Dancing Fever

For the past nine months,  Abbi has been taking tap and ballet class.  And for the past nine months we have been hearing about her upcoming recital on the "big stage."  After nine long months of waiting,  the day finally came and, as luck would have it, a cough and low grade fever came with it.   She was still so excited about the recital and very intent on going... sooo,  I loaded her up with Tylenol and cough syrup and after tons of gel, bobby pins, mascara and lipstick we were on our way.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love having a little girl?

Abbi and her friend, Reagan before the recital.

After the recital in her cover-up (T-shirt) checking out her rose from Daddy.

Showing off her moves on the big stage.

Abbi did a great job!  After her recital (when the tylenol had worn off a little), I had a hard time getting any smiles out of her.  She fell asleep as soon as we got to the car. :)

Carter giving Abbi a hug when she was finished dancing.

Abbi and her fan club.

Feel free to keep comments about my enormous belly to a minimum, or you can comment on how fabulous I look (little white lies never hurt anyone).  Take your pick.  :)

Abbi and daddy.

Waiting to go on stage.

Abbi with some of her dance class at the dress rehersal.

Luckily,  I took some pictures of Abbi after her dress rehersal and was able to get a couple of smiles....
I personally think I have the cutest little 3 year old girl on the planet.

Way to go sis!  We are so proud of you.  

Here are a couple (very low quality) videos of the dress rehersal that probably only a mom, or grandma, could appreciate.  I thought they were cute as can be,  but I'm warning you; when Colby saw them he asked me if I was riding in a boat while I was taking these videos.  I guess I'm just a little unstable :)

Lately...

Lately,  we've been busy (but who isn't?) and I've gotten a little behind on my blogging.  Some of the highlights from the last couple of weeks include;

RAIN!

 We've gotten a lot of rain and our grass is actually a shade of green.  Plus, my flowers are looking amazing (thank you Miracle Grow).  I'm starting to think I might be capable of growing something in Texas.

Tumbling

The boys finished off their tumbling class and had an awards night to showcase their skills.  It's been so fun watching them learn new things.

Ammon and Carter with their tumbling coach, Larry.

Pinewood Derby

Ammon had the opportunity to participate in another Pinewood Derby.  He and Colby had a great time designing, building and painting his car.

Hanging out in the garage, waiting for the first paint of coat to dry.

I love how Ammon is concentrating so hard on what Colby is doing.

They had a couple extra helpers.  (Just for the record,  Abbi got herself dressed.  She also loves that hat, which she wore every day for about two weeks until I finally hid it in the top of her closet)

Abbi checking out the dessert "cars" at the derby.

Watching the cars speed by.

 Goodbye to Soccer

The boys finished off another fun and succesful soccer season.  Luckily, this season none of the games were too hot and we had a great time cheering them on. I snapped these pictures with their good friends at Carter's last game of the season. 

Ammon, Abbi, Carter, Austin, Carson, Caden, and Logan.  Do you think Abbi is a little outnumbered?

I love this picture of Brynlee and Abbi.  They look so grown up!  (Once again, Abbi is going through an independent phase and got herself dressed!)

Goodbye to school

It's hard to believe that the boys are finishing up another school year.  The last couple of weeks have been filled with class parties, field trips, awards ceremonies, etc.  Abbi has been thrilled that they've included her in some of these celebrations. 

Abbi and Ammon at the third grade splash pad party.

Joining Carter and his friend, Mason at lunch.

Oh, how I love these three kids.  I have so much fun being a part of their lives!

31 weeks.... and feeling it.

        I am at the point in my pregnancy where I am really starting to "feel it..." I've lost that 2nd trimester energy burst and it seems as though it is difficult to do everything.  Sometimes my mind forgets that my body is off balance and slow moving, which results in me frequently tripping over my own feet.  I also frequently trip over Abbi because I can't see her if she is standing in front of me (right under my belly.) My brain will say something like, "what a nice day, I'd love to go for a run."  and my body replies, "I dare you to bend over and put your shoes on and walk around the block,  let alone go for a run."
        I am also at the point in my pregnancy where people are starting to say things.  I can't leave the house without someone (or everyone) commenting on my big baby bump.  These are a few of my favorites that I hear on a daily basis;

"Wow, you look like you're going to pop."   (If you think that now, you should see me in 8 weeks.)


"Now when are you due again?  You STILL have THAT LONG?? I thought you were due any day."

"I just can't believe how pregnant you look."  (translation;  you are super huge)

"Are you sure you're not having twins?"  (yup, I'm not having triplets either.)

"You just get bigger every week." (isn't that how this whole, "growing a tiny human" thing works?)


      Some days I can just take these comments in stride. Other days, it really bothers me and I have to leave Sunday school in tears,  vowing that I am never going to go out in public again. (or at least not in the next 8 weeks).
       But at the end of every slow moving, hips aching, ankles swelling day, I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for this new little person who will soon be a part of our family. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be a mother and for these four little miracles in my life.
           I LOVE it when Abbi talks to her little brother and kisses my tummy and talks about all the wonderful things that are surely going to happen when she's a big sister (I'm just hoping she's not terribly disappointed that she's no longer the center of attention.)
          I love it when Colby and I sit down together, his hand resting on my belly, and we both chuckle when this baby starts to kick and squirm,  when Carter hugs me and says, "Mom, are you feeling okay today?"  and when Ammon tells me, "Mom, I'm going to make dinner tonight, you go lay down..."

Abbi talking to her little brother.

       I frequently think about the year and a half that I spent wondering if I would ever be able to have another baby, and the daily prayers I spoke asking my Heavenly Father for another child and I can't help but be filled with gratitude.  I am grateful for the difficulty moving, the huge belly, the stretch marks and varicose veings, the daily comments on my size, tears in Sunday school and all.... I wouldn't trade this for anything.