Thoughts and Blessings

I really feel like I need to take a minute and remember all that I am blessed with (well, maybe not ALL cause that would take a really long time). There are just some days that I get distracted with the "world" and other things that just make me feel lousy but really shouldn't. I know that I'm not the cutest pregnant lady out there. And I'm not just saying that to get sympathy...it's just the truth. I retain water A LOT which results in puffy hands, feet, and my personal favorite, face. And when people tell me I look ready to "pop any day" when I still have 11 weeks to go just doesn't help too much =). But, seriously, what is all that when it compares to that fact that my little growing baby Claire (I'm determined to name her this so I'm calling her that until Peter is 100% on board =)) is healthy and strong? NOTHING!! I don't care how puffy I get. And let's be honest, if  I'm wanting 6 kids close together in age I may be puffy for the next 5 years or so, which will be so worth it. This pregnancy has been my easiest so far. I've thrown up once. That's it. I've kept my gestational diabetes under control this time, knowing it was very likely I'd have it again, no bouts with Bell's Palsy, my skin disorder has stayed hibernating, and I was able to get my knee fixed before my pregnancy by a brilliant surgeon so I can actually exercise to help with everything else and play with my very active girls. 

I have a husband that is loving, faithful, spiritual, hardworking, and helpful. He never complains when I ask for a favor, or when I tell him I need to put my feet up. In fact, he usually comes over and rubs the swelling out of my feet and ankles when ever I put them up. And despite my puffiness, he tells me I'm beautiful every day, whether I feel it or not. He's studying hard for his GRE and will be taking it in the next month or so (if you feel like sending a prayer up for him sometime we wouldn't say no =)) and I know that he's excited to get started on the next step for his education. 

I have two adorable little girls that I just can't get enough of. Their imaginations are amazing! How they can turn the cupboard under our sink into their "house" and then the next minute they're both dogs playing fetch. Haha! No matter how hard a day is, they can always, always, always put a smile on my face and make things look a lot better. 

I realize this is probably not the funnest read, but I needed to put my thoughts on paper. I needed to have a written reminder to tell me that what the "world" thinks, doesn't matter. I am blessed. I am loved. And I know I am living the way that is meant for me and for my family. I know having kids so close together may seem crazy to a lot of people, but we know this is what is right for us. The thing I am most blessed with is knowing I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and it constantly watching over me, and knowing I have a Savior, who willingly chose to suffer so that He can always be someone I can turn to for empathy and support when I feel alone or misunderstood. That knowledge is priceless. 

And here are some pictures to smile at =)

In their "house"

Olivia being Angus...that's my brother's dog

Tea party...seriously how cute?!

"Cheers!"

Living in the upstairs apartment makes for hot afternoons...but Jane makes the most of them

Decorating cookies on a hot day

Montana

Well, it may be safe to say that I am the worst blogger ever! But you know what? As long as I am posting I'll keep the blog alive. =)

We moved into our apartment in Deer Lodge, MT (you should google the place so you'll all want to come visit us) mid-April, and I told Peter we are NOT allowed to move on my birthday anymore. =) We spent a weekend moving in our stuff after my parents graciously hauled everything up for us the weekend before, and then we headed back to Sugar City to welcome my brother Andrew home from his mission! Yay!

We officially moved to Deer Lodge April 22 and Peter started work as a Recreational Therapist at the Montana State Hospital April 23. It was a busy couple of weeks but totally worth it. Peter has really loved his job and we are so happy that he's able to do what he is interested in. He is currently studying for the GRE  which he plans on taking in August so we can start applying for graduate school. He gets to be home everyday before 5 and the girls and I LOVE it!! We better take advantage of it now, cause once he's in school again there won't be much time left.

The girls are doing great! Seriously, they have become such great friends and they love to play with each other and all day I get to hear one of them say to the other, "Come on, this way!" =) Living in an upstairs apartment without AC is pretty uncomfortable now that it's getting hot here, so it isn't uncommon to find the girls' clothes strewn about the place and find them in their undies/diaper (although, Jane's taken to going completely nudey and loves it when she can get away with it).

I am doing well, feeling the heat while being pregnant. Oh yes, you read that right...we are expecting baby girl #3 towards the end of September and we are so excited! I know it may seem a little crazy to be having 3 kids 3 and younger but we have loved how close Jane and Olivia are and hope to have the rest of our family close as well. The girls keep me smiling throughout the hot days and I am learning how to...well nothing new. I try to keep the house clean and the laundry at an agreeable pile and food on the table. But I love it. I love being a mom and a wife and I think I'm spoiled rotten when it comes to a fine lookin' husband that, despite my swollen ankles and feet, thinks I'm beautiful, and girls that smother me with sticky hugs and kisses. Life is good, and it's gonna get better!

Ms. Olivia loves to pose for the camera! 

Showing her princess crown 

Ms. Jane helping make cookies =) 

Playing in the sprinklers 

Making cookies for Father's Day

This is our complex. Our window is the top right. 

We miss the Benson and Mecham families and are hoping to see them sometime this summer. We miss our friends we've left in Idaho and Utah but we think of all of you often and hope to see you all soon as well. Everyone have a wonderful day and we love you all!