I'm here.

I know it's been over a week since I last posted, bad girl! Really there hasn't been much new or "blog-worthy," for that matter. My main objective for last week was to keep the kids inside and occupied. The smoke from the numerous fires made the air "unhealthy" for our county. So that was quite a challenge. With the help of lots of TV, we made it through the week. I've never been more thankful for the blue sky, sun and real clouds- not smoke! The kids are especially loving the backyard now, since they were deprived from it all last week.

In other news, Aaron's cousin Jenna, passed away early Sunday morning. It's been quite sobering and upsetting to have gone through this week, wondering how she was doing each day and hoping that we wouldn't get "that" call. Unfortunately, we did on Saturday night. She had taken a turn for the worse and things were looking very grim. We will be leaving tomorrow morning for Dallas to attend her viewing and funeral. Wow, it makes me emotional just to write that. No one should have to attend a funeral for a 17 year old girl.

The events of this past week have made me quite reflective. The realization that something this horrible can happen to such an amazing, wonderful family is so scary to me. Really, really scary. Everytime I look at my kids my heart just clenches and my stomach turns over. I can't imagine the pain that their poor family is enduring right now. Then a few weeks ago, my good friend from college, Jenn, lost her mother. (she wrote the most beautiful post about it on her blog, sorry it's private- although I wish you all could read it.) These two events have really forced me to stop and change my thinking. I am trying really hard to ENJOY my kids, instead of just doing all the many things I need to get done each day. When all 3 of my babies are having meltdowns and crying, I am trying to laugh instead of scold. When they emptied out the whole container of new baby shampoo during bathtime and then disentigrated the empty toilet paper tube in the tub- I tried to smile and take a picture instead of spanking their little wet bottoms. The thought shakes me to my core, but you really NEVER know when something will happen. Each day that we are all together is such a blessing and I know I need to be more appreciative and grateful for ALL my blessings. Life goes too fast to always be saying no and trying to make things perfect.

So, on that sad note-- once again, I hope there are happier and brighter things in the future for my blog! Although we are missing Halloween with the kids (which I can barely stand to think about- I'll start crying again for sure), Aaron and I are going to TRY to enjoy these few days with each other and with his family. It's not ideal circumstances for a get-away, but like I said, I am trying harder to be thankful for what I have. For now, I am just unbelievably thankful for these 4 blessings- and of course the little one on the way!

Your Prayers are Needed

Aaron's twin cousins were in a very bad car accident early Sunday morning. One of the twins is okay, but the other is not doing so well. Some of you have been asking for updates on Jenna's condition. Thankfully, the bishop of her ward has started a website and is posting updates. (we were getting them 3rd of 4th person info before and the news was coming very slow!) The website is:

www.jennasigety.com

It's a very tough time for the family, but is sounds like things may be looking up just a tiny bit today. Let's hope so. She is the sweetest, most darling girl.

Another thing to keep in your prayers-- the poor firefighters and victims of the terrible fires that we are experiencing in S. California. It really is unbelievable. We know many people that have had to evacuate and don't know it they'll ever be able to go home. We have 2 fires burning in our city, but they are not bad. Although I've had to keep the kids in all day because the smoke and ash are so bad outside. They even canceled preschool tomorrow because they are using the community center as a center point for all the firetrucks. It's crazy out there. It's supposed to be even hotter tomorrow! The winds are also so bad, trees are down everywhere and it's dangerous to be outside!

Lot's going on right now- hopefully next week will bring better news.

Tyler Update

Sorry it has taken so long to give you all an update. This is seriously the first chance I've had to sit down and blog for a couple minutes.

So the ER really wasn't that bad. There was no wait and we were the first called back. They were so sweet to Tyler and he was cute. He was kinda nervous, so he stuck close to me, which I loved! The doctor pretty much told us that he didn't think the dilated pupil was due to head trauma. FYI: a dilated pupil from head trauma means serious problems. If that was the case, you would be in a coma, ready to call it quits. Obviously, Tyler wasn't experiencing those problems. So he figured it was from his little accident that morning. He was going down the slide and when his legs hit the bottom, his knees buckled and his head hit his knee. Who knew that could cause such problems? They finally decided that his knee must have his his actual eye and caused some trauma to the eye, resulting in the dialted pupil. So they had him go to the ophthalmologist this morning just to make sure everything still looked fine. And, of course, it did. I didn't mind taking him, but let's be honest, I was a tiny bit bugged that we had to sit there for an hour and a half (during preschool time!) when I knew that they would tell me he was fine and send us on our way. Oh well, one of those things that you have to do as a mom! They did dilate his eyes (thus they stylish shades below) so he opted to skip school today and hang out with mom. So, thanks for your concern. He's healthy and happy and busy as usual.

again

. . . we are on our way to the ER. I noticed this afternoon, that Tyler's right eye was dilated quite large. (it's hard to tell in this picture) Called the Dr. and his response was "Go to the ER now!" So off we go. Wish us luck. I have a feeling it's going to be a long afternoon/evening. No blood/broken bones/puking child = lots of waiting time in the ER. Bye.

ps- I'm only blogging because I am waiting for Aaron to get home to watch Jake and Addie. Don't think I am a bad mom.

Viva Las Vegas (and Cafe Rio!)

We decided to take the weekend off- and head up to Las Vegas! We left Addie with my parents and took the boys with us. We had such a great trip! We left Saturday around noon and it only took us less than 4 hours to get there. We stayed with my dear friend Emily. She used to live in San Juan Capistrano and we went to H.S. together and then roomed together at Ricks. She lives in Las Vegas now with her sweet husband, Ryan and their darling boys Thomas (6) and Matthew (2). They were so sweet to let us stay with them! We got there just in time to get the boys settled in and then Emily went to pick up 2 young women from her ward to babysit so the adults could go on a date. We grabbed some quick dinner at Cafe Rio. Is there anything more delicious than their chicken salad? It tasted so good and made me miss good ol' Provo! Then we left for the BYU/UNLV game. It was a great game and even better that BYU won! Plus, it was the perfect chance for Emily and I to sit for 3 hours and catch up- with no interruptions from kids!

Aaron was in heaven! As he was enjoying his salad he said "I think I might make a quick trip to Vegas next week for lunch to hit Cafe Rio, again. It's worth the 3 1/2 hour drive!"

Emily and Danielle- BFF!


The next morning Emily made us some yummy waffles and then we headed to the strip for some sightseeing. We hit the Bellagio- we saw their amazing gardens and took a visit to the candy store- which has amazing chocolate fountains and the most tasty homemade chocolate covered marshmallows. Then we walked over to Paris and saw the fountain and took some pictures. We had some time to burn before the next show at the Foutains of Bellagio, so we ended up at this fun mall right on the strip! They had a little lake in the middle of the mall that had real rain and thunderstorms every half hour. The kids thought it was amazing. The best part of the strip was the Bellagio fountain show. Wow- really amazing! Aaron and I were just as amazed as the kids. After that it was time to head home and pick up little Addie. Unfortunately, I think the rest of the tourists had the same plan because it took us just under 6 hours to get home. We finally made it and were sure excited to see our Addison. Thanks Mom and Dad for watching her! It sure made our trip easier, traveling with an 18 month old is always something I can do without!

The boys: Matthew, Thomas, Jake and Tyler.

Gardens at Bellagio


Chocolate Fountain
In front of the Fountain show.
The Fountains- they were absolutely amazing. It was a whole show- he water went as high as the hotel and was set to really great music.
Thanks to our friends, the Ellsworth's, for being so hospitable and fun to be with. We love you guys and can't wait to see you- hopefully soon! Next December- Polar Express!! Put it on the calendar!

Yummy in my Tummy

Have you tried this?? If not- go right now!

I just thought I'd share my new favorite fall indulgence. Starbucks has a tasty little treat: a pumpkin spice steamer. Don't know what a "steamer" is? I can help-- it is milk steamed with flavoring and served with yummy whipped cream. If you don't like pumpkin, you can choose several other flavors like cinnamon, hazelnut (another favorite), or vanilla. I had the pumpkin last night and it was delicious and definitely hit the spot on a cool fall night. Enjoy!

You know you've lived in S. California too long when. . .

After preschool today I asked Jake what he did this morning during free play-time. His response was "I played with cars, they were in traffic." That's pretty sad. (but funny, too!)

Yesterday the boys were upstairs wrestling in my room. I was going through all my maternity clothes, not really paying attention to what they were doing. Then I looked over and saw Tyler pinning Jake to the ground. He had his arm across his chest, holding him down and Tyler was yelling "Who's your Daddy? Who's your Daddy?" Poor Jake didn't quite know how to answer this question and kept saying "Daddy is!" Funny boys.