A Little More Grandma

After the baptism, my mom stuck around for a few more days. It was heaven. I was wiped out from all the excitment, so I sat on the couch and watched her do ALL our laundry, get the boys off to school, make or buy every meal, play millions of games with the boys, babysit, run errands, iron, and feel bad for me as I got sick time and time again. It just feels better being sick when your mom is around, you know?

I wish I could have been more fun, but I took advantage of every second of her willingness to help me out and loved it. She has an amazing amount of energy and so many talents. My whole life, I've wondered, "How does she do it?" I hope to grow up and be just like her!

We did do a few things, like visit the Children's Museum (we really love it)...

 Went to grab dinner...

And just had a great, low-key time together. The boys were so sad to see her go. They were left with just a mom, who doesn't even come close to a grandma! We love you!

Big News!

And, yes, this is the REAL BIG NEWS...Number 4 is on it's way! We are thrilled, the whole family. I'm almost 13 weeks...still sick as can be, throwing up 1-5 times a day and often wondering, "What was I thinking?" But, when I can look past all the yuckiness, we are really happy. The due date is September 30th.
We told our boys the night of Jace's birthday. After letting them watch me throw up for 5 weeks and telling me often, "Mom, I think you might have the flu," we had to let the cat out of the bag. They all jumped up and down with delight and plastered huge smiles on their faces, then gave me big hugs and wanted to look at my belly. Honestly, you've never seen 3 boys be so sweet with babies and little kids, every one of them (I think it comes from not having them around). After the usual questions and suggestions of names (Ellie, Ann, and Chad), Jace looked at me and said so sweetly, "Mom, that's the best present you could have ever given me for my birthday."

Telling my boys we were having a baby was possibly one of my top 5 parenting moments...to think that we've raised such wild, fun, tender, sensitive boys that can't wait for a new baby does a mama good.

A few highlights and lowlights of being pregnant:
*I forgot how sick I get. It's been 5 years since I've been pregnant and apparently I'd forgotten or become very optimistic. This is the pits.
*I can't accomplish anything like I used to. My sister said it's good prep for a new baby.
*I'm older and I can tell.
*Jace saying, "Mom, I really think Jesus is going to bless us with a sister."
*James asking a billion questions about how the baby will get out of my belly. Telling him there is a special tunnel did not do the trick.
*Watching my boys play, "throw up," drink water, make gross sounds and spit into the toilet or sink. Nice.
*Puking in a plastic bag while taking the kids 5 minutes to school. When we told our friends, one of the girls in our carpool said, "I knew it becaue you threw up in the car."
*Realizing you can't convince yourself you're done if you are not. Mike and I spent the past 2 years trying to say all we needed was 3 kids, we were wrong and we knew it.
*Finding out I was pregnant without really planning it (though we do know how it works:). Such a pleasant surprise since I was having a hard time pulling the trigger, but knew we needed one more.
*Unbelieveably grateful with all the problems around us that we CAN be pregnant and have kids. Such a blessing.
*Nervous about my body...I've had it to myself for the last 3 years and everything had kind of settled in and I was decently happy with it. Not looking forward to gaining and losing the weight.
*Frightened about getting vericose veins again....the worst.
*Can't wait to have another baby in our house, for possibly the last time and especially happy that I get to have another 1 year old, 2 year old, 3 year old....
*Can't wait to see my boys with a baby. I know they will be wonderful and helpful and it will be so good for all of us.
*A little nervous about life needing to slow down; the 5 of us have been doing our thing together for a long time and loving it. James grew up quickly and had always been easy..we're a pack and roll well together adding another will definitely be different.
*Grateful for a husband who picks up all the slack he can while I'm feeling down and out. He's kind and understanding and helpful. Lucky me.

So, it's been a big winter season for us and we are excited, happy and grateful to share our good news!!!

Grateful.

Last Saturday Jace was baptized, and I'm still having a hard time getting my feelings togther...I guess grateful sums it up.

Grateful for a church that baptizes at 8 years old by immersion...it's the age of accountability and the way Christ was baptized. I couldn't imagine it any other way.
Grateful to see the growth and understanding in my son during the last 6 months that allowed both him and me to know that he was ready to make this commitment to God.
Grateful he was serious and studious about this decision.
Grateful he continutes to take it seriously.
Grateful his dad was worthy and willing to baptize and confirm him. Watching them together makes me so happy.
Grateful Jace could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot imagine going through life without the guidance of the spirit.
Grateful his grandparents could be there and come from so far away to participate in the program with talks, songs, and help with ordinances. It would have felt empty without them. Jace loves them both so much.
Grateful Mitch and Kelly live close by and did all they could to help Jace understand what a special day it was.
Grateful for a distant cousin who has made us a part of her family and been willing to be a part of ours.
Grateful for the love we felt from far away family.
Grateful for the darling book of remembrance that was created at the baptism with testimonies and notes from those there and far away.
Grateful for the many others who helped us that day with food, set up and clean up. I don't know what I would have done without the support.
Grateful that almost my entire ward (we are small but mighty) showed up to support Jace on this great day. I can't express the love I felt from people I've only known for 6 months as they celebrated the wonderful day with our family.
Grateful that Jace has kind and loving primary teachers and scout leaders who constantly show their love and faith in him. We couldn't be any luckier.
Grateful for my husband's spiritual example in our home and for his belief that kids can understand more, sit still longer, and learn more about the scriputures and the gospel than I would ever expect them to. I married a giant and I'm so glad he's the example for my boys.
Grateful for the many gifts, letters and words of encouragement given to Jace.
Grateful for my mom and Kelly as they helped fix food for about 80 after the baptismal service. Everything was fresh and delicious and our way of saying thanks for all the support from so many.
Grateful for all the help cleaning up...we have some great work horses as family and friends and I feel incredibly blessed.
And, oh, so grateful for my sweet Jace. I often feel unworthy as I try to raise such a determined, spiritual, in tune, and wonderful boy. I hope he knows how proud I am to be his mom...for him, I'm grateful everyday.



Morning brunch at Zingerman's Roadhouse the morning of the baptism. Yum!



A new, white baptism towel from Grandma and Grandpa

A journal from Mitch and Kelly

Jace's very own scriptures and hymnbook from Mimi and Papa

All in the COOLEST scripture case!

These boys were so excited and proud of their brother. He is a great example.

Jace's buddy Shaun

Cousin Elaine

Mimi!

Look at Jace and Papa's matching ties

Jace's cub scout leader and Jace's favorite little baby, Ann.



One of Jace's great primary teachers, Spencer Scoville and his family



A homemade quilt from cousin Elaine to commemorate Jace's baptism

Some of the men who stood in the priesthood circle...Grandpa, Papa, Dad, Mitch, also Bishop Harris and Brother Scoville

The last picture of a long, fun and fulfilling day!

The Princeless Princess

We really lucked out and both Mimi and Papa and Grandma and Grandpa were in town for Jace's school play, The Princeless Princess. I've heard their school has an awesome music program, but I was blown away! It was amazing watching 2nd graders perform so cleverly and capably. Jace loved being a part of the production and was so happy to be playing his instrument.

Apparently with all the excitement and hotel sleepover I was the only parent who forgot they were supposed to wear black. Ooops. Won't be the last time, I'm sure...but really hate to be THAT parent.

This is Jeffrey Hill (Jace's best bud) and Lydia...apparently Jace thinkgs Lydia is quite the cutie since he just asked me today who I think he should marry when he gets older....Brooklyn (the love of his life in AZ) or Lydia. I told him he has a long time before he needs to decide. Glad he feels like he can ask me though!

Is that the sweetest picture ever?

After the play we headed to a really boring movie, Gnomeo and Juliet, then to pizza and back home to prepare for the baptism!