First Tri-mester Blues

I am now in week 11 of this first tri-mester. I have only been to the ER once to be re-hydrated and they started me on the chemo anti-nausea pills since then. I am just now beginning to feel "normal". Heck, I even mopped the floor today! And only fell asleep once!

Randy and I really thought our family of 5 was doing great, until we both started to feel that there was one more baby we needed to complete our family. (Of course, Randy just asked if this is really the last one. GLARE.) We thought about it and then BAM found out we were pregnant, so it must be meant to be. Hey, Randy and I are both the fourth kids in our families, so we needed a fourth in our family too.

The kids have known since I've been sick, which was immediately. I wanted them to know I was sick for a good reason. They are thrilled. This baby is due on Lindie's birthday--November 13th--so Lindie is especially excited. Michaela just told me she has a baby in her tummy. My youngest brother and sister just had babies within the last week, so I think Michaela doesn't want to be left out.

I have an added testimony of Relief Society in action. This ward has been phenomenal. Meals for a week, just because. Offers to pick up kids from school, watch the kids, etc. I get at least one note a week from some sweet sister in the ward letting me know how happy they are for me. Calls everyday from someone. I have felt of their prayers and feel uplifted. Relief Society rocks!

And my husband is truly amazing. He spent his entire Spring Break last week taking care of me and our family and our house--all with enthusiasm and a cheerful heart! He is going straight to the Celestial Kingdom. If I can only coast on his coat tails, I will feel blessed.

Overall, we are amazed that Heavenly Father has blessed us with another baby to join our family. This baby LOVES Italian food, so we call it "Baby Luigi". Lasagna anyone?

Hitting Too Close to Home

My brother lost his job today. He is a High School Spanish Teacher effected by the budget crisis we are all in. He has 5 children, a home, and is in his bishopbric.

Who is next? Randy's job is going through accredidation proceedings. If the school doesn't prove that they have their financial records in hand, and that they have proceedures that are followed by faculty/staff, then the Junior College will lose its accredidation effective June 1st. Can they do it?

I was helping in Lindie's kindergarten class the other day and a little girl told me, "My mom and dad are both looking for jobs. I'm kind of scared. Where will I live? What will I do? At least I get to see them more."

In the all Northern California Stakes Broadcast a few weeks ago, we as Northern California Saints were encouraged to STAY WHERE YOU ARE. Zion is here. So jobs must be too.

Especially for my brother, please.

So long, farewell....

It's official. My parents are on their way to Africa for their second mission in Ghana. They are happy and excited to go and while I am happy for them, I am sad too. I was just getting used to talking to my parents in the same time zone, having them see my kids and reconnect with them, and knowing that when I called, they would be there. At least this mission is only 18 months long, right? I've volunteered to do OUR family reunion when they return in August 2010--seeing that date makes it seem WAY in the future!

I found an Electric Company DVD at the library. I know I'm showing my age, but it was so fun to sit down with the kids and introduce them to "Easy Reader". Ok, more fun to see Brevin sing the song around the house. We're on to the Muppets now. Reading Rainbow is always on hand.

I am entering my kids into a lottery for a co-op school in the area. My dream school--it really exists. And it's in the school district!! I wonder how long it will last with all the cuts coming our way....

Michaela was pretending to be a librarian today to her dolls. My heart melted. I am so thankful that all of my kids now enjoy reading.

Lindie finished her dance class and is still in her art class. I'm trying to find another dance class. She loves it. She also enjoys MATH and reading. So thankful I married Randy--that math gene does not come from me--but the dance and art--enjoy it, Lindie!!

Brevin started piano lessons after basketball ended. Piano lessons and scouts--I'm thinking about adding swimming to the mix per his doctors recommendation. I guess we should put that long, lanky body to good use, right?

Randy is constantly grading papers and prepping for his lesson plans. It's like graduate school without the stress. Luckily, I think I'm used to not having him "here".

Weight Watchers works!

People Who Need People Are the Luckiest People in the World....

I've been thinking a lot about friends lately.

Visiting with my BYU roommate as a mom while in Washington.

Reconnecting with Davis friends because of Janell's funeral.

Reconnecting with our "first" friends from Davis on-campus housing through a baptism.

Connecting with new friends at a GNO in our new hometown.

I need friends. I am thankful for them. I am blessed to have many acquaintances and a few close friends.

What can I do to strengthen friendships on my own without having an event bring us all back together again?

So thank you, my friends, for listening to me, cheering me up and reminding what is most important in life--people.

Winter time Blues

I am going through family withdrawals!! We had such an amazing time with all of my family (yes, all 41 of us, and two more on the way) in Vancouver, Washington the week after Christmas. To see all the pics, please visit my youngest sisters blog at:

http://especiallydelicioustoast.blogspot.com/

Now if Michaela can just recover from pneumonia this week before I say goodbye to my parents before they leave for their next mission. I want my vacation back!

Janelle

In the ten years I lived in Davis, I had the honor and priviledge of serving in three different presidencies. While I cherished each of the women with whom I served and learned many things from each person, I will always remember my time in the Relief Society Presidency. I served with four different presidents within that presidency of 3 years. From Deidre Oliver I learned organization and the benefits of planning ahead. From Marsha Purves I learned that Relief Society is a way of life and service that begins within our families and extends outwards to help other families. From Janet Mayhew, I learned that efficieny and love can both be bestowed at the same time.

From Janelle Brubaker, I learned that Charity Never Faileth. I have the pin she gave each of us, Phoebe Fillmore and Mandy Halverson, to remember that legacy. I learned that while setting a tablecloth on top of the Relief Society table may seem unnecessary to me and my simple style, that others greatly appreciate the extra effort. I learned the importance of food storage and wheat and that being the Enrichment Counselor is very important! I learned how to love each sister and see them as Heavenly Father does and that inspiration is indeed given when filling callings, like Kiyomi as the chorister. I learned that eventhough you are preparing to receive ongoing tests for blurred vision, headaches, inability to read or write anymore and forgetfulness, it is still more blessed to share your canning expertise until the wee hours of the morning with your young presidency members. And I learned that when a diagnosis of Brain Cancer is given, that with fasting and prayers, it can go into remission, and that a presidency is still a presidency when the president is sick.

Janelle died today around noon. I will miss Janelle for her kindness and wisdom and for the many ways she served me while we served together in Relief Society. And I will continue to pray for her hopelessly devoted husband, Bruce, and their 7 children, their spouses and many grandchildren. I hope they will remember what I remember about Janelle--Charity Never Faileth.

Kaitlyn

Some of you may notice the COLORFUL update to my long neglected blog. This is all due to my 15 year old neice, Kaitlyn. She make it look so easy. I think I learned things from her. The number one thing I learned is that I MUST get a digital camera. Merry Christmas!