I know...

I know that I'm not too good at updating my blog. And it isn't because I've run out of things to say...you all know that could never happen. But I think for the first time in my life the story that should come next on my blog is a strange one, and hard for me to tell. Strange because it's beautiful, scary, sad, happy, heart breaking, heart warming, and so many more things all at once. But I am working on it. Jaydia's birth story will be arriving via a video I am making. Now the reason for it not being done is A. It took me a while before I could look at all the hospital photos without crying. And B. Christian sold my MAC and got a HP (so lame) and the movie making feature is not nearly as easy and user friendly as my MAC. So I'm working on it and it is almost ready for viewing. I'm making a new private blog though in order for you to view the movie. So if you'd like access please leave me your e mail so that if I'd like you to have access you can. It's just a little too personal for me to post publicly but I really don't want to go through the trouble of making my blog private.

No Rain, No Rainbows

"You have to know that it's not your fault Michelle. You can't feel guilty for something you had no control over." But as I lean over your bed side and see hoses, chords, and IVs hooked up to your small body, and as I see you uncomfortable and in pain, struggling for life, I can't help but lean in close to you and whisper, "I am so sorry".

Easter!

Easter was wonderfun! That's right, Wonderfun. On Friday night we colored eggs (at Christians request and due to his pleading a begging..he even had to rush through his last 9 holes of golfing that day to get home "on time" and he couldn't have been more thrilled! wink wink). Some friends came over and we had a great time coloring eggs!!! Then we had a wonderful easter egg hunt on Saturday for the children at my parents house. Although it was chilly, luckily it wasn't raining too bad! I think everyone had a good time. Then we had a great BBQ followed by a wonderful easter dinner created by my Mother on Sunday night.
Marianne always wins the contests during the holidays. She is a holiday connoisseur! So she made an amazing tie die egg. It was then that I decided not to have a contest for coolest colored egg...I couldn't stand to loose again, not after they won all three awards at our costume party at Halloween.
I guess everyone got the memo to hide their eggs on this first picture except me...

Baby Girl. This is her. So cute already right?

So excited to be pregnant together. Finally!

I wondered if it would ever happen. Luckily it did! Amber is due middle of April, and me at the end of July. She's having her 4th boy and I'm having my 1st girl. What an adventure!

Two negatives equal a positve.

Best Christmas Pregnant, oops I mean Present Ever.

My Magical Mother

Somehow my Mom has a way of making everything magical at Christmas time. And somehow she manages to take care of all 7 kids, all 3 in-laws, all 6 grandchildren, and my Dad. How in the world does she do it? Christmas is the best time of year and I can honestly say it has nothing to do with gifts or receiving presents. Mom just has a way of making it so magical. Her house always smells amazing, big tall Christmas trees are always decorated perfectly. The house is from something out of a catalog! With the cutest decorations hanging about. Somehow she makes time for gingerbread house night with all the kids and grand kids. It leaves quite a mess, but before you can even blink your eyes the house is back to being spotless. If you asked me where the best place to be at Christmas time is I wouldn't tell you it's Hawaii, or up at a nice cabin, my answer would always be "Moms house". The feeling you get when you enter the house, no matter the drama that goes on, no matter the arguing, no matter the sickness, there is always a peaceful feeling. Sometimes I really wonder if my mom IS magic. I don't know how she does it all. She makes the most amazing Christmas eve dinner, and it doesn't matter if there are 10 people there or 25 (like there will be this year) she always makes the same incredible meal that takes SO much planning and work. And she pretty much does it all by herself! It's unreal when I think about all that she does all year round, and it's magical to think about all she does for everyone at Christmas time. If Christmas is truly about giving, then I don't know anyone who does it better than her and my Dad. My Dad spends his time searching for those in need, while my Mom spends her time serving and taking care of her family and neighbors. I wish I could really put in to words how amazing she is. The only thing I can think of is...she's magic! Cause no human should be able to do all that she does! Love you Mom. How amazing it will be to be with the whole family this Christmas. There is no where else we'd rather be! You make it a magical place.