girl), and Lexi just listened. I hope to get to go to the temple with all my kids on day! I hope that they were able to feel how important it is to be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity to their families. I still remember being sealed to Andrew and then Lexi being brought into the room..at only 3 months old and just bawling. I new that what we were doing was right.

I have been wanting to post for a long time, but wow when I think I have a year to catch up on, I quickly forget to! So here goes! The main thing is that we have a sweet baby (she is now 9 months old) Nora Preslie! I love this little girl! We are all back together as a family (YEAH) and living at Whiteman AFB. We are loving life! Lexi is now 11 and in 6th grade. She swims and is playing the flute in band. I can't believe how old she is! By our bedroom door is her baby picture so everytime I pass by it I stop and stare. She was a beautiful baby and is now turning into a beautiful Young Woman! Carter is 9 and in 4th grade! His basketball season just ended, and he did amazing! He made most the baskets for his team. He told me just htis morning how he missed playing! Carter still struggles with doing his work well at school. I am hoping the extra hours after school that we spend with him will pay off in the end! Mallory is 6 (turning 16) She is are dramatic one and tests our patience daily! We love this girl though and I have realized that she is just trying to find her way in our big family. She trys to please us, but sometimes it turns into a very big tantrum! She is in first grade and is struggling with reading. She goes to a special class that helps her to sound out her words. She has not had her 2 front teeth for about 8 months now. Mallory starts gymnastics on Saturday as well! She is super excited! Owen is doing fabulous and loves being at home with me. He is a character and very independent. When he gets mad at Mallory he will Yell, "Fine, Im not your boyfriend anymore", Ha! Nora has 2 teeth, is crawling, is cruising furniture, loves cheese, loves being where the action is, and loves her siblings! She says Uh-oh, meow, claps and says Yay, and plays peekaboo! She is my little buddy! I am teaching the 10-11 year old girls at church and I am LOVING this calling. Probably the best calling ever! I have been happy here in Missouri! I have just been wondeirng what to do with my life. Contiplating Librarian, Teacher, Gym Teacher, Nurse, Secretary. Wish I knew. Andrew is working hard at work and is not liking sitting at his desk doing paperwork all day long. He earned his Fire Science degree, and sewed on Master. He has less then 5 years left in the military, so we are at the point of trying to figure out the next step in our lives! Hopefully that sums up our past year! When I get a chance I iwll post pics!

Have I mentioned....

I don't know if I mentioned that we are having a GIRL!!!! So excited! We still have no idea what we are naming her. I like Maebrie (not sure how to spell it still), Whitney, Emrie, Millie, Presley was her name for a whole 3 days. We just don't know. I am now about 25 or so weeks prego, and thankful to be this far a long. I am still hoping all goes well. We have had a few good ultrasounds. I will have another one on the 16th of February. It can't come fast enough! The kids are all excited. Mallory gives my belly kisses and talks about when the baby is born that she wants to feed her and change her diaper. She is the most excited I think.
I have been busy trying to figure out what to do as far as buy a van or rent a house. I want to do both:) Kids are crazy as ever. I think they are ready to have Andrew back and to be in our own home. We all miss Andrew of course. He started a job at the Wing. He does Wing safety now which he enjoys. He also says he will sew on Master in April..yippee...more money! Other then that, there isn't much going on. I still don't have my camera fixed. Soon I hope! It was a negative something today..wind chill of -29 degrees..too cold to do anything!

12 months of Christmas???

I am not clever by any means, yet I was wanting to write a clever Christmas letter. Since I know that will never happen, I have decided to just write 12 months of Christmas. What has happened these past 12 months? I am wondering the same thing. I will try and give it a go!
January- Brought the saddest month of my life. I miscarried as well as 'bout died. Maybe the last part is a bit dramatic but none the less traumatic. Makes me very thankful for the medical care we have here in the US! I was bitter and angry with my Heavenly Father. Carter and I got to do a Mother/Son dance. He rocked the night away!
February- I realized the trial I was given in January could have been such a spiritual experience had I turned to my Heavenly Father rather then away. I learned to love again and realized how much I love my man. I began cooking like a mad women....that was my therapy! That and wonderful friends!
March- Mallory turned 5 this month. I love this girl!
April- Carter tuned the big 8. We waited to have him baptized so family could come to his baptism. Lexi played baseball with the boys, I must say she could hang with the best of them! We tried to get Mallory in t-ball, that didn't work out so well! She will be my girly, girl!
May- We headed to visit family. I needed to get off the Island. The kids and I took a hop to get to Colorado. As we were in the parking lot waiting to catch the hop, I was stressing as usual about whether or not this was the right decision. One of the kids said a prayer, and I felt peace that no matter the outcome things would be alright. After that I was calm. I am thankful for moments like this in my life!
June- Andrew met up with us, we bought a Durango, we had a Hamblin family reunion. Andrew, Carter, and Lexi went on a trail ride. I think they had a blast:) I think this is the month Andrew found out he made Master too! Kids also started swim lessons!
July- Well I can't remember for sure what month Carter got baptized, but he got baptized. Grandpa Crick and Aunt Kasie gave talks. We are proud of him! Grandma Judy and Papa Tom came to visit, I think Portugal was too remote for them. We had a blast as always with them! They are more adventuruous then I will ever be! We also made a trip to Omaha and said goodbye to Andrew there.
August- Well we got stuck in Norfolk...for all you faithful followers you know the story! The kids and I headed home when Andrew's deployment got canceled. Unfortunatly we got stuck for a week in Norfolk and 6000 dollars later, we were on a commercial flight home. The kids were all well behaved. They are such good travelers!
September-The 3 older kids started Hula Lessons..oh and me too! Owen got potty trained. Mallory started Kindergarten. I found out I was Prego.
October- After much stress, praying, more stress, we decided it would be best for the kids and I to leave the Azores. I am beyond thankful for the comfort and answers I received to make this decision. It is amazing what comfort you can be given if you just ask! I was thankful to get the kids into a new a better school. They seem to be thriving..especailly Carter.
November- Nothing new other then recieving good medical care! Owen is loving his cousin Addy, who is here with Grandma and Granpa pretty much 24/7! Andrew moved out into an apt. in the Azores. Lexi is still reading like a mad woman, and trying really hard in Math. She was a bit behind when we got here but seems to have caught up. She loves taking care of the kids. We had a great Thanksgiving..would have been perfect if Andrew was here!
December- Has been busy. Doing all the Christmas preperations by myslef is stressful. I am really missing Andrew. Wish he could be here! We found out we are having another girl, altough I am still not convinced yet! Mallory had a Christmas program at school where she said her little part. She was very cute! Weather has been nice here. At times it has been cold, but more often then not it is over 40 here. Even hitting 70 a couple of times. Have I mentioned how grateful I am to be here?!
So, what do I hope 2011 to bring? Honestly good health and a healthy baby. I hope Andrew makes it back here safely. It is going to be a rough 7 more months, but as long as our Health is good, I think I can handle anything that comes our way! What have I gotten out of the year 2010? I now have a stronger desire to be closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I am not alone, and trying to go though life without the guidance of my Heavenly Father is not a good decision. I am thankful for such simple ways we have been taught to feel his love. My kids are good....most of the time! They each have their issues..just as I do, but they are really well rounded kiddos! And I love being their mommy! The have been affected by the events of this year as well, and I am just thankful they have such sweet spirits. Mallory would pray that my morning sickness would go away and that this baby would survive. Such sweet sincere prayers! I hope this next year will bring you what I desire...good health! Oh and my camera is broke...that is why there is no pics lately!

Thanksgiving

We had our Thanksgiving without Andrew for the 2nd year in a row. Man I miss that guy..and boy oh boy the kids miss their dad. Owen sometimes cries himself to sleep saying he wants daddy, and wants to go to his house. Less then 6 months then we will get to see him! I bought a turkey fryer, and attempted to fry a Turkey. I got a lot of good tips and warnings about how to fry the turkey. I was not as excited after everyone kept telling me how dangerous it was. Thankfully my wonderful dad did all the work. I marinated with cajun seasonings. We only had a few mishaps, thankfully none involved fire. Just melted carpet, frozen oil (didn't know that was possible), and an undercooked-then overcooked Turkey. Hey we will be better experienced next time. We ate at Kindalls and everything was so yummy. Poor Kindall was sicker then a dog. Rich cleaned house..even scrubbed toilets, and then did the after dinner dishes..he was superhusband that day. Way to go Rich.
I am thankful for many things this year. I am thankful for Andrew. I couldn't have asked for a better companion. He is truely my best friend. I am thankful for my kids. They really are good kids. I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. Our loving Heavenly Father that created this beautiful world we live in. I am thankful for the good medical care we have the oppurtunity to recieve here in the US! This is the most comforting feeling. I am thankful for the oppurtunity I have to pray and to get answers and comfort from my prayers. So many things to be thankful for. I am really blessed.

I had a first official pregnancy appt. It took like 10 minutes to find the HB, which had me very worried at first. But then, sweet music..we heard it. It was 166bpm. Such a relief. I met with the Doc and he was surprisingly helpful. He told me I could attempt another VBAC if I wanted to. I know I would rather do VBAc in a heartbeat, but not sure if that will be the right choice for me. I will have to do a lot of research and praying. And he would have to induce a week early. We talked about the previous miscarriages which was nice to get some different insight on. I have been beyond impressed with the medical staff @ Ft. Carson. I am needy :) They are being very patient and helpful. They aren't making me feel like I am stupid for having concerns. I wam ready to stop feeling nasueas. The US I had last week said I was a week ahead of what my due date was. Looks like another big kid!
Andrew is in school and doing a billion other things. He will have the movers packing up my stuff on Friday..still will take 60-90 days to get here though. He still hasn't found a place to live. The kids are all good. They are being challenged in school which is good. Owen started gymnastics with his cousins and seems to love it!

We are back in the states. I am so thankful to be here. The kids are all in school and we are loving this school so far. I feel like there is an expectation here that wasn't there at their last school. We are here because I am expecting again...hopefully all goes well. We did the Early return of dependents so Andrew is still stuck in the Azores. I feel bad that he isn't here with us and I miss him a ton. So do the kids, ecspecially Owen..poor guy. Everytime he sees or hears an airplane he thinks Andrew is on it. I know this was the right decision for our family though. I felt such a relief knowing I have options and access to good..no great medical care. I am over 12 weeks now and seen the baby on ultrasound many times. The baby had hiccups the other day and that was so fun to see! The heart rate has been in the 160/170's. I hope all goes well. Still kinda nervous about something happening, but I feel more prepared if something were to happen. We are due in May...hopefully the middle..or sooner:) Just feeling blessed to be back int the States!

There is a lot of things happening in our family. Nothing that I can remember though:) I will name a few things that come to mind
Lexi- She reads like she is in high school. She is a brilliant reader. We have had several comments made from teachers at the school how amazed they are at the level she is reading at. Like always she makes us proud. She has started her a buisness so to speak. She makes cookies then sells them to neighbor kids. She does this all by her self.
Carter- Well Carter is Carter. He loves life. What can I say! He loves to know everything, even if he knows nothing. I think he has this strong desire to be accepted. He has had a few issues at school which is hard to deal with. Kids that bully are just no fun. He continues to bear his testimony every Fast and Testimony meeting. Me as a parent cringe as I wonder what will come out of his mouth. I need to be a better parent by teaching him better. Maybe then I will have a bit more faith in knowing what he is saying is truely from the Spirit. Ahh bless our Carter! He is truely a gift!
Mallory- Wow we get comments on her too at how well behaved she is at school. What...not at home. She is a monster that instigates so many fights. I don't understand why she does this. Sometimes she can be sooo sweet. She has had a very unstable Kindergarten. I have been frustrated with that as a parent. Hopefully she will still learn all that she needs to learn. She has a strong desire to learn to read!
Owen- He is potty trained Yeah! He was so easy to train. Just took 2 days of crying to want his diaper back on. Other then that he has been so easy! He has been wanting to help me cook and is so proud when he gets help. He is a stinker yet such a sweetie. I love my Owen.

On to a different subject...me! I have been feeling overwhelmed with life lately. Life is Hard. Not that I have many struggles, I really have it easy. I love my kids and family. I am thankful for what I have and who I am. If I could change one thing it would be good health. I feel overwhelmed with me health lately. Maybe because I realize how fragile life is. I am grateful for the knowledge that I do have. This life is temporary. We were singing in Primary today a song I have sung many times before, but for some reason I felt the spirit stronger then I ever have while singing that song. I guess I got it...maybe it was what I needed for the day. It is the 2nd verse of When he Comes Again.

I wonder when he comes again, will I be ready there

To look upon his loving face and join with him in prayer

Each day I'll try to do his will and let my light so shine

That others seeing me may seek for greater light divine

Then, when that blessed day is here, he'll love me and he'll say

"You've served me well my little child, come unto my arms to stay"

It was confirmation to me that I am loved. In Womens conference I really felt that. I really felt that I am loved by my Heavenly Father.
Just wanted to share one more thing for posterity purposes. There have been times in my life when I really needed comfort. I was stuggling one day this week. I was having an anxiety attack...well self diagnosed anyways. Don't really know for sure. Anyways, I couldn't sit still, my heart felt like it was gonna burst outta my chest, I kept getting butterflies in my stomach. I got down on my knees and prayed. Prayed for strength, comfort, peace. I needed some serious mental help. Halfway through the prayer my twitching stopped, my worries were gone. I felt peace. I am thankful for those times. I know that Prayer can be an amazing thing. I am learning the hard way I think. I wanted to get up to bear my testimony today but new there would be no way I could do that. I knew I wouldn't be able to make sense of all my thoughts and I knew I would ball like a baby...uncontrolably! So here is a smidgen of it on paper..well sorta!

It has been a long few weeks. We didn't make our hop from Norfolk to Lajes. Who would have thunk that 70 seats meant no seats for me! Seriously! After realizing we weren't making it on the flight, me and a few girls from Lajes just kinda teamed up and started making phone calls. I was not prepared to be staying in Norfolk...come on 70 seats were available! We ourselves a Taxi and a room to stay in. At this point it is 12:30 at night, in like 100 degree humid weather, tired hungry emotional kids, and I am numb. I was not going home to Lajes was my first reaction. Thankfully after sleeping on it and finding out what the other girls were gonna do, I bought tickets. Luckily they were cheap..well that might not be the word for spending 500 dollars per ticket..that is just to get from Boston to Lajes. I still had to buy tickets from Norfolk to Boston. We stayed at Langley AFB which had really nice rooms. I rented a car. We went bowling, to the BX, and ate a lot of crap. We were lucky too because a few days after getting there it cooled off considerably. Enought that the kids got to go and play at the park. Owen got a haircut We then had to change locations because there was no room at the Inn. We went to Holiday Inn where there was a pool so the kids were happy. While there we went to Golden Corral (which was very scarey) and to the Virginia Beach Aquarium (the kids had fun playing with the sea otters and petting sting rays). Finally Monday arrived, we were there almost a week, and we finally got to go home. Portuguesse people are the nicest people. It was a great experience to be able to fly home with them. We sat by some wonderul people who played with the kids and helped with our luggage. Very different then us Americans. The Americans I encountered grumbled at the sight of my kids, and very rarely offered to help. As I was dragging one of 8 suitcases in line, not one person offered to help. When I turned to the guy behind me to apologize, he rolled his eyes at me and turned his head. Nice! I only got one pic of the entire ordeal and it pretty much sums up how I felt after the whole thing! Carter passed out in the Boston terminal waiting to go home.

Grandma and Grandpa Peschio

We are headed back to the Azores in a week Andrews deploymnet to Iraq got canceled..yippee! I am so glad. It is such a relief.

So much has happened since the last time I wrote. Carter got baptized, Andrew made it on the hop, I bought a Dodge Durango, we had our Hamblin family reunion, Owen had his surgery, and Andrew went back. Something even more scarey was that my dad had a minor stroke. So glad he is doing better. Times like that make you realize how important life is and that we really need to live our lives to the fullest. I know I need to be grateful every day that I have here on this earth. I need to remember why I am here and what my purpose is as a mother, wife, and daughter of God. I would rather not have trials, but I know that they are necessary more so now then ever. I am grateful for the things I have learned with my trials. Glad my dad is still with us and that he is getting his strength back every day.
On to Carters baptism. It was very small and nice. Kasie and her family were there, Kyle and Lindsey got to come, and Kort and Addy were also there. Kasie gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, and Grandpa Crick gave the talk on Baptism. They both were wonderful talks. I really appreciated their willingness to give those talks. Carter was great and cute. The water was really cold, and Carter held it together better then Andrew. We went to dinner later that night all the family and Grandma and Grandpa Peschio were at the dinner. They came into town that night and stayed for a few days to visit. We got to go do the Cog Railway was was really neat. It was a great visit and we really appreciated all that they have done for our family!

We also went to Omaha where Andrew flew back to the Azores from. We got to visit with John and Stacey and Jim. And I hung out with Kasie for a week. I had a great time and loved spending time with Kasie, Jermey and kids. It was great being back in Omaha..like coming home.

Wow we are partying hard in the good ole USA! We have been having a good time, just missing Andrew is all and my own house. The kids started swim lessons last week and seem to be having a good time. Owen plays in the kiddie pool while the others are swimming. I bought a 2004 Durango, and I am way excited about it. I am not sure I will be staying here or not while Andrew does his deployment, but I knew it would be good either way for us when we return to the states. When we moved to the Azores, we were stuck for 7 weeks without a vehicle. Not fun! We have been going to the Zoo, four wheeling (Lexi crashed into a tree while driving and then decided not to tell anyone, therefore she has been banned from driving it!), swimming, shopping, playing with cousins. We get to go to the Hamblin reunion down in Durango (funny! I just bought one, now we are going there:) this coming weekend. Then Judy and Tom will be here to visit and to help celebrate Andrews 32 birthday. I just really hope he gets on the hop tomorrow! On a different not, Owen has had a few Drs appt.s for his speech, now we are just waiting on Tricare to authorize him to get his tongue, well under his tongue, clipped since that is what is restricting his speech. I am hoping it all works out. As for me I have recieved some answers as to why I think I miscarried so many times. After talking to a lady in my moms ward and doing my own research, I really think it was my thyroid. Definitly has made me realize how important it is. Also, makes me a bit angry that things weren't looked after better when I was prego and that this was all preventable. I try not to go to deep into the anger..mainly because it just makes me more angry!:) I got my thyroid meds upped and hopefully that will all level out soon. Oh I didn't mention the part that when prego your TSH levels should be around 2 or lower (not to much lower though because then I would be hyperactive, which I wouldn't mind so much because then maybe I could start loosing wieght again). A couple months after my miscarraige when I asked to have my thyroid checked, it was over 8. something. I am happy that things have worked out the way they have. The lady, Sis. Lane, was great to talk to. She went through 4 miscarraiges before they figured out it was her thyroid. I talk about this in hopes that it will help someone else out one day! Well, I am praying Andrew makes it on the flight..there is only one seat available!

I'm "HOME"

I must say I miss Terciera, but it sure is great to be here...back in the good old USA! I opened my blog and there was music...sweet music! I don't get the music back in Portugal. For some reason it just won't allow me to hear any music on anyones blog. Then I go to sign in to my blog account, and it is in english! I can read it! That will be another thing to get used to! The bad but maybe good thing, I don't know anyone. You can't go to the commissary without running into at least 5 people you know. I could go on and on about the differences, but it really is good to be back, but again I am humbled! I will miss the slow, safe life we have in Terceira. Here I will have eyes everywhere watching everything..or everyone. There is already this since of anxiety about someone taking one of my kids, or stealing something from me. WOW, I really haven't worried too much about that back home! Joey you were right! The kids were exstatic to see McDonalds and Chilis! We are in our Hotel waiting for our 5:40 departure tonight. It is going to be a long day! The kids were up @ 5 this morning...WOW!

Easter 2010

Easter this year was fun and untraditional..sorta. Andrew had to work of course. The kids and I went over to the neighbors for a yummy meal. I got no pictures of this along with their Easter egg hunt, but we all had a great time! It was Conference Sunday which I love! I heard some great talks. Alot of the talks were about parenting and how we should be teaching our children. At least that is what I got out of it. I think because this is something I have been having a hard time with. I needed a good kick in the booty so to speak! I love Conference is all I gotta say! We did do a Easter Egg hunt on Saturday with the base. The kids had a good time. Owen especially I think! I am thankful for moments in my life that allow for serious reflection on the Atonement and all the Christ has done for me.

8 is great!

Carter has turned 8...and boy that is great! K-not really, but sounds good. He did say he seemed older. We will baptize him this summer in Colorado so, if you are in the neighborhood, tlet us know! We would love to see ya! Carter loved the attention on his birthday. He wanted doughnuts for breakfast, then he took a lunchable and jello for his lunch. For dinner we had steaks, corn on the cob (frosen I might add), and homemade frenchfries. I had taken brownies into his class, so I didn't make a cake for him. He will get that on Saturday when he has his big b-day party. I am excited because that is about the only creative thing I have been able to do lately. Since we only allow big parties every 4 years, he gets a big one this year. He wanted to do bouncy castles. So, I added in the carnival theme. More info and pics to come on this. Hopefully all who come have fun! Back to his family party. He got scriptures, an umbrella, a game, a stupid car toy that was a very big dissapointment, and some "How to Train a Dragon" books. All in all he seemed to have a nice day. I am glad that we can wait a few more months for his baptisim. Hopefully with his party and baptism seperated it will make it that much more special...not to mention family that will be there. We are proud of Carter. Some things I love about my Carter are...
Carter was my best baby. He slept completly through the night @ 2 months old.
He is always smiling, unless of course he is losing (he is slightly competetive...wonder where he gets that from?)
He is tender hearted.
He likes to bear his testimony every fast and testimony meeting. I haven't decided yet though if it is just because he likes to get up in front of people or what the deal his...definitly doesn't get this from me! He also has been fasting for a while on fast Sundays. One day he decided to fast for a sister in the ward that was in the Hospital...without prompting from Andrew or I. What a great example he is to me!
He loves to dance...and thinks he is marvelous at it. In my eyes he is!
He has a good memory.
He loves to learn...unless it involves writing that is!

Owen was upset because he wanted the dumb car thingy Carter got. I have a feeling it will be seeing the trash soon! Poor Owen doesn't quite understand that it isn't his birthday yet!

I love my Carter man and can't wait to see what his future holds!

Owen finds the craziest places to fall asleep. I seems to always be in the middle of the floor somewhere.

My little girl is 5!!!

Mallory Helped decorate the cake!
Her teacher Mrs. Robinson made her this hat! Apparently it was still wet and dripping glue into her hair.

Mallory is holding up some of the books Grandma Judy and G-pa Tom got her. Her good friend Janae was the offically present holder!

Mallory thought she got shoes in her shoe box, but it was 2 webkinz-a Shamu and dolphin.

I can't believe my Mallory is 5. Time goes by so quickly! I wish the time would just stop. I love this point in my life, I love the age the kids are, and mostly I don't want to get any older. Getting old is so hard...that is a whole other post! Back to my Mallory....5 things I love about Mallory-

1. She is so loving. She loves kisses, hugs, and saying "I love you".

2. She trys most foods. She takes after me in her favorites of food; tostadas, bean dorritos( as she calls them) and berries.

3. She loves to read.

4. Mallory was my easiest birth. If all my births were like hers, I would have had 10 kids! She was also my smallest @ 8lbs 6 ozs

5. She is my girlie girl. She loves fashion, jewelry, shoes, make-up(this won't be so fun in a few years!)! She is definitly not my tough girl. She can bat her eyes and get most everything she wants.

Her birthday was simple and fun. Andrew made her pancakes in bed. I made cookies for her class, and Andrew ate lunch with her at school.

When she got home she got spoiled rotten, had a friend over to play, got to open presents, and had a butterfly cake. Her friends Janae and Gage were there. I love my Mallory and I loved celebrating her birth!

GO, Fight, Win

Lexi is cheering again for basketball. I am her coach and I must say I have really enjoyed cheering again. She tried out for Captain and made it, and no I wasn't the judge. She takes the rolde seriously and does a great job. She still does great at school!
Carter is playing basketball for the first time, and boy he is getting good. Still no baskets, but some great steals. He LOVES it. Grandpa Crick would be so proud. Maybe one day he will get to see him play. He has been working extra hard at school. He has been having a hard time. I have been supplementing him at home with journals and workbooks. He also will be having an evaluation in the next few weeks for ADD. This is something I have been concerned about since being here. Hopefully things will get worked out.
Mallory is still a stinker, but loves loving others!
Owen is starting speech therapy. I am glad that hopefully in the next few months we will get better communication. He loves the park, unfortunatley we haven't been able to go much because of the crappy weather.
Andrew tests for Master tomorrow. He studied better then he ever has for a test. Hopefully he makes it. He got food poisoning a few days ago and is still recovering. So, he wasn't able to really study these past few days.
I am busy with several things- cheer, mom duties, teaching RS, Activity Days, and cleaning! Its good to stay busy. I am grateful for good babysitters, not taking a bite of Andrews fish, and good food!

Kids...

Carter finished football with no injuries. He can now catch the ball and push just as hard as any other guy on his team..or the other for that matter (except the one that would choke hold our team then throw them to the ground). The other team supposedly stacked their team, but we won most of the games. We were the underdogs by far, that made victory that much sweeter! When receiving his trophy, his coach announced Carter as the meanest kid on the team-Carter punched his hand like he was a bully. Funny thing is he is total opposite- sweet and sensitive as can be! Carter bought 4 boxes of Girl Scout cookies from Lexi and gave one to the missionaries.

Owen has been up to trouble..nothing new there. He talks more we just still don't understand him. He loves is trike he got for Christmas. He can't pedal, so his little feet move a mile a minute on the ground as he pushes along. He is possesive(just like every other 2 year old...he says mine real well:). He loves "The Wheels on the Bus". He comes up to me all the time asking for me to put it in. The only way I know what he is saying though is because of his hand motions. He rolls his arms round and round. When I was in the hospital he wouldn't come near me. It took Andrew going back to work before he warmed up. Now he cries for me, and wants me. That is so SWEET! Owen has bought no Girl Scout cookies but has managed to try them all!

Mallory and I got to go on a field trip to the base "clinic" recently. She was so happy to have me come and I was happy to go. We walked there. She saw x-rays, how to bandage, blood cells through a microscope, and got to go through an ambulance. At the end was a chocolate chip cookie! She bought her first box of Girl Scout cookies from Lexi with her very own money.

Lexi has been cheerleading for a couple of months now. She loves it. I must say she was the cutest one on the squad. And watch out -her high kick could kill! She also has been busy with Girls scouts. They started selling cookies this past weekend. She has bought 2 boxes of cookies.

Carter and I got to go on a Date. We went to the Mother/Son dance that the base put on. We had so much fun...my date kept ditching me! I was still able to get in a few dances...I even taught him the two step! My new goal is to not care as much about pictures of me. I worry that people will think "What happened to her, she used to be skinny". I am not going to worry about that..ok so I will a little. But I am going to try and overcome that and just be comfortable with being me! We will see how this goes! On the other hand, Mallory loves pictures..in all her lipgloss glory!

P.S. Andrew and I have bought 27 boxes of cookies... thats what happens when I am the Cookie Mom and I am housing 1500 dollars worth of cookies in my house!

Life goes on...

I have been slightly pre-occupied lately. I've been having a bit of a pity party for myself. I wonder and question a lot of what I believe or maybe how I believe it. A lot goes through my mind lately. I wonder if that is the problem. I think too much...I question too much. I am not one of those people to just accept that things happen for no reason. I want to know why. And then I wonder if I wasn't good enough to be intrusted with another sweet little spirit. As I read about miscarraiges I have thoughts pop into my mind about why it happened. Maybe I would have died had I had this child, maybe Heavenly Father is looking out for me. Then I think back to the "conception". We weren't even trying to get pregnant, yet it happened...for some reason...why? When we did find out I was pregnant I remember thinking Heavenly Father loves me. He knew I was struggling with the decision to have more kids...so he gave me an answer...??? Now I think how cruel. I know I won't always think that way. I hope to understand one day. And so life goes on...and I am back to square one...except with more questions and doubt, more anxiety and concern. I am not alone nor am I forgotten. I just need to let go of my control, sit back and enjoy the ride as my friend Kim would say. That is just so hard!

I am so sad to be writing this post, but I guess it is neccassary. We lost the baby Sunday night. I was a little over 13 weeks pregnant and thought I was in the clear. There was a real baby with a real heartbeat so I am left to wonder what happened. People keep telling me well you will know why it happened when you die, but I have a feeling it won't matter by then. It has been extremly hard for me. Andrew of course has been wonderful like always, the kids are mostly concerned about whether or not they will get to have another brother or sister. We have been supported by so many friends and church members. I was in the hospital Sunday night to Wednesday morning, and meals have been coming since Monday night, with no end in sight..which really has been a blessing. Again, I guess I must say how grateful I am for American medical care. I feel so dumb for ever complaining about the treatement and care I received at Keesler.