heat wave

The high temperatures are all over the news.

This heat wave is a big deal around here.

They say it only happens a few times a year.

We should cool down a bit next week.

Ellery wakes up every day and asks to go swimming.

And refuses to get in anything but her swimsuit.

We've even run most of our errands this week

decked out in our swimming attire.

We've been doing a good job at staying cool.

Playing in the water at home.

Going to outdoor water parks.

And today we might even make it to Salmon Creek Lake.

If you ask me, this heat wave isn't all that bad.

third and fourth

Our Plans for Independence Day:  

1- Saturday go to the St. Paul Rodeo

2- Sunday bbq for dinner

3- Monday throw some snaps and waive some sparklers in the front yard

My son, who loves animals more than anything, could not have been more annoying excited about going to the rodeo.  We were all really excited that we had some fun plans for a holiday weekend that would normally include family, traditions and of course the Freedom Festival.  It was a good distraction for us.

We got to the rodeo grounds early.

The lady we had talked to on the phone assured us that we didn't need to buy tickets online.  

They wouldn't sell out.

But guess what?

The lady was wrong.

They were sold out when we got there.

We decided to ride some rides, eat some greasy, ridiculously-priced food, and hold up signs that said we needed tickets.

McKay was happy to hold up the sign.  

The sign was written on the back of a fan given out by a local radio station.  

He had recently seen a pan-handler when we were driving and had become interested in what that man was doing.  We told him that the man was asking for money because he didn't have any.  

When McKay held up the sign, he said, "Is this because we need money?" and you could tell the thought thrilled him.

We got a lot of sympathetic looks.  Me being big and pregnant walking around with my two young children, one of which is lifting his sign just as high as it could go.  People felt bad for us.  It made Brian uncomfortable. 

We had a few people offer a ticket here and there.  But not four.  And there were about a hundred other people looking for tickets too, so it just wasn't going to happen.

We realized this after awhile and had to come up with plan b.  So, here is our plan b.

Pony ride.

This is Misty.  There is not a happier cowboy.  Except maybe that one behind him.

Carousel ride.

The cheesy grin on her face was priceless.  She was yee-hawing the whole time 

and declaring herself a cowgirl.

See the animals.

This was especially important given that we weren't going to see any rodeo action.  

Sidenote:  This black flowered shirt was picked out special for the rodeo.  

Bonus.

While Brian was still trying to find tickets, Elle had a panic attack because she wanted to ride the carousel again.  Here comes the sympathy again- big pregnant lady struggling with a crying child and one who can't walk because his shoe is hurting.  The young man ushered us onto the ride without tickets.  Bless him.

  

By this time we had to break the news that there would be no rodeo for us.  McKay was heartbroken, understandably so.  I suggested we go miniature golfing and get a treat instead.  It took a few minutes for this idea to outweigh the tears, but eventually it did.

Problem number two.  No outdoor miniature golfing in the area.  

Plan c:

We did not intend to do fireworks.  We had bought snaps and sparklers and figured that would be enough.

Plan c included a box of fireworks, a treat, and staying up late.

Rootbeer floats.

Kids love rootbeer floats.  Easy, tasty and way cheaper than the food at the rodeo fair.

Fireworks.

We got through the snakes, the snaps, a few sparklers and two "big ones" when some friends rode by and invited us to their house the next night for fireworks.  

Late night.

In the summertime I always feel bad for putting my kids to bed at seven.  It is so bright outside.  It's still day time at seven.  So for them to be playing outside at dusk was a treat, and I enjoyed watching them.  

It finally felt like summer. . .even though it was kind of chilly.    

*****

Our Sunday went the usual way.  Except I was feeling absolutely sick and we made a more intricate dinner than usual, which is hard to do when you get home at 5:30pm.

We had bottled rootbeer with our bbq chicken, grilled pineapple, grilled corn and baked beans.  

And of course a red, white and blue dessert.

Then it was off to the McRae's for more dessert and fireworks.

They had several families there, as well as the sister missionaries.  

Ellery flipped her hair, ate red cookies, and sang absentmindedly (meaning loudly) while walking around the backyard, as most of the adults played volleyball.  

McKay mostly did this:

And was in heaven the whole time.  Playing rough with big boys, on a trampoline with his friend David.  Could not get any better for him.

They also enjoyed watching the neighbors do fireworks before we officially joined them.

Funny fireworks.

Mormon hill.

It was so nice to be around so many people.  Even though we didn't know or interact with most of them, there was a fun sense of community and celebration in the air.  

It was nice to be a part of that.

Feeling hot with a sparkler-thing. 

One thing that we were not used to was having to wear sweatshirts on the fourth of July.  It felt wrong.

I was there too.  

Me and Elle hung out together most of the time.  She likes to stick pretty close to me when we are with other people.  Everyone thought she was adorable, even with her kinked hair.

Brian, McKay and some of the other boys lit off the rest of our fireworks.  

McKay was SO excited to be doing this.  I, for one, could do without fireworks altogether, but seeing the joy on his face made me glad that we got some for him to do.  

This is the view from the top of the McRae's driveway, where we were sitting.     

Brian and I were shocked at the fireworks we saw in this little cul-de-sac.  First of all, there were SO many people.  Second, there were SO many fireworks.  Big ones.  We didn't know that we were in for that big of a fireworks show, but it was sure fun to be sitting right under them.  Oregon neighborhoods sure know how to celebrate the fourth.

As we walked home in the dark, fireworks were still going off over our heads.  Our kids were happy.  We were happy.  It was a great way to celebrate.

thoughts on a monday

Got home too late last night and felt too sick to do my Sunday post.  

So Monday morning will have to do!

• It's Monday.  I'm so grateful that it's Monday.  Last week was one of the hardest/worst weeks I've had here in Oregon and I'm so happy to say goodbye to it.  There's a lot of reasons, really.  Kids were throwing up, kids had colds, kids were whiny, appointments and play dates were cancelled, kids are annoying when they sleep together, we were stuck inside all week, it rained, and someone was up almost every night.  Just to name a few.  It's also taking us longer than usual to adjust back to normal.  It's been hard to not have McKay's preschool schedule to help organize our weeks.

• Probably the highlight of my week was when McKay was throwing up and Ellery pooped her pants simultaneously.  Fun.  Whatever flu they had effected Ellery's digestion system and she couldn't make it to the bathroom for number two's.  She had three gross accidents in one day, along with throwing up a few times.  I was frazzled by the end of that day, to say the least.

• This week has been bad, but not all bad.  I had a serious craving for hot, cheesy pizza and you know where the best place to get that is, right?  Costco, of course!  No one has more cheese than Costco!  So we went there for lunch.  We didn't buy anything, just ate lunch there.  It was so good.

• We went to the new library that is less than two miles from our house this week.  I am so excited to be able to walk to the library. . .except I don't know how much I'll be doing that since I usually get a stack of books about two feet tall.  It would be hard to carry all those home.

• McKay has big tonsils.  Really huge tonsils.  Like unbelievably big.  I guess we must tell him this often because the other day he asked Elle, "Do you want to see my fossils?"

• McKay has decided that he wants a husky when he's a dad and Ellery would like to own a poodle.  They will both be named Lindsey.

• I moved Ellery's clothes into McKay's room.  Their room, I guess.  Then we went through all the toys and consolidated those into one room as well.  The baby's room is emptying out little by little and I'm excited to start getting that ready for her.  We got rid of several toys, especially little cheap, junky ones.  It felt good to go through everything and get it all in place.  Brian almost couldn't handle going through all the toys because it made him frustrated how our kids never play with them.  Well, McKay doesn't at least.  And it's true.  He has a closet full of toys and will only play with a couple of them by himself.  This has been frustrating us this week.  I was getting ready one day and instead of going off to play with Ellery, McKay preferred to lay on my bed and watch me do my hair.  What four year old would rather do that than play?  I don't get it.

• One of my favorite things that Ellery says is "When I'm a little momma. . ."  She has big plans for when she's a little momma.

• Portland doesn't have shave ice.  Nowhere.  I'm dying.  I'm ready to go into business just so I can get my fix. 

• We've learned this week that Ellery cannot stand having a runny nose.  She will run up to us and say, "I have a runny nose!" and won't stop talking about it until we wipe it. 

• We were lucky enough to have Brian home for six days in a row.  It's been so nice having him around because when he's not around a lot the stress level is pretty high for him.

• On Friday we went to a U-Pick berry farm and picked raspberries.  It was so much fun.  We picked a huge bowl full of raspberries and paid $4 for them.  Plus, we got to sample as we picked.  They are so good and now most of them are frozen in our freezer.  I am so excited to pick blueberries and peaches and even more raspberries for jam.  I forgot my camera so I have no pictures, but it was a fun Oregon experience.  

• Friday night I also got to see Eclipse with some friends.  I am not a huge Twilight fan.  I'm a fan, but not a huge fan.  It is what it is.  Well, until this movie I was not sure what "team" I was on.  After seeing this movie I'm pretty sure I'm on Team Jacob.  I think. . .

• I now have the cold that the kids had and I feel bad because it's a pretty yucky one.  I feel sick.  I hate that all I can take is Tylenol.  I hope Brian doesn't get it.

• We had a nice 4th.  Our neighbors invited us over to there house for fireworks and dessert.  I am so grateful that they did.  It turned out to be a huge party.  I'll tell you about that later though.

• Yesterday Ellery wore a ponytail to church.  After church she pulled it out and when we were getting ready to leave I asked her to come to me so I could put it back in.  She came up to me and said, "No! I want to do this with my long hair!" as she twirled her hands through it and flipped it around.  I couldn't  argue with that.  So she went to the party with a big kink in her long, flowy hair.  

• Now, here I am, another Monday.  And although I'm sick and that's not fun, at least we have a new week.  I have a doctors appointment, a few play dates lined up already, and it's supposed to be nice and hot this week.  Things are already looking up.  Now if I could just do something about the whining.  . .

Happy Monday, indeed!

frustrated

It's late.  Brian is sleeping.

I am sitting here at the computer trying to find some new baby names to add to the list.

The list.  I am beginning to hate the list.

How do you find new names that you love when you just don't love any?

Where do you find names anyway?

There is one I love. . .but Brian doesn't love it.

There is one he loves. . .but I just don't know if it's "it".

So tonight I thought I'd get a fresh look.

And I scoured the internet for over an hour.

And now all I'm feeling is anxiety.

Some people on the internet choose the most ridiculous names.

Just to try and be "different".  I don't want to do that.

Those poor babies.

It is not like us to "wait until we see the baby".

Why am I putting everything in "quotes"?

I want to name her.  I want her to have a name now.

I feel like knowing her name is part of the bonding process for me.

(I totally wanted to write "bonding", but I didn't.)

Ellery suggested Duminum (dum-i-num).

That is her go-to name; like McKay's is Lindsey.

At this point. . .we may have to consider it.

Naming a person is hard.

utah trip ~ top ten

Here are our top ten activities from our trip to Utah:

1.  Swimming. . .in luxury 

We were lucky enough to get to swim at this pool.

Which belongs to a friend of Brian's dad.

We barbecued.

The kids went fishing.

I floated on a raft and just laid there. . .

which I haven't done in I don't know how long.

Most of us wore sunscreen.

Some of us didn't.

Several of us got severe sunburns.

Sunscreen or not.

 McKay was a swimming fool.

But got completely exhausted after awhile.

So on went the floaties

and so did my peace of mind.

Ellery just bobbed in the water like a little fish.

And we all had a wonderful time.  

And don't even worry about us smelling like chlorine.

It was a salt water pool.

No big deal.

2.  Playing at Grandma's

Wish I had more pictures of this.

We just hung out. . .which is one of our favorite things to do at Grandma's.

Cousins played.

Ellery discovered Pretty, Pretty Princess and was in heaven.

And also found two constant companions

named sweetie pie and yellow.

Adele made delicious meals, snacks and desserts.

And McKay, too.
The kids had fun jumping on the tramp,
And going on walks with Grandma.
Every morning McKay would ignore us,
and go right up to find Grandma.

We played lots of games.  

And had two wonderful Sundays together.  

3.  Greeting the Golfers

The boys played golf.

And we met them at the fifth hole.

Complete with pizza and Propel.

The kids were so excited.  

My cousin also came into town.

And the family gathered to greet her and watch SYTYCD.

Nonnie gave out licorice.

I forgot to serve the rootbeer floats.

4.  The Land

It feels kind of funny to say, "we went to The Land" to people who aren't in the family.

"The Land" means we went to Thunder Mountain. . .

which means we went camping.

A zip line was put up.

Cousins played.  

Cousins got dirty.

Chili-cheese sandwiches were devoured.

And Uncle Alex was initiated into the family officially.

There were go-kart races.

Four wheeler rides.

And plenty of treats to keep us busy.

Also, my wonderful parents-in-law 

let my pregnant body sleep in their bed in their trailer.

I love them.

5.  Grammy's

We had a swimming party at Grammy's.

It felt SO good to be out in the sun.

To even see the sun.

Mom made gourmet sandwiches for lunch.

While I made the kids crusty pb&j. . .

which they didn't even care to eat.

Too busy splashing around.

Got to go out to dinner with mom and dad.

Ate WAY too many rolls at Texas Roadhouse.

Nonnie and McKay were best friends.

And read book after book after book together.

We also got a visit from an ice cream truck.

Which perhaps was the best thing to ever happen to McKay.

Mom treated me to some much needed hair care and some maternity clothes.

Loved visiting with Nonnie, Grammy and Poppy.

6.  The best day of the year (aka Orem Summerfest)

Brian's favorite day did not disappoint.

Except it was a wee bit cold.

But the rain let up when we needed it to.

So we can't complain too much.

Except I did complain a lot that it was raining in Utah.

Because that is what I left behind in Portland.

The day started off with a fun race.

For Jenn, Alex, McKay Sr. and Bri.

The kids were very involved in cheering all the runners.

And we celebrated with donuts from Macy's.

As always, McKay secured a wonderful spot at the parade.

And Ellery LOVED waiving at all the princesses.

McKay was serious about collecting candy.

And of course Brian caught a tie.

And then, fireworks.

What a wonderful day.

It's no wonder the family holds it so dear.

7.  Minnetonka Cave

Joined the Roylances for a tour of this cave.

There were a million steps.

Maybe more like 800, but still.

Brian hiked up and down this cave all while holding Ellery in his arms.

I don't know how he did that.

Jana and Mark thought that Carson died somewhere in the middle.

And checked for breathing when we finally emerged into daylight.

Brian and Mack stayed with the tour guide.

as he led a group in complete darkness with only a rail to hold.

We saw a moose on the way down the canyon.

It was exciting.

8.  The Cabin

Jana and Mark graciously hosted us at the cabin.

It almost didn't happen. . .

due to the stomach flu going around the family.

But they finally made it up, and no one else got sick.

Perhaps due to the heavy sanitizing going on.

And lots of prayers.

We had a campfire.

With giant marshmallows.

Played games.

Ate snacks.

And just enjoyed being together.

Thank you Jana and Mark.

It was a lovely weekend. 

which also involved. . .

9.  Shake your booty

Someone brought up a dancing game.

I don't have a Wii so I don't know what it was called.

But I just want you to guess who totally rocked

And won this game.

Brian.

And me.

I never knew we had such secret dancing talent.

My dad was pretty good too.

And the Allred kids know the routines by heart.

It was funny.

Funniest to see the men dancing to the Rocky theme.

McKay was so proud of us for winning.

We kept telling him, "You won third!"

And as long as the word "won" was in there,

he was happy.

Look at those moves.

I married a dance genius.

10.  Bear Lake

I love this lake.

The color shocks and delights me every time.

We had a picnic lunch

and stayed all day.

McKay wanted to be burried so he was just a head.

And sweet Ellery wanted to help bury him.

So she dumped a bucket of sand on his face.

And that's when it became not fun anymore.

Trevor took us all out on the boat.

And a few skied.

But mostly we sat on the beach,

played in the sand and shallow water,

And enjoyed the sunshine.

And of course the raspberry shakes afterward helped too.

So that was our trip in pictures and as few words as I could manage.  It was wonderful.  We love our families and thank them for hanging out with us, feeding us, and having fun with us while we are in town.  It means so much to us to visit and spend time with those we love and miss so much.  

And now. . .for perhaps the biggest highlight of the trip for me, as the front seat passenger, I give you a bonus.  

11.  Sleeping Children

I got so angry on the way down.

Because during fourteen hours on the road.

My children slept zero of those.

No dozing, no naps, no nothing.

And that's getting up several hours earlier than usual.

It made me crazy. . .like really a little crazy.

So on the way home I was determined that they would sleep.

And the ticket was not giving in to their every request.

And designating "rest time".

Where mom and dad wouldn't hand them anything.

Or even talk to them.

I was such a happy momma.

Two hours of bliss. . .

except that baby dancing on my bladder.

thoughts on a sunday

• Brian has been grillin' away on his new BBQ.  I can't believe we've gone this long without one actually. It's so nice to have.  One of my favorite things is a grilled veggie burger, so I'm a happy girl.  We also tried mahi mahi this week (not me though) and he made some delicious grilled vegetables.  Eggplant.  We've never eaten eggplant before.  But it was tasty!  And lets not forget grilled pineapple.  Pineapple is good enough, but on the grill?  Even better.

• After trying a few bites of mahi mahi McKay said, "I do not like hee-haw hee-haw." 

• This week we have just kind of been getting back into the swing of things around here.  It felt pretty lonely coming back from two and a half weeks of being surrounded by family constantly.  It is good to be home, but we've had to adjust to being just us four again.  The kids have been extra whiny this week, which I think has something to do with them getting back to their normal routine and missing all the attention.  Either that or we just have really whiny kids.  Especially our girl kid.  She is unreal.

• Lately I find extreme pleasure in brushing my teeth.  I'm thinking this is a pregnancy thing.  When I was pregnant with Ellery I could not get enough of my lavender hand-sanitizer.  I would put it on over and over again just so I could smell it.  It was my favorite thing.  My guilty pleasure.  And now that seems to have moved to brushing my teeth with this one.  I have to make myself stop because otherwise I would be doing it for ten minutes every time.  It just feels so right.

• Also, my love of chewing ice has returned.  Big time.  

• It's June 27th.  June 27th.  I'm 29 today.  I think 29 is a pretty ugly age.  I started saying that my dad is 70 as soon as he turned 69. . .because. . .when you're 69 you're pretty much 70.  Am I right?  So I guess  I might as well be 30.  

• It's always kind of weird when your birthday is on a Sunday.  Sweet Brian made me german pancakes and a delicious crock-pot dinner, all while fasting today.  We just did our regular Sunday routine.  When I blew out the candles on my cake I wished that Ellery would stop crying and eat her dinner so she could have some cake.  My wish came true.    

• My mom is having both her knees replaced tomorrow.  We've been thinking about her today and wish we could have been with the whole family tonight.  I'm hoping that everything goes smoothly- better than expected even.  Love you mom.

• For Brian's birthday I made him a key lime pie, one of his favorites.  I had never made one before, and did you know that key lime pie is made up of lime juice, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk?  Yup, that's it.  I felt weird eating it.  I kind of wish I didn't know it.  And now you know it too.  But it was sure tasty and I felt proud that my first attempt at a new recipe didn't end in disaster.  

• There is a town just up the road that had a huge city-wide garage sale event on Saturday.  Dozens and dozens of homes in each neighborhood.  I went.  The kids joined me.  It was kind of like Christmas in June for them.  I got them stuff.  Some great stuff.  Then when it was over I thought, "What did I just do?"  Brian thought that too.  But I got a Buzz Lightyear costume that looks brand new for $3.  What can you say to that?  All you can say is, "yes please."

• Buzz has been flying all around the house.

• On Saturday I washed the car and cleaned out the garage.  We got some new shelves for the garage and I was basically like a big man heaving boxes around and moving stuff all over the place.  I was pretty sure I was going to go into labor by morning, but I didn't.  That night once I laid down on the couch I could not get off.  I was so tired and stiff.  Brian said to me, "Why are you so sore?  What did you do today?"  And then I wanted to throw my shoe at him, except I wasn't wearing any.  

• Brian doesn't wash the car.  He'd rather pay for it to be done.  So I do it because nothing can scrap the bug guts off from a long road trip like a little elbow grease.  He doesn't understand this.  So he wouldn't know anything about being sore.

• It is not very common to have A/C here in Oregon.  In fact, when we were looking at places I don't think any of them had it.  Except this one!  I think I would die without it.  I'm kind of dying anyway.
• Today at dinner Ellery was being super whiny.  Then all the sudden she said, "I'm going to kick your butt!" as casually as can be.  What?!  My sweet, whiny two year old knows the word butt?  How did this happen?

• Ellery calls sun screen sun scream.  

• We watched Karate Kid today for family movie.  McKay is planning on taking karate as soon as he's old enough.  He doesn't know that he's already old enough.  We didn't tell him that.  That's one of my favorite things about my boy- how interested and excited he gets about everything.  

• This week we put Ellery in the bottom bunk.  She is now in her own big girl bed, and McKay is snoozing on the top bunk.  I cannot even believe how smooth this transition has gone.  With McKay it was horrible.  I remember holding the door closed as he screamed on the other side.  That was pretty much the end of nap time for him.  But I kind of thought Elle would be easier since she has been such a great, independent sleeper all along.  She loves her bed and her alone time in bed.  She has rarely cried about going to bed.  And it was easy!  We just decided one night that it was time and in she went.  She was so excited about her new blankets and using a pillow.  The best part is that she hasn't come out once. . .well, actually tonight she did, but I'm pretty sure it's because McKay told her to.  Other than that, she has just laid down and gone to sleep.  Yay for my big girl!

• Oh, and that reminds me of potty training.  We're back on!  Meaning after three bad days right when we got home, she is now pretty much fully trained. . .except for her afternoon poop.  That one is hit or miss.  

That's all I've got.  Now I'm going to go out on the porch with Brian and rock in our rocking chairs.  I know he's excited about this.  Happy Sunday!

can we talk about me for a minute?

So I've missed my regular Sunday posts due to a long trip to Utah, and right now I have so many thoughts swirling around my head that I just have to get them out.  Don't think I can wait until next Sunday.  But today most of my thoughts are having to do with the wee one sticking her leg underneath my right rib cage.  I always keep a pregnancy journal, currently of which I am very behind on, so killing two birds with one stone and sharing it here.

• I had a doctor's appointment today.  It's funny doing this for the third time.  There are no questions.  There isn't much to talk about during my appointments.  Baby's heart rate is good.  My blood pressure is good.  I'm gaining weight like a champ.  A heavy-weight champ.  Really kinda boring.  

• I did find out today that I am anemic.  This is just the missing piece to the puzzle for me.  I have struggled with lack of energy this whole pregnancy, and I thought it would get better after the first trimester was over, but it didn't.  Now I'm happy to maybe have an answer to why I have been so lazy tired.  Getting some iron supplements in the morning.  I hear they bring all sorts of fun things.  I hope energy is one of them.

• Really missing my old doctor in Utah today.  It's just not the same.

• I can only sleep on my right side.  I am still amazed that I wake up in the morning and haven't moved at all.  Morning being 3:00am of course.  One of my favorite postpartum perks is waking up in the morning and not even having to pee.  I can't even remember that feeling.

• While we're on the subject, why is it that I am not really thirsty all day, and then when nine o'clock comes around I could drink my weight in water. . .which is currently a lot?  Why can't I be thirsty in the morning when I have all day to go back and forth to the bathroom?  

• Today my doctor told me that my due date is September 8th.  I'm still sticking with the 9th.  Just because.

• I have been pretty emotional recently.  You know the feeling were you just have to cry even though you don't want to and you never know what will be the thing that pushes you over the edge to where you can't hold it in any longer?  Yeah, well it turns out really stupid things can push me over the edge.  

• Brian has been making me laugh by commenting on my pregnancy mask in positive ways lately.  Tonight he told me, "You look beautiful right now.  Your hair, your eyes. . .and your cheeks all toasted."  Although I was very good at protecting the skin on my face while out in the sun these last two weeks, I came home to find that I now have signs of a beautifully toasted forehead as well.  

• I am ready to get down to business as far as preparing my house for our new arrival.  Elle's bedding has been purchased and as soon as we get back on top of potty training (story for another day) we will be putting her in the bottom bunk.  I've started compiling my crazy list and there's lots more to be done and I'm ready to get to it.  

• My mom bought some very cute things for the baby while I was visiting.  Seeing clothes that are just for her make it so real.  I can't wait to see her little ruffled bum!

• Still no name.  A few weeks ago I thought we had agreed on one. . .well, we had agreed on one. . .loosely. . .and then someone decided to change his mind.  So now we each have one that we like, and neither one of us is totally sure if we really want to use the other's.  I don't know what to do about this. Maybe there is still one out there that we haven't found yet.  Or maybe I should get the final say because really, who's doing all the work here?  Just sayin'.

• Getting really excited to have two little girls.  It was hard at first knowing that McKay might not have a brother, but I suppose it would have been hard the other way around too.  I really like my little Ellie girl- she's just adorable- and so I know I'm going to like this little one just as much.  Can I dress them like twins?  Is that allowed?

• When we got back into town both of my neighbors said the same thing to me, "Wow, you've grown!"  This was two separate occasions too.  I'm kind of big.  I'm kind of uncomfortable already.  And I hate that.

• I am in love with Brian.  You know, I just have all this extra love in my heart for him right now.  Sometimes he hates when I talk like this.  Actually, all the time.  It makes him uncomfortable.  And sometimes I like talking like this just to make him uncomfortable.  Except usually it's to his face, not on my blog.  But this time I really mean it.  While writing his father's day card today (late) waiting in the waiting room, I just realized how lucky I am to be having another one of his babies.  He's so good with his babies.  This little girl is lucky to get such a dad.  

• I am loving feeling this little one move around all the time.  Somehow, no matter what time I go to bed, she knows that when I lay down for the night that it's time to do cartwheels.  It's a fun feeling to get to fall asleep to every night.  And getting under my ribs when I'm sitting up is another favorite past time.  Sweet, silly baby.    

Well, I guess that's it.  I'm going to try my hardest to put together posts of our trip to Utah, but instead I might take the easy road with no pictures and share some thoughts on family home evening.  You never know what you're gonna get!

   

for his twenty-ninth

Brian and I are acting like we're millionaires and I got him a BBQ for his birthday/father's day, which we are both loving.  He already picked it out and we've been grillin' for a week now, so I don't have anything to give him on his special day except a card and this.  So here are twenty-nine things I just kind of love about Brian.

1.  I love his hands.  So smooth, soft, yet still a man's hands.  I love holding his hand.

2.  I love the sound of his voice.  Not his singing voice, that's good too, but I love his talking voice.  

3.  I love how he stays active physically.  Health is important to him and feeling good and keeping his body in shape is a priority.  

4.  I love how he's tidy.  He is not a slob.  He likes a tidy, clean house as much as I do.

5.  I love that after seven years of being married and calling each other almost exclusively "sweetheart" we've since experienced a change and have thrown some "sweeites" in the mix.  

We like to keep things new and exciting around here.  :)

6.  I love how disciplined he is.  I have rarely seen someone with as much self control and self-discipline as Brian.  He sets goals and reaches them.  He decides to do something and he does it.  It seems so easy for him and that quality has gotten him where he is today.

7.  I love that he is a wonderful cook.  Oh what a lucky wife I am!  Although sometimes it causes me some serious self-doubt, mostly because he's better at it than I am, how can I wish for a husband who didn't enjoy cooking?  I can't.  And so I won't.

8.  I love that he likes to watch SYTYCD.  Maybe even more than me.  

9.  I love how responsible he is.  I have seen this especially in him as a student.  He is dedicated and nothing slides when it comes to something he's committed to.  I also know that he will always be responsible for meeting the needs of our family.  I never worry that he won't be able to take care of us.    

10.  I love how he plays with our kids.  He is the one rolling around wrestling on the floor with them.  He is the one playing baseball with McKay.  He is the one giving shoulder rides.  

11.  I love how he makes me laugh.  He teases me a lot.

12.  I love how he rocks his baldness.  We are always shocked when we see pictures of him because he looks so bald.  He really does have some hair up there.  But you know what?  '

It doesn't bother him.  And I like that.

13.  I love how smart he is.  Really, he's smart.  I am constantly amazed.  And it's not just book smart,
he also just knows things. 

14.  I love how he's considerate to other people, almost to a fault.  This can get annoying.

15.  I love that he taught himself to play the guitar.  He's always finding new things he wants to do and learn and just does them.  

16.  I love that he once put up crown molding for me in our old house and it was one of the worst experiences of his life, but he did it for me.

17.  I love his blue eyes, and long, beautiful eye lashes.  Our kids have him to thank.

18.  I love how he tries to make me smell or lick his hat after a long run.  

I never do, but he still almost always tries to get me to.  

It always makes me laugh.

19.  I love the father that he is to our kids.  Our kids are so lucky to have him as a dad.  

He loves them so much.  He is so involved in everything about them.  He is so supportive.  

I am lucky to have him as my partner in this whole parenting thing. 

20.  I love the high-pitched laugh he gets when he's laughing really hard.  

It doesn't happen all that often, but when it does it's priceless.

21.  I love how I still look at him and think he's hot

22.  I love how hard he is working for our family.  This is not an easy time for any of us, 

but especially not him.  There is so much for him to do.  So much pressure that comes with what he's learning how to do. He has a lot on his plate but he still makes me feel like we are his priority.  

23.  I love how he checks on our kids every night before he goes to bed.  Without fail.  

24.  I love how he can't stand surprises.  He is like a little kid when it comes to being surprised.
Hmmm. . .I wonder where McKay gets this from.  It's all making sense.

25.  I love that feeling our baby move freaks him out.

26.  I love how he looks in a short pair of running shorts.

27.  I love how he loves how many pictures I take.  

And how he promised not to make the i-hate-getting-my-picture-taken face ever again.  

(This one is not true, but I thought maybe if I wrote it down it might come true.  Hey, it's my birthday too!)

28.  I love how loyal he is.  He is loyal to those he loves.  He is loyal to his commitments.  He is loyal to his responsibilities and to his word.    

29.  I just love him!  I love that he's mine!  

And I love that after seven years of marriage I love him more than ever.  

Happy Birthday to my Bri.