Temple Trip, August 2014

Charles and I have gone to the temple each month this year! It was one of our New Year's Resolutions! We didn't even go twice last year! But since we've been going, it's made things much better in our home life! I love the temple and I love how it's changed us!

One of the tricky things this year has been the fact that up until six weeks ago, I was pregnant! It was much easier to travel 2+ hours to the temple with a baby in my belly. Now that she's out, it's been more difficult. Last month and this month, I decided to not go through the temple, but to have Charles go through alone. Adeline is just not ready to be away from me for more than 2 hours at a time since she's breastfeeding. And I don't like the thought of leaving all four of our girls with one person just yet!

All that being said, last month when Charles went, he got to go with some friends from our church. I stayed home with our girls. This month, Charles and I decided that we wanted to take all of our girls! Which sounded like a good idea at the time! Charles would go through the temple with his Dad and I would take our girls over to the visitor's center.

The morning started off fine, but we were running a little late. About half an hour into the drive, both Caitlin and Rosalie had to go to the bathroom. We stopped at a gas station and I took the girls inside. When we got back out to the van, I got into the diaper bag and realized that I only packed one diaper for Adeline. ONE diaper for the whole day! I had forgotten to pack more... That's when things kinda went downhill for me.

The drive there was fine. I rode in the back between Caity and Rosie. I was asked almost every three minutes, "Are we there yet?! How much longer?!". By the time we got to the temple, I was so ready to be out of that back seat! Charles and Dad went into the temple and I had to take the girls to the store down the street to get diapers for Addy. Going to the store with four kids is quite a feat for me. It's very stressful. But we made it quick! In and out within five minutes! Then I took the girls to the visitor's center!

I had to feed Adeline. I ended up feeding her in the bathroom, which made me feel even worse. The other girls ran around, flushed toilets, and played with the water faucets. I kept telling them to stop, but they didn't really listen. I was getting frustrated, so I prayed that Heavenly Father would help me!

I brought along our pink Evenflo Snugli for Adeline to ride in while we went through the visitor's center. She HATED it. She wouldn't ride in it. Our other girls loved the thing! So I'm not sure if she was just too full from nursing and she couldn't get comfortable?! So that was frustrating for me because I had to hold her the entire time. (I am going to be bringing a stroller with us from now on!) We left the bathroom and started our tour of the center.

The girls did good! They only got out of hand a few times. The Sister Missionary who gave us our tour was excellent with my girls! She totally understood how hard of a time I was having chasing three kids with an infant in my arms and a diaper bag on my back. I was flustered more than once, but I prayed for peace.

Here are some photos from the Visitor's Center!

Afterwards, I loaded the girls back up and went to the Temple's parking lot. I brought the girls into the waiting room and they met a group of kids in there! My girls got to play some letter and color games on someone's cell phone! It kept them preoccupied while I fed Adeline again!

Charles and Dad ended up walking over to the Visitor's Center to find us, then had to come back to the temple because they didn't think to check the waiting room! By that time, I was getting flustered again. My girls weren't listening very well and there was a huge wedding party that had just come in. I was trying to finish nursing Adeline and my other girls were running around. I was trying to whisper yell at them... but it clearly wasn't working. Then Charles FINALLY walked into the room. I was SO ready to leave... I tried my hardest not to cry, but some tears came anyway. And I let them fall.

We went over to my grandparent's house afterwards so that they could meet Adeline for the first time! We fed the girls their lunch and changed them into comfy clothes for the ride home!

Then we loaded the girls back up and started on our way home! We went the old route home so that we could go through Red Oak and see my cousin Chelsey and her family! She was going to have her baby shower that Sunday and we couldn't go, so I asked her if we could meet up and visit on the way home! We met at the park and let the kiddos run around! I gave her our gift and she got some baby snuggles from Adeline! I was hoping that by holding Adeline, Chelsey's baby girl would want to come out and see her cousin, but no luck! Our kiddos had a blast and they did NOT want to get back in the van to go home!

We drove by my brother Bob's work. He wasn't there, which was a first, so I had his friend/coworker call him and tell him that I was stopping by to show him the new baby. Adeline is the first baby that I've had that Bob hadn't seen in the hospital! But I had her on a very busy holiday weekend, so it's understandable! I didn't get any photos since we kept all the girls buckled up in the van. But it was so cute to hear my girls' squeals of excitement to see "Uncle Bob-o"!

After that, we headed home! All of the girls fell asleep about 10 minutes into the drive! And all in all, while the day was very frustrating for me, I had a wonderful experience! I realized just how different my girls are and just how strong their spirits are! They are all one of a kind! I don't like the fact that I didn't have a very good time, especially when temple trips are usually very spiritually uplifting for me, but it's okay! I'm still trying to figure things out with four kids and I haven't quite gotten the grasp yet, but I'm figuring it out! One day at a time, with a LOT of help from the Lord!

And I figure that by the time I've figured it out, I'll be adding another little one into the mix!

Then it all starts over!

Thanksgiving/Christmas Catch-Up

How is it possible that I just now realized that I haven't done a family update in a while?! Since Halloween... Sheesh... I'm on the ball! AND I haven't posted about Thanksgiving OR Christmas yet! Yep! I'm a slacker! I've posted small updates, but nothing big. SOOOOOO, family update time!

We spent the first half of November soaking up what was left of the fall weather before it started getting colder. There were so many gorgeous days! The girls and I were invited to the park by their friend Claire. It was just warm enough for jackets for the older girls and a sleeper and hat for Vivian!

The same day, later on in the evening, Vivian started walking for the first time! We had been trying and trying to get her to walk on her own, but she just wouldn't budge! She'd push around toys and hold our hands, but she would never just do it. That day, she decided it was time! And the best part, Charles was home for it!

A few days later, after Vivian's weight was finally enough, she moved up from her backwards-facing car seat to a toddler seat! I don't know who was more excited about it! All three girls giggled like crazy when we were driving around!

This brings us into early December! The church hosted a Primary Activity and Caitlin was invited to attend! They had all the kids make a gingerbread man or woman ornament, sing Christmas carols, and then finished with a HUGE Gingerbread house kit! It was so hard for Caitlin to be patient enough for the frosting to set up, but she did so fantastic! She was super meticulous about the decorations! She pointed to where she wanted me to put the frosting, and she applied the candy! Caitlin got mad if I tried to help! When I brought the gingerbread house home, Charles asked me if she decorated it on her own because it looked like something that I would do! I took it as a compliment!

The cookies in the above photo are some of the cookies that the girls and I made during a snow day! Rosalie and Caitlin had SO much fun using the cookie cutters, watching me put them in the oven and taking them out, and then decorating them! It was a fun mess! And the girls got sprinkle happy!

For Christmas Eve, I wanted to start a tradition of watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows, followed by opening one present early! Of all the movies we own, the girls decided on watching Mickey's Christmas! I prepared their hot warm chocolate with marshmallows, but gave Vivian a cup full of M&M's mixed with marshmallows!

Charles and I enjoyed our HUGE mugs of hot chocolate on the couch! Half-way through the movie, the girls came over and cuddled with us on the couch! All five of us were snuggled together in a Christmas-Eve cocoon! The girls opened one present afterwards, which was a baby doll for each girl! They took their babies to bed, and soon after, Santa set out all the presents and the girls' stockings!

Each girl technically didn't get a stocking, but I want to make them ones for next year! Santa decided to set out some goodies for the girls on the coffee table! Caitlin got a Barbie cup, a horse shirt, a Strawberry Shortcake figurine, a package of four Ring Pops, and a snowman baggie full of Hershey's kisses! Rosalie got a Cars cup, a striped dress, a My Little Pony figurine, a package of four Ring Pops, and a Santa bag full of Hershey's kisses! Vivian got a Beauty and the Beast cup, a flower shirt, a My Little Pony figurine, four dum-dum suckers, and a snowman baggie full of Hershey's kisses!

It was the first thing the girls noticed on Christmas morning!

Vivian was the last one to wake up, so as soon as she rummaged through her goodies, we sat the girls down to take a picture and let them rip into their presents!

It was hard to keep up with each girl opening presents! Caitlin and Rosalie went SO fast while Vivian took her time! There were squeals of excitement and shouts for joy as the girls opened their presents!

After all the craziness was over, we picked up all the wrapping paper and assembled the bigger toys! Then our house was silent for a few hours while the girls played with their new toys!

I want to take a moment to thank the generous family that adopted our family and gave our girls a Christmas this year! We were nominated and chosen. It was wonderful news for Charles and I. We don't like talking about our financial issues publicly, but there were some people who knew that our entire Christmas fund was spent fixing our family car after Thanksgiving. It had died on me twice while driving, and then stopped working all together. We spent every single penny of our Christmas fund and then some. It had both Charles and I in a non-Christmas mood. We had no idea what we were going to do... we know that Christmas isn't about the presents, but we didn't even have enough to buy the girls any presents. It was hard on us.

I ended up crying about it in Walmart. I sucked up my feelings and continued my grocery shopping when I ran into a friend while shopping. She asked me what was wrong, and I passed on telling her exactly what was up. But she knew I wasn't being 100% honest. I finally broke down to her... later that night, she surprised me with gifts for the girls. I was overwhelmed by her kindness!

And then when the gifts from the adopt a family were dropped off, it was unexpected and completely overwhelming, once again. Our prayers were answered! I cried a lot. And when I told Charles, he cried, too. It was a wonderful Christmas blessing. We will pay it forward one day to another family in need!

We went to Charles' parent's house Christmas afternoon to open more presents and eat Christmas lunch! I forgot my camera (Yep... I'm awesome!) so I don't have any photos of the girls opening those presents, but they got lots of new toys and clothes!

This brings us to New Year's! *Happy New Years!* We stayed home that night and invited a friend over to toast some sparkling grape juice to the new year! I ended up falling asleep a few different times before midnight, but Charles made sure to wake me up for my toast!

I took some photos of the girls to celebrate the New Year!

Charles turned 29 on the 8th! We had made a Darth Vader rice-krispie cake for the family birthday party, but on the day of his birthday, I had the girls help me make a cake for their Daddy! They did so good helping me mix everything together and then decorate the baked cake! They even did a fantastic job of devouring the cake!

The girls are now playing more together now that Vivian is a little older! This is a wonderful thing, until they all start crying and fighting! But for those moments when they all play together nicely, I am such a proud Mama! I always end up crying... in a good way!

We had a great visit from our new Parent Educator in January. I was hoping the girls would do well with the new woman. She brought A LOT of play food with a chef set and a shopping cart. She had the girls won over in a matter of seconds! The girls played for the entire hour and shared the chef's clothes!

One of the gifts that Charles got for Christmas from our friends Mike and Karmen is a Darth Vader throw blanket. I cannot even tell you how many blankets are in my house! But the one that the girls want to play with and cover up with, is the Darth Vader blanket! (Caitlin calls it the "Darth Mater" blanket! Love her!) I noticed that they started playing with it immediately, but I thought it would get old fast... I was wrong! They have used it as a magic carpet, a fort, a superhero cape, and more! I have had to wash it numerous times already because the girls spill their snacks and juice on it almost daily! They are their Father's daughters!

This brings us to Valentine's Day and now! The girls enjoyed their 14 days of healthy Valentines! Very much, even! They keep asking for the same snacks each day now! Which makes me SO happy!

The rest of this month is going to be spent planning Caitlin's fourth birthday party! She has decided on a Tinkerbell party! Or rather, a Disney Fairies party! It is her latest obsession! She's liked the movies for a while, but as of lately, I have to wash her Tinkerbell jammies daily so that she can wear them to bed each night! She cracks me up!

I love my life!

My Sunbeam

Last Sunday, my sister-in-law told me that Caitlin would be in the Sunbeam class the next Sunday. I was taken by surprise... I thought, "She can't be that old yet!" But indeed, she is!

Today was Caitlin Nadine's first day of Primary!

I drew on the chalkboard and had her write her name underneath! She was so excited to write on the chalkboard, too! It was a proud moment for me to watch my baby write her own name.

Caitlin didn't do very well during the Sunbeam class. She was afraid of her new teacher, and even though Charles and I told her that she would be okay, she wouldn't calm down and stay. She didn't attend class. By sharing time, she was ready to participate and play with the older kids! She did very well and we heard awesome reports!

Caitlin is writing her own name and is in Primary... is this for real?! It makes me miss the first few weeks after she was born. In those weeks, I would just stare at her and think of all the things Caitlin would do in her life! My mind reached far and high with the endless possibilities she has ahead of her. A whole world of opportunities. But I think I forgot that she needed to take baby steps to get to those places. She still needed to learn how to write her name!

I taught her that. I spent countless hours singing the "ABC" song with her and countless hours side by side with her writing each letter of the alphabet over and over again. I took those moments for granted! I mean, I cherished the time we spent together, but I guess I forgot that she was going to be able to do things without my help someday. She wouldn't need me to spell out her name and show her how to write each letter...

She's growing too fast. It makes me sad.

But it has to happen this way. She's my oldest! She is my helper! I have grown to love Caitlin in ways that only a mother can. I see things in her that I wish I still had... an endless curiosity for everything around me, a constant desire to learn and grow... I think that I find myself caught up in the day-to-day hustle and I forget to stop and look around. Smell the roses. Watch my little girl grow up.

It is happening right before my eyes and I am powerless to slow it down.

I thank God each and every moment of each and every day for Caitlin! I love that girl SO much!

Our Five Year Anniversary

Five years ago today, Charles and I sat in the celestial room in the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple as the sun was rising. It was shining right into the room and bouncing off the chandelier inside. It was just the two of us sitting on a couch, holding hands, and looking into each other's eyes. It was a wonderful moment for us... one that we will never forget. It was the first day of the rest of our eternity together.

We had our family and friends by our sides that day in the temple, as well as outside waiting for us. I am the only member of the Church in my family, so my best friend Jenelle sat next to me in the temple in the Mother's seat. It meant the world to me to know that she was sitting next to me, supporting me. I had a tough road in 2007 leading up to the day I entered into the temple to be sealed to my eternal companion.

The people standing by our sides in our wedding party are the people who supported us both through every single curve ball and bump in the road. There were some people who weren't able to make it to stand with us, but they were there in spirit. By my side that day were Jenelle, my matron of honor, and Alyce, my maid of honor. The other two ladies who weren't able to stand with me were Caitlin, my second maid of honor, and Sara, my third maid of honor. As you can see, I couldn't choose just ONE maid of honor... so I had three! By Charles' side that day were John, his best man, and Brigham, his groomsman. The other two groomsmen who weren't able to stand with him were Nate and Brandon.

A few weeks after the wedding, we honeymooned in Huatulco, Mexico. We spent an all inclusive week at the Gala Resort. It was a beautiful honeymoon and we had an amazing time losing track of time! We had no schedule to go by... no clocks... it was just us and the ocean! Our hope is to go back on our 10th or 15th anniversary! I am excited for that week!

We found out on our first anniversary that we were expecting a baby! We later found out that we would be expecting a little girl! It was a wonderful way to wake up on our first anniversary!

I can't even count the ways that we have changed as a couple over the past five years... we have welcomed three beautiful daughters; Caitlin Nadine, Rosalie Cadence, and Vivian Rane. God has blessed us so much by giving us our three little ladies! We have grown so close as a couple and as parents.

I love our love. It is truly one of a kind! Our love has shaped and molded us into the people we are today. We have gained and lost so much in the past five years... but with everything, we have turned to God and trusted in His plan for us. We have been blessed more times than I can count... I am grateful.

As with everything that we have celebrated and endured over the past five years... COME WHAT MAY!

And on a side note, I tried the five-year-dress challenge today. And guess what...

IT STILL FITS!

Thank goodness for corset style wedding dresses! 

Seven Years and Ten Months

Today is my seven year anniversary for belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seven years ago today, I entered the waters of baptism to take upon me the name of Christ and stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. I had some amazing people who were by my side that day! *Note; some of these photos are kinda hard to see because they were taken with a disposable camera and scanned back in 2005! I wish I would've had a digital camera back then!

Elder Grant Powell
He was transferred in a few weeks before my baptism. He confirmed me a member the next day.

Elder Nate Miller
One of the original Missionaries who taught me. This was right before the baptism!

Elder Nate Miller
After the baptism, before we went back into the chapel.

Elder Kevin Johnson
Outside afterwards. He was in the original set of Missionaries who taught me.

At the park afterwards.
Alyce, Adam, Carie (me), and Dan

My best friend, Alyce, shared the gospel with me after we had graduated in 2005.  It was exactly what I needed for myself.  I had a lot of opposition from my family and some of my friends, but in the end, the decision was my own. And of all the people to have come, when Adam and Dan showed up, tears started streaming down my face. The three of us had been through a lot in High School, and no matter what, they were there that day to support me. Alyce saw a light in me and never gave up on me. There were times where I thought she'd run for the hills... but she stayed by my side! And for that, I am eternally grateful!

Alyce and Carie
Sisters FOREVER
On the way home from my baptism.

My last discussion before I left for College.
(L to R) Clinton, Clark, Elder Powell, Caleb, Carie (me), Elder Miller, Alyce

When I went to UNI, I met so many wonderful people. People who inspired me and made me want to better myself. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father put those people in my life. I needed them. I still do. I probably always will. They are my family now. We have all changed, and some of us hardly talk anymore, but it doesn't change the fact that these people have touched my life and set amazing examples for me.

Carie and Jenelle
She is my Mother in the gospel. I can't even describe the love I feel for this woman. She. Is. Amazing.
She took me through the temple for my Endowment and sat at my side in the Mother's seat on my wedding day.
I love her so much. I wish we lived closer.

Carie and Sara
We are called the RCC (Recent Convert Chicks)
I love this girl so much! We were baptized around the same time!

Nicole, Cara, Melinda, Sara, and Carie
Some of the amazing women I met while at UNI.

Christopher and Carie
I love this guy! He's my best friend! We are into a lot of the same things (musicals, music, etc) and he has been awesome to me these past seven years! 

Dave and Carie
Dave is an amazing guy! He helped me through some really hard times!

Sammy G and Carie
Sammy was there for me all the time! He never judged me and proved to be a best friend! 

And of course, there are many more people that have changed my life, and they know who they are! But the one person who has changed my life for the better, I married! I needed a righteous priesthood holder to lead me to the temple. I needed a best friend in my darkest hour. This man helped me to become the woman, wife, and mother that I am today. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have my gorgeous daughters: Caitlin, Rosalie, and Vivian. Charles, I love you. You are my eternal companion. And I thank Heavenly Father above all, for you. 

Our Wedding Day
August 11, 2007

I have changed in so many ways since I was at college. And I know it has been for the better. But I still have a long ways to go! I am learning more and more each day. I pray to be a better Latter-day Saint, daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and teacher. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have received in my seven years. I look forward to the next seven years, and MORE! 

Today is also Vivian's 10th month! It's hard to believe that my baby is 10 months old! Times sure does fly!

Crazy to think that I am now planning for her first birthday party! She is getting so big, so fast! She will be walking before I know it! It makes me happy and a little sad! I'm not ready for my baby to be walking! She is talking more and more! Her personality is shining through in all that she does! She is my sunshine baby! 

March Wrap-Up!

March was a great month for our family! We had a few weeks of gorgeous weather! We decided to clean up the yard when the weather was first starting to be nice! The girls were more than willing to help us out!

Playing in the front yard with sticks!

Vivian watching her big sisters!

Caity and Rosie walking along the planter stones!

Vivian and I relaxing!

We decided to reward the girls afterwards with a dilly bar from DQ! (I know that rewarding with snacks is somewhat controversial, but Caitlin asked for some ice cream when we went back inside for the day. I felt she deserved it! And so did Rosalie!) The girls really enjoyed their treats!

On the 10th, Vivian hit another milestone! She ate rice cereal for the first time ever! She did very, very well with it! I started noticing her cluster-feeding and not being content after nursing. I decided it was time to start feeding her rice cereal!

I had my first trial run with Caitlin's birthday cake. She wants a Belle party and with that comes a princess cake! I looked online for different ways to make a dress cake without having to buy a cake mold, but I didn't have the appropriate bowls and cake pans to do so. I broke down and bought a Wilton Dress Cake Pan and it's glorious! The recipe called for only one cake mix in a box, but I'll need two in order to fill the entire pan. I made the yellow gown and it was a lot easier than it looks! I think it turned out fantastic! It was a little disproportional, but Caitlin just LOVED it!

We took the girls out to to park for a picnic and they had a BLAST! Aside from the occasional screaming and throwing sand at each other, they had a fantastic time!

Photo taken through the branches of a pine tree!

On St. Patrick's Day, I made the girls green pancakes with eggs and bacon. They got impatient when it came to the bacon and eggs, so they ate their green pancakes first!

I made Corned Beef and Cabbage for supper. The girls didn't really like it, but that's alright! They ate the potatoes!

For the next few days, we enjoyed the nice weather and took the girls to the park every evening. Caitlin is getting stronger and braver! She can climb a latter all by herself now! Before, she'd need me to stand by her and hold her sides, but it finally clicked! She's getting so big!

It rained a few days, and with the warmer and rainy weather, it means more bugs inside our house. Mainly, spiders. Our house is older and the basement is scary. It was once an outside basement and so there are a ton of bugs and critters (sometimes). Killing spiders has become a regular routine in our home. Let me make one thing clear. I. Hate. Spiders. Absolutely hate them. One morning I was getting ready for a shower when I looked into the tub and found a huge spider trying to climb out. After about 5 minutes of me being completely grossed out, I decided to put it in a jar to show the girls. I wanted them to know what they look like and that if they see one, they need to get Mommy or Daddy to get it. They all had a fun time counting the legs and even naming the thing! Itsy Bitsy!

He met his death when the girls went down for nap. The rule for spiders and other insects in my home is simple. If you're inside my house, game over. They can run, but I tell them, "May the odds be ever in your favor!"... but inside, I'm lying. I don't want them inside my house at all. Ever.

I snapped some cute pictures of Miss Vivian while my other girls were off playing with the spider in the mason jar! Aside from the weird eye reflection in one eye and not in the other, this photo is well captioned! See:

Do you have tickets to the gun show?! I'm all muscle!

Her arms made me laugh! She's so healthy and happy! To be 18 lbs at 5 months is quite an accomplishment! She's just huge! We call her Chubbers! She's rolling all over the floor and kicking herself across the floor! Caity and Rosie get a kick out of her rolling around! They will all lay on the floor and giggle!

Caitlin turned three on March 24th!

We had a fantastic day! I'm dedicating a blog post to her and her party, so I'll leave the details out for now! But I did snap a photo of her after the party! Her and I sat on the porch and she decided to catch our cat Leo!

We're still working on getting her potty trained. We've tried about everything we can think of, but still no progress. One of the perks of potty training her is that we bought her some undies. I can't tell you how hard I laughed when they were being used for the first time...

At least they are being worn! Rosalie just cracks me up! Caity will wear them (the correct way) but only if they are over her diaper. Hopefully she will want to train soon, but that's one of the perks of having the cloth diapers! I don't have to worry about constantly buying diapers! WIN!

I don't really have a reason for this next picture, except that my baby is the cutest baby EVER!

I just love her!

Every 6 months, my church has a world-wide broadcast of General Conference. Since Charles and I have been married, we've watched it at his parent's house. We have never had cable or internet. Since we purchased internet a few months ago, this General Conference was different! We were able to enjoy it in the comfort of our own home with our children! We watched it on the computer! The girls did very well! They started off sitting in their chairs, but after about 45 minutes, they wanted to color! It was a wonderful conference!

Now we are welcoming April 2012 and I'm very excited for Easter! I have some fun stuff planned for the holiday and can't wait to share it with you all!