LaBoR pAiNs?

This is me waiting at the hospital...

Last week on Thursday I was sure I was in labor and went to the hospital...and got sent home. It was annoying, embarrassing (a little) and mostly disappointing. So, since then I think I have tried most things in "the book" to try to get this process going! (walking around Lagoon on Sat.; doing the stairs; spicy food; ect) I totally had the mind frame that this baby would be really early (from complications) and then when that dilemma passed, I was at least sure that this baby would at least come as early as the last two kids (two weeks). But, no, I am still here pregnant.

It wouldn't be so bad if the contractions I have all day weren't so yucky- and the waiting wasn't so hard. My doctor doesn't feel that he safely can let me go past this Friday (8 days early); but I really wanted things to go on their own, not by induction. (I am a whimp for pain and the pitocin makes things more painful) (and I actually like the surprise of when the baby comes)

So I want to hear your ideas & stories! Did you do anything to get labor going? And what other labor stories do you know/heard or gone through. I know I have some good ones about some of my family members...so I bet you all have some good ones to take my mind off of this belly that keeps me from being able to see my own toes!!!

ArE yOu WoRrIeD?

Josh and I had a long discussion last night about the country and the economy. We both love politics and follow events closely, so it proves for intesting converstations. I grew up with a love for politics and this country (mainly because of my parents and their discussion they allowed us in on, and listening to Rush Limbaugh and watching alot of politics on tv. It was a very important part of our family dynamics. I plan on my kids having a similar upbringing. I think it is ever so important to understand the country we live in; the issues; and be able to make their own minds up on issues and stances.

So, with the recent events going on...I must ask...are you worried? I must say that the fall of the DOW and the economic collapse we have seen occur over the last year (especially) I am. It has been a difficult year financially for our own family, but I know we are not alone. And now I am even more worried for the next coming year! Yesturday was a historic day for Wall Street with the loss of over 7 trillion in the stock market and a drop of over 600 points...it was the sharpest fall we have seen in history.

The sharp drop had to do with the Bailout Bill that didn't pass in the House...and although the economic failure we saw as a result of the Asian markets opening and not willing to trade with America because of that bill not passing was a sad thing- it would have been more sad if the bill passed. It was a horrible bill and I am so grateful that the House Republicans fought against it.

I have long time been a supporter of Newt Gingrich, and last night he proposed a plan that I just wish that the President would approve! And it requires no congressional approval (only executive) and then would give the congress plenty of time to really write up a bill that works for the American people and not just putting a bandaid over the cripled system that should be fixed. This should have been done long ago, but now is not the time to just bailout big companies to make up for what gone wrong. We will be in the same predicament in 6 months or so if it is not fixed right. You just had to know the bill was a bad bill when the president and the democrats worked together...and since it didn't pass, now I fear that Pelosi (speaker of the house) will push the bill to be even more liberal and left and put in so many entitlements just to get it to pass.

So what does this mean for us? I am just glad to have our food storage...but I must say that we have alot of debt and financial woes that make it so scary to move forward. I worry for our country and fear this may be the economic collapse spoken of in Revelations. But...I do have faith that things can get better too. I pray that the leaders and representatives in congress make more judicial decisions and not pass a bill that leads our country down a road of communism/socialism. Knowing that there were those who didn't vote for the bill makes me think there are still some people in Washington who aren't corrupted. And I must say I am praying more of these types of individuals arise and pull this great country together. And lastly, I am praying for all of us who know that we are going to have a yucky, and financially difficult year (or more!) coming.

StIlL wAiTiNg...

Yes...I am still waiting for the day to come when our family will change from 4 to 5! Now the question is- am I waiting patiently now? Maybe not. I am so ready and done being pregnant and now that the baby has had more time to grow- I think it is time. My official due date was oct 11, but if all follows what the last two kids did, he would come 2 weeks early- which would be Friday. So...we will see what happens! My doctor is going out of town till monday this week...so I may be delivered by someone I haven't been seeing (I am not so excited about this) but with how I feel everyday...I may just take anyone! I think most moms know how that feels!

Do YoU bELiEvE iN mAgIc?

I am not sure I believe in magic, but I do believe strongly in miracles. I have seen many in my life so far- and they are very specail moments in life that I treasure. I am so blessed to say that I recently witnessed a miracle. Babies, and the birth process is quite a miracle in itself, and we had a scare with Cole thinking he was coming way too early with other complications...and I must say that because of the faith of some family members and because of the priesthood, little Cole has a little more time to grow before he comes. I do not doubt that almost everyone could say that they have witnessed a miracle pertaining to birth and babies...and I can truly say that I am not an exception.

God shows so much mercy and love through these tiny little spirits and I feel blessed to be a part of it in any way. I do look forward now to seeing Cole's lil face and feel ready for three kids. I now just want him to come when it is most healthy for him...and I do not think that time has come just yet. We are just so blessed to have the priesthood. I am not sure what I would do without it.

I would go into more details specifically, but they are just too special. Just take my word for it we have been blessed significantly.

ReCeNt DoInGs....

I believe it is "ketchup day" again...and I have a few events to post on. Well, not really events- just family doings. I am planning on printing this off so I like to show what we are up to. I must first start out with Annelise going back to school...because this was sort of a joyous day for us. 2 hours of a little quiet time that I will soon fill with baby time! Aaron naps so it really will be a blessing. I do miss her- she is pretty fun...and I must say I am a fan of the first day of school pics. Aren't you?


Second, we went to the Discovery Zone with some cute neighbors of ours...and I must say I forgot how fun it is. We used to have a season pass and now I am a little regretful that we didn't renew. It really is so fun for the kids. Aaron went nuts! I should try to take them again before this next kid joins our family!




We also had a day at the beach...it was supposed to be a day at the lake- on our last 90 degree weather day- but the boat wouldn't start so we played on the beach. Funny how that was still as fun as anything and the kids loved it! Excuse the pic of me...it might scare some of you so BEWARE! Pineview really is the prettiest lake. It provides such nice scenery and has a good beach (thank goodness!)




Another day at Lagoon...but this time we didn't wait in any lines! It was on Labor Day...and I must say that maybe the rain scared everyone away because there just wasn't anyone there and we loved it! Josh got to ride Wicked 3 times and the kids rode most the rides they love most! It was extra fun to go with cousins! Thanks Yeates'!




We also had a family bake off for FHE...and I think the family got pretty into it! What do you think? I love that the hats push on the kids' ears! I don't know how this started...but Annelise and now Aaron both love to put cookie sheets on their heads and walk around the living room singing. Aaron is such a copy cat that he will do anything his big sister does...so it turns into somewhat of a parade each evening while I make dinner!

To Be...oR nOt To Be...PoLiTiCaL...

I was contemplating today how just very fragile our country really is. With the anniversary of Sept. 11th and the attacks that really rocked this nation- it is hard not to. I of course, am extremely politically charged and was watching my regular nightly dose of Fox News and found the debates so interesting between Obama and McCain. I am not sure that I think McCain is the best man for the job...but I know for sure Obama is not (in my opinion). His core belief system is everything I do not support and believe in. My deepest core belief would have to be smaller government and governmental regulations. It is so that Conservatives can appear to seem so heartless at times because of that belief.

Let me explain, liberals for the most part would like to see more agencies to help the needy and poor...and more handouts and more governmentsl assistance. A prime example of that is Obama's National Service Plan. He plans to impliment a plan that would pay students in college $4000 a yr. to go to school with the stipulation that you must provide some service for the country after you graduate. This to me, is such a snare. And you know, the idea is so nice, to help students and make them perform service after...but...here are your problems: to pay for the $4000/student/year taxes must increase; it will be like social security- every American, regardless if you are already out of school- age - socio background - will pay for this program for the rest of your lives and may never benefit from it. (including your children because it will probably be bankrupt like social securtiy when you need it). Also, it will take another governing agency to run this (bigger government) and it will most likely run inefficiently like every other government run agency we have. (Name one that works effectively if you can!!!) And, there are about 20 loopholes outlined by Glen Beck on his site that make it so that most students can figure out a way to get the handout money and never pay back their service. But the program in essence sounds nice though doesn't it when Obama talks about it!?

That is why he is so decieving...because he does not explain how all the plans he introduces will actually affect you and me. He is the most eloquent speaker and I truly believe that on the surface, alot of liberals really think these plans might jsut work. But, most of the plans are communist at heart. Now, this is where conservatives will appear to be heartless. Conservatives believe in smaller government- why? Because the government was set up and designed to be that way (by the founding fathers and the constitution) and because we believe that state governments, religious organizations, and families should be the ones to care for individuals...not by handouts from the government. The government is to protect us and deligate power to the state where the assistance can be delivered more effectually.

Conclusion...conservatives really do care so very much for the individuals of this country- but want to see the care delivered in a way that is effective and not just a handout that perpetuates the problems.

This is why I so wish Romney had gotten farther in this election. He understands this and has the very best example to follow of a perfect system. The Church of Jesus Christ is run so perfectly and I truly look forward to the day when Christ will head the church and the government. It will be one wonderful day and it will open all of our eyes to how the country should be run. Because there are just too many corrupt Republicans and Democrats alike and I do pray that more honest people will rise up to serve this great country. We really are so lucky and blessed to live here...and never know when an attack or something else could take it away. I pray that doesn't happen for a while. (2nd coming)

I bet you are not wondering who I will vote for come Nov. 4th. Especially now that I have hope in his VP running mate and do think Palin was the wisest decision McCain ever made. I do hope he means what he says- and sure hope that if he does win, will put in Romney in his cabinet, and elect in conservative judges. And as for this country, I sure love it and am so very thankful for it. And I am thankful for all those who sacrificed their lives in 2001 in NY to show us an example of true heroism for their country.

FoNd FaReWeLl To SwIm LeSsOnS

Annelise's swim lessons are officially over till next year...and I must say it has been fun (and hot) and I am glad I got a few pics of the kids in their '08 swimwear! And I must say that I am thinking the lessons were worth it since in Annelise's last set of lessons she could swim all by herself! It was so fun to see her do it and I anticipate what more she will learn and try next year! Goodbye to Clearfield Aquatic Center for a year! And a definite goodbye to smelling like chlorine!

GaRdEn Of EdEn...

Well, it is our minature garden of eden! I have really enjoyed our garden this year. We started out with peas (and plenty of them)! And now we have zucchini, tomatoes, spaghetti squash, banana squash, cucumbers, green beans, edible flowers, and butternut squash. I must say the tomatoes are my favorite and Josh is a huge cucumber fan. And like father like kid....the kids like the cucumbers most as well. Annelise did love the peas though...but we harvested them months ago. It has been fun to put seeds/starts in and reap the benefits. I wish I was more garden-savy...but it is coming along! Any ideas for what I should plant next year? I think I might try more cucumbers and maybe a cantelope. We'll see!

OuR sIxTh WeDdInG AnNiVeRsArY

On the 8th of August Josh and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. I worked that day...but then at night we got a sitter (luckily it was a friday) and went to Lagoon with some of our dearest friends. They were the friends that got us through our sad times of being away from family in Seattle for 3 1/2 yrs. I am so glad that we have kept up our friendship with them and I am even more glad we met them and had them in Seattle. They happened to be here in Utah because Monica was graduating from PA school. Congrats Mosky! While it wasn't the most romantic anniversary- it was still so worth it to see the Shribers. (even if I didn't get to ride any rides and was the official purse holder and picture taker). Happy Anniversary anyways Josh...I love you.

OlDiEs...BuT gOoDiEs

I finally printed some pics of from my...duh duh duh...disposable camera- and thought I just had to share in the quality of pics you get from a disposable! How could I resist? I just know that you all are going to be jealous...and hey...just think- you can get your very own disposable camera at your neighborhood Wal-mart!





First are some pictures of the 24th of July. We went to the parade in Salt Lake (a tradition for Josh's family). We sit in the same place every year...and I gotta say I really do enjoy that parade. Josh's favorite float is the Mama's Faith Church float (with a boistrous choir with big Easter hats on)...and my favoirte along with Aaron's was is the motorcycle cops in the beginning. Annelise loved all the floats that had royalty on them...and wanted to know the names of each girl (I was running out of names half-way through the parade!) She loved their dresses and would wave back in the traditional "parade wave."

After the parade we cruised over to Lagoon-a-beach to cool off and after went home for naps. Later we went back to see their firework display. I never realized how wimpy Annelise is for loud noises because she had to cover her ears the entire show! I love the music to fireworks...and I think Aaron liked his first firework show in dad's arms. That made for a pretty perfect day.