bedtime

I escaped the chaos of bedtime tonight, and snuck upstairs with my Avery girl. I had just bathed her and put her in clean jammies. I turned off the lights and sat in the rocker with her. It was quiet and dark, with just her nightlight glowing in the corner. While I fed her, we rocked and she looked up at me with her bright baby eyes. I told her how much I love her and how thankful I am for her. I told her what a good little girl she is and how she makes our family complete. While we talked, her eyes got heavy and eventually they closed- and she drifted off to sleep. I could hear the kids downstairs and my head was telling me to lay her down and help Aaron put the older kids to bed...my heart told me "you're going to miss this." So- I listened to my heart.

We rocked and rocked and I prayed. I thanked my Heavenly Father for this beautiful, completely perfect, pink, bundle of love. I thanked him for the peaceful feeling I have when I hold her- the feeling that all of my children are here and that our family is complete. I thanked him for the blessing of being a mother. I thanked him for her. My sweet Avery. After my prayer, I rubbed my cheek against her fuzzy head and breathed in her yummy newborn smell. I listened to her breathe in and out, and watched her calm, peaceful profile in the dim light- and thought about how completely blessed I am to have 5 healthy children. My life feels crazy and busy and loud right now. But this is what I wanted. It's what I prayed and hoped for. It's what I dreamed of.

And after all that- I layed her in her crib. And guess what? The kids were still up, I got to help put them to bed after all. It was a perfect night.

something to hold you over

I promise I have a post in the works, on Avery's birth. I just have no time to blog anymore! But someday soon, I will finish it and put it up. But for now, here are 2 pictures, just for you Grandma. They were both taken today, at the pool. We're having a fun summer- the countdown is on to school. August 30th is the big day!
Avery Rose- 8 weeks old


The gang- August 2010

a moment

I found this great website called thebump.com. I looked and looked for a site that was good for kids- that could explain what was happening each week with my pregnancy- and this was my favorite!

Every Sunday, we've been gathering around the computer to look up pictures of baby Avery and see how big she has grown during the week. My kids love looking at this site, because it compares the size of the fetus to a fruit or vegetable, so it helps them imagine how big she really is. They have been getting so excited as she has gone from the size of a poppyseed to a watermelon, as of last week! After their baths last week- and before we got into jammies, they all gathered around the computer for the weekly update. I love how interested and intent their little faces are in the picture. They were really into it! We found another great illustrated picture of a full term baby- and how it looks inside the womb. The boys were especially interested in how all of my organs have been squished and moved around. I think it helps them understand better why mommy isn't feeling her best these days! Glad we caught this moment in time- my 4 sweet, clean, yummy kids and all their anticipation and love for their baby sister!

my thoughts- 3 weeks out

I had made a decision to close my blog- and move on. It's been a good couple years- but I was ready to do something different. And then last night, I decided to go back to before Carter was born and see how I was doing/feeling then. I spent the next hour re-reading old posts and reminiscing. I told Aaron, "This makes me want to blog again!" It was so fun to be able to read about all the things we were doing back then- see pictures and hear the cute things the kids say. So... I guess I'm not giving up the blog. I can't say I am going to be better about posting- because my life is about to get even busier, but I will do my best!

Since it's been a few months- here's the happenings around our house:

Baby Avery is due in 18 days. June 20th- Father's Day! We are all SO excited to meet this sweet baby girl. I must say that Addison is definitely the most excited. She talks about the baby, every day, all day. She is constantly kissing my tummy and telling me what she is going to teach Avery to do. It is so adorable- and I love that she is so enthusiastic about getting a new sister. I had my 37 week check up yesterday- I am about 1 cm and 80 effaced. I have an appt next Monday- and if there is some progress, then Dr. May said we will set up an induction date. Because the hospital is an hour away, and because the last 2 kids came so quickly- he thinks it would be safer to induce, then to let me go into labor on my own. I agree! I must admit, I do worry about that a little.

The other kids are doing great. The boys last day of school is next Thursday. Addie has her Tiny Tots graduation next Tuesday and then her dance recital on Friday night. It's a busy week- so if baby wants to stay put until next weekend, that would be find with me! Aaron is doing great, too! He is serving as the ward mission leader now- and loves working with the missionaries, but I know he misses the young men in the ward. He has been such a help these last few weeks- as I have slowed down and been more tired. I don't know what I would do without him! He will take 2 weeks off after Avery is born- and I am so thankful for that!

Here's what's been on my mind lately...
I feel like this will probably be our last baby. I had a hard time saying that for the first 7 months, but it feels good now. We'll see... my baby cravings seem to come around the 1 yr birthday. But I think this may be it. Five feels just right to me.

I am a little worried about the summer! Mainly, about having 5 kids, 7 years old and under, home all day for 9 weeks! I have some stuff planned, and I will have a lot of help, so I know it will be fine. I usually get really sad when the end of August rolls around and it's time for the boys to go to school, but I have a feeling that I might welcome it this year! Avery will still be little, so I'm sure she will sleep most of the summer away!

I think the kids will do well with our new addition. The older boys will be just fine. They are excited and will be big helpers to me. Addie is thrilled- I am not really worried about her. She may have her moments of acting out- but I really would be suprised if she acts jealous. Now Carter- he's another story! Just last week I was reading to the kids on my bed, and one of the older kids scooted over to be closer to me and Carter pushed them out of the way and said, "My mommy!" He is for sure a mommy's boy and still enjoys snuggling on my lap and having me hold him- which is near impossible these days! He is adorable and I still find my self just staring at his sweet face. He is for sure my baby, still- and I fear he will feel like he got kicked out of that position, when Avery is born. I am going to spend lots of time and energy, making sure that he still gets lots of love and attention.

It's almost 9 am and I think Addie and Carter are just starting to wake up. We had a busy day yesterday- and the day before. They were tired! Time to get this day started. Here's a picture to leave you with. My 4 sweeties. Love them! Hard to believe there will be another one soon- and that we will love her just as much as these crazy kids!

a full heart and the best news!

We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday. A day that I am always super excited for- and super nervous for! Excited to find out the gender of the newest member of our family, and nervous to find out that little baby is all healthy and happy in there.

Yesterday we were able to find out both things. Baby looked great. Moved around a lot! All the organs, bones and other things looked perfect and it measured right on for where I am in my pregnancy. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the blessings of 5 healthy, happy, beautiful children. As they looked over my baby, and the ultrasound tech continued to comment about how everything looked perfect- I thought of all those other mom's who don't get the same news. Who walk into that room with the same hopes and dreams that I did, that day- only to receive bad news. My heart was overflowing with gratitude, that again, our baby looked just perfect. For sure- that was the most important news we received yesterday. Heavenly Father continues to bless our family- in more ways that I can even comprehend.

But finding out that WE ARE HAVING A GIRL was definitely pretty exciting!Honestly, I had all my fingers and toes crossed for a baby girl. I do love my boys and I would have been just fine with a boy (really!) but wow, I sure was hoping for a sister for Addison. That's what it really came down to. I have always dreamed of Addie having a sister, just like I have. It's such a blessing- a best friend for life.

I think I was more anxious and excited about this ultrasound than the last 4. After getting the news, I just couldn't stop smiling. Of course this pregnancy definitely seems real now that I am 20 weeks, but finding out the gender is so exciting. I love to be able to pray for "her" now, or be able to refer to "her" when we are talking to the kids. I can't believe how much I already love her and am so thankful and honored to be her mommy.

I just want to take a minute to record my feelings, so that when my children read this many years from now, they will know how much their mommy loves them. As I sit here, thinking of their sweet faces, their strong healthy bodies and their sunshine smiles, I can't stop the tears. I had no idea, 7 years ago, how much these 5 little people would change my life. They mean everything to me. I would do anything for them and to ensure their happiness and health. I am amazed at how my heart keeps growing, with each new addition, and the love just multiplies. My goal for my children is simple- I want them to be happy, I want them to know their Savior, Jesus Christ and to love Him, just like I do. I want them to find happiness from choosing the right. I want them to be thankful, compassionate, kind people- who love each other and have a heart that is willing to serve. That's not asking too much, is it??

I guess it's time to wrap it up. The little ones are both still in bed upstairs, waiting for me. I am off to be a mommy- and I couldn't be happier about that.

try something new

I love to cook and I love to try new recipes. But it seems like for about every 5 new recipes I try- maybe only one of them is a keeper. Well, I have set a record... out of the 2 new recipes I have tried in the last week- both of them will be going into my recipe box!

What qualifies them as keepers? Easy/quick to make, delicious of course and the hubby/kids enjoy them as much as I do. These were both super yummy and the kids and Aaron were commenting over dinner- how much they liked them. Even better- they make a lot, so we had leftovers for the next night, too. Perfect! Give them a try and let me know what you think- you won't be sorry!

Chicken Spaghetti
from The Pioneer Women Cooks

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken
• 3 cups Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces
• 2 cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup
• 2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cups Finely Diced Green Pepper
• ¼ cups Finely Diced Onion
• 1 jar (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained
• 2 cups Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot
• 1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
• ⅛ teaspoons (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions

Cook 1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar.

Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil)


Chicken Pot Pie
from allrecipes.com (definitely my favorite recipe website!)

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, let cool for 10 minutes.

And last, a picture of my pretty girl who started Primary today.
When did she get so big?

catch up... and the news!

I told you I'd be back... it just took me awhile.

I've definitely fallen off the "blog-wagon." I've had more than one email and phone call, asking me if I'm ok. Yes, I am ok. Just been really busy, and have lost a little motivation to blog. I will try to be better, because I really do enjoy having this journal, to read back through.

To catch you up... I"ve been a busy girl. Last December, I decided to get serious about loosing weight. I changed my eating habits, quite a bit, and started exercising, a lot. I have been very dedicated and consistent, and as of the end of October, I have lost 52 pounds. It feels wonderful and I am a much happier person, because of it. Someday, I would liket to write a post about my journey- but for now, I will just say that every early morning at the gym, every skipped dessert and every workout, has been worth it. I hope I never go back to that place again.

On that note- it is time for me to stop loosing weight because... I am pregnant!

That's right, little Edmonds #5 is coming this June. I am 13 weeks along, and still feeling pretty yucky. Hopefully, things will start to get better in the next couple weeks. We are so excited for this new little person to join our family. This seems like the first time that the kids are really aware of what's going on, and they are thrilled. They keep asking me when the baby is coming, and since I'm not even showing yet- I have to remind them that mommy's tummy is going to get really big, before our baby comes.

This last June, I decided to sign up for a triathlon, and started my training. After getting pregnant, I wasn't sure if I would keep it up, but after talking with my doctor and my husband, I decided to keep up my training and do it! Aaron and I both ran in the Anthem, AZ triathlon last Saturday. I will post more about it later- but I met both of my goals, which were to cross the finish line and to complete it in under 2 hours. It was hard, but I felt like my training really paid off and I was prepared. I will not be working out so hard anymore, but definitely will still be exrecising. I am excited to do another traithlon, after this baby comes. My amazing husband completed the whole thing in 1 hour and 18 minutes. He did the run (which is after the swim and bike) in 21 minutes. That's awesome!! I am so proud of him and he is such a motivation to me. (it was soooo cold in AZ! I was freezing the whole time!)

So there's a quick catch-up. I will be back with more posts soon, but it's hard right now. I usually do my blogging in the evenings, while the kids are sleeping, but the evenings are the worst for me. I feel like I am just doing the basics right now: being a mom, wife and keeping the house up. Anything else is taking a backseat. Hope your all having a great December!