It's Autumn Time

Tonight we thought it would be fun to take Kwana and Max up to see the leaves changing. It is the perfect time. Not everything has changes, so you still get these deep beautiful greens next to the colors. We stopped up at Sundance as well. It was quite chilly! It was also very relaxing and a great time.

Women's Conference

So last night my friend, Michelle, and I decided to have a girl's night out. We left and went up to Women's Conference in Salt Lake. It was great. Then we headed to our car and...well we couldn't find it! In our defense the parking garage was quite crazy and we were not the only group who had misplaced their vehicle! It was so funny! We couldn't help but laugh and finally, 30 minutes later, we found our car. Personally I think it moved itself while we were in the meeting! Just kidding! Thankfully, we found it and then we were off. We stopped to quickly take down a balloon job Shane and I had done, and then headed to dinner. Dinner was super yummy and we ate at Olive Garden. It was nice to just relax and not feel rushed to get out of there. We even got dessert to go, which I am embarrassed to say, I ate for breakfast this morning. It was so yummy! Thanks Michelle, it was a lot of fun and you're right, we should do it more than just once a year!

Just 10 days to go!

Well, there are only 10 days until we find out if the baby is a girl or a boy! I must say, I felt so loved watching our poll. I remember when I started this blog and I had like 2 people listed under my friends and family. Now over 30 people have responded to my poll! Thanks to everyone who responded, we are excited to see who all is right! Thanks for checking our blog even when it is boring.

Five

My friends the Hadlocks had this on their blog. I thought it was pretty fun.

5 things I was doing 5 years ago.
1. I was about to turn 25. That should tell you how old I will be shortly.
2. We had just celebrated our first anniversary! We went to the same bed and breakfast as our honeymoon.
3. We had just signed on to build our first house so that was awesome!
4. We were living with my parents to save money for our down payment.
5. The boys had just moved to Washington State so it was just me and Shane.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago.
1. I was going to be turning 15.
2. I had just started 9th grade.
3. I was flirting with boys.
4. I was working at the preschool at my Junior High.
5. I didn't really have a life, so not much more.

5 things on today to-do list.
1. Measure spots at the Provo Towne Centre for a job.
2. Clean
3. Clean
4. Clean
5. Clean

5 snacks I enjoy
1. Ice Cream
2. Girl Scout Cookies
3. Chips and Salsa
4. Gummy Bears
5. Crackers and Cheese

5 things I would do if I were a millionare
1. Buy a really nice house, but not too much to clean.
2. Get hybrid cars
3. Pay off school debt
4. Invest wisely
5. Travel!

5 places I've lived
This one isn't very exciting since I have only lived in Utah, but I'll list them anyway.
1. Provo
2. Orem
3. Santaquin
4. American Fork
5. Orem

Hello Uncle Jason!

Yesterday Shane's brother, Jason, flew a helicopter into Provo. It has been almost a year and a half since we have seen him, so we had to meet and say hi. We just stopped for some food and visited. It was great!








Aunt Heidy and Cousins Hannah and Maggie. It was pretty late! Me caught off guard for a picture with Jason.

Jason and Troy. Shane and Jason. I should have gotten a picture of all three!

Shane with Max hiding. He fell asleep in the car, so he was having none of the fun!

Kwana and Jason's flight student, Greg.

A Little Bit of Hair

So tonight I cut my husband's hair. It was LONG overdue. His hair grows sooooo fast! You see this giant pile of hair?! Well, look how much is still on his head!

He's a Real Man!

So I have now learned why he will not poop on the toilet...he's a man! You see, I have tried everything prior to posting. Treats, celebration, watching me go, telling him pooping on the floor is gross, and even telling him his poo would go plop. We even sang his favorite song (BYU Fight Song) and changed the Go Cougars at the end to Go Plop and sang it while he was going potty. Nothing. He is totally great with everything else. He is smart, knows when he needs to go, just can't do the poop. Well, today I learned why. He told me that boys stand and girls sit down and he can't sit down because girls sit down. I really don't know where the issue came into play since all the boys in my house are told to sit for #1 and #2. We were just letting him stand for now because the potty was so big. I guess that was our mistake...and having him watch me instead of his brothers or Dad. So now, I get to have him watch them and see if he gets that boys and girls sit down. I also read an idea somewhere to have him sit backwards on the seat for a little while to just see. He loves it, and it is different than how the girls sit, so he seems to be fine with it for now. So, we will see if this fixes our little problem. Wish us luck!

A Surprise on my Floor

OK. This is really gross. I need any input you have. Max does great at peeing in the toilet. He has even started to poo a couple times. He doesn't poo in his pants. No, it is much worse. When he has to poo he is so afraid or something of the toilet that he squats and poos on my floor! Luckily it has been on hard surfaces to this point which means I can sanitize it easier and no one will be sitting on it later! Has anyone else had this happen? I don't know how to tell him he doesn't have to be afraid of the toilet! Man is he going to hate me later for some of these posts!

Tall Shoes to Fill

When I was growing up (and sometimes still) my Mom would wear the tallest high heels. I don't know how her feet would handle it, but she did it. Well, I get to now try to fill those shoes...luckily not literally. Today my Mom was released from her calling as Young Women's Secretary. I was called to replace her. I will be released from my Young Women Sports Calling as well as from teaching Sunday School. I've been in a Young Women's presidency before, but not as the secretary, so I should learn a lot about organization, etc. I'm looking forward to meeting with the girls and trying something new!

Dads and Doughnuts

I was able to spend about 40 minutes with Aidan at his school eating doughnuts and drinking chocolate milk, reading the book he is currently reading. We had a lot of fun. As I left the school, I took a moment to ponder about what, if anything, that short time meant. It hit me like a ton of bricks......again! Our children are so precious and need us to be there for them. I need to do better at forgetting myself and doing those things that bring my children joy. Most days, I struggle with the fact that I cannot see all of my children every day. I know I can be a little better with the time I spend with them and a little less concerned about myself. I am so happy that I have been blessed with three wonderful children....and another miracle on the way. It is so great to look into their eyes and to see happiness. Today was a special day for me and I thought I would share it with you.

Shane

I'm Giving In

OK. So I will finally give in and do a background that is not just a standard blogger template. Some of the backgrounds make it hard to read the blogs, so I have been hesitant to change. I did find one I like, so I'll try it out. I know it is a little early for Halloween and I am completely skipping fall (even though I love fall), but I have been in a halloween mood lately. Normally Halloween is Shane's holiday, but not this year. While I was cleaning out my storage I came upon my Christmas decorations which made me want Christmas. Then I came upon our halloween stuff and tried to convince Shane we shouldn't wait until October 1st, but maybe just put them out now because I have everything out. He didn't agreem so it is October 1st!

Foreign Exchange Update

My friend asked how things with our foreign exchange student are going. Things are good. They are much better than they could be. We just have the normal differences in lifestyle that you learn when you live with someone new. There haven't been that many cultural difference, just lifestyle. You know, rules, how we keep things in the house vs how she does, that sort of thing. She is really good with Max, which helps. He loves to be the one to get her for dinner or to go anywhere and she is great about that. She even took him outside to help him ride his bike, which he loved. The other day we were walking and he was holding my hand. He grabbed Kwana's hand and said, "Mom, I'm holding Kwana's hand!" He was all smiles. So that is a big plus! Hopefully this is getting him a little used to the idea of having someone else here since soon we will have a little baby for him to get used to. She also already made us a Korean meal which was really yummy! I'll keep you posted!

BYU Post for my Husband

Many of you know that my husband is the biggest sports fan probably on the face of the earth! OK, so he doesn't get all decked out like the other Raider's fans, but I am sure he screams louder! Of all the sports and teams he watches, he has always been a die hard BYU fan. He has been faithful through some definately tough seasons. The last couple have helped ease that earlier pain! This year though, I have to say, they rock! Shane is loving their games, and they are actually showing their stuff early in the season. The most recent game against UCLA was supposed to be close, and it was a complete blow out! Anyway, I just had to give them props and at the same time let everyone know our house is a happier place right now with them winning. The house is a dark and dismal place when BYU loses! I hope they keep going in the right direction!

Dentist Update

OK. So much to my embarassment, what I didn't tell you about the dentist is that Max has cavities! To be honest I am not surprised. He has been bad in the past with taking his toothbrush and hiding it so then we don't have one. Last week he even flushed it down the toilet (which is still giving us trauma). Miraculously, after the dentist visit he now enjoys brushing his teeth. He has given me no troubles and the toothbrush has stayed put away the entire week. Let's hope this keeps up. My frustration is that when I booked the dentist I told him Max is 3 and has never been to the dentist. They said that would be fine. Then, after they looked at him they said that they think he has 3 cavities (although they didn't take x-rays), but for small children they can't do anything, he would need to see a pediatric dentist. They did recommend work as his teeth won't fall out for a couple years. So, this morning we went to the dentist AGAIN! This time we went to a pediatric dentist. I have to tell you...I am super impressed. It is Dr. Howell in Orem. He is in the same parking lot as Zion's Bank on 800 North, right next to Aspen Dental. It was amazing! Everything is built to kid size. They immediately let him choose a movie, the dental chairs were small, they were even able to get him to have x-rays. He acted like he had known them forever. He was hardly shy. They were SO good with him! The doctor confirmed that he does have 3 cavities. The surprising thing is he said most of the 3 year olds he sees for the first time have around 12! OK, so my bad mother feeling has just dropped 75%. The sad thing is, most likely they will have to knock him out to fix them because kids that little just can't do it with just laughing gas. I am not looking forward to that. We have a consultation with him on Monday to ask any questions we want so I will know more then. I will keep you posted. Also, if you want to try this fantastic dentist, let me know. I have 2 free toothbrushes with referral cards. If you take in the referral card then you get a free exam and cleaning the first time (if I understand it right). Pretty sweet! Let me know if you want one.

Max's 1st Trip to the Dentist

Max had his first ever dentist appointment. He was so brave. They did my cleaning first so he could watch. Then it was his turn. They were very good with him and went nice and slow. Here are a couple pictures from his appointment.












Sitting in the chair as it went up and down and leaned back and forth. It was a great ride!

Max at the beginning of the cleaning. A little unsure of if he should really open wide. He did eventually open nice and wide.

Max after being cleaned and suctioned. She let him hold the little suction thing which he thought was very cool.

Our First Poll

I have never done a poll before. I thought it might be fun to get everyone's guesses as to the sex of our baby. We will find out late afternoon on October 7th. Look to the right and tell us what you think!

What we do for our children

If you are easily grossed out, stop reading now. So yesterday Max complained all day that his bumb was hurting. When I pushed on his tummy it hurt him as well. He kept saying he had to go poo and yet when we tried...nothing. So Shane and I had the pleasure of performing our first enema on Max. Oh my heck! Let's just say the problem was solved after a few gross episodes, but he is doing great now. We must love him because he is ours. I honestly don't know how else I could have done something like that. I hope he never has this big of a problem again!

Max's 3-year Old Check-up

Max had his 3-year old check up today. I love his doctor! Anyway, he did great. He is in the 30th percentile in his weight and 50th ercentile for his height. The doctor told him how good he was having big boy undies. He was super shy there, but warmed up. Now he is also going through this shy stage with me. When he has to go potty he tells me and then we go to the bathroom and he shuts the door and says, "No Mom, don't see me naked." Then he has to go by himself. He even flushes and washes his hands.

15 Week Appointment

Well, I am either 15.5 or 15 weeks. Either way, we are excited. We went to the doctor today and there was a good heart beat. I also have lost 1 pound. Apparently being sick has kept the weight gain to a minimum, although you couldn't tell looking at me. I guess it was I lost a pound from the last appointment. I must have put it all on before the first appointment. Anyway, I will be eating more now that I don't feel so sick and that should help. Things are going great and we should know October 7th (the day before my birthday) what sex the baby is. What an awesome birthday present! My doctor does the 20 week check and sex check all in one.

Our 6th Anniversary

My friend had a great idea of listing where they've been since they got married. I loved that idea, so I thought I would share as briefly as possible.

Our first year - Sept. 2002-2003 - We got married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple (The boys looked so cute in their tuxes, but were completely overwhelmed by all the people so they were quite scared in the pictures). Right before our wedding Shane's car completely died and he was laid off, so we took my car on the honeymoon and opted for an inexpensive honeymoon. My Uncle let us use his cabin in Island Park, Idaho for our wedding gift and we also went up to Yellowstone. We moved into an apartment in Orem. Aidan started kindergarten in Salt Lake and Shane found a job at Mitylite in Orem and was quickly promoted to lead in shipping. Suzy got a promotion to supervisor and Aidan switched schools to Willow Elementary in Grantsville so his Mom could have surgery. Aidan switched schools one last time to Eagle Crest in Lehi once his Mom was done with surgery. We all moved into Suzy's parent's basement so we could build or buy a house. Aidan started Tee-Ball. Aidan and Andrew's Mom gets married and moves to Washington. We have the boys all summer. At the end of the summer we sign on to build a house in Santaquin and the boys move to Washington with their Mom.

Our second year - Sept. 2003-2004 - We were still living with Suzy's parents. Aidan starts 1st grade at Crystal Springs Elementary in Bothell, Washington. He has a really good teacher who communicates weekly with Shane. We visit the boys for Halloween and Andrew's birthday and have a great time. Shane moves to receiving at Mitylite. The boys come down for 2 weeks over Christmas and Santa treats our family to a trip to Disneyland, the first time for the boys so that was extremely special. About 3 weeks after their return to Washington we learn they are moving back to Utah and they do so 3 days later. Aidan moves to Willow Elementary to finish 1st grade. We return to a more split time schedule with the boys. A month later our house in Santaquin is finished. We move in and love it. In the summer Andrew starts Tee-Ball and Aidan starts Coach Pitch. Shane gets to coach Aidan. We find out we are pregnant.

Our third year - Sept. 2004-2005 - Aidan starts 2nd grade and Andrew kindergarten, both at Willow Elementary. We miscarry our baby. Shane and Suzy go to Hawaii for vacation. We are enjoying our house in Santaquin and finish our basement. Shane's brother Jason and his family move in with us while he goes to Helicopter school. We find out we are pregnant again. We find out it is a boy. Aidan is baptized by Shane. Both Aidan and Andrew participate in Coach Pitch and Shane coaches both of them. We go to Panguitch for a long reunion with Shane's Family. We return home and 2 days later Suzy takes the boys and her brother and sister swimming where her water breaks. Suzy stays in the hospital for 1 week and then delivers Max by C-Section. He stays in the hospital for 2 weeks and then comes home. Suzy leaves her full-time job at Alexander's. Shane is promoted to be Shipping and Receiving Manager.

Our fourth year - Sept. 2005-2006 - Aidan starts 3rd grade at Grantsville Elementary and Andrew 1st grade at Willow Elementary. Max is blessed. We share our first Christmas with Max all together in our Santaquin house. Jason and Shezrae and family move out and finish school. Suzy must return to work part-time. Thankfully her Mom is willing to watch Max. We buy a balloon business to try to help get Suzy home. Aidan plays little league and does very well. Andrew plays coach pitch again and Shane coaches him. We sell our house in Santaquin to move closer to central Utah County to promote the business and drive less. We buy a town home in American Fork. Max celebrates his 1st birthday with a luau.

Our fifth year - Sept. 2006-2007 - Aidan starts 4th grade at Grantsville Elementary and Andrew starts 2nd grade at Willow Elementary. We go on a fun family trip up to Park City. Andrew gets baptized. We try to get pregnant and succeed. We find out we are pregnant with triplets. We decide we better move and sell our house before listing it. We find a house not yet on the market and put in an offer for 20K less than asking and it is accepted. We lose all the babies and are devastated. We move one week later. We take a trip to Southern California and go to Disneyland and Sea World. We learn Suzy has a uterine anomaly and should have surgery. We explore our options and decide to think about it. Shane moves into the Purchasing Department at work. We have a fun summer. Max turns 2.

Our sixth year - Sept. 2007-2008 - Aidan starts 5th grade and Andrew starts 3rd grade at Grantsville Elementary. We find out we are pregnant again and miscarry almost immediately (but this actually took about 3 months - awful). We go to Brighton Resort for fall break. The older boys get to go on 2 big trips with their Mom. Shane, Suzy and Max go to Disneyland. Our kitchen gets remodeled. Shane and Aidan go to the Las Vegas Bowl to see BYU win. Andrew and Suzy and Max hang out at home and party their own way. We spend Christmas in our new house all together. The older boys' Mom moves to Lehi and the boys are now able to go between their two homes that are much closer to each other. Shane starts a new job at Alpine Fireplace as the Supply Chain Manager over things like purchasing. Suzy has surgery to fix her Uterus, but it doesn't work. Max takes his first swimming lessons. Aidan & Andrew participate in Lacrosse camp and love it, as well as swimming lessons. They also take tennis lessons at their Lehi house. We all get to go to a reunion with Suzy's family and a week long reunion with Shane's family to Island Park, Idaho and Yellowstone, which is fun because that was our honeymoon spot. Max turns 3.

Things we look forward to doing this year: HAVING A BABY! The experience of a foreign exchange student. Aidan will turn 12 and move into Young Mens! Aidan will start 6th grade and Andrew 4th grade. They are so big. Max will take swimming lessons again and I know he will be a great big brother! Everyone is growing up so fast and our family is constantly changing, so it should be exciting!