Valentine's Day Fun!

I know Valentine's Day was a few weeks ago, but I had some cute pictures I wanted to post. And since I don't have pictures of a new baby to post yet...this will have to do. I love Valentine's Day and think it is a great holiday. It was my Mom's birthday and she totally personified all that is great about this day...love, sweetness, friendship and candy!!! The girls had fun at their school parties, we made some heart pancakes and Tod and I went to a church dinner together.

Surprise!

Yesterday was a good day, and I was the recipient of a great surprise! We always have a monthly Relief Society potluck and yesterday was the day. When I arrived at my friend's house (a little late), I couldn't believe how many cars were there. What a great turnout, I thought! Upon walking into the house, I was greeted by all my friends and a surprise baby shower. I didn't even know what to say. I am still at a loss for words. All last night as I tossed and turned (can't sleep anymore), I found myself waking up with a smile on my face and feeling so happy that people would take the time to plan and attend this shower. All of the women who were there are so special to me- a few I have known since we first moved to Iowa almost 6 years ago, some I have known for only a few short months, many I know from church, some from other adventures where our paths have crossed. Some of the women I know very well- they have seen me at my worst- births of other children, sickness, job loss, our move to Texas and retun. They have loved me through it all and accepted me for who I am. Our children have grown up together, and we have celebrated holidays, birthdays and every day events almost as an extended family. Some of the women I don't know as well but have watched them with admiration as they are raising their own children and are just all around amazing people. I have some sort of connection with all of them, and I hope they know that. Of course, I didn't have my camera on hand, but I took a few pictures when I got home- mainly of the cute diaper cake one of my friends made. It was so fun to be surrounded by blues and browns and boy clothing! Anyway, thank you to all of my dear friends- for planning this surprise and for coming to celebrate with me and for the wonderful gifts. I am one lucky girl.

Big Sister Class!

Last week, we went to a big sister/big brother class at the hospital. It was really well done, and the girls had a great time. They each brought a stuffed animal to practice diapering and feeding. They also made cards for the new baby and even took a tour of the birthing area. They loved seeing a real baby in the nursery. I enjoyed going...but it sure made everything seem real and closer than ever!

35 weeks...and counting!

UPDATE: I had to post the new pic to prove that I went and got a haircut...uggg...why do I always put off taking care of myself?

This pictures is being posted solely to appease curious family members who live far away and have not had the pleasure of seeing me prego this time. The rest of you can kindly look away. I never got anywhere close to this size with the girls...and I still have 5 weeks to go. Fun times. Jordan takes a picture of me every Sunday before church...and yes, I need a haircut.

Birthday Pics

Jordan had a really fun 5th birthday last week. It was good that we had the birthday fun because the weather was so incredibly cold and school was cancelled twice. She did get her ears pierced and didn't even bat an eye when the earrings went in. I love the picture of her excitement when she opened her new coat...what child gets that excited for a coat? Her friend party was held at The Painted Penguin. It was perfect for her since she loves crafts and art. I love this kid.

I Am Five!

Happy 5th Birthday to my sweet Jordan! The time has flown by, and she is so excited to finally be five. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet! What a joy it has been to have Jordy (Beans) in our family. Those who know her, know what a great girl she is and how easy she is to have around. Some more things to remember about our birthday girl-

-She loves everything artsy and is very creative. She loves projects and painting and coloring and crafts. Recently, she and I have been working on her preschool scrapbook together.

-She loves her sisters and will do anything for them, especially for Regan. Jordan is unselfish and happy to share anything. She is so excited about her baby brother's upcoming birth- she even made him a crown at preschool.

-Jordan is practical with lots of common sense...in fact this year for her birthday she told me that she had enough toys and would rather have gifts she could use!

-Jordan has always been ultra independent- we have joked that if she was left alone, she could easily take care of herself. The other night she did a hard puzzle all by herself, very persistant.

-At first, Jordan can be quiet and shy but as people get to know her, they find out what a fun-loving, silly person she can be.

Happy Birthday! We love you so much! Today's plans include baking her cake, birthday treats for school, a trip to the mall to get her ears pierced and dinner at Applebee's.

Images of Christmas

We have had a great Christmas celebration over the past couple of days. Some of the highlights:

-Carrying on one of our family traditions by getting hamburgers for lunch at Culver's on Christmas Eve. (We always went to Crown Burger in Salt Lake!)

-Hosting an Italian dinner (in memory of my mom) on Christmas Eve- sharing the evening with friends...being able to finally use my mom's china that I have had for 8 years but have never unpacked because we have moved so much! I was so thankful to spend the holidays in our own home.

-Excited kids in new pajamas who actually went to bed and slept through the night- well, two of them did. My little "helper" Regan stayed up late doing preparations with me and then would not sleep in her crib! (No big surprise there!)

-Christmas morning fun...it is so fun to have kids this age, to see their excitement over gifts that you have picked out with such love. Ashton loved here easy bake oven, new earrings, and books. Jordan had waited all year for her baby swim doll! Regan's favorite was her baby doll and stroller. Tod and I had a mutual understanding that this year was for the kids- he still surprised me with fun stocking stuffers.

-We missed our families- we loved talking to them on the phone and webcam, especially seeing baby Sutton in his Santa hat!

-Enjoying a fabulous Christmas meal with our amazing friends- Cafe Rio food which has become an Iowa tradition for us. Last year, we missed this so much and never could have imagined that this year would bring us back to this tradition...lots of laughs and lots of fun.

-Falling into bed and savoring the memories of the day, also being glad it only comes once a year!