i love my daddy

Seth has been out of town interviewing for the past 3 days and we are ALL so excited for him to get home tonight!

I am such a lucky girl to have a husband who is so involved in everything going on at home. He is hands-on in every aspect of our home life. He puts the kids to bed and reads them stories and makes them breakfast and plays with them when he is around. He is happy to help me vacuum the stairs or mop the floor or do the dishes (well, maybe not happy, but definitely willing) when I ask. Being on my own with the kids, I miss all those little (and big) things that he does to fill in the gaps. I think he must have been worried that I was going to have a break down while he was gone, because he has been calling to check in with me multiple times a day...or maybe he just missed us. ;)

It sounds like all of the interviews went well and we will likely have offers by next week from all of the clinics. Then we will have to actually make some big decisions, but it sounds like he is excited about whatever clinic we choose. As for me, I am just happy that we get to be together...wherever we end up!

last day

Today is Seth's last day of clinicals! Yay for no more paying money to go to work or 6 day work weeks!

And despite the dreary rain outside, we are all doing a little happy dance! Congrats to my amazing hubby for all the hard work to get here! We couldn't be more proud of you, love!

P.S. Doctor says I probably will be able to go with Seth to do his poster presentation! Woo Hoo! This will be our first family vacation in a VERY long time and we are all so excited! Pray that it all works out for us, will ya? I had to buy a maternity swimsuit for the first time...kind of depressing when you are hugely pregnant, but enjoying the sunshine and swimming with the kiddos will be worth it, right!?

keenly aware

Every few months I get all sappy and post the deeper thoughts of my heart, which usually involve spiritual thoughts, and this is one of those posts. I would be lying if I told you that things have been all roses around here lately. It seems as if every time I turn around something else has gone or is going wrong. Car troubles, contractions that shouldn't be happening, ladders making giant holes in walls while we are standing on them painting over dings and scratches, Seth's approval to begin the research element of his capstone project being delayed and threatening a delayed graduation, packing, packing, painting, packing, rain and snow interfering with mini-sessions and causing me to reschedule all of them, my laptop screen going out, sick kids, 4 doctor's appointments in one week, the uncertainty of applying to jobs in cities we have never seen...and the list goes on.

Truly, looking at it all like that, you would think our lives have been one big giant mess...and in a way it kind of has! But every little glitch that comes along, we pray and hope and try to go on faith that it will all be ok, and in every single instance, an immediate blessing is poured out upon us. My testimony of prayer has been strengthened time and time again as needs are met with perfect timing when everything feels completely hopeless. The awareness that a loving Father in Heaven knows me and my family personally and knows even the simplest of our trials has been reaffirmed as caring friends and family have reached out to help or offer help. Our little family has been so blessed with feelings of love for each other and many little moments when we just beam with happiness at the chance to spend time together. And as I look at all these "trials" I see blessings, sweet sweet blessings that have made me stronger, brought me closer to the Lord and strengthened our little family so much.

Here we are with only 2 days left of clinicals, call backs for interviews at every job Seth has applied for, an extra date added for capstone presentations, a few days off next week for spring break and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Blessings, I tell you!

So, where do we go from here? Our house will be on the MLS later this week (I just have to take a picture of the front of the house and the kitchen - after I clean it - and send it over to our agent. The biproduct of being a photographer is wanting to take your own pics of your house). Seth is in the initial phase of phone interviews for jobs and then we will proceed from there, but there are quite a few opportunities out of state that look promising and we are getting excited for the adventure (especially because a number of the jobs pay relocation costs so hired movers will be doing all the work - love that.)  Seth will present his capstone project on April 25 and it is getting close to being finished  and ready, and graduation is coming up on May 5. On our fun date night, we picked up his cap and gown and it is certainly a fancy ensemble! Special robe, and doctorate hood, and even fun little honors society tassles...I am so proud of him for all that he has done to get here!

As part of his capstone project, Seth had to submit his project for consideration to be featured at an upcoming conference. We fully expected (and, dare I say, hoped) that it would not be accepted as it is very competitive and more work if it is accepted, but news came yesterday that his project was accepted and he needs to be there to present it...fabulous news for his resume...not so fabulous news as far as additional work, money, time and travel involved, particularly because I will be 36 weeks at the time of the conference, but a great opportunity regardless and another reason to be so proud of my wonderful husband. Then it is on to boards, pharmacy boards and state licensing in May. Little miss still-no-idea-what-we-will-name-her (suggestions?) is due June 6, but will likely be born at least a week earlier, maybe more if I keep moving furniture and lifting boxes, but Seth will be around more to prevent that, so probably just a week early. And if everything works out timing wise, we are hoping to be moved and starting a job by the end of June.

It has been a rollercoaster ride, and I am certain the ride will continue for at least a few more weeks, but I wouldn't trade it. I am so grateful for the support of friends and family and especially for the help from heaven! And, I promise to post some pictures when my new laptop arrives and I get it all set up, until then words will have to do! :)

DATE NIGHT!

That's right...Seth and I are going on a date tonight! It has become such a rare event with all the craziness happening around here. Of course the time should probably be spent finishing our painting project or finishing up moving the last of the furniture and holiday decor that is going into storage, but we are throwing caution to the wind, leaving the kids with a sitter and heading out!

Curious to know what we are doing for our date that is so exciting?

 Our date night itinerary:

order a graduation cap and gown 

attend a job fair 

Honors society induction dinner at La Caille

Do we know how to go on an intimate fancy date or what? ;)

remember...

I am a super slacker to post this stuff without pictures, but I know by the time I take the pictures and remember to post them, I will already have forgotten. So, I give you a bunch of random stuff I want to remember:

- I did Chloe's hair in big wavy curls today with a cute little fabric flower bow. She looked way too grown up. Every time I thought to take a picture she had chocolate ice cream or yogurt or macaroni and cheese on her face, so I didn't, and I am not sure I am ready to recreate it because I don't think I can handle another day of her looking so grown up. She was absolutely beautiful, though, and she knew it. All day she walked around telling everyone that she had pretty curly hair that her mommy gave her. It made my day that she was so happy about something I did for her.

- Brynn sucks her thumb. Not only that, but she loves stuffed animals. She loves to suck the noses of her stuffed animals. Every.single.time she picks up a stuffed animal (even off the shelves at the store if I don't catch her fast enough) she immediately opens her mouth and inserts the nose of the stuffed animal in it. You can tell her favorite stuffed animals by the wear on their noses. And, while it kind of drives me crazy, it is a sweet reminder that she is my baby and I know I will miss it when she gets big enough to stop.

- Morgan is reading like a champ! I love finding him sitting with a book and hearing him sounding out the words to himself, just because, or writing random lists of things and stories. I can take absolutely no credit for his active little brain and love of learning, because I don't do nearly as much as I should with him at home, but I love how much he loves learning. (I guess I can take credit for choosing the perfect school for his needs and driving him there every morning...that's a contribution, right?)

- I am 26 weeks along. That means I am entering my 3rd trimester...ummm, that happened REALLY fast! I saw the picture I posted a few weeks ago and coveted my own body. I am getting bigger every second, it seems, and all the wonderful stuff that accompanies the "huge" stage are appearing/continuing: daily heartburn, sciatic nerve pain, lack of breath, tossing and turning at night because I can't get comfortable, constant need to pee, fatigue and expansion of my legs, hips and bum. I keep reminding myself that I will eventually get back to my skinny body that can roll around on the floor and carry kids around and stand up without pain and something to hold onto, but it takes a lot of reassuring for my vanity to believe it.

- They are coming to measure for carpet this week. I can hardly believe we are this close, but I am so excited! We looked at carpet until I couldn't even tell the difference between the colors anymore (or maybe I just got so sick of it that I didn't care?), but I am excited to leave the next homeowners with something much better that what we have lived with for the past 6 1/2 years. All that is left is paint touch up inside, paint touch up outside, packing lots of stuff into a storage pod and some deep cleaning and we will be listing!

- Seth finished his rotations at the U of U ER. It was a really long 8 weeks of 7 days a week most weeks. The shifts were always longer than planned and it was extremely taxing on our family, but the next (and final) rotation is office hours 3 days a week, so he will only work 6 shifts a week (3 8 hour clinicals, and 3 12 hour work shifts). Crazy to think that I am excited about that being a "break", but oh...I am excited for the break!

- I cleaned out my fabric stash and now have a couple of large cuts of fabric that I would like to sell and some smaller cuts that I need to donate somewhere. Anyone know where to sell or donate fabric? Also...why do I buy so much fabric? must.stop.doing.that!

- I thought we had come to terms with forgoing loan repayment and staying in Salt Lake (because I really would prefer to just stay here and not venture into the scary unknown). But, in the best interest of our family and getting out of student debt sooner than later, I have been persuaded to consider out-of-state opportunities (Seth is very happy about this!). While it is still scary, I am growing fond of the idea of a new adventure for a few years. We will begin applying to positions this week. It will be nice to have some kind of plan and direction instead of being in complete limbo. If you have positive thoughts on moving outside of Salt Lake, please feel free to reassure me. My emotional state is like a rollercoaster and I can use all the positive energy around moving away that I can get! If you have negative thoughts...maybe it would be best not to share them right now. A few of the places we are applying: Portland, Seattle, California (a couple of places), Moab and Hawaii...Hawaii is a very long shot logistically, but we will apply and see what happens, and if we end up there, you all better come and visit us!

- I still love pinterest.

7 Days a Week Seth

Yesterday was the start of Seth's 7 day work weeks (if only he were getting paid for working all those days - lol!). We thought that his clinical rotation would only require him to work 3 shifts a week, but when he got his schedule, it turns out he has 4 shifts a week. Add in his 3 regular work shifts and that is 7 days a week...every week...for 8 weeks...no days off. I keep catching myself feeling sorry for myself that I am going to be alone so much, and doing all the kid stuff on my own, and doing church with 3 kids on my own, and trying to get the house ready to sell on my own...but then I think of my sweet sweet husband who is actually doing the work 7 days a week and all I can think about is what I need to do for him to help him get through.

I think that is why I always look back on the hardest times in our life and think they were so sweet. Even though it is hard and the day to day is overwhelming, you truly learn to rely on each other and on the Lord. Seth picks up the slack when I am at the end of my rope, I pick up the slack when he is at the end of his, and we rely together on the Lord when neither of us have anything left to give! What a blessing it is that by working 7 days a week a few of those shifts are shorter (only 8 hours) and allow Seth to spend time with the kids when they are awake, what a blessing it is that we are so close to family and friends who support us so much, what a blessing that our kids are still young and don't have hours of homework or lessons or sports teams to add to our already overflowing plate, what a blessing it will be when Seth finally graduates, and what a blessing that we can face the challenges together as a family! I know it will get harder...today is only day 2...but I am just trying to embrace the challenge and the blessings it will bring.

In other news, our ultrasound is scheduled for Thursday of this week...we are getting excited to find out

boy or girl!

Any guesses?

approved...and now it begins

Seth's capstone project was approved! Yay! It has been a lot of hard work already, so I am not sure I am ready for what the actual doing of the project will bring, but I am so proud of him! We also found out his clinical assignment for next semester...and while he is excited for it (which makes me excited for it), it means 5 to 6 12-hour work shifts every week...plus the capstone project...plus listing/showing/selling our house and *hopefully* moving...plus a pregnant wife who will undoubtedly be cranky from showing said house...plus 3 little people who expect a little love and attention from their daddy on a regular basis... and sleep...well, who really needs sleep?

So, as soon as this semester ends (which isn't until next Friday...that's right...a week from tomorrow...does that seem really late to anyone else?), we are going to savor as much time as we can with him! We are going to snuggle up in our jammies and watch movies, go sledding, build snowmen, eat delicious goodies, go on dates (anyone want to babysit?) and give lots of hugs and kisses. We are going to see Santa and have family dinners, and go to Christmas parties, and sing songs, and read books. You probably won't find us mopping the floors or folding the laundry or scrubbing the bathtub or cleaning out the garage...so don't expect a clean house should you decide to pop in and say hello (which you are always welcome to do, but honestly, you should really never expect our house to be clean)! We also have a to finish up a few house projects mixed in there, but we are going to do them together and make them quick, because we need to stock up on daddy time!

Also...a complete and total sidenote from my professional-photographer-self...because of this utter chaos and craziness, I will be taking a very very limited number of photography sessions in the early part of the year. So, if you are hoping to get pictures with me between January and June, don't wait to book or I may not be able to work you in. I have had a lot of people asking about mini-sessions and I am planning a mini-session before mothers day as long as I am feeling good and have no pregnancy complications. I am looking for some turning 1-year-old models to do cake smash photos with in January. Contact me for details if you are interested.

And with that, hold on to your hats people, because the next few months are going to be a crazy crazy ride!

just a little proud!

First of all, I updated the recipe blog today with some fun new stuff so head on over and check it out if you need some inspiration for baking or Thanksgiving. And while you are there, feel free to post your favorite easy dinner because I am in serious need of some easy (and preferably crock pot) dinners that don't involve touching/looking at/gagging at the sight of raw meat. :)

Second, I just wanted to take a minute to post about my sweet husband. And yes, the following is going to involve me bragging about how awesome he is. I am so proud of him! He has been working like crazy on his capstone project concept that he is proposing tomorrow. His project is really great! It is something that really could make a difference and something that he is passionate about and he has been researching and writing and making calls and finding experts to make it happen. I am so excited for him to get it approved and really start the beginning of the end!

For those of you who don't know what Seth is doing (because I get asked this a lot...often by his family - lol), he is finishing up his 7th semester of the 8 semester Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) program. When he finishes the program, he will be a nurse practitioner and treat patients just like a family practice doctor. He is in the first class to go through the program since it was transitioned to a doctorate degree and there has been a lot of craziness associated with that, in addition to the craziness of the program itself. It is super intense, long hours, lots of information to soak up and then you add in a full time job and a family: he has done SO well (amazingly, because I am not sure where he finds the energy or time to study)! A few of his clinical locations have told him that if they have anything open when he finishes his program that he would have a job with them and he has been approached about some other really exciting opportunities as well (that I am not-so-secretly keeping my fingers crossed for). Then, there is the option of a job that offers loan repayment, but that would require that we move out of the city...and more likely out of the state. Regardless, it is so nice to know that his awesomeness is being recognized and that there is a lot of interest in him as graduation approaches!

So, we aren't sure where the end of school will take us. While I am seriously leaning toward staying here in Salt Lake, buying our "forever" house and just starting that new part of our lives (because doesn't it sound totally awesome to buy your dream house, plant your roots, and never move again? Umm, yes!), the opportunities if we decide to venture somewhere not here are pretty enticing. So we are a little torn right now about what options to persue and where we might be headed.

Anyway, as the weeks and months seem to slip away quickly for me and slowly for Seth, the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter and brighter and the looming decisions grow closer and closer. We are now down to 5 months (and since part of that is winter break, it is really only 4 1/2 months)! I am so proud of Seth for all that he has done and is doing to get us here! Keep up the good work sweetie! We are all cheering for you!

bed buddy

This morning a little blonde headed girl climbed into bed with me to snuggle and give me kisses...

and I just couldn't help but be happy happy happy.

It was a pretty normal morning - sounds of the man I love making breakfast in the kitchen,

(yep, that's normal lately - aren't you jealous - best husband ever) 

a little boy getting ready for school all on his own,

a little girl gabbing away in her almost-2-year-old language that only she really understands,

and the sound of my sweet middle baby girl saying, "I love you mommy."

"I love you too," I said, "will you just be my best buddy forever!"

"yeah, " she replied...and then she hurried off to the breakfast table

as she heard the sound of plates hitting the table.

But me, I just layed there, thinking about how much I love my sweet little family,

how grateful I am for the three sweet little spirits that Heavenly Father sent just to me,

and how happy we all are to meet #4 and learn all about another little personality and

another spirit and another piece of our family that we'll wonder how we ever lived without.

I hope that the 4 of them never get too old to still be best buddies with their mom

or snuggle into my bed to give me hugs and kisses.

I hope that Chloe always wants to tell me about every minute of her day.

I hope that Brynn will keep on needing kisses from Mom to overcome bumps on the head,

scrapes on the knee and all the other little things that hurt her feelings throughout the day.

I hope that Morgan still demands his 3 hugs and kiss before bed for a good long time to come. 

I am so glad to be their mommy, and since I know that these sweet moments probably won't

last forever (despite my wishes that they would), I am cherishing them right now,

and in 10 years when Chloe is 13 and awful (because all 13 year old girls are awful)

I will remind her that one morning, when she was 3, she climbed in my bed to snuggle and told me

that we could be best buddies forever. She'll surely roll her eyes and say "whatever"

(as only 13 year old girls can), but I'll keep loving her anyway, cause that's my job as her mommy.

a little better...

Woo Hoo! Feeling a little bit better this week than I was last. Still feeling yucky overall, but my naps are getting shorter and my food options are expanding a bit. I had a can of Dr. Pepper tonight and it didn't make me gag...so I consider that a major improvement...one can was as much as I could handle though.

Morgan is still being a good helper and we are having fun charting the progress of the baby. It is now the size of a pinto bean and the kids are pumped that it can bend its elbows and knees this week. Plus fingers and toes are starting to appear! Morgan can't wait to hear the heartbeat and see the ultrasound...it will be a long 10 weeks!

Seth's application for graduation is due MONDAY! I can't believe how real the end is seeming and how close it is! I have my fingers crossed that we survive the next 6 months...we'll be selling our house, finding a new place to live, finding a new job, getting ready for baby #4 and of course graduating (and all the work that comes with that!). But, we are looking forward with excitement and anticipation!

So, yeah, things are a little better this week and we arehoping it will keep getting better from here!

7 years

Yesterday was our 7 year anniversary! (and our day was so crazy I didn't even have a chance to post) 7 Years ago was one of the happiest days of my life...the perfect day, the perfect party, the perfect man by my side...and it has been a perfect 7 years since! We pulled out the wedding album and looked through it with the kids...my how much has changed, but one thing has not: how much I adore my sweet husband!

We went out on our anniversary date on Tuesday since that is all that the schedule of clinicals and work would allow, but it was wonderful in every way! Wonderful dinner, wonderful pastries, wonderful movie, wonderful company, and wonderful to come home to kids snugly sleeping in their beds!

So, to the sweet man I love, thanks for a beautiful life. Thanks for keeping all of your promises and excdeeding my expectations in every way! Thanks for putting up with my crazy, my ambitions, and my insecurities! Thanks for making me feel like a princess! Thanks for being a stunning example to our 3 little ones and for loving them like crazy! Thanks for pretending to care about things like what graphics I should use for my logo, which color scheme to wear for family pictures, and whether Brynn's pettiskirt looks floofy enough. Thanks for working hard to provide and taking care of all the stuff I would never even think to do! Thanks for still giving me butterflies after 7 years of marriage! Most of all thanks for being you! Happy anniversary...and many many more to come! Love love love you!

ramen

being married to Seth is like a wonderful surprise every day!

I never quite know what he is going to do or say next,

and at the same time, he is constant, reliable, and wonderful!

It is kind of perfect!

Yesterday, the UPS man dropped off a big box.

Usually I am the cause of these boxes,

but occasionally, Seth orders something without telling me

(usually something from Shirt Woot! to wear on "stupid shirt Sunday").

But, this large box had me wondering, so I opened it up,

and much to my surprise found this...

from Amazon.com

At first, I thought it must be some weirdo fraudulent charge,

especially because Seth has made it quite clear to me (a number of times) that he does NOT like top ramen...to the extent that I have not bought it once since we have been married even though the kids love it.

So I called him.

"Do you have any idea why you would be getting a giant box of ramen bowls from amazon.com?"

"Oh, yeah. ...I ordered it."

"But you don't even like top ramen..."

"I think I do now...plus these are korean...and they were on sale"

OK, hun, whatever you say!

Enjoy your ramen bowls!

today...

Every time I open internet explorer and my blog pops up on tab #2 (to remind me to update it) I stress because I haven't updated in forever...and then I feel bad that I have been posting business stuff and no family stuff...and then I feel bad that I haven't read anyone's blog in...well, ages! So, I took the evening (because it is Sunday and I don't do any of my "work" on Sunday) to catch up on blogs! Love catching up with everyone's lives - sorry I didn't leave comments - dozens and dozens of blogs with numerous posts each meant a lot of reading on my part!

So, that brings me here...lots and lots and lots to share and say and show, but I am just going to brain dump and tell you what is on my mind today...
- This semester is going to be rough. Lots of changes happening in Seth's department, so everything is a little disorganized, but the expectations are going to be pretty high and the workload is heavy. If it is even possible, we will see him less this semester than any one before. Feel free to send your prayers our way ! :)
- My little baby boy starts kindergarten tomorrow...what? He is so excited he can't even stand it! The new school clothes are in little piles in the living room waiting for excited little bodies to fill them in the morning. The backpack is by the door and the camera is ready! :) Mom is not so ready...deep breaths!
- Also tomorrow - preschool orientation for my baby girl...another what? She is also excited and I am praying for her teacher's sanity! ;) She will do so wonderful, but I hope she takes sweet Chloe personality and not feisty Chloe personality to school!
- Brynn is such a climbing daredevil. Yesterday she fell off a picnic table and scraped up her whole forehead on the cement below. Why would you let her get on a picnic table, you might ask? Well, it all happened in a matter of seconds!
- I have eaten so much this week. So many family birthdays are in August, and I think I can safely say that I ate out (a giant meal) just about every day last week. It was so fun to have multiple date nights with Seth along with some other fun activities with friends and family! Sadly - this also means I am 27..which is frighteningly close to 30.
- I am planning a few weeks of "bookkeeping and personal time" into my "work" schedule soon because I feel so behind! I love my job and I can hardly even call it that, and I am so blessed to be busy with it!
- I love my little family like crazy! I have been reminded this week how blessed I am to have 3 sweet, smart and healthy children and a husband I love so much! I say this a lot, but I mean it!

So there you go! A POST! More to come (hopefully) soon...including 1st day of Kindergarten pictures and thoughts!

Just in case you are wondering...

where in the world I've been...
Or why my blog has fallen off the edge of the earth again...

Head on over to my super fabulous photography blog - hee hee!
Or check out my the facebook fan page for smileabunch photography (and you should go ahead and become a fan while you are there)!

I have been so very busy shooting, editing, disc burning, and print ordering...not to mention planning, creating marketing materials, and dabbling in design.

And then Seth had the whole week off of work and school, so we have packed our lives completely to the brim with bike rides, back to school shopping, a real live date!!!, temple trip, cleaning out the garage, little (though still bigger than expected) house projects, and actually eating home cooked meals together. It has been lovely and kind of exhausting. Anyway - just wanted to pop in and say hi since I have been MIA for too long! I am doing some Fall mini sessions at the end of September if anyone is interested - I will post details on here soon!

Under Fire

Since the first year we were dating, Seth and I have been watching the Liberty Park fireworks together on the 24th of July (Pioneer day - our state holiday - for those of you unfamiliar with it).

Every year, we lay out lots of blankets/tarps in the morning to secure the best seats possible and invite friends and family to join us. It is our own little tradition that we love and the fireworks are always fabulous. Last year we found this fabulous new place with fewer people smoking pot in the vacinity of our little babies and no trees blocking the view. After the fireworks, we decided that it would permanently be "the place".

So, this year, just like each of the 8 years before, we staked our tarps down in the morning and headed back with blankets and snacks in the evening.


We could see the trailer of fireworks out in the middle of the field on the other side of the fence - the perfect spot.


People joined us the sky got darker and we had light saber wars with glo-sticks and headlamps shining in nalgene water bottles.


And then those first "bangs" shook our whole bodies as we watched the fireworks explode directly over our heads. (Brynn was a little too surprised by those first big bangs...but she quickly moved on to the oohs and ahhhs and woahs.)




And then the "ground show" started as a firework exploded sending its glittering sparks to the every edge of the field. The next firework flew over the fence to the middle of the street before it exploded smack dab in the middle of the crowd - "that one got out of control" we thought to ourselves. But one by one, each of the fireworks exploded on the ground in random sporadic places. I could tell that this wasn't right, but I wasn't sure whether to run further from the field or stay, but sat scared to death trying to account for one, two, three little heads who were seated on various family member laps. Morgan was standing just 2 or 3 feet from the fence when the firework landed 2 feet inside the fence and exploded. I saw the silhouette of my baby boy 4 feet in front of the firey burst, and Seth reached out and grabbed him by the arm to run with him to safety. Again, this time as I ran, I counted for one, two, three little heads. My heart raced as we continued to see the bursts exploding around us. We found cover behind a tree, where we calmed three crying children and held them close. I don't know how calming it is for a child to be cuddled close to mommy's chest where they can feel her heart racing and her body shaking, but we huddled until they were calm. Finally, as the regular fireworks continued up in the sky where they were supposed to be, I sent Seth to check for injuries. Luckily, near us, all that happened was burn holes in blankets and tarps, but further down there were injuries. Soon the fireworks stopped and the only flashing lights left were the ones from the ambulances and firetrucks.

We walked back to Seth's family's house and did some sparklers to help the kids overcome the fear of the night. Morgan wasn't up for it quite yet, but Chloe timidly took to it.


I am so grateful for our safety and realize now more than ever how dear and sweet my family is to me and how precious this life is. It made me squeeze those three little people a little tighter and cuddle up to my sweet husband a little closer. This is not an experience I will soon forget!

Friday

Yesterday was Seth's day off.

We did a lot of stuff (errands, mow the lawn, etc), but the most important stuff...

Took a morning walk together (including Callie) at this lovely park/trail in Holladay.

BBQ-ed hot dogs and had a picnic lunch outside.

Picked up Bucca Di Beppo take out, spread blankets all over the living room floor and had a "picnic dinner" in the living room while we watched a movie.

Of course, popcorn was involved.

Seth's days off are like holidays.

Happy.

Beginnings and Endings

Beginnings and endings make me a little weepy.

A few weeks ago, as we were driving on the freeway, Morgan spotted the great big U on the mountain.

"Look mom it is the U for Utah!"

And the tears started welling in my eyes as the flood of emotion washed over me.

Seth started his 6th of 8 semesters on Monday and has less than one year left. It has been hard. Each day has been a struggle to make it through. It has tried me (and Seth and each of our children) in every way imaginable...testing our endurance and patience and faith and willingness to work hard. The kids have gone days without even seeing daddy...and have made do with a mommy who was on the verge of completely losing it. And it isn't over...the hardest parts are yet to come...and it is scary. This semester is a clinical semester...and the clinicals are long. He has 2 12-14 hour clinical days a week in addition to 3 12-hour work shifts and a couple of online classes. He does have 2 days off in there, which I thought would be nice, but one is for church and one is for homework. And the coming semesters require even more hours in clinicals and hours spent working on his final thesis...it is daunting, to say the least.

But that lovely day looking at the U for Utah, all I could think about was how we have grown. When our endurance was tested we were blessed with loving family and caring friends to buoy us up and give us a break and extend support. When together time has been non-existent, we were blessed with greater love and peace and a feeling of unity in our home. When I have felt like there is no way I can handle one more day of this phase or that behavior, inspiration has come, phases have passed, and I have been strengthened to make it through.

That lovely day, I couldn't help but recognize all of this "trial" for the blessing it has been. I felt a little bittersweet thinking that it will soon be behind us...and that we will have to work so much harder to embrace those traits that seem to come so easily when life demands it.

Seth may not agree...I know he is looking forward to playing with the kids, to traveling on whatever schedule we want instead of on a weekend in between semesters, to nights that aren't consumed with homework and case studies, to getting paid for ALL of the hours he is away from our family instead of paying to spend those hours away, to sleeping in every once in a while, to time to do the things we love together - hiking, snowshoeing, camping, and evening walks. He is an amazing man...I could not be more blessed when it comes to the man I married.

Not only did this past week mark the start of a semester for Seth, but also the last full week of preschool for Morgan. Again, the tears welled as I drove him to school on Thursday. I will miss the sweet smile when he jumps in my car from a fun day at preschool and tells me everything that happened. I will miss my days of co-oping and feeling completely exhausted when I get home only to be extra grateful for the opportunity when I hear Morgan say, "thank you that mommy got to come to my preschool class" that night in his prayers. I will miss the sign in sheet and the kisses at the door every morning. But it will be good. He is excited for kindergarten....so excited I don't know how he will make it through the summer!

All in all, it is a blessed life we have. The days are long, but the years seem to go by so fast...too fast. I am grateful for the beginnings and the endings. I am grateful for the emotions that accompany them, because they remind me that this life is sweet and that the hard stuff is worth it. So very worth it!

whaaat????

a blog post with pictures?

I know, pretty awesome right!

I looove these kids! I am trying to make time to "just love them" every day.

We have started a new thing around here.

3 hugs and a kiss...with something great about them with each hug.

Morgan just eats it up. He loves the praise.

Chloe mostly loves giving the kiss just like whatever princess she happens to be that day...

I think she has seen too many princess movies!

I am finding that I love the cuddles and I love the positive time telling each child that

I love them to pieces.

Anyway...

here is my great big 5 year old birthday boy!

He is just a delight! He says the funniest things and does the silliest things and is just bubbling over with personality lately. I love how he tells secrets and covers his mouth to giggle. I love how he gets sippy cups for himself and his sisters. I love how he remembers everything.

Could this picture not be right out of a magazine?

"bunnies for sale"

She is so adoreable...and she loves Grandma's bunnies!

We have been relishing our time with daddy now that the sun stays up a little longer so the kids can too! These kids just can't get enough of their daddy-o!

This little one had an appointment with the ENT today. At her 15 month check up last week we found out that one of her tubes is clogged and that it is affecting her hearing (which is not much of a surprise considering how loud she jabbers away). So, it looks like another ear surgery is in the very near future to get her adenoids removed and her tubes replaced. We are not a bit worried, though. Just looking forward to a happier, healthier litte missy B! 

spring break!!!

Seth has spring break this week and we are all so excited!

Morgan was elated that Daddy could drop him off AND pick him up from preschool today.

Today we worked on the garage - finishing soffit and organizing all our crap

(where did all of it come from?)

...not much of a break, but it was nice to do it together!

Looking forward to more fun times to come this week!

Time to Plan

Well, we are officially on the downward slope of school which is completely awesome!

Unfortunately, this excitement of only 14 months left (but who's counting)

brings with it some big decisions and a lot of unknowns.

Where will Seth work?

Should we take advantage of a loan repayment program even if we have to move?

Can we figure out a way to stay in our favorite place by our wonderful families?

Should we have baby #4 before or after graduation

(essentially is it worse to deal with pregnant wife or newborn baby - my bet is pregnant wife)?

How will we possibly work out the timeline for graduating, selling our house, moving, certifying, finding a job and spending some much needed family time?

But, with all the questions and unknowns, there are some things that I know...

I love my husband more every day! He is utterly amazing!

I cannot wait to have more family time and mom+dad date time - can.not.wait!

I definitely need to step up my game as a wife and mother to take care of this family I love!

Through no effort on my part, I am smaller than I have been since Jr. High but I think it is a cruel test...am I really willing to give up a skinny body and have another baby - kidding (mostly)?

Have to put words into actions as far as the priority of motherhood, right? haha!

Just because we can see the light at the end of the tunnel doesn't mean we

shouldn't make the most of the next 14 months!

So grateful for prayer!