Before things get REALLY crazy!! An update!

,Like most families, December is super crazy for us! This year is no exception!! In fact, this year is even crazier than usual.
We started out December getting all moved in and set up for Christmas.. We are all so excited for the holiday! We have done lots of fun little Christmas crafts, and are goingto bake treats the next few days!!
Shortly after we got moved in, my Mother-in-law, Brother-in-law and his family came for a visit. What a wonderful time!! (I am one of those weird-os who love their in-laws!) It was so nice to get to visit and relax! They have the sweetest little boys who are just months apart from my boys. It was wonderful!! 
Next we will be celebrating our Christmas on the 21st of December because on the 22nd, we head to Idaho for Christmas. I am exited for Christmaswith family, however, I am less excited for a quick turn around trip.  I will post more about the festivities afterward!! Merry Christmas!

How much stuff can I fit into one post??

Well, life never does stop, does it?? We have been like crazy people lately, and it shows NO sign of slowing down!
Lets start with the yucky...My body would never get rid of the pregnancy I lost, so yesterday I went in to have a d&c surgery. It is a quick, easy procedure...But last night and tonight have not been easy. Tonight is my fault though, because I way overdid it today..More of that later!! We still plan to try for 2 more children, but I don't know how many more miscarriages I can go through.
Enough of that....Lets talk about why I have been so busy today...We got to move into our new home!! We love it here. Every last one of us. We have more space than we know what to do with!! It is home!! (pics coming soon!!)
We are all set up and ready for Christmas!! I am getting all of the stuff I ordered online for the kids and it is exciting!! They will have a nice Christmas!
We are expecting company later tonight or early in the morning! My mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his family are coming to visit. VERY exciting!!
We FINALLY got our first REAL snow yesterday. Crazy, cause last year at the end of November over 10 inches had fallen!
The last bit of news is that we are taking a quick trip to Idaho at Christmas. It is going to be crazy and busy, but I think it will be worth it.

Hope you all have a wonderful, fun, SAFE holiday season!

Crazy Life

Well, lets start with the bad news...On Tuesday, I started spotting. I know that spotting can be normal in the first trimester but I still went to the doctor. They did an ultrasound, and found nothing but an empty sac. A baby never formed. We are so sad, but will survive. I am struggling because my body hasn't realized that I am pregnant (other than the light spotting) so I still feel pregnant...Morning sickness, fatigue all the fun stuff. It is making me crazy. It is one thing to feel awful and know you are getting a baby out of it, but to feel awful for NO reason kinda stinks. Since my body isn't taking care of everything itself, I go in Wednesday for a D&C. This is the 3rd pregnancy I have lost, and we don't know the reason. We will try again soon!

Now onto the good news! We got our house...Well....In a manner of speaking. Since we closed the day before Thanksgiving, we were not able to get a few things done that needed done before we moved in. We did spend Thanksgiving moving the majority of our stuff in, and we will be all in by Monday. I am super duper excited! Beyond, actually. I love my new home, and can't wait to enjoy the morning sun coming in my windows! (Basement apartments lack that!)

I didn't finish my thankful list. I have 2 more that I need to do. I am thankful for all of the love and support I have been shown this last week. I am soo blessed to know the people I do!! I am also thankful for friends inviting me to their house for Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving, but with everything going on, I did not feel like doing a dinner! So thank you Ann, for cooking for us and inviting us over! Also thank you to Audra for feeding us on Thanksgiving!

November thankful list 2011 #22

Today, I am thankful for CHRISTMAS MUSIC!! I have been dying to be able to decorate, but it is obviously a waste of time until we move...Yesterday, I started listening to some Christmas music, and it makes me happy!! (My husband was less impressed when he got home from work and heard it!)

Cierra is thankful that her kitty, who has been sick, is still alive and we are able to get some liquid down her.

8 weeks!

Today marks 8 weeks...4 more weeks left of this trimester which, hopefully means only 4 weeks of constant exhaustion and morning sickness! (Have I mentioned how WRONG that name is? It should be called all-day-every-day-knock-you-on-your-rear-best-friends-with-the-toilet sickness...I suppose morning sickness is shorter.) I go in in ONE week for my first ultrasound, and am soo excited and nervous. I haven't had any symptoms of miscarriage..Quite the opposite in fact...But that nagging fear is still there. We are all super excited about the pregnancy, and already talk about how nice it will be to have a newborn in the house again. We are all rooting for a little girl. Even Blayke! There are so many things I am already looking forward to! Breastfeeding, the smell of a new baby, wearing a newborn, sweet baby cuddles...It's gonna be a long 9 months! And Woody is at least as excited as I am! I just hope he isn't disappointed if baby comes out a boy....

Well, here is my 8 week belly shot. I plan on doing them every 2 weeks!

November thankful list 2011 # 20 & 21

Recently, a blogger I like had a 2 year-old daughter pass away. She had a terminal illness that reared its ugly head around 4 months old. Anyway, it has been heartbreaking to read the blog lately. The one they posted of Daddy sleeping with the baby girls bunny on his chest gives me a lump in my throat just to think about it. I am so thankful that my children are healthy and active. Sometimes I take it for granted. But I am oh-so-thankful. Words can't even express it. And not just today or yesterday, but every day. I know how blessed I am to say that so far, my 3 children are healthy and happy. SOO thankful for this one!

I am also thankful for the Temple. I am thankful for the ordinances performed there that enable my family and I to be sealed for eternity. I am thankful for the peace that I am sure it will bring me when I am faced with adversity in the future. SO thankful.

November thankful list 2011 #19

#19 I am thankful for the holidays. Specifically, Christmas. I am thankful for the opportunity to celebrate and teach my children of the birth of our Savior. It is a beautiful time of year. I am thankful that I have my beautiful children and wonderful husband to spend it with and to build traditions with! I can barely wait to get out the decorations this year! I love, love, LOVE this time of year!
Cierra is working with her Daddy today, so I don't have one from her..And when I ask Blayke, his response is always, "NOTHING!" Love 4 year-olds!

November thankful list 2011 #'s 17 & 18

#17: I am thankful for all the people that care about me. I was flooded with birthday wishes yesterday, and it sure does a girl good!
Cierra was thankful for the seasons we have

#18: I am thankful that I finally feel like someone is on our side to get us into the house... Woody got in touch with the title company yesterday, and we aren't the first who have had problems with this specific realtor. She e-mailed the attorney doing the title opinion asking him to hurry it along. She doesn't know if it will do any good, but at least she is trying!!
Cierra is thankful for the holidays.

Frustration

Disclaimer: I blame all negativity on pregnancy hormones...
This has been a frustrating couple of weeks for us. Let me start at the beginning. Our process of buying a home is a bit different than a lot of people. See, we have a person who paid cash, and we are buying it from him. So, the house has been paid for. But...We still aren't moving in....Hmmm. I understand that there are legalities involved, (abstract, title opinion etc.) what I do not understand is why it took a WEEK after the realtor got all of the paper work signed to get the title opinion started. This makes NO sense to me.
Bottom line is, the realtor says we won't be in by Thanksgiving. We are so frustrated. I cried today. I would feel differently if I felt like the realtor was trying. But we have to contact her to get anything done. She doesn't seem to care.
We are so excited to be moving into a home. One of our own. One where we aren't infringing on someone's privacy. One where we have privacy of our own. One where we can do laundry when we want. One where my kids have space. One that actually feels like home.
We are thankful for the apartment we have, but it is not and never has been home.
Please, say a prayer for our family and our landlord's that we will get out of their hair before the holiday. Thank you!

November thankful list 2011 #16

Today, I am sooooooo thankful for B-natal lozenges. They are lozenges that help with morning sickness. I am so glad a couple of people mentioned them. They help soo much!! Now if I could just find a good energy supplement.....

Cierra is thankful for her clothes.

November thankful list 2011 #15

#15: I am thankful for my North Dakota friends. The people I have met and gotten to know here are amazing! They are such wonderful friends and examples. Too many times have one of them gone out of their way to help us in any way they can. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people!! We love each and everyone of you.

Cierra is thankful for the earth that she has to live on.

November thankful list 2011 #14

I am thankful for all of my siblings. They are so wonderful... I appreciate and love each of them! We always did an awesome job of covering up the naughty stuff we did growing up so that our parents wouldn't know. HEHE!
Cierra is thankful that I feel a little better. (What a sweetheart)

November thankful list 2011 #'s 12 &13

The kids are napping today, so they will catch up tomorrow.

#12: I am thankful for my trials. Every. Last. One. Of. Them. I know that without them, I would not be who or where I am today. I am thankful for every bump that has come in my road, and I know that with my Heavenly Father's help I can get through anything.
#13: I am thankful for my Primary calling. I teach 5 & 6 year-olds, and they are so fun. Such sweet spirits, and I am so glad I get to be some small part of their life. I love my calling, and will gladly stay there forever! =)

November thankful list 2011 #11

The Best on Earth:
A Veteran's Day Tribute
If someone has done military service,
They earn the title "veteran," and more;
They earn our deep respect and admiration;
That they are special no one can ignore.
They sacrificed the comforts we enjoy;
The list is long of all the things they gave.
Our veterans are extraordinary people;
They’re loyal, dedicated, true and brave.
When terror and invasion were real threats,
They showed us they could handle any storm.
We owe our freedoms and our very lives
To our veterans, who served in uniform.
Our veterans should be celebrities;
They’re exceptional; no other group compares.
We’re grateful for the many things they’ve done;
They’re always in our hearts and in our prayers.
We owe our veterans support and friendship;
Let no one ever question what they’re worth.
These men and women served us and our country,
Our veterans--the very best on earth.
By Joanna Fuchs

Today, we are all thankful for the men and women who have so bravely and diligently served this country, and for those who continue to do so! Happy Veteran's day!

Fear in Pregnancy

I have mentioned in the past that I was one of those who thought that miscarriage "just couldn't happen to me". That I was, somehow, immune to this kind of loss. Even if it did happen, I naively thought that it would be no big deal, early miscarriages happen all of the time. I would just try again. Well, it did happen. I felt as though my body failed me and I, in turn, failed as a woman. I survived, and a few months later, there was another big fat positive...Now, if I thought it couldn't happen once, I thought it impossible to happen twice. To me, a mom who had had two successful pregnancies. It did, however, happen.
Why am I talking about this? Because that fear is alive and well today. Miscarriage changed how I view these first months of pregnancy. Everytime I go to the bathroom, I hold my breath in fear that I will see that horrible beginning sign of miscarriage. Everytime I get the smallest pain, I wonder if this is the start of me losing this baby.
This pregnancy is taking its toll, for sure. Morning sickness and fatigue are rendering me pretty much useless. I get the bare minimum done, and nothing more. And I am so thankful. While I don't love how I feel, I am thankful because symptoms were all but nonexistant in the two pregnances I lost. I know this doesn't guarantee anything, but it is oddly comforting to have these familiar symptoms and to feel like crud..

On to better things. On the 28th, we get to hear the heartbeat. I am thrilled. We have decided to let our moms know the gender of the baby IF they make it here fo the 20 week ultrasound. (Sneaky, right?) Otherwise, only one person will know. We don't want to know! We have some names picked, but I have a tendency to change them right around 6 months, so we will see.

November thankful list 2011 #10

Today I am thankful for how wonderfully supportive my husband is. I have lived in sweats, on our couch the past week, and he says nothing about it. Things in our home are definitely not normal, and he is taking that, my hormonal imbalances, my hideous sweats, and my fatigue (We turn on a show, and I am out) in stride. I am so thankful to have him as my eternal partner.
Cierra is thankful to have clean water to drink.
Blayke is thankful for the lights.

November thankful list 2011 #'s 8 & 9

Yesterday was a bad day. I had another headache episode, which leaves my head foggy and a mess. I also had some nasty morning sickness, so I wasn't able to do our list so here is ANOTHER catch up!
Yesterday I was thankful for (and still am) TV. I know this is really sad, but it has saved my life these past few weeks. I am so tired and sick, and it is the most wonderful babysitter. Today I did tell Miss C to enjoy it because here in about 5 weeks, it is gone again! (er response, "5 weeks is a loong time...I am ok with that.")
Cierra was thankful for the idea I had to homeschool. I am sure that it is because right now, we are doing school, but only 3 days a week.
Blayke was thankful for Heavenly Father that made us.
Today I am thankful for Heavenly Father's loving patience with me. I teach 5 year-old primary, and when they get crazy, I sit back, and simply say, "I'll wait." I then fold my arms and sit and wait. It takes maybe 30 seconds for them to get the hint and sit reverently, and we carry on. I kinda picture Heavenly Father doing the same thing. During the times in my life I have veered off course, I imagine him sitting back, saying, "I'll wait." And ya know what, he always does. When I am ready to be where I need to be, we carry on.
Cierra is thankful for all of the food that we have to eat.
Blayke is thankful for his bed.

Baby Merrell #4 Journal

I stink at keeping a journal of any kind. I start, am super gung-ho for a while...and then the inevitable happens..My gung-ho-ness dies out..I have never, even once kept a pregnancy journal of any kind. I am going to attempt to do it this time. I found out I was pregnant on October 25. From what I can figure I am 6 weeks and 1 day as of right now. I instantly gained 5 pounds. I have, to this point not lost it, but have not gained more. I am still able to work out each morning, but I am limited to the bike and strength training. Why? Because standing makes me feel like I may die. Seriously. I feel halfway normal if I am sitting down, but as soon as I stand, my stomach starts turning and I get faint..It is no fun..
Other than the morning sickness, (man, is that name deceiving!) the hardest part for me is that I already have a belly. I know, you probably think I am crazy. I mean my baby is the size of a grain of rice. HOW?! I cannot tell you, other than this is NOT my first rodeo, and apparently, with each child you show a little sooner. The problem is, though, I don't look pregnant so much as just chubby. I guess it is par for the course, and I know there are women who would kill to be as lucky as I am when it comes to conceiving and carrying children.
I am exhausted. All. The. Time. I survive by doing the bare minimum..Wake up, gym, feed kids, sleep, school (3 days a week), feed kids, sleep, light cleaning, sleep, feed family, relax, sleep. My kids are watching TV more right now than they have in 2 years! I feel bad, but I figure, we just gotta make it few a few more weeks!
We are due July 3, 2012, and are hoping for a girl. Not lookin' forward to bein' pregnant in the summer...But it'll all be worth it in the end! =)

November thankful list #'s 6 & 7

#6-I am thankful for the Gospel and for the blessing it has been in my life! Cierra is thankful for Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon.

#7-Today I am thankful for technology!! Without it, I surely wouldn't have survived my first year in North Dakota!! Cierra is thankful for her nice, warm bed!

November thankful list #5

Today, I am thankful that I have been able to carry 3 beautiful babies, and bring them into this world. What a blessing that I get pregnant easily, and, for the most part, have few problems carrying them. I have recently become aware of the large amount of people Iknow who struggle with fertility..This has made me infinitely thankful that my struggles have been minimal. I am trying especially hard to remember this right now as I am running to the bathroom for the thousandth time a day, or when the very thought of certain foods sets my gag reflex off, or when all I want to do all day long is sleep....I try to remember how blessed I am, there are women I know who would take all of this and more to be able to be pregnant.
Cierra is thankful for all of her friends.
Blayke is thankful for his movies.

November thankful list 2011 #4

Today I am thankful for homeschooling. I love the freedom it gives me. I love being with my kids and having them all to myself. Right now, I am especially greatful, because I can mold it to fit my schedule. I just figured out how to cut it back to 3 days a week until after Christmas (which is when my first trimester, and hopefully morning sickess, ends). This will put us going further into June, but I will still be done a couple of weeks before my due date, so I am ok with that.
Cierra is thankful to have two cute brothers.
Blayke is thankful for his toys.

November Thankful List 2011 #3

Today, I feel that it is proper to honor my stepdad, Bryan. I am thankful for him and all he did for me and my siblings. He was the closest thing to a dad any of us had, and for that I am thankful. I am also thankful for how much he loves my children.
Cierra is also thankful for "her special Poppa". She is thankful for how much he loves her.
Blayke is thankful for "nothing". Yea, he can be difficult.

November thankful list 2011 #2

Today I am thankful for my Mom. She is such a stong, loving woman. She had a childhood that most people couldn't imagine in their worst nightmares. She worked hard to raise us and give us better than she had. I love her so much. (And so do my kids.)
Cierra is thankful that Heavenly Father provided a home for us.
Blayke is thankful for Heavenly Father.

November's thankful list 2011... #1

It is that time of year again. My favorite time of year..Almost Thanksgiving! YAY! Last year, from the 1st of November until Thanksgiving, Cierra and I posted for things we were thankful for!
This year, I am going to try to include Blayke... We will see how it goes..
For my #1, I am going to start with the blatantly obvious. I am thankful for my family. My husband, children and I have been through lots together, and we just keep on keepin' on! I love these 4 1/4 (yes, I am counting the baby) people more than I could begin to put into words. I am so glad taht they are mine FOREVER!

For Cierra's #1, she says, "My family."

For Blayke's #1, he says, "Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints."

About the house!

Last week was an amazing week for my family. On Wednesday, we found out we get to move into a HOUSE. Like an ACTUAL house. We were fortunate to know some people who were willing to help us get into it, and after what seemed like a thousand houses (an exaggeration for sure, because there probably aren't that many available in all of North Dakota) we walked into this one, and knew that our search was over. It is a older home, but it has been very well cared for. It has 4 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths and 3200 sq ft. The downfall was that there are 2 bedrooms upstairs, and 2 in the basement. I still have little kids, and I want us all on the same level. So, Woody's and my room will be what is supposed to be the family room. I am thrilled about this, because it is huge, has a fireplace, and a kitchen in it. (In addition to the regular kitchen!) The boys will share room, and Cierra is excited to have her "own private room, FINALLY!" We are so thankful, we know that if we just waited, kept trying and wee faithful, we would get a home. Now we are waiting as patiently as possible to MOVE IN!
We also found out that we are expecting baby #4! I am 5 weeks today, and my progestone levels look good. We don't plan on finding out the gender, and are thrilled for the excitement! We also don't plan on telling our names. There is more to this than what I am saying, but I will talk about it as the pregnancy progresses. We are thrilled, and hoping for a girl. =) YAY!

Livin' the life!

To start off with, am I the only person in the world who woke up this morning and thought, "HOLY cow! It's October...And October is nearly over."? Seriously. How did that happen. Wasn't this year just beginning? So I realized maybe I should start thinking about Christmas...Maybe... (Hello, my name is Nancy, and I am a procrastinator.) I can not believe that 2011 is nearly over. I am lacking my normal holiday zeal. We usually do some fun, cute decorations for Halloween, but I just can't seem to get into it this year. I am trying to get more in the spirit for Thanksgiving, though. (It is my favorite holiday..)
Ok, enough random babbling (at least about that). Not much has changed here. Still no word on a home. My father-in-law is driving one of our trucks for us and is staying with us..That's right..6 people in a 300 square foot apartment. Thankfully, I really like my father-in-law and he is really only home at night and on Sunday.
I don't know if I mentioned before, but for now Woody isn't going to drive one of our trucks. We have his dad in one, and a temporary driver in the other. We are hoping to get a second driver. We are hauling rock. (Not sure where or why we are hauling rock, but that's what we're doing).
The kids are great. Cierra just had to have 2 teeth pulled, and she still has one more to pull. Then space maintainers. And HOLY COW! is dental work expensive!!! Seriously, 1200 dollars! Thankfully, we have insurance, and only paid about 500 of that. She is doing well in school, and tells me all the time, "Mom, public school just isn't for me." Sweet, I'll take it!
Blayke, oh Blayke. This kid is like the naughtiest, sweetest kid alive. He is wild and crazy! But is also so loving, and quick to give hugs and kisses. He will come up to me when I am sitting on the couch, and say, "Mom, I just wanna hang out with you!" He is also quite funny. He says he is my protector. Yesterday, I was getting after one of our cats, and he yells from his room, "Mom, do I need to come protect you?" It makes me laugh.
Konnor is following closely in his brothers naughty little footsteps. He is obsessed with cat litter and flushing the toilet. I seriously sweep up cat litter at least twice a day. He seems to finally be growing taller. He is smart too. He can point to all of his body parts, tell you what cats and horses say, and knows loads of signs. He isn't talking much yet but I figure he'll do it in his own time. He follows simple directions very well when he wants to. (Throw your diaper away etc..) He is also obsessed with putting clothes on 18 month-old style...both legs in one pant leg, head in the armhole of a shirt..You get the picture..
They are good kids! I am very blessed!
I am not doing much..But I always feel busy...Funny how that works. I am still hitting the gym every morning. Still homeschooling the older 2 kids. Loving my church calling. Pretty much the same as it always is!
Well, there is our update, in all its glory!

Did YOU know?

Did you know that today, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness day? It kinda gets overshadowed by October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (An equally important cause, don't get me wrong.)
So today, I am going to talk about my personal experience with pregnancy loss, which, for some reason, is sometimes a taboo subject. The word "miscarriage" seems to make some people (usually NOT the ones who have had it) uncomfortable.
When my husband and I got married, he wanted 5 kids. I wanted 3. We wanted to have them quickly. I got pregnant with my son, Blayke, right away. (Before this, I also had Cierra and had no problems.) My second pregnancy went smoothly. (including morning sickness, heartburn, swollen feet and all!) I delivered a beautiful, healthy baby boy. Miscarriage, in my mind, wasn't even a possibility. In June, a short 10 months after Blayke's grand entrance, I started feelin' nauseous, and knew almost immediately that I was pregnant. I took a test, and sure enough, got a positive! We were ecstatic. I was slightly nervous. Blayke would barely be a year-and-a-half when the new baby would come. Still, miscarriage wasn't even a glitch on my radar. My first appointment was scheduled for 12 weeks. At 11 weeks, I started bleeding and cramping. I made an appointment immediately, and was in later that afternoon. I got an exam, and the doctor "couldn't tell" (somthing to do with my cervix) if I had, in fact miscarried. I was sure I had as I had NEVER experienced cramps like that before, but the fact that he "couldn't tell" gave me some hope. They drew blood. My HCG levels were definitely that of a pregnant woman. They wanted me back in the next day to see if they rose or dropped. Ok, so here I am, emotional anyway, and not sure if I had lost the baby or not. What a mess!
The next day I went in, and got blood drawn again. Later that day, they called, and told me that I had miscarried, and that I needed to come in and get a shot of Rhogam. I was devastated. I never thought for even ONE SECOND that a miscarriage would happen TO ME. I also have to admit, that before I experienced MY miscarriage, I didn't understand how a woman could be sad about losing something you barely knew was there. I get it now. I cried and cried. We had to tell Cierra what happened, and she was devastated. (I had ruined her fond hope of a sister!) Of course, the doc chalked it up to a "normal" loss, and figured there was no reason for further testing.
Fast forward to October that year...Another round of nausea. And again, just like my 3 previous pregnancies, I knew IMMEDIATELY that I was pregnant. A test a week later confirmed it. Now, having had one miscarriage, I was slightly worried, but somehow reasoned that a second loss was impossible. A week after my test, at work, I started bleeding. I knew instantly what was happening. Woody was driving long haul, so I was left, with 2 older kids, to do it alone. I went home, my mom came and picked up my older 2. I cried the night away in both emotional and physical pain. I went in, again, and they immediately confirmed the miscarriage, and gave me another shot of Rhogam. (I have negative blood, so I get 1 with every pregnancy and sometimes 2). Again, they chalked it up to "normal" pregnancy loss.
A year later I got pregnant. Again, I started having some pains. I was around 6 weeks along, and was sure I was about to miscarry. I called and INSISTED on getting in THAT day and getting tests done. I ended up spending from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. getting blood drawn, internal exams, ultrasounds and any other kind of test possible done. They also insisted on ANOTHER Rhogam shot, just in case. (If I wasn't losing the baby, I would have to get it anyway) Well, after all this testing, they found out I had low progesterone, which is what, during the first 12 weeks, keeps the baby alive. I also found out I hadn't miscarried, yet. I had to start my medication immediately in order to keep from possibly losing the baby. (Just so you know, I thought the medication was going to be the death of me! It magnified my morning sickness AND fatigue!) But it worked. I was able to carry Konnor to term with NO more problems.
I don't know what happened between Blayke and the first baby. But I am glad I know what to do to help prevent future losses!
The statistics show that anywhere from 10-75% of fertilized eggs will be lost. 22% of pregnancies are lost before they are clinically detected. 10-25% of clinically detected pregnancies will end in miscarriage. I am here to attest, that, as soon as you see that positive, you love that life that is growing inside of you, and to lose it is devastating. Please, take a moment today, and think about babies lost and those parents who are grieving! Thank you!

We **ARE** alive!

We are here, and alive. Tired, but alive!! Life is so good, and we are being so blessed! The kids are doing well. School is going amazingly well this year. I am so thankful that I am able to homeschool my kids. I am thankful we are able to pray together multiple times a day, that we are able to discuss Scriptures when and how we please. I am so thankful!! They are getting big so fast, and while it makes me sad, I am also proud and excited to see them becoming their own little people!
We have decided to keep Woody out of the truck for the winter. These roads here are SCARY. That is no exaggeration! We have leased our truck onto a company who hauls scorio rock. (the red rock that is all over this place.) It is working out well for us, and we have a few other things in the works, that for now, we will be keeping to ourselves, but they are AMAZING things, and I am excited about them. We have been blessed with the opportunity to employ my Father-in-law, so he will be coming up here to work. We are really excited about that.
The housing situation seems to be looking up. Like, really looking up. But again, we are going to keep all of that under our hats for a bit....We don't wanna be chicken counters!
Our Church callings are going very well. I love teaching the 5 year-olds. They are such sweet spirits! Even the boy who tells me how boring I am, and that I need to bring food! LOL! We love our Ward, and are thankful to be part of it!
Lets see..........What else? We are striving so hard to be very active in our Church, which is not always easy, as most activities are an hour drive each way. But, we are trying, and we know we are being blessed abundantly.
Well, not a lot new going on here. Busy lives, busy kids! So blessed! So very blessed!

SUPER BUSY LIFE!

For those of you who think stay-at-home-moms don't work as hard as you do, I say PHOOEY! I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off!!
Recently we celebrated Blaykes birthday. It was an intimate little family celebration. We bought him a bike, helmet set and movie. We had cake and ice cream. We were going to have friends over, but I didn't feel well. It was fun though. I am beginning to realize that "kids need" for lotsa presents stems from us always BUYING lotsa presents...Hmmm...Go figure!
We also celebrated Woodys birthday. That ended up being quite a celebration. That weekend, we went to a ward park clean up and a ward bbq/softball game. Sunday we had friends over for Taco Soup and games. That was a BLAST! On Monday, our friends upstairs had a bbq for Labor Day, and we ended up going to that...Even though I had a TERRIBLE cold. That was fun too. The best part was that Woody had 3 days off! (He normally only gets 1..Sunday...)

Other happenings? We started school. It is going REALLY well. I love it. Cierra is moving right along with second grade work. And we are having a great time doing Story Of The World. We both LOVE IT! If you are homeschooling your child...Well...Shoot....even if you aren't...You should get it, and read it with them. We are studying Ancient Egypt. We have made white crowns and later this week, we will do sugar cube pyramids. How lucky am I?!
Blayke is doing preschool. He knows his alphabet, so we are focusing on the phonics part of it. Hopin' to get him geared up for Kindergarten. I was so frustrated..I scoured the 'net for hours on Saturday, looking for the PERFECT preschool curriculum..(I was going for *free* because I am cheap.) I couldn't find ANYTHING! I was ready to throw in the towel, and BUY a curriculum....And I got a text from a good friend with a link to THIS: http://confessionsofaslackermom.com/ It is an LDS based preschool curriculum.....FREE! WOOHOO! I almost cried with happiness! It was exactly what I was looking for. I supplement it with some things from other sites, but for the most part, it is what we are using.
Konnor is growing so fast. He is 17 months old and recognizes his eyes, ears, nose, mouth, head, belly, fingers and toes. Last night, I told him to go get me the book Goodnight Moon, and he walked over to our bookshelf, and picked it RIGHT OUT!
Maybe I am biased, but I think my kids are GENIUSES!!

In other news, I am babysitting 2 little girls. One only comes on Monday. They are so good. And so fun. The kids like having them here, and so do I. I also got a calling in Church, and apparently Heavenly Father REALLY thinks I need to be with kids. I am going to be a primary teacher of 5 year-olds. I am excited. (I will admit, though, I was really looking forward to Konnor going to nursery next month so that I could enjoy my classes.... But I am a feather duster!)

Woody is VERY close to having his trailer ready, and handed in his 2 weeks yesterday! YAY! We have another potential employment opportunity that could come with housing, but it doesn't open until December, so we are going to get the truck on the road, keep a prayer in our hearts, and when that time comes, make the decision of whether or not to hire someone to drive, so Woody can have an 8-5, Monday thru Friday job, or to keep him in the truck. (Isn't being a growed up soo much fun!?)

We are still in our lil' apartment, but, hey, IT'S HOME! We are so blessed. I am so thankful for our apartment.

Life is good here! Will be back in Idaho in December and am super excited for it!

Why I'm here..At least...Part of it.

I live in Watford City, North Dakota. Never heard of it? Neither had I until about a year and a half ago. It is an hour from the closest Wal Mart and church. We drive 3 hours to attend the Temple or go to stake conference. I am 800 plus miles from my family.
Naturally, the question has come up, WHY?!
Sure, there is the employment thing...North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.. Plus the jobs here pay DANG good.
I could do what a lot of people are doing, and move back to Idaho and Woody could come home ever 2 or 3 or 4 weeks. NOT an option. We like seeing him every night.
Still, if you have ever experienced a winter here in ND, you will continue to ask WHY?! It is a whole other world here. Sometimes I feel like I have moved to a foreign country..Sometimes a foreign PLANET!
This story does in fact have a point. Woody and I have often felt that the Lord wants us here. We don't know specifics. (Don't know that we ever will).... Well, this last Sunday, during Relief Society, our RS president was giving the lesson and said, "A lot of us are here, without knowing the reason. I believe the reason, at least part of it, is that we weren't being who Heavenly Father needed us to be when we were back where we came from." (Most of us here are in the same sort of situations.) Now, I pondered this...And then I pondered it some more. How true is this statement?! I mean, to stay active here takes work...like...a lotta it. If you wanna participate in most activities, you drive an hour. We woke up at 5:30 am this past Saturday to attend a ward park clean up.
If you were previously just doing just whatcha had to to get by.....If you move to good ol' North Dakota you will go one of 2 ways...You will either find yourself putting a lot of effort.....a lot of sacrifice...into being an active member of the Church...or you will find yourself sliding on the slippery slope of inactivity. There isn't a lot of room for that in-between-do-just-what-you-have-to-do-to-get-by thing here. <I feel like I am now, finally, 10 years after baptism, willing to do the work to becomethe person Heavenly Father needs me to be. It does take a lot of work. It isn't always easy to get up, get ready, drive an hour, go to meetings, drive an hour home. Especially because it is Woodys ONLY full day off in the week.
I know that I am here because it was actually the best way for me to become the woman, wife, mother and Daughter of God that I need to be for the eternities. And, I am THANKFUL for that, and even more thankful that I know it.

POM POMS! (AKA:The POOF experiment) EXPLANATION

Recently, Woody and I made the decision to stop spanking our children. We did not come to this decision lightly, and had been pondering and praying about it for quite some time.
I personally feel that spanking is an extreme punishment meant for extreme behavior. (i.e.: Blayke running into the road after being told to stop when we are on a walk.) We were to the point, though, that they got spankings for everything! I hate that when I would go near my 3 (almost 4...sigh...That is for another post...) year-old he would flinch. Talk about feeling lower than dirt. I want respectful, obedient children. Not fearful children. I truly believe respect manifests the feeling of not wanting to do wrong, even behind a parents back. I feel that fear just makes a child not want to do wrong in your presence. (I don't live under a rock, and don't believe for a second that my children wont do things behind my back.) My hope, however, is for them to respect their parents, themselves and the Lord enough that they don't want to disappoint any of us. (C'mon, I am allowed goals and hopes and such, right.....???)
So, we started brainstorming about how to go about disciplining...Of course, everyone has their own opinions, and this is a HOT topic. I read up on "Love and Logic", which is, in theory, wonderful. But I am too lazy for it. There are so many parenting ideas out there, that if you 'google' it, your head is likely to spin off your neck!!
So, I consulted the One that I knew could ultimately help me, and I prayed. (Probably should have started it this way, but I am a bit slow at times!) While cleaning later that day, I remembered, with His help I am sure, (I was impressed at how quickly I got my answer to this prayer. It is like he was waiting for me to ask..) my friend "A". One time, while at her house, she made her son 'pay' to get on the computer. I figured that he had to earn the craft pom-poms that she had him 'pay' with. I figured I could do that. So, I made a list of ways Cierra could earn the pom-poms. Later that day, I had a chat with "A" about her pom-pom idea, (She says it wasn't hers) and expanded on my list. I proposed the idea to Woody, and he likes. So here is our plan!

The POOF experiment

For things such as chores, personal hygiene, good behavior, manners, neat schoolwork, reverence during scriptures, prayer and Sacrament etc...the children will earn a specified amount of pom-poms. (Each child will have a list tailored to suit them). They can also lose their pom-poms. Misbehavior in general will result in them having to "pay" me. They will also have to "pay" for TV time. (So far, this is the only thing I abhor that they do. We aren't a video game family, so that is not a problem...yet.) At the end of each week (Saturday) we will take all 4 jars (my two, and each of theirs) and they get a quarter (Cierra) and a dime (Blayke) for every pom pom they have earned, even the ones they used to pay me. Then out of that comes their tithing. Once we figure their tithing, they will pay me for however many pom poms were in my jar. Then they keep what is left.
Our goals with this "POOF experiment" (I call 'em poofs) are: 1. Reward good behavior. 2. Discourage behavior that is less than it should be. 3. Teach the Gospel Principle of tithing through real life experience. 4.Offer the children to earn allowance as opposed to giving them an allowance. (It is my personal opinion that an allowance that isn't earned teaches children very little.) I think it is important that they pay tithing on every cent they earn. Before they pay me. I also feel it is important to hand them every bit of money they earn instead of just what is left in their jars, so that they really understand paying me. I feel paying me in MONEY will be more effective than paying me in poofs. (The poofs will be easier to manage than the coins though on busy days through the week.)
We plan on having an FHE lesson on obedience this Monday to start the 'Experiment'. Saturday will be their "Pay day" so that when we go to Church Sunday, they are ready to pay their tithing. Our next FHE will be on the importance of paying tithing.

I will attempt weekly posts to let everyone know how it is going. I am giving the 'Experiment' 6 weeks. If, at that time, it is failing we will reevaluate!

p.s. I have noticed a huge change in Blayke since we stopped spanking and I have tried harder to praise good behavior. I am sure that part of it is due to the fact that I pray every day for patience, and for them to be obedient. I also believe, though, that he will respond well to a rewards system.

Update on our truckin' business!

Ok, so I briefly mentioned that we are buying a truck in an earlier post... Well, we are well on our way to gettin' that truck on the road.
Lets start at the beginning. Woody has talked about buying his own truck for well over a year now. We have had several opportunities, but they never felt right. So, we always passed. Well, one day a gentlemen who I will call "L" told Woody that he had some trucks sitting, and would sell him one, on contract. Woody talked to me about it. It was the first time that alarms didn't immediately go off when he talked to me about it. The guy was more than willing to do whatever he could to get Woody going. And another guy was willing to loan us the down payment. Both were willing to wait until our truck was on the road to start taking payments. "L" sold us our truck for 10,000 dollars. It has just over a million miles on the truck with only just over 400,000 on the engine in the truck. (If you don't know about trucks, like me, that sounds like a lot...apparently, though, it isn't bad.) The company Woody work for now is willing to lease us on, and provide a maintainance and fuel account, and take it out of our settlements. Speaking of settlements, Enterprise settles after 2 weeks, and every week thereafter. (other companies take 45-60 days to give you a settlement.) The only hitch in the entire thing is a trailer...It is a minor, temporary hitch though, because we have one coming in September or October. We just want Woody to get on the road as soon as possible. We are working on a few things that may solve this minor set back.
So..We feel like the Lord is opening lotsa doors for us. We know that owning our truck, this truck, is what we need to be doing.
Here is a crazy thing for you...I am more scared of the truck succeeding than I am of it failing. See, no money...I know how to deal with...Actually having money...That scares me. (Not that I think we will make millions, but we do have the opportunity to make some decent money.) I know how to struggle financially...to barely scrape by from paycheck to paycheck...I don't know how to not struggle. Also, I don't want it to change us. I have seen what having some money does to people, and I don't want it to do that to us...
I will just pray. I will be strong.
We have a plan. A good plan for what to do with the money. We will actually have a savings account. We haven't for quite some time.
Anyway..That is the deal with our business. Woody is putting the wetkit on this week. Then a trailer, and we will be rollin'. OH! The companies name? CBK Trucking. We like it.



Our truck...It doesn't have our name yet...But it will, Not bad, eh?!

Lemme tell y'all some things about....EXERCISING!

I have developed a TRUE love of exercising. I don't love all exercise...But there are some I truly LIKE to do. Some that I don't have to drag my rear outta bed and force myself to go to. Bootcamp, spinning and Zumba. These are my favorite. (Note: Bootcamp ROCKS. HURTS SOO GOOD!)

So here are some things about exercising that I LOVE! First, the endorphin rush. For real. It is awesome. When I am done working out, I feel like a million bucks! Second, MUSCLES! That's right. I got 'em. (Don't gag..They aren't big and bulky...It is actually hard for women to get that kinda muscle..) They are there though. I have these amazing things that at one point I was SURE were airbrushed onto models...ABS! That's right. An ordinary mom of 3 has abs. they aren't QUITE a 6 pack, but there is some mad definition! Then there is the fact that I can do a rather intense, kick-butt work out (Think: elliptical, 8-10 intensity for 5 miles or 47 minutes) and not feel like I am going to die. I sweat. My heart rate gets up. I definitely feel worked out. But I don't feel like I might die. I can also do my bootcamp, which is light resistance, and still move the next morning. It burns. It hurts while I am doing it, and sometimes, especially when I up my weight, I am a bit sore. However, it is no longer the "I can't move because I feel like I was hit by a train" sore.
On top of all of this, I have noticed I am more confident, and have far less anxiety. I have the "I can do that" attitude more often than I used to.
I am so thankful that I have a body that is strong. That I am physically strong as well as spiritually strong. I am thankful for a husband who is super supportive, and does all he can to make it possible for me to get to my workouts. I am just thankful.

P.S. If you are thinking you can't workout. That it is too hard..Here are a couple of secrets: First, it is only hard for a little bit. Maybe a month. Which kinda seems like a long time for something to be hard....But put into perspective, a month of your entire life is a short amount of time. Before long, 'hard' becomes 'a good workout'! Also, find what you like. I have tried so many things...I hate running. Can't even pretend I like it. I can do it. But I do NOT like it. So, I don't do it.

Why I homeschool

This question, or rather the answers to this question, have been on my mind a lot lately. We got our school books, I set up for school and I made a list of supplies to get in the next few weeks. I figured out exactly what days I need to be in school in order to meet the minimum requirements, got my statement of intent ready, (almost forgot this step...Gotta get it mailed tonight!) and a schedule set up. I have been researching pre-k curriculum like a mad woman, and am still not completely decided on what I want to do for Blayke! As you can imagine, some of these things cause me a bit of stress. Ok, some of these things cause me a lot of stress! Stress tends to bring up the question 'WHY?'
Here are my reasons....

1. I feel like 7 is too young for my kids to be away from me. Call me crazy, I'll take it. The idea of my 7 year-old being in school for 8 hours a day, away from me, me only having a vague idea of what she is doing just doesn't work for me! (I know...kids and parents survive it every day...I just don't want to. And as a parent, it is my prerogative!)

2. I feel like my kids can learn as well from me as any educator. I take their education very seriously. I want them to succeed. If I feel that they can learn from me, I have the drive to teach them, and they are succeeding, I don't find it necessary to pass the buck to someone else by enrolling them in school.

3. Cierra likes it. She did public school for kindergarten, and liked it ok, but she also likes homeschooling. She likes the opportunities it provides.

4. I truly believe my children will be more bonded, both to Woody and I and to each other, because of being homeschooled.

5. I can gauge where they are at more than an educator that has 28-30 students to care for daily. (This isn't an attack on our educators, I know many fine educators.)

6. I LOVE spending time with my kids. Don't get me wrong, it is sooo not all peaches and cream and easy and fabulous. I get frustrated. I get burnt out. I get tired. But over all, I LOVE having these amazing little people around me all the time.

7. I feel like it is my job. I feel like as these children's mother, I need to take responsibility and be their primary educator. Especially in these early years.

8. I don't know if we will home educate through high school. Right now, I say no. So, when that point comes, I want them to have a firm view on who they are. I want them to be independent, strong in their beliefs, and self-confident. I believe they stand a better chance of this if their opinion of who they are isn't 'helped' along by children their own age.

9. I like knowing EXACTLY everything my child learns. I don't have to worry about what they learn at recess.

10. I love my kids. That is the bottom line...I love them, and want what is best for them. I pray and pray, and know this is the right choice for us.

Homeschool

It is that time of year again..Back to school! Oh so fun!.....And so very stressful. I decided I didn't like the program we were using last year, as I don't think Cierra learned as much as she could have. It isn't that I think she is behind, but I think we could have made a lot better use of our time last year. So, this year, we are going to try using mostly books, with me being the teacher. I spent 8 hours researching math, spelling, language arts and everything else under the sun to find the best that I could. Then I had to pray. And pray. And pray a little more. I couldn't decide if I wanted to do a secular program or a Christian program. I didn't know if I wanted to keep her in second grade, or get her in a third grade language arts. Oh the decisions!!
Finally, with help from the Lord, I decided to lean towards a Christian approach. I want all things we do to revolve around our faith. I want everything I teach to help strengthen these childrens testimonies. I then decided that, for now, I would keep her on a second grade level. I will watch her closely, and if I feel the work is too easy, we will move on.. I pray every day that I am doing enough. That I wont miss the important things, that they will learn what they need to. I know homeschooling is the right decision. THAT much I do NOT doubt. However, I have perfectionist tendancies, and of all things in life that I don't want to fail at, this is the one thing that I cannot fail at!
Blayke...I am at a loss right now, and praying a lot about what to do with this one. He seems too smart for the things I find online to do with preschool. He knows his colors, shapes, can recognize his alphabet and numbers, he can count to 15, and almost to 20, he spells his first name....I don't know. Maybe we will start Kindergarten this year. (He will be 4 at the end of the month). Not heavy, hardcore kindergarten...And starting this early, if we need to, he can do 2 years of it. It is so much to think about.
I am thankful that when I am making these decisions, I can ask for guidance. That I know how to "listen" for answers. I couldn't possibly do this without His help.

The Temple

The Temple...What can I say? The experience can be summed up as AMAZING! Our experience started before we actually went through. The week before we left, on the same day, at different times, Woody and I both got the impression that we did needed to ask Cierras father for permission to have her sealed to us. We decided to fast and pray about it. We did and the result was a definite "YES". The Tuesday before our sealing Woody called him. He agreed without argument. The Lord had truly softened his heart. What is cool about it is that Grandpa Woodhouse woke up at 1:00 Tuesday morning and told Grandma that we would be able to have her sealed to us. He knew before we did.

What a blessing it is to have all 3 of our beautiful children sealed to us.

As I was going through, one worry I have had was put to ease. Even though it was not a worry I had been pondering at the time, in the past I had often worried about what would become of Cierra if something happened to me. (Would she be taken from the only Daddy she knows? Would she be separated from her brothers?) My hope was that my time wouldn't come before she was old enough to choose.. While going through, right at the end of the sealing, the thought came to me that everything was ok. If my time comes, I know that Heavenly Father will take care of it. (I don't know what that means, exactly, but I am confident that my family will be ok.)

How amazing is it that Heavenly Father knows and remembers our worries. Even if they aren't ones we are thinking about at a specific time. What a comfort to know that he is there. He is listening. He does answer prayers.

I feel so blessed that Woody is my eternal companion. I am thankful for all of the trials we have had. I know without a doubt that they are what have led us to where we are now. I know that there are more trials to come, and I am confident we will only come out stronger.

I am thankful to be living at a time when there are the Lords Temples on the earth!

I am so blessed! I can't wait to go back.

Funny things my kids say/do *19-23*

19. Blayke at the store after picking up our box of butter, "WHERE is the peanut for this butter?!"

20. Instead of Pinocchio, Blayke calls it, "Hokey-Dokey"

21. Me: "What foot does this go on?" Blayke: "This one...The right one." Me: "Good! What foot does this go on?" Blayke: "This one! The WRONG one!"

22. Cierra: I wish we had cold water to put on my head. Me: Why? Cierra : So my head would shrink and this headband wouldn't hurt it 23. Blayke:"I have to sleep with pajama pants on so I don't get a brain freeze!"

Update!

Well, it has been 3 months since my last post.... My computer cord broke, and instead of replacing it immediately, I took a computer hiatus! I have tons to update though! Let's start with the kids!

Cierra: Cierra has kept us busy this summer!  has done t-ball, hockey, swimming lessons, soccer and kids day! Fun stuff! She is a good girl, and an amazing help! She is mostly

good to her brothers! We are so blessed to have her as our oldest! Blayke: Oh, what can I say?! Have you ever watched 'Dennis the Menace'? That is my Blayke boy! He is 'such a 3 year-old boy'! He is smart and funny, but oh-so-naughty! He wears me out! This little stink can sure melt a heart though! Like when he says, "I love you Mommy! So much! Up to the sky and begone!"(supposed to be beyond) He has tons of funny habits. He asks before he does anything NOT considered naughty (like going to the bathroom), and then he tells me how to answer. I can't say sure. I have to say 'yes son'. Oh silly boy! Konnor: this baby is not much of a baby! And he is his big brothers partner in crime! I will tell him to come get his diaper changes, and he will run away laughing! He has unrolled an entire NEW roll of toilet paper... More than once! He loves the shower, and string cheese! He is a love-bug and constantly gives hugs and kisses! Oh! And, he is night weaned from breastfeeding, and only nurses 3 times a day! Yay! He is picking up on baby sign and is so cute when he signs please and milk! Now onto life! Recently, we took a trip to Idaho, and were sealed in the Twin Falls Temple! We even had permission from Aaron to have Cierra sealed to us! What an amazing experience! And what a blessing and a relief to know that we are now sealed for eternity. I am still home with the kids, and getting ready to start my second year of homeschooling. I have become a workout junkie, and take a spinning class, a bootcamp class and a Zumba class every week. I also run or do the elliptical on days I don't have classes. I love love love working out! I did quit Weight Watchers, but only because I don't need it. I have adjusted my lifestyle, and generally eat pretty healthy. I have lost a total of 40 lbs. Give or take a pound on ay given day! I am currently wearing a size 3 jean. Woot! We finally got booted out of our townhouse, and are living in our good friends 300 square foot (nope, there isn't a missing 0 there!) basement apartment. We are thankful to them, but hope to find something more suitable soon! Here is the BIG NEWS in our family! Woody is buying a truck... Not a pick-up.... A semi! We are starting a trucking business! After lotsa fasting and praying, we decided it would be a good move for our family. We are excited and nervous. Well... I think that is all for now! I will try not to let 3 months go by before I post again.

Happy Birthday baby boy!

I found this im my drafts, and thought I should post it... better late than never!

Konnor Ray Merrell

4-26-2010

Height:

Weight: 21lbs

Nicknames: Baby K, K-Ray, McRaydles and Bug

Konnor is a sweet baby. He is very spoiled, and totally a daddy's boy! He loves mac and cheese, and string cheese. He can drink from a sippy cup, but is still breastfed. He can say "dada" "grandpa" and "hi". If you ask him to say mom, he signs "milk". I am not even kidding.

His brother and sister adore him, and call him "the cutest little baby in town"! He started walking when he was 11 months old, and now runs. He likes to play peek-a-boo, and can point to his nose when you ask him where it is. He is such a joy and a blessing. I am so glad he is our baby!

Baby K,

Wow! 1 year-old already! Where did this year go?! You are such a sweet baby.. You have such kissable, pinchable cheeks, and I LOVE to smooch them! Your smile lights up your whole face! Everywhere we go, people compliment us on how cute you are! (Daddy is already very proud of your flirting abilities!)

You make me smile every day! I feel so blessed to be your mommy!!

I love you Mr. K-Ray!

Love,

Mommy!

Plateau, plateau, plateau! (Weight loss/fitness)

Haha! I have gotten HORRIBLE at updating this part of the blog. I haven't, however, gotten horrible at actually STICKING to working out and Weight Watchers. (Although, this wasn't my best weekend..STINKIN' movie theater popcorn!) I still hit the gym 5 mornings a week, and Zumba 2 nights a week. I haven't gotten back into my strength routine, which I am disappointed about, but I am starting tonight!
I have plateaued. Which is frustrating. I still have about 10 pounds until I reach my goal. I know the last 10 are always the hardest...But COME ON! The scale hasn't budged in about 2 weeks. But I can feel that THIS is the week! **I hope**!
I am trying to get the weight gone by July when wego back to Idaho to go through the Temple. (There will be lotsa photos, and I don't wanna look awful for them!)
So...Wish me LUCK! This is my week! Gonna work hard and eat right.

Update

Well...We are back from Idaho, and have been for a couple of weeks. It was a nice trip, but it is super nice to be home! We got to visit lots of people. We got to see Brayly (my sisters new baby.) We got to see Saydie.(My niece who was just diagnosed with leukemia) We got to spend lots of time with both sets of grandparents. Cierra had a ton of birthday celebrations, and got spoiled rotten! (So did the boys.) She got to go to a "Princess Tea Party". We had a lot of fun, and stayed vey busy!
Yesterday was Easter, and thekids got spoiled rotten! We decided against too much candy, and only got them a little bit. Instead, they got new movies, swimming suits, flip-flops, swimming toys and goggles. (We plan on spending lotsa time at the pool this year!) They also got 2 new outfits. (1 summer, 1 church!) We dyed Easter eggs, spent the week talking about the importance of Easter, and did some fun art projects.
The weather here FINALLY seems to be getting nice, which is fabulous! Hopefully, it will be nice this coming weekend, because we would LOVE to have a bbq for Konnors first birthday! Well, there isn't too much goin' on in our lives...just kinda hanging out, back into a nice comfy routine, an I love it!

Just so you know that I am tellin' the truth about my weight loss! LOL!

I stole the "before" from my friends blog. She took this pic at Thanksgiving.

The other was right after I got to Idaho.

The "before" was my weightloss motivation, so really, I should say,

THANK YOU "A". Also, Thank you to my sweet husband

who is soo supportive and has let me spend tons of money to hit

the gym and Zumba while I am in Idaho!

Slow and Steady wins the race...Right? (Weight loss fitness)

So, I have somehow, miraculously managed to stay on track while in Idaho. I have only eaten a LITTLE fast food. (Taco Bell is my weakness..But instead of two Chalupas Supreme, I have been having 2 chicken taco frescos..That has to mean something!) I have to say, though, above the weight loss, above the gym, and all that, I am most proud that I have not had one sip of soda! This was a huge problem for me! I am so excited. My last drink of soda was New Years Eve! I am still losing, though it is slowing down, because I am so close to goal. (about 10 or so pounds.) And while on vacation my weight has fluctuated depending on the scale. I am not sure exactly how much I weigh, but it is somewhere between 125-127. This is the THINNEST I have been since I got pregnant with Cierra!! My size 5's I bought 2 weeks ago fit loose. WOOT! Above that, I feel GREAT!! I LOVE Zumba, still. I love weight training. They are still my favorite, and I can't WAIT to get home and really have Woody kick my rear with weights. I miss that awesome hurts so good feeling that comes from a good weight workout! The only down fall to all of this is loose skin and yucky stretchmarks. I am actually getting more stretchmarks (or at least I am able to see more) with my loss. It is kinda depressing. But other than that, I have no complaints.

Cierra is 7!!

Cierra's stats:

Age: 7 years

Weight: 40.3 lbs (She gets mad if I forget the .3!)

Height: 45 inches

Nicknames: C, Sis, Sissy, Princess

Cierra at "Tips for Saydie"!

Such a pretty girl!

Cierra and Daddy..(Dang it, I had this turned..GRR!)

Mommy and Cierra a couple of years ago

C and her brothers!

Meeting baby Konnor!

Meeting Blayke

Princess!

I love this picture

Baby C!

Well. I don't know how we got here, yet here we are. My oldest 'baby' is seven. SEVEN!? 7 years ago today, I held the most beautiful, perfect child! She was gorgeous. She was born shortly after 5 pm, April Fools Day, 2004. Weighing in at a whopping 6 lbs, 8 oz, she was 19 inches long. She had a tiny bit of dark hair, and I was immediately IN LOVE!

Cierra is a wonderful big sis to her little brothers. S She is so responsible! She helps me out all of the time, and there are days that I honestly do NOT know how I would make it through without her! She is a complete sweetheart, and is always ready with a hug and a kiss.

Today, I interviewed her, and here are some things about Cierra from Cierra!

1. What is your favorite color? Blue

2. What is your favorite movie? Barbie and the Diamond Castle

3. What is your favorite food? Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese

4. What is your favorite song? Starlight Star bright

5. What do you want to be when you grow up? A builder and a cleaner

6. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you visit? Japan, to visit my uncle.

7. What is your favorite toy? Barbies and Pet Shop

Oh my oh my, how I love this girl!

My little Princess,

I remember holding you in my arms for the first time. It was then that I first experienced the all encompassing love of a MOM. It was amazing, and so were you.

From that moment on, you have never stopped amazing me. You are so bright. So beautiful. You have such a tender heart. We are so blessed to have you in our family.

You are our oldest and our only girl. Your brothers adore you. (As do your dad and I.) You are such an awesome big sister.

Cierra, I don't know how I would make it through a day without you. You are such a wonderful help to me, and you constantly make me smile and laugh. I love that at 7, you use sarcasm as well as most adults. (This, I am sure, will backfire soon!)

If I can tell you anything, my dear daughter it is this: I love you. Your daddy loves you. Your brothers love you. And your Heavenly Father loves you! I am proud of the example that you set for your brothers and friends.

I have one request though, little one. Please, slow down. You are growing so fast. I feel I can't keep up. It seems unreal to me that it was 7 years ago that we laid together in a hospital bed. That I first kissed your sweet cheeks!

Princess, I love you. More than words can say!

Love, Mommy!

Brayly Kay

Brayly Kay

3-27-2011

7 lbs 13 oz

19 1/2 inches long

My niece Brayly Kay was born last night at 7:38 pm! She was 7 lbs 13 oz 19 1/2 inches long! She was 2 weeks early and the doctor ended up doing a C-section after my poor sister pushed and pushed! (Imagine how big she would have been had she been born on her due date!) She is my mom's 4th grandchild, and 2nd granddaughter. She is my first niece on my mom's side. And my oh my is she a-stinkin'-dorable!

Did not abandon my weight loss/fitness

Ok, so, I haven't given up on the weightloss thing. Truly. But on vacation, it is hard to get a good "weigh in"! I have stuck to Weight Watchers, and have gmanaged to workout five times a week every week! Woody surprised me this Saturday by showing up here, and he was shocked at my loss in just the week and a half or so that I have been here. His exact words, "Where did your hips go?!" I told him I shimmied them off at Zumba! ;) I heart Zumba. I am a total addict! I am even thinking of getting my instructors license and teaching it! (There is an instructors course coming to Minot in June, and that really isn't too far away from where I live!) Another huge feat: I was thrift store shopping, and found a really super cute pair of jeans that are a 27/33. I tried them on, and they fit. I didn't know what "normal" size that translated to, so I researched a little....Guess what?! SIZE 5! OH YEA!

Pickin' up "Chicks"!

So, last July when we were on our way to Idaho, Blayke randomly said, "I go to Idaho to pick up chics!" It was hilarious! We laughed so hard!
Well, on the way this time, Blayke got mad at us for not stopping to "pick up chicks" and said that he wanted a baby chicken. Apparently, my sweet boy was talking about chickens, not girls. (**SOO HAPPY ABOUT THIS!**)
Grandma Pat decided to take all of the kids to "pick up chicks" this morning. They got 6 baby chickens and 2 baby turkeys. (Don't worry, they are stayin' here! No making the 14+ hour trip home with baby chickens!)
Here are a few pics of us all "pickin' up chicks"!

Baby K is missin' his daddy really bad!!

They scared him at first, but then he LOVED them!



Gaykes and Cierra checkin' out the chicks.

Losin' it in Idaho! (Weightloss/fitness week 10)

Well, I posted that I was nervous for the trip to Idaho, and "fallin' off the wagon"..WEELLLL! That hasn't happened! I love that Weight Watchers is easy enough to follow I can even do so while not at home! I have lost 2 pounds! I am sittin' pretty under the 130 mark! THAT is SUPER COOL! SUPER COOL! I haven't seen the 120's since before I had Cierra! I have tried Zumba, and oh my oh my! How I love it! Can't wait to get home and start doing the classes regularly!! WEll, I am going to keep this short and sweet! Feelin' good here!

Idaho!

So, I am, in stark contrast to my last trip here, THOROUGHLY enjoying Idaho. (Not that I didn't enjoy it last time, but it was a lot different than I expected!) I got to spend a night at my moms, but left yesterday morning. We went and saw my BFF, Cherry and did a little grocery shopping, so that I can stay on track with Weight Watchers..By the way, I only paid one dollar and eighty-eight cents for a gallon of milk!! LESS THAN TWO DOLLARS!!! We pay 4-5 dollars back home! I was so excited!!
After shopping, we came to Burley, to spend time with my in-laws. It has been so nice to visit them. I am so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family! I wish my husband could be here! Especially since I know he desperately misses his family! Last night, for the first time, I went to Zumba..OH MY GOSH!! SOOOOO FUN!! I am going back tonight! I am totally addicted!! When we get home, I am going to start going at our local gym!! It is a total workout, and I was sweatin LIKE crazy, but it is so fun, you don't really realize how hard you are working until it is done!
I have now meant my 4 month-old baby nephew, Braxton. What a cutie pie!! And after packin' around Mr. Konnor, he weighs NOTHING!! Such a little cutie boy!
Still waitin' on Baby Brayly to make her arrival..
I want to go see my niece Saydie, who was just diagnosed with cancer, but I think I am catching a cold, so that will be put on pause for now. But I am really hoping that I can see her before we leave!
I head back to Blackfoot Sunday for a while, unles my sister has her baby....

Made it!

Baby K..SOO tired! Poor baby!

Cierra..Also tired...

Gaykes...Dirty face and all!

Well, we are here in Idaho...It was a rather uneventful trip, thank goodness! We left at about 3:30 AM North Dakota time, and drove straight through. We packed food, and only stopped for fuel and bathroom breaks, and made it in about 14 hours. The kids did so well! I am so proud of them. We already miss Daddy! (Konnor especially!) We made the trip with NO fastfood and NO soda! That is huge for me!!

Ok, here are a couple of pictures of the kids!

At the park...in 2 feet of snow...in March...

Blayke in the swing..He could touch...

Konnor sitting on my lap in the swing!

We wrapped this swing around, so that she could actually swing..Then she kicked off her boots....35 degrees..PRACTICALLY SUMMER HERE! ;)

So, my friend "A" and I had similar thoughts a couple of days ago. Watford City hit a scorchin' 35 degrees, so we bundled up our kids, and went to the park. (It was SO warm, I ended up unbundling, and so did some of the kids!!)

The funny, cute, sweet things my kids say/do *13-18*

Here are some new ones for ya!



13-Ok, this one, Blayke can't know I think is funny, cause it's also super naughty, and he gets in trouble whenever he says it, but it is funny. Whenever I tell him to do something, latelty his response is, "Ok, bossybosserton!" (See, super naughty, but secretly funny!)



14-Cierra, "MOM! If Missionaries didn't go on missions, they would just be aries!" This cracked me up!



15-Konnors new thing: Blowing on the leather couches. Makes the same sound as me blowing on his tummy! SOO cute!



16-Cierra, "MOM! You are going to be a grandma soon...Well not soon...But in like 13 years!" (GLAD she added the not soon...)



17-When I am nursing Konnor, he tries to cram his finger in my mouth. I tell him no. He laughs. LITTLE STINKER!



18- Blayke, every single night before bed, after we turn out lights, "GUYS! It's dark in here. I can't see." Kinda the point son!

Oh, these kids. They make me laugh! I love them!

"A new day" (Weightloss week 9..1/2)

Ok, I promise I didn't abandon my weight loss/fitness part of this blog. I am still DILIGENTLY hitting the gym and following Weight Watchers. But I wanted to wait to blog until I officially "weighed in" this week! And that was this morning.

Before we get to that, let me tell you. I feel so good. My energy is so high. I can feel that confidence thing returning. (Please don't yell at me for associating weight loss with confidence. Lets be real..If we hate how we look, the confidence IS NOT THERE!!) I am getting strong. I am building endurance. (I can do 15 miles on the upright bike and 5 miles on the elliptical. Both with some resistance!) I love those 2 things. I hate hate hate running, however! I tried it this week, and can NOT stand it!

So, on my Weight Watchers tracker, I plugged in last time that I lost a pound. (Since I had weighed Saturday and was down a pound, weighed Monday and was up 2..I figured that once things got "moving", I really had lost a pound...So..As of this week, I am down another 3 pounds! YES 3 POUNDS from that Saturday weight!! Soo excited.

I am a bit nervous about sticking to it the next few weeks though, because I am headed back to Idaho. Me going to Idaho is like a recovering alcoholic walking into a bar..I am not EVEN kidding. I have a plan though. Please, help me stay accountable!!