25 weeks

These pictures always feel so awkward, but since I haven't really documented any pictures of baby girl's pregnancy I thought I'd better start before its too late.  I am feeling really well. I am exercising everyday which feels great.  I know that it won't last forever so I am trying to get it in while I can. I am also waiting for the weather to turn nice so I can get out and walk our beautiful county road. 

She moves a lot and it never ceases to amaze me of the miracle that is inside me. I keep saying to Aaron, "Can you believe that I am growing our child inside my body."  Its not his fault, but I don't quite think these dads can quite understand. What a gift of being a woman and mother.  I am measuring right on track and have gained just over 11 pounds.  The other day I asked Brooklyn if she wanted to feel her sister moving and she very matter of factly said, "No."  Anna has felt her move once and thought it was really neat. They're always asking when she is coming and how many more months.  They know she is due on the 4th of July and they seemed concerned about how we are going to be able to go to the parade and rodeo if she is coming at the same time.  

This is the first purchase I have made for her.  These Aden and Anais blankets are my absolute favorite blankets of all time. They are a tad pricey but I think worth every penny.  I love to swaddle and there is nothing better.  They are light weight and perfect for a Summer baby. They also make a great nursing cover up and are great to throw over our stroller.

Some days I still can't believe we're having a girl.  It has been so long since we have had a baby girl I am looking forward to hair bows and adorable church dresses.  Poor Carter.... the girls keep saying that he is going to be girl trapped!

faking it

Brooklyn is notorious for getting stomach aches at very "convenient" times.  Usually bedtime, jobs, etc. All the usual times I guess for kids. At night we usually say, "go to sleep and you'll feel better in the morning," or " well, tomorrow we'll call the doctor and try to get you an appointment to see whats the matter."  Those can usually get her back in bed, but we deal with this on a consistent basis.

So this morning she woke up fine, had some breakfast, even watched some cartoons. When it was time to come up, she suddenly had a stomach ache and informed me that she didn't want to go to school.  I asked her if she was hungry. We tried a string cheese, juice, some milk, and 2 pieces of toast. Phew! (We usually don't snack that much but I was trying to solve the mystery)  She also informed me that she didn't feel like it was a throw up tummy ache.

I then informed her that if she stayed home from school sick, she had to stay in her room all day to rest. She then told me that she wasn't sick, but just didn't feel good. I guess there is a distinction. I opted to let her stay home because I didn't want to get a call later from the school, saying she still didn't feel well. Especially because I can't drive and Carter would be down for a nap. 11:30 came and went, we had lunch and she went back in her room.  I got Carter down for his nap and then Brooklyn suddenly appeared.  I just had to smile when I heard the words,

"Mommy I feel all better now" 

Needless to say I now have to stick to my guns and keep a 6 year old in her bedroom all day.

I bet she won't have a stomach ache tomorrow.

sometimes

playing in the water is way better than any toy....

at least 40 minutes of continual enjoyment



move over pintrest

First off let me just say that I still love Pintrest.

Since the new year I've been thinking a lot about how I spend my time during the day. I've always loved the talk,

Good, better, best

by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

I've made some small changes that I feel like have really made a difference in the way I feel in so many aspects of my life. My home, my self-worth, my health, and my relationship with Aaron and the kids.

In our ward council we've been talking extensivly about geneology, as we have a large temple assignment coming up in April with the youth.  Much of my family history is done, and to be honest I have no clue where to start or what I am doing. It is like a foreign language to me. 

Last week I was introduced to what I think is just as important, and perfect for me at this point in my life.

Indexing!

Here is a quote from familysearch.org

"FamilySearch indexing unlocks access to the world's records. Once transcribed, these searchable indexes are made available free of charge at FamilySearch.org, where people from anywhere in the world can search through records that document the lives of their ancestors. The availability of a single record is often the key that allows someone to discover an ancestor or an entire branch of a family tree." 

Believe me, you do not need any special skills to do this and it took about 10 minutes to get started.

1. You need to have a username and password. I already had one that I use to login at LDS.org 

Easy peesey 

2. Download the software.

3. Follow the easy instructions and get started.

The things that I love about the opportunity to do family history work through indexing is the flexibility. You work on batches. Usually 25 names.  I can work on 5 names here.... 3 names there.  It is always saved and I can come back at anytime and start off right where I left off.  If Carter wakes up from a nap early, I just stop. 

 no. big. deal.

I am kind of a history nerd, and so to be able to look over these old documents is so interesting. I am currently working on WW2 registration papers.  Really neat to see people's names, occupations, birth places and family information.

Not to go on and on but what I realized for me is that I do have the time for family history.  If I look at my days and the time I spend reading the news, perusing pintrest, reading blog, or even things that are good, I may be missing out on an opportunity to do something better with just a portion of that time. 

Please click HERE if you would like more information or how to get started indexing.

If you have any questions please leave a comment and I'll try to help in anyway that I can.

Happy Indexing!

Sometimes...

...you forget to put the guard on the clippers when you're cutting your little boys hair.

Maybe a summer buzz will jump start us into spring here... probably not.

Please tell me every mother does it once

{6}

Today our Brooklyn turns 6. 

My mom the other day commented that she is a special spirit and I agree.

Brooklyn is a home body. She loves to hang out and snuggle, read books or just hang out.  She has beautiful long blondish brown hair and blue eyes with the longest eyelashes that hit her glasses.  She is growing too fast and is almost as tall as Anna.  She loves Carter but teases him more than I ever thought.  They have a bit of a love/hate relationship.  They often take baths together and steal each others toys.

  She enjoys kindergarten very much and is starting to read. Mrs. Parker is her teacher and she always has wonderful things to say about Brooklyn. She hates to do flash cards but will always do her homework without complaint.

Brooklyn is wonderful at sharing. She will share just about anything she is eating to anyone. Sometimes she will offer the last bite of a treat even if the person doesn't ask.  Speaking of food, Brookyn is the slowest eater I've ever seen. Its not because she eats slow, but that she gets so distracted and wiggly that she is always the last one to finish.  Sometimes at the end of a meal she'll say, "Mom, did you see how I didn't get up one time."  We always say that we are going to get a rope and tie her to her chair because she can't seem to stay in one place very long.

Brooklyn's favorite things to watch on TV are Curious George and the most recent favorite, wild kratts.  Every episode is about an adventure with a new type of animal. We've watched shows on aardvarks, earth worms, sperm whales, and rhinos.  The funny thing is that I usually learn something too.  We'll be busy doing something and she'll randomly say, "Did you know that Polar bears are the largest bear in the world." or " Did you know that mommy crocodiles bury their eggs deep in the ground?" She is like a sponge.  She loves animals and has said several times that when she grows up she is going to be a farmer, and that I am going to be her assistant.  She is going to have cows, horses, chickens, dogs etc.  I love her constant enthusiasm.

Her favorite foods are honey nut Cheerios (every morning), meat and cheese sandwiches, strawberries, pizza, apples, corn dogs (I know not very healthy) chocolate milk & pasta just to name a few.   

Brooklyn you are a Joy and a blessing to our family.