Families are Forever

Today was an ultimate family day.

Since we knew this was the last full day we had together as a family of four, we chose to spend it at our favorite family place . . .

the temple.

This time it was Chris' turn so I stayed out with the girls.  We walked inside the visitors center to look at the statue of Jesus and then walked around the gorgeous grounds.  Though snow was on the ground, the sun was warm and the girls loved running around without their jackets.

The girls indulged me with a little picture session. 

I treasure having these photos of our favorite girls in their favorite place.

Their dad is so good-looking.

A very nine months pregnant . . .

Remember when I had my pregnant at the temple pictures before?

Our forever family of four . . . very soon to be five!

so small

Every night before the girls go to sleep, we gather by their beds and sing Families Can Be Together Forever. And each time they pray, they pray to marry in the temple.  It is so neat to see them cherish at so young what Chris and I treasure with all our hearts.

Later, in the evening, our friends watched our girls so Chris and I could dine at The Elephant Bar.  My last great pregnancy craving was shrimp (until I grabbed a Reeses peanut butter cup later at the grocery store).  Granted we are on cloud nine right now because of the big change coming in our life, but we were totally happy and grateful on our date.  We are so thankful for all that we have . . . and all that is yet to come - and soon!

Claire's Toddler Makeover Takeover

Our Claire is approaching the special age of three and had yet to have her hair cut.

I debated between doing it myself and taking her to get it done for weeks.

Finally, one weekday morning, I was feeling brave and I knew it was time.

She had already had a special manicure and pedicure.

 

And she was feeling fancy

(even if that cute hair was looking just a little scraggly on the ends).

I made a little pony tail and cut above. 

Now she has locks for her scrapbook. 

Because I am that crazy mom.

After her bouncing and singing, it was a miraculous feat that I managed a straight line in back (and even a couple layers up front).

There are lots of mirrors in Mommy's bathroom for Claire to test out her new look.

And the final verdict is?

Cute as a button! (as always)

37 weeks . . . things are about to change!

I am now 37 weeks pregnant. 

That means that the reign of pink is about to be temporarily overthrown as a new baby (and a boy at that) comes to rule the roost - at least until we get used to the new little fella.  Then, I am sure the girls will figure out how to fit him peaceably into their lovely little kingdom.

I've been doing something lately that I know I've done before.  I've been thinking a lot about the love for my children and this new little one.  In some ways, I feel super connected to this baby inside.  At the same time, I have no clue who he is and what he will be like.  And even though I have added babies to the family before, I still marvel that I am going to be able to love another child like I love these two.  I just adore them to bits.  I mean, how can a heart handle any more?

But it will, and it will be amazing.

His room is almost ready. The baby shower was incredible.  The crib ordered by Grandma arrived on our doorstep this morning (the one from our first two was a hand-me-down and only had enough life for six kids).  And baby's other Grandma has him all set with a new carseat (the previous one broke after just TWO).

Paperwork is in order for my maternity leave.  My co-teacher at church is ready for our primary class of five-year-olds.

Now, to get myself spiritually and physically prepared for the amazing, life-altering experience of giving birth and adding another person to our permanent, forever family.

Gasp!

Christmas Day 2011

Our Christmas day started early. 

It was still dark inside, but the snow-covered yard made it nice and bright outside.

Santa Clause brought the girls little puppies.  The girls squealed that he brought them "just what they wanted."  They both had great reactions, but Claire was especially enthusiastic.

Hallie opened a new train set.  It has provided hours of fun.

I made Claire a Minnie Mouse skirt for dress-up.

The girls were thrilled to receive Cars 2.  We later watched it on a festive New Years Eve.

Chris bought me a gorgeous frame.  We ended up not being able to find a spot for it and so it went back to the store.  However, I found new gray boots and a new pink cardigan . . . so I was still a totally happy gal.

Enjoying candy from their stockings . . .

Both girls have loved having their easel.  This was Hallie's first creation . . .

The Grinch that stole Christmas, Max the dog, and Cindy Lou Who . . . my dad would be soooo proud.

Some of that great Christmas morning chaos and clutter.  It is peaceful and pandemonium at the same time!

After Christmas breakfast (cinnamon rolls, eggs, sausage, toast, hash browns and orange juice) we dressed for church.  Our yard was packed with snow, but it was a very comfortable temperature outside.  The girls posed in their Christmas dresses.

I loved Christmas afternoon and evening.  I slowly cooked up a nice turkey dinner while I talked on the phone to my family - specifically Karen, my mom, and Dan and Kaylene.  We listened to Christmas music and Chris and the girls played with gifts and watched Christmas movies.  I didn't feel rushed at all.  When dinner was finally ready at 5:30, we dined on: sage butter roasted turkey, stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce, sweet potato souffle, garlic bacon cheese bread, mashed potatoes, and gravy.  It totally made up for the Taco Bell we ate the night before. :)

After dinner, we surprised the girls with more gifts . . .we set aside the box from my mom so they could have even more presents!

Needless to say, they were thrilled with the arrangement.

After presents, we packed our pajama-clad bodies in the car and did some Christmas light viewing while listening to (of course) Christmas music.  My dad loved this activity so much that it almost felt like he was in the car with us.  It was a perfect end to the Christmas season.

And it was a jam-packed, lovely, Christmas day.

And for the first time in history, the decorations came down the very next day.  We adored the Christmas season but it felt amazing to get the house back in order.