The Everything That's Happened In The Past Two Weeks Post & A Pregnancy Update

The last two weeks have brought sunshine AND snow. More snow than sunshine, that's for sure. But presently it's starting to look up and today was gorgeous. High hopes. I'm ready for the sun... the sun that actually FEELS WARM. We were lucky one day when we all went outside and watched Levi shoot some hoops. He's becoming quite the basketball player. I think it's time to sign him up for a little league of some sort. Every day after school he is outside shooting some hoops. And given his size, he's pretty dang impressive.


We got lucky with the Easter celebrations and actually had good weather for the two hunts my kids got to go on. Funny enough, I only got pictures of the hunts and no pictures of their Easter at HOME. Oh well.

My sister, Charlotte, is nice enough to host a fun hunt at her house every year. And there's always yummy food and the kids have a blast. Getting a decent picture of Levi these days is like pulling teeth. Here he is saying, "I AM!" after I asked him to smile.


*On a side note: Levi is doing remarkably well in school. He's an excellent reader and I can't even REMEMBER the last time he didn't get 100% on his spelling tests. He's extremely social and loves to have a friend to play with. Of course I have no problems with this, but we don't live in an actual 'neighborhood' per se and I find myself having to arrange EVERY play date by phone call. It's hard to arrange sometimes because a lot of his friends are playing with friends in their neighborhood already because they're THERE. When Levi doesn't get a friend to play with, there is usually a break down. But I'm trying to remedy it as best I can by letting him have a friend ONCE a week. If a friend invites him over to their house in that same week, that is fine. But a once a week arrangement at OUR house is about all I can handle right now. It's just so much effort to get it going. This is one of the reasons I want to move. We definitely won't be moving any time soon, but when we do, I'd love to live in a neighborhood where there are kids playing outside all the time. *


And here's Faith being a total cheese as usual.


We dyed Easter eggs (which nobody ate) and Faith thought it was quite possibly the best thing EVER. It was a blast watching both of them interact and enjoy the holiday. This picture of the two of them was taken after MANY attempts to get Levi to smile like a normal person. It's funny because just 4 or 5 months ago, he had no trouble smiling normal. But today? It takes MAJOR effort. How do kids forget to smile normal? John and I were laughing our heads off by the end of our 'trying' because Levi just could NOT figure it out even though he was really giving it his best shot.



The finished products!



On Easter Sunday we had a feast at John's sister, Laurel's, house. The spread of food was incredible and I'm pretty sure we all rolled out of there stuffed to the gills. John's sister, Julie, always provides such a fun Easter egg hunt for the kids and this year was no exception.



In case you're wondering where all the pictures of Levi are, he was seriously missing in action practically the whole evening. I guess that's what happens when your kids get older. Sigh. It's sad.



Some of the kids and their loot:



John, Faith and Julie checking it all out:


The PREGNANCY update:

Me at 24 weeks


I'm trying to breathe in EVERY single moment of this pregnancy knowing it could very well be my last. The baby has been moving around A LOT and I LOVE LOVE feeling that. Despite all the little hitches that go along with a pregnancy (especially being that I'm high risk) I really can't find too much to complain about. I feel lucky that I can appreciate it like so many others can't. Sure, I have my days where I look in the gym mirror and feel like a whale and my fuse is a little shorter than normal and my fatigue higher, but I'm just SO grateful for it because I know what a high cost (both literally and figuratively) this pregnancy came at.

Not knowing the sex of the baby has been a fun little game we've had going at our house. John never wavers on his guess of it being a girl and I can't ever seem to decide what my gut is telling me. One day I'm convinced it's a boy and the next I'm not so sure. We're definitely at odds and it's exciting. Oh, and the names. We've definitely had name discussion going on A LOT. John usually shoots down the ones I suggest and vice versa. I'm hoping that he'll cave eventually and just see things my way. It's so much more fun that way. ;)

(Oh, and if you haven't guessed the sex yet, CLICK HERE and then enter 'hollybaby' as the game name. There's a gift involved if you guess right.)

The only thing I REALLY DO complain about is wearing braces WHILE pregnant. It has now been the allotted time of wearing these things and they are STILL on. Now, I wasn't stupid enough to think they'd really take them off as soon as they said they would, but I am hoping and PRAYING that they are off by the time the baby is born. Being postpartum is hard enough. But post partum with braces? I think I'd have a major SELF ESTEEM crisis. Obviously I only want them off when my teeth are perfect. I'm just hoping that perfection happens to coincide with the birth of the baby. Is that too much to ask?

As of late (like in the last week), I've noticed Faith being a bit more clingy than usual. I think she is sort of reacting to the pregnancy and needing more from me. Her favorite line is, "Mommy. I want you." It's cute and hard all at the same time. Just typing this post has had her in tears twice. She seems to need to be right beside me at all times unless John is home and then she's beside HIM which is just fine with me. But, I'm happy that if there IS a regression with her it's not happening in her pants. She is still 100% potty trained which includes consistant dry nights. I'll take clingy over stinky potty issues any day.

This is a typical 'crazy Faith' face:

Lately at night time after her bath, she has been SO HYPER. The giggling is non-stop and we all can't help giggling right along with her. She really has a hilarious sense of humor and she gets a kick out of herself quite regularly. If I repeat something I thought was funny that she did to someone else and she's within hearing distance, she laughs and repeats the funny thing that she did. The other day John took her hair out of the elastic it was in and said, "You have the prettiest hair, Faith." to which Faith replied, "Thank-You. I made it myself."

There should be a prize if you read all of this post. It's quite possible that only family will appreciate it fully and even that's a stretch. Once again, oh well.

8 Years and Counting!

8 years ago today we looked like this:

We were eight years younger and at least (ahem) eight pounds thinner.

8 years ago today I walked down the isle and looked at your handsome (albeit very white as a sheet face).

Remember how you lost 10 pounds the week before our wedding out of PURE nerves? And how they had to take your tux in AGAIN in an emergency before the wedding?

Remember how after we'd been married a year or so and we were reminiscing about our wedding day and you told me that you can't figure out why you were so nervous? And how much better it was than you could have ever imagined?

8 years ago today, all that chasing (on my part) finally paid off.

8 years ago today I married this guy:

Okay... so the deer is sort of sick. But look at the guy behind the deer. I still think you look hottest when you're in your hunting stuff and you come home after being gone for 3 days.

8 years ago today, little did I know how wonderful a father you'd turn out to be.

8 years ago today, I only dreamed about what our future would be like. I never saw cancer or infertility in those dreams. And in no way could I comprehend that those dreams wouldn't come close to how wonderful it really is. And how all our trials, though hard, are just stepping stones in making our marriage that much stronger, that much more UNbreakable and THAT much more loving.

8 years ago today, I married YOU. My best friend, my eternal companion, my soul mate, my heart.

I love you, John.

Happy Anniversary!

The Father's Day Post

I have the best Dad... EVER. It's what all kids say about their dads. But the difference is that my Dad really IS.

Some things I love about my Dad are:

He's cute with my kids. He'll even pose for a picture now and then with them (ya know, as long as they don't hang around too long afterward or poop or barf). He even thinks my babies are pretty cute once they get over the 'uglies'.

But seriously, he has taught me so much. He has always been an example to me and I've always known I can call on him during tough times and he'll know just what to say to me. I don't know how I would have gotten through those difficult years of infertility and John's cancer had it not been for my Dad (or for my step-mom, Bette, for that matter). They were my saving grace. Literally.

He's handy. In his previous home with my step-mom, he hated how the house was wired. He read a book about wiring and figured out how to re-wire the entire house. It was impressive. He builds stuff like cabinets and bookshelves. And whatever he does, it's done to the utmost perfection. You should see his yard.

He really loves his wife. They made out the whole time we were in Washington (no, not really. Just part of the time). The two of them have a wonderful relationship. And for that, I'm happy and extremely grateful.

He's smart. He has so many plaques and degrees that I couldn't possibly name them all. Plus he was in the CIA for ten years undercover and let's face it, that's just cool.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD!! I love you!

Now, on to the current man in my life. My sweet husband, John.

Some of the things I love about John are:

His gorgeous dimples and smile. He's a sexy, hot babe.

He does all the things with my kids that I always hoped my future husband would do. He's interactive and sweet with them and there's no doubt in my mind that my children will always know how much their Dad loves them.

One of the things that really attracted me to John when we first met was how manly he was. He's a real 'man's man. He loves sports and especially the outdoors. When I found out that John had a horse and was a real 'cowboy', that was it. I was smitten. And the strange thing is, I never knew I'd be attracted to a cowboy. I used to think that cowboys were the geeky kids who hung out in 'cowboy corner' at school and wore wranglers that were too tight. That was before I met John and saw him in his wranglers. Yowza.

He's a good example. He has overcome so much adversity in his life while dealing with cancer. Every day, through his entire YEAR of chemotherapy, he never gave up. He went to work, he kept his calling in church, his strength never wavered. He didn't complain. He was the epitome of determination and he blessed our home with his priesthood and faith.

John and I have always been blessed with a fantastic marriage. We love each other so much and have fun together. I never thought it was possible to get closer to someone that I was already so incredibly close to. But during that time, I did. And our relationship has never been stronger. I'm so grateful that our children will always know how much we love each other. They witness our love for one another each and every day.

He loves us. He's a wonderful man and a doting father. We are so lucky to have him.

Happy Father's Day, Cakes...

We LOVE YOU!!!!

My Mothers...

I'm really lucky. I have a wonderful Mother and a wonderful step-mother. Pictured above is my mom holding Faith. I think there's never a time that you appreciate your mother MORE than when you start having children yourself. My mom had seven children. Seven. That's hard work. My mom is a gifted composer and a beautiful woman. And we get along really well (once we got past those horrible teen years). And that's so important to me.

Mom, you did yourself proud! Just look at how great I turned out!!! Thank-you for all you do for me.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!!!

Here's 5 of us (my oldest sister, Laura, must have been out on a hot date that night or something).

Joyce, Clark, Charlotte, Grant and me in the blue plaid sporting the mullet.

With divorce comes sadness. My childhood was full of sadness and heartbreak. No one wants to see their parents get divorced.

But what's great about it is that I got another mother a few years later. And she's wonderful. She raised 5 girls of her own and thought she was done. Then she got remarried and I (the youngest) was only four and she had to do it all over again. It can't be easy being a step-mother to 6 children. But she did amazingly well. And she really loves me. She's genuine. She's beautiful. And she's a great cook and she used to hold my hair back when I threw up (not after her cooking though. Just in general.)

Happy Mother's Day, Bette. I love you!!!

My Dad and Bette

Easter in a Nutshell, er Eggshell

It seems the days are flying by as of late and I'm more behind than ever with important tasks at hand such as blogging. But never fear, dedicated readers, for I have the Easter pics that I'm sure you've all been dying to see!! For some reason, however, I failed to take pictures of the Easter bunny loot and family hunts. I was too caught up in the kids.

Getting Faith ready was extra fun. I can't wait to do it again next year.

The baby.

Here's my little stud, Levi, with his first EVER tie and Faith in her gorgeous dress. This picture really doesn't do the dress justice. And that kid would NOT get her fingers out of her mouth. Just yesterday her second bottom tooth came through though so now I know why.

The stud and the princess.

The essential black and white shot of the most beautiful children on the planet.

The after-church CRASH in the crib.

The girl in her dress.

The cuteness.

I love Easter and all the things it stands for (none of which include the Easter Bunny). Spring is one of my favorite times of year.

Ultimate Peep Show

John, this post is dedicated to you. You are the ultimate lover of marshmallow Peeps.

Ultimate Peep Show

Thanks, Joyce

Any other Peeps lovers out there?

I am not one of them.

Valentines Day Loves

This morning, I woke up to these beautiful flowers on the table.

So as a tribute to the man I love, here are some of the things that make him so enduring.

Dearest Valentine, some of the things I love about you are:

• How much you love to watch your shows. Seinfeld, The Brady Bunch, Mash, and of course your favorite, The Andy Griffith Show. These shows aren't nearly as fun to watch without you.
• When you sing me little made-up diddies that make me laugh
• How strong you were during your cancer diagnosis/chemotherapy. I don't know how you did it!
• The fact that you usually love the same treats that I love. And when I get on a sugar kick, you usually want the same things I do.
• You don't expect me to shovel snow. In fact, you'd really prefer I don't. And you always have it done before I even wake up. Thank-You.
• Your use of old fashioned terms and words. Like "Fuddy Duddy", "Folks", "Sister Sue", "Law Dog", "10-4 Big Buddy!", and "Hey there, Tex!" I know there's more, but I can't think of them.
• Your ability to drive anywhere and find it. You're directionally gifted.
• Your love of nature, mountains and horses.
• Your ability to leave work at work.
• The way you look right before you go hunting. Hat, beard, garb, etc.
• You're hot and ridiculously handsome.
• The way you are "even Steven" just like Jerry in that Seinfeld episode.
• These gorgeous kids you gave me.
  
  
  
• You make me laugh with your subtle sense of humor. You have to listen closely, but if you catch it, it's hilarious!!
• Snugs on Sundays.
• You're kind. Everyone I run into that knows you tells me what a "nice guy" you are. And you are.
• The way you're totally fine with having cold cereal for dinner sometimes. You totally get that I have "Mom" days and you never complain when there's no food on the table and the house is a mess.
• You adore our children and you're a great father to them. You're also a phenomenal example.







• You are the most patient person I know.
• You really are my first choice of people to hang out with.
• You're fun.
• You're my best friend!!!

I Love You, John!!!

Is it Really OVER??

Phew! It's over! Is it just me or is there always a little bit of a let-down after Christmas is over? It's just so much hype for one day and then BOOM! Over! Just like that. It's always totally worth it, but I sort of have to go into recovery mode after Christmas ends. Especially after posting all these pictures. Today is the day that I FINALLY got my house PICKED UP from Christmas. Not CLEAN, mind you. NO. Just PICKED UP!!!

Just a warning for those of you who aren't members of my family: This post might be boring.

The festivities started out at my sister, Joyce's house on the 23rd where we celebrated my Dad's birthday AND Christmas. Santa even popped in for a quick visit and the kids thought it was GREAT! Dad and Bette, I have no pictures of you because you started the present opening experience without me because I was nursing upstairs. HOW RUDE! Just kidding. Every time I nurse at a big family get-together or something I always feel like I'm missing out on all the fun. I'm always off in another room (or some toilet stall somewhere. GROSS!) wishing Faith would hurry so I could get back to the fun. I guess that's life.

Santa and Faith and Santa and Levi

The next morning (the 24th) was my Mom's Christmas. We had a great time even with all the chaos that comes from having 18 children in one room and wrapping paper strewn everywhere. On the way home, it started to snow. It didn't stop and it made it SOOO Christmasy!!! Is Christmasy a word? Is it Christmas-Y?

Mom and Brent opening up their present and Great Grandma with some of the kids. Check out the grin on Faith's face! She's a little performer, that one.

Some of the wrapping paper chaos and baby Faith with Aunt Erin

Every year I tell John that I wish it would snow on Christmas Eve so that we could wake up to a perfectly white Christmas. I honestly can't remember the last time it did. But this year we got lucky and it snowed and was SOOO beautiful Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Below are pictures of our front yard. LOOK AT THE SNOW!!!

Our backyard Christmas morning.


On to our OWN Christmas on Christmas morning. We woke up Levi (Yes. Can you believe we had to WAKE him up? I can't!!!) and we started our own family Christmas. My favorite thing is making Levi wait on the stairs so I can see his reaction when he sees everything. He can't hardly stand it and just giggles and waits until you say, "Okay! You can come down now!"

Below are Levi with his new guitar and Faith with Chicken Dance Elmo. I think she thought he was a real miniature person. Hey, and guess what I got? A NEW CAMERA!!!! YAY! Thanks John!

Levi with his cool glasses on and Faith with her learning table (Thanks for the idea, Denae!)

Levi opening and Faith posing with her Princess Robeez.


On Christmas night, we headed over to John's sister, Laurel's house for the Evans Christmas party. We had tamales, Brad's yummy Chili and what else? BLOG BROWNIES, of course! It always amazes me how little John's family eats compared to my own. I told John the other day that my family "lives to eat" and his family "eats to live". Do you think that's why John's family is skinnier? Hmmmm.

Faith with Aunt Julie (John's sister) and John, me and Faith

Grandma and Grandpa Evans opening up their present. I think Alice liked it. It made her cry. Levi with his present from Grandma and Grandpa Evans.


Just to show off a little more, here's some pics of my cute kids hammin' it up for the camera. Levi was being Hannah Montana (A future blackmail pic if I ever did see one) and Faith has taken to smiling for the camera on cue. Here's just a few shots of her doing so.

Faith being held by Lindsay on the left and Laurel (John's sister) on the right.

My mom and step-dad popped in for a visit Christmas afternoon.

To Celebrate the ending of the season, I've come down with a case of the HIVES and have no idea where they came from. My arms are covered in them and they are seriously the WORST!! I've never in my life had hives. I hope they go away soon. I'm thinking it could be from lack of sleep since sweet baby Faith has been up for the last THREE NIGHTS in a row teething. Sometimes she's happy and is bouncing and clapping and other times she's crying. Tonight I hope she sleeps because I really don't think I can take anymore hives. Please. Oh please. NO!!!!

(Hey, Jessica! Do you like my picture formatting? Thank-You.)