Yep, I'm back baby!

I actually feel like blogging today! And I'm excited about it! This is big for me, lately.

My sister just got married last weekend and we had a blast on our trip. Pictures to follow.

I think that might be it. We don't have a whole lot going on. BJ and I are talking about trying for our next branch of our family tree. We are both anxious and excited to add to our family, so we'll see how it goes. I talked to a midwife this morning for quite awhile, I'm sort of excited about things.

Meanwhile, Ethan's vocabulary is soaring. He says pretty much everything. One of my favorites is, "Thom the teen!" (Thomas the Train) He still struggles with a few sounds, but he is doing very well. He's even starting to sing. I love the stage where they start to sing! It's one of my favorite things to do, and I love that my children love it.

Pretty much everything Olivia says these days is hilarious. Lately she's been wanting a baby, too(I think the let down of the miscarriage was felt by all of us). So she's been asking about babies. We read the "baby on the way" book some nights for bedtime, when I reiterate that no, there is not a baby in mommy's tummy right now. I told her that baby's grow up inside their mommy's tummies then they come out when they are ready to be born. So every day she says she needs to go to the hospital to grow up, somehow remembering that Ethan came at the hospital. Kind of cute.

Just a minute ago, I was talking to her and she said, "There's a potty at the airport!" I said, "Yes, there are a lot of potties at the airport." Then she said, "Yeah! There's the potty! And the Ele-vator! And the Stairs-vater!"

I love my little munchy munchkins!

Little miracles

My kids are so cute. Something about them today makes me want to squeeze them so tight. Livi's been completely adorable especially in the last few days. I'm starting to realize how much she's growing up. She's really becoming mommy's little helper. Ethan is also so sweet with his personality really starting to come through. He's very determined, will figure out everything he wants to, and he's so caring. Today at dinner, Livi said she wanted a spoon. She was pretty sad and whiney, as I was telling her to please ask nicely, Ethan picked up his purple fork and looked at it, then handed it to Olivia. She was so touched by the gesture, she forgot all about her spoon and graciously accepted it. Then gave him her red one saying, "Ethan can trade with me!". It was so sweet.

Earlier today, too, Livi was eating a banana and Teddy grahams for a snack. I handed her a cup of water when she said, "oh! What happened to my banana?". I said, " I think you ate it, sweetie.". Then she laughed as she said, "oh yeah! It's in my tummy!". Oh these kids. So sweet, so cute. I wouldn't change my life for all the money in the world.

The other day, I was up at my mom's house. I was watching the kids play in the back yard and saw this sweet scenario. Livi was running as fast as she could from one end of the yard (my mom's yard is huge) to the other with Ethan trailing behind saying, "wait! Wait! Wait! Wait!..." the whole way. Once Livi got to the other end, she turned around and stretched her arms out to the side and said, "come eer E Bear!" followed by a sweet little giggle. Ethan would eagerly run into her arms and they would hug and give each other little pats on the back. They did this back and forth for at least 15 minutes. It was one of the sweetest things ever.

Anyway, it's times like these that make me love being a mom. Seriously, what greater call is there?

I need to revamp this blog. It's getting a bit cluttery for my taste. I may just start a few other blogs to organize everything I have on here! Geez Loo-Eeez! (I know that's not how you spell louise, but I have an aunt and a cousin louise and it doesn't feel right to take anyone's name in vain. Am I weird?) I have a lot to post, I just don't feel like it. We've had a lot going on. Now I'm off to bed at an insanely early hour for me! (11:30 PM)

Singin' in the rain

Today Olivia and I decided to take a little 3 mile stroll in the freezing cold rain and hail. She had a great time looking at all of the ducks and geese that we saw on the path (I so wish I had a camera other than on my phone) and started quacking and singing songs. She really had a lot of fun despite her freezing little body. I tried to bundle her up nice and warm, but you know how that goes when it's cold and wet.
We walked with "Team Lil' Jaycee" to support our friends Jordan and Courtney (right in the front with the dog) who had to terminate her pregnancy at 28 weeks to save Courtney's life(she was literally taking her last breaths when they said, "Deliver now to save Courtney. Or lose them both". They hoped against hope that Jaycee would survive the delivery, but she died upon entrance to this world. Their story is truly heartbreaking. I was more than happy to walk in the rain.

I am also more than happy to walk in the rain for this cause because, if it weren't for their research Olivia would more than likely not be with us today. I went into preterm labor with her at 24 weeks.

Because of their research, I was able to take medications and take precautions to keep her "Baking" as long as she needed to get her little body ready to come to this world. What would I do without my Livi? She is one of my best friends.

I wish Jordan and Courtney the very best on their quest for adoption. Please, keep them in your hearts and prayers. They've already had major heartache on that road as well.

Last anniversary post

I know it's a little late getting it up here, but here is my last anniversary post. It's short, but sweet.
The first week we were married was so fun. Just the newness of it. Every night, for the first couple of weeks, BJ tickled me all the way to sleep. Really. Every single night. I remember thinking, "Hey, I could get used to this!" It was so sweet. He even told me that one of those nights, he was just looking at me after I'd fallen asleep and started the cry thinking of how much he loved me. That's the only time he's ever admitted something like that, and he'll probably kill me for posting it here, but it's one of my favorite memories, so here it shall stay.

(Boy, if I had a nickel for every time I cried because of my love for him--I'd have a lot of nickels. Just imagine how many more nickels I would have because I cry about how much I love my kids, too! Geez, that's a lot of nickels!)

Ambition

A couple of my favorite things about BJ is his incredible ambition and his self confidence. His ability to not only see his goals, but to really pull through and achieve them. He takes most things that people "dream" of doing. For instance, some might look at being a cop or a helicopter pilot and say, "Yeah, that would be cool, but, oh well. I could never do that." BJ is not like that. He looks at something that is so incredibly intimidating and studies it, figures it out, investigates it, and finds solutions to enable him to do what it takes to achieve his dreams or goals. He is by no means, a naysayer. He doesn't make excuses. He doesn't talk down on himself and recognizes the danger in it. He feels good about himself, likes to be comfortable and takes pride in his appearance and all things that surround him. He likes to look good, look and be professional, and he holds himself and speaks with confidence. He also ALWAYS sees things through. He is not a quiter. I admire these things in him so much, every day I marvel at him and wonder how to do that for myself. "[He] makes me want to be a better [woman]."-Jack Nicholson, As Good As It Gets

The "L" word

More "firsts". That is such a weird word... anyway, BJ and I were sitting on the couch in the dark (Do not try this at home single kids!), just talking--really. This was about a month or so after the trampoline (BJ confirmed it was, in fact, a trampoline we were laying on). He was holding my hand and started with that dreadful phrase, "I feel like we need to talk..." or something to that effect. Then he went on to again state that he had enjoyed our friendship and dating, that he thought I was an awesome girl--maybe I was weird, but that sounded like break up lingo to me--but then he got really nervous and jittery, a little shakey (if you know my husband, you know he is NOT like that. EVER.), and he said, "I really like you. In fact, I think I more than like you. I think that maybe... I love you." And again, he said it very matter-of-factly expecting no response. I DIDN'T EVEN SAY IT BACK! I just sat there like an idiot. In my mind I was thinking, "Do I really love this guy? Am I in love? How am I supposed to know these things?"

So, I started thinking of this thought I'd had a few years before this incident. About how much I love Christmas because it just leaves me with such a peaceful and loving and excited feeling. I told my teenage self, then, that when the right guy came along, he would make me feel like Christmas. I ended up staying the night at a friends house after this night and went to his house early the next morning. We were caravanning to some destination in Logan for some odd reason and he pulled over in front of the LTD station and waited for me to drive up. We finished up whatever errand we were doing and then I said that I'd see him later. Then he mouthed "I love you" as he was pulling away... and I felt like CHRISTMAS! I couldn't believe it.

So, over the next few weeks, I started thinking about how I felt when I was away from him, how I felt when I was with him, my instant reactions when we were together or saying goodbye, etc. Then I started to realize that I was actually falling in love with this guy. Whenever we were on the phone it was a natural thing for me to want to say, "Love you, Bye." and little things like that. I always always caught myself before actually slipping it out there because I just wasn't sure I was ready for the "L" word. I'd never dated anyone that I was comfortable telling that to. It was not something I threw around out there lightly.

Well, this one day he sent me a dozen roses at work, "Just because", and I loved it. I knew this was totally out of character for him and found out later it was inspired by a similar gesture made by his brother to his fiance'. She and I were talking about it at BJ's house and BJ came around the corner talking to Matt and I slugged BJ and said, "I love you!" and instantly cowered and thought, "Oh my gosh! Did I just say that out loud!?" Then I tried to hurry and change the subject hoping against hope he hadn't heard me. He didn't bat an eye. Didn't even flinch.

Then about a week later we were driving passed the temple (He lived right next to it), when he looked at me and said, "Sooo... you said something pre-tty significant to me the other day and I didn't even realize it." I knew exactly what he was talking about, but I still tried to feign my innocence. He said all cute and precotious-like, "Do you remember?" and I went red as a beet as I said, "YES! OKAY! I remember!" Then he just chuckled and took my hand and said, "Did you mean it?" I said, "Yes." Then he said, "Well, I love you, too." and it was over.

Back to the rememories! Sorry I won't be catching up with the missed entries. I'd be lying if I promised that, and I can't bring myself to do that. ;)

BJ and I are a blind date success story. It all started when I worked at Information Alliance and met Spencer Bushell (One of BJ's best buddies). Long story short, he introduced me to Ashley, who also worked there, who he ended up dating and then they broke up (And later, marrying). Right when they broke up, I had a break up of my own. I ran into Ashley just around the time all of these break ups were happening and we decided to start hanging out more. Little did we know we were starting an awesome best-friendship (Seriously, She is like a sister to me--which means a lot coming from me). One day, we went to a devotional at the USU spectrum. While we were there, Ashley saw a bunch of Spencer's friends and tried to point them out to me. I saw who they were, saw that one was actually a casual acquaintence of mine (Rich--also one of BJ's best buddies, whom I'd known for about 2 years at this point), and was surprised that I had never figured this out after being friends with Spence for somewhere around a year. BJ was also among them, though I don't remember seeing him at all. So, Ashley had the gears in her head turning and, I guess had told BJ about me. She pointed me out to him while I ran off to find someone. She asked him if she should set us up and he said absolulely yes he would like that. So she told me I should meet BJ, thought we'd be really good friends and wanted to set us up on a date. I told her I would, though I was totally not looking for a dating relationship right then. That was fine because she really thought that we'd just be good friends.

I actually remember this one time, at my house, Ashley was just there hanging out with me when BJ called her for something and after they finished their business she told him I was there and asked if he would like to talk to me. I was instantly nervous. She handed the phone to me and I heard his voice for the first time. I remember thinking he sounded really cute and was trying to picture in my head what he looked like. Our conversation was really short, he told me he was looking forward to meeting me on our date and we said goodbye. It was crazy awkward scary, but fun, and I was impressed by his casual nature and the way he easily had control of the conversation. Something I've really come to admire about him... a LOT.

So, we went on a date. I remember specifically that I wore barely any make-up, a ponytail, a baseball hat, my roommates holey jeans, a regular t-shirt and some sneakers. I was specifically trying not to dress up super cute. I walked in and met BJ, talked to the other boys, all of which I knew through random and various things. Seriously, it was a little creepy. BJ made us grilled cheese sandwhiches and we watched Willow. Then we went to a park to play games. We shared a car (The same car we drive now, actually) with Rich and his date. We were waiting at the park in awkward silence. Rich was trying to keep the conversation going because that's just how he is, but the awkwardness kept creeping in. So, I glanced around the car looking for something to do, maybe to help us get to know eachother better and the only thing I really saw was a small Quad lying in the center console of the car. So I picked them up and said, "Let's see who's more spiritual." BJ and Rich thrive on this "I know more scriptures and facts than you do" thing with each other. Even still, they do random trivia's every few years with eachother over email or FB. It's hilarious, actually because they both are hilarious. So, that was the absolute ice breaker in the car. We had some good laughs and the start of some interesting ideas and conversation, then we played night games with the other couples for a bit and then called it a night. I may be remembering some facts a little off, but anyway. That was our first date. I believe he gave me a hug before I left, and I wondered if he would want to go out again. I hoped that he would call or that the guys would at least invite me along next time they did something because I really enjoyed hanging out with them. The Beginning. (As opposed to "the end")

Easter 2010

I'm finally getting around to this post.

(First of all, does anyone know how to unzip a folder to post a video? I can unzip it to see it, but I can't upload it to my blog... I'm not very tech savvy so any and all advice is very appreciated!)

Easter was great. Kids were cute.

We decorated plastic eggs with foamy springy and easter stickers. They loved it!

My mom and I collectively filled their cute little baskets and set them on the table for them in the morning. So cute. I love grandma's. They are so good at making holidays fun. Comes from years of experience.

Ethan caught on to the Easter egg hunt idea pretty quickly. We labeled each egg with an "O" or and "E" so the kids knew which eggs were theirs and Olivia liked helping Ethan find his eggs. Very sweet.

It was one of the best Easters ever! Topped off with some amazing messages during Conference. I love it when Easter is on Conference. It's my very favorite. I can't really put my finger on why.

So, Happy Late Easter, Everyone! I'll be getting back to my memory and thoughts of BJ collecting in the next few days. I have a couple of posts waiting to be published. :)

Happy Birthday to me!

(Nobody ever gets sick of this pic)
I honestly wasn't really looking forward to my birthday (Yesterday) this year. I wasn't dreading it or anything, I just expected it to be another day. In fact, I would have missed it if it weren't for all of the AWESOME people in my life. My entire family--including BJ's with the exception of Sam, of course--called me, I love that tradition more than anything I could ever get.
No birthday would be complete without my annual serenades from my brothers, Dan and David. The Bexter (Sister, Becky), joined in the fun with the primary version. From the boys this year we had Elvis and a Jazz rendition. We've also experienced marilyn monroe among other things. It's my family. We sing. It's what we do. :) I love it so much, it really makes my day!

There were several moments in the day that I just stopped and thought, "Wow. I'm completely happy today. This is a great--no, fabulous day! I loved everything and everyone around me (I want to be like this all the time), had many good things happen, awesomeness radiated from my ward, family, and friends,
I got dressed and best of all--we think we've figured out what I did to my back!

We went to the orthopedic specialist in the afternoon and they determined that I may have a herniated disc, but more than likely it's a torn muscle around my spine. So, I am to get physical therapy twice a week for 6 weeks and then if that doesn't work, I'm supposed to go to some kind of doctor I've never even heard of before, but it's to prevent anything drastic. No MRI's. No surgery. So glad about that. So blessed.

The rest of the day went well,
BJ got up and made me breakfast from a cookbook. He has never ever EVER made anything from a recipe before. I am loved. I should have taken a picture. Olivia and Ethan just loved me all day. I'm super big on hugs and kisses and they smothered me with all of that and more all day. It was awesome. I tried to take a picture, but that made them ornery. The phone wouldn't stop ringing with well wishers and texts. My mom got me a most desired wheat grinder. My cousin, Sarah and her hubby, Jess babysat after the kids went to bed and BJ took me on an awesome date where we had some delicous Brazillian yumminess from Tucannos at The Gateway, then off to see "How to Train Your Dragon" (excellent flick, not appropriate for little little ones in my opinion. Slightly scary and storylined, but maybe okay for bigger little ones.)

Before dinner we stopped in at the Apple store (I think) and BJ showed me what he, with the help of his wonderful family and my children, are getting me for my birthday. The ipad WIFI 3G that won't be released until the end of April! (The ipad WIFI is already on the market) It was love at first touch. I want it I want it I want it. I never really care about wanting stuff like that, but
I WANT IT!
I am so excited to have it for my cookbooks, reading, listening to music, a fab-ha-bulous calendar and datebook, and all those other awesome applications just like you can get on the iphone. So excited! I'm surprised at how excited this makes me!

It really couldn't have been a better day. I loved it.