It's Been Awhile

I know I know. Blogging has taken a backseat to many, many things.
But, as an update--things are good here.
The first five months of pregnancy were not so good for me. Many things got missed. I was just really really sick a lot. Taking care of Carse was all I could handle, and sometimes I did not feel like I was even doing that very well.
I definitely have a 2yr old now. He talks and talks and throws fits and has a mind of his own. (where would he get that)
We are having a girl--her name is Reese:0 I am just over six months now-- of course I look like I am eight!
J and I celebrated our 5 yr anniversary this month! Best 5 years of my life and it just keeps getting better.
Some of my fav Carson phrases:
"I am big Mama"--then he smiles "You are bigger too mama"-- thx I needed that.
"I broke my brakes"--repeated over and over and over and he races around pretending to be a train
"I wuv you too"
And... he loves to look at Justin or I and ask "Are you happy momma?"

Our journey to grow our family

This may look like a blob to most of you...but this is science at its finest! Despite a huge roller coaster and tons of close calls--we have been blessed with being 2 for 2 with invitro success. Truly truly amazing!
I am now almost ten weeks along--a couple more weeks of high risk and shots and I am due June 20th!
For those of you who have been there holding my hand, listening to my tears and praying alongside us-- THANK YOU!
We started this process with nine embryos. The doctor told us most assuredly that with nine frozen odds were in our favor. We thought it might take us a few times but all would be well. The morning of the "transfer" we received a call. Out of nine, 5 did not grow at all. Out of the remaining 4 --3 started to grow and then stopped. There was ONE that was in poor condition and they were wanting to push it as far as they could to grow it one more day and hope it reached fair condition so we could try to transfer. We were advised to be realistic. I as crushed.
The next day we were surprised to hear that TWO had actually started to hatch themselves (weird I know) and we decided to transfer both.
Well, despite a few more scares... I am here to tell you that we have truly been blessed and I can't wait to meet our new little guy or girl!
(I do have to remind myself almost hourly how bad I wanted this so I can tolerate my extreme nausea!) But, having Carson reminds me that it is ALL WORTH IT!

Evidence

By now all readers of my blog probably know a bit about Carson's obsession with cars. He spends a lot of time sitting in any car and driving.
The other day I unloaded the groceries while he sat in the car. He was so happy, I proceeded to put them away as well. As I looked out the door, his head disappeared. Only to reemerge a few seconds later to reveal this:

I am afraid we may have another Diet Coke addict in the family to my non carbonation, absolutely no caffeine drinking husband's dismay. Although this may look bad, I assure you. I don't leave but a drop in the cans.

A similar occurrence happened in the garbage can last week. Oh my! Kinda gross.

I love you, Shawn! :)

I love you Stinky Face

Carson and I go this at the library last week. I highly recommend this story. Maybe I am a bit emotional, but I can't get through reading this out loud without getting choked up.
I am thinking it is worth buying!

Lots Of Updates

First off, having a toddler in the house is more fun than anything I have ever experienced. I can't imagine not having one EVER! This pic is because Carson became obsessed with some little red foam pad that was in Daddy's computer box. It even became a pillow on the front porch, he washed the floor with it, and put Kitty on it as well.
Oh, you may not have met Kitty yet. He is a member of the family now. Don't worry, our allergies prevent a real kitty. But my mom brought this on her trip for Carse and he eats, sleeps and plays with him. It is a good thing he washes well, he took a chocolate milk bath yesterday.


We have had many adventures in the last couple of weeks. We went to the Bennion Ranch and then the May cabin. Carson loves it and travels so well!
Carson also has an excellent internal clock. This is him at 5:40 everyday. He knows Daddy will be home anytime. Sometimes Daddy does not get home until 6:00. It is the longest 20 minutes of the day.
Carson's driving obsession continues. It has extended to motorcycles and helicopters. But NOTHING Tops the "Big Red" that Grandma Bennion got for all of the grandkids. The entire time at the ranch and cabin he was wanting to drive. We ended up taking him on two drives that last around two hours and finally getting him to fall asleep.
He is now obsessed with keys as well. Well, he realizes you need those to drive. So, he pretends to reach in his pocket and pull out a key and drive anything that resembles handlebars or a steering wheel.
Yesterday I watched him put my car key in his pb&j sandwich and turn in over and over making a motor noise. We also spent a very long time looking for my car key which ended up being in the silverware drawer:)
I have so many stores of my entertaining little guy! I wish I could record every moment and spend my retirement years watching them over and over!

Hot Air Balloon Festival

This post would be a perfect opportunity to put up a really gorgeous picture of a hot air balloon, but that is not to be. Let me tell you why.
About 7 years ago I went to the Eden Hot Air Balloon Festival. I loved it! So, for the past 7 years I have tried to go and it usually corresponds with hunting season and does not work out.
Well, this year my mom was in town so J went hunting and I excitedly planned going to the Festival. It was Friday and Saturday.
We passed up Friday for various reasons and woke up at 5am on Sat morning to make the 1 1/2 drive to Eden. Woke poor Carse up and packed in the car for the day.
The lightning and driving rain would have turned most people around. But not us. I figured it would clear up. I was determined and if anyone has seen me in that mode... you would understand.
Got lost a few times. Ended up in Eden around 7:30am. No balloons. Talked to a sweet kid who told us to come back at 6:30pm as one balloonist was going to launch NO MATTER WHAT.
Drove all the way home. Carson was loving the ride. Went home took naps and drove BACK UP. It was sunny and beautiful.
Arrived at 6pm. Waited, waited, waited. No balloons. At 7:30pm I went and spoke to a pilot who said it was not going to happen. But, they would try for a balloon glow at 9pm. The music was horrible and the vendors were all at a different location(weird planning).
So, we made the drive back. Stopped for a concillatory peach frozen yogurt and tried to make it back before dark.
No balloons. It was so beautiful up there I am trying to convince my husband to sell our house, buy a lot and camp year round until we can afford to build up there.
I guess I will try again in the next 7 years.

Direct Order from my Etsy Shop

www.trendybendy.etsy.com

trendybendy

What I have been up to?? Well, a lot of sleepless nights and quick dinners as I start my small business...

The website and etsy are in the works, but in the meantime I have a few designs on http://www.trendybendydesign.blogspot.com/

I will also be hosting an open house in the near future--(tentatively, August 17th)I am offering interchangeable watch bands, watches, and bracelets at a reasonable cost.

It is so much fun--

I also just got picked up by Seasons Boutique on 10600 South and State --across from Southtowne Mall. They are selling my designs there--so make sure and stop by and check them out.

Let me know if you would like to host a party --people can pick their own watches or make them as well.

I am so excited about this new venture--all profits made go to invitro round #2--so we can try and get Carson a sibling (he is getting much too spoiled all by himself)

Thanks for your support! Tell your friends (website should be up and running by Friday)

Washington Trip

This was take #543...amazing huh? The other pics are funnier, with parents arms in, Carson crying because he didn't want to share the wagon, I think there may have been a bit of pinching, kissing, and grabbing.
From left to right- Shawn Jr 4 yrs, Baron 9 mos, Xarik 14 mos, Carson 18 mos, and Brooke 4 mos. While they look like we dosed them with Benadryl for the pic, it was actually quite a busy time with all these babies.
We all went camping and it was a blast! I was impressed with how well Carson did sleeping in a tent but I should remember he is his father's son and if he is outdoors he is happy.
He tried so hard to keep up with his cousin and ended up with a forehead full of bruises, a scraped up chin, and no skin left on his knees. At one point he had such a huge bruise on his forehead we were calling him Cyclops. But he was not deterred and had a great time!
Usually you go to Wash for milder weather, but temps reached all time records of 109 degrees with lots of humidity and not much air conditioning. Thank goodness for the hot tub turned "cold" tub or we would have all fainted.
While it was hectic, it was so much fun having all the boys together. And Brookie of course. She will either be spoiled rotten or one tough cookie... we are waiting to find out!

Washington

Washington has been great so far but it is HOT HOT HOT! Extreme temperatures and no air conditioning.

More later--ready to go jump back in the sprinklers.

Finches

The kids, not the birds.
This summer we have been able to have Faith and Jonah over on Wednesdays. It has been so much fun!
I find myself looking forward to Wednesdays more and more. Faith is almost 8 and Jonah almost 7 and they are a blast! Plus, they are so helpful with Carson... and he stays very entertained. We were even blessed with the company of Jake (12) last week since we went rafting and I guilt tripped him into coming.
Anyway....we do something different every week. The first few weeks it rained but amazingly the rained stopped during our outings.
We went to:
Wheeler Farm
Gardner Village for Petting Zoo and horse rides
Lake and rafting
We also have craft time and journal time during Carson's nap. The kids each have a journal where they draw pics to record all the things they did. Faith likes to include EVERYTHING.
The pic below is of her going "Podey".... yes, those are her underwear around her ankles. So funny!

Thank Heavens for Broken Dishwashers

I most always try to find the silver linings in things. But the fact that our dishwasher broke about two months ago and it is not on our immediate priority list to get a new one--I was not so happy.

I realize this is not the worst thing to have happen. After all, the first place we lived after we were married we did not have a dishwasher. Of course, we worked all day and really only needed to wash dinner dishes and had the time to do it together. Now, I feel like it is an endless battle.

Of course, today changed that. This last week I have been letting Carse pull up a chair and "help". I am not sure if the clean dishes are worth the pile of water on the floor and on him but how he loves it.

Today I had a big pile and I was going to wash them during naptime. Carson had other plans. With all of his strength he began pulling the chair to the sink. So, we started washing.

He actually was a big help today. He was very serious about getting all the bubbles off and laying them on the towel. I would then proceed to turn the dish upside down on the towel. Well, it only took him a moment to realize what I was doing and he began putting them upside down and then beaming at me with the biggest look of pride on his face.

Thank heavens for broken dishwashers or I may have missed teaching my kid how to help mommy with dishes and that look of pride that will make me smile all day.

Still Catching Up!

Spent the 4th with the buffaloes this year. Eatin' em, admiring 'em and taking pics with them on Grandpa Marks' farm.
The whole May fam was in town for Marlo's funeral. It was nice to get all of the great grandkids together for the first time.
I got to spend some time riding around on the Rhino with the kids. No, folks, do not worry Mark has not purchased a real rhino at any auctions as of late. However, it is a fun vehicle to ride around the farm on. I think I may have had more of a blast than the kids.
Unfortunately, J and I had been up all night the night before cause Carson was not feeling well...so we were in bed before the fireworks.
But this is Utah, so 4th of July #2 is only weeks away!

Grandpa May

Grandpa May passed away on July 1st, 2009. After beating cancer over the last couple of years, I have to say this came as quite a shock.
But I know he was ready. He missed his son Brian so much and he also knew we were all taken care of here.
Even during his times of pain, when he worked really hard to be ornery--a kiss to his bald head would bring that smile you see above.
Justin has so many memories and wonderful stories to tell about his grandpa. One of my favorites was one he told me while we were dating. Apparently shortly before Justin met me, his grandpa asked him why he wasn't married yet. Then Grandpa said, "Well, you better hurry up and get married or else you will turn into a grumpy old *$@!* like your (insert name here)!" Justin was so shocked to hear his grandpa curse that he never forget that. Thanks, Marlo, you may have helped push him towards my direction. He definitely never forgot that advice.
I don't think I can adequately express how great this man was. I only knew him for the last five years and he completely won my heart over.
I think for the most part you can evaluate a life by someone's "fruits" as they say. Well, spend some time with the May family and you will see the "fruits" of Marlo. Then, you may have a glimpse of what an incredible man he was during his time on Earth.

WE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH, GRANDPA MARLO!
(I guess it is time for Carson to grow some hair now--he doesn't need to stay bald to make Grandpa feel better anymore)

Father's Day

I am very behind on blogging, but I would be remiss if I did not take a minute to talk about Justin's second Father's Day. As you can see from the pic, he apparently was getting a lecture from his adoring son. Carson was so proud to give daddy his present and the picture he drew.
When I met J, he seemed like he was good at just about everything. Hard working, he could build and fix just about anything; intelligent, computer genius; dedicated, loyal, so honest, selfless, kind.
Because of these qualities I could not wait to call him my husband. Of course, he took that new responsibility seriously and in his usual way became the best husband anyone could ever ask for.
But, it wasn't until Justin became a father that I saw him reach his true potential. When I was pregnant I remember my stepdad saying "Boy, that kid is going to be so lucky to have Justin as a dad."
He is so patient with Carson. Their mutual awe of each other is something that I get to witness daily. Already they have such a bond and communicate with each other in a way I will probably never "get". Rare is the moment that those two are together and they are more than two feet apart. I think that each of them experience their greatest moments of joy together. Just being around each other they ooze pure happiness.
One of my favorite quotes is by David O. McKay "No amount of success can compensate for failure in the home."
Justin lives that quote. He has many goals in life and will do a great many things. I just hope that everyday he can realize he has already achieved so much in his greatest role... being a dad.

I Know I Have Said This Before....

I know I have said this before... but THIS is my favorite age. He is my little buddy these days. We hang out, he loves to cuddle still, and is very good at entertaining himself.
He is quite confident that he is an excellent speaker. He may sound like the teacher on Charlie Brown, but he gets whatever he is asking for so he is sure he is using the right sounds.
My favorite though is when J walks in the door. Carse will very loudly say "HI DAD!"--which actually comes out more like "I-DAT"--of course he opens his mouth wide like I do when saying hi to him.
No sounds like momma though yet. He is a stubborn one.

A Day In The Life

Today we:
Cleaned the kitchen
Planted flowers
Built a fort
Grilled Salmon
Bought more dirt and planted more flowers
Filled up Carson's pool- too cold to get in
Had a small water fight when my husband started to get lippy
Read books
Tossed the ball
Cleaned the kitchen again
Mowed the lawn
"pretended" to drive the car
Turned on the bubble machine and played in bubbles
Were invaded by the "tickle" monster
Carson put away his clothes and then took them back out of the drawers multiple times
Also unloaded his kitchen drawers and scattered items several times
Threw rocks
Went to the store
Justin helped someone move
Planned church lessons
Took naps (well two of us did anyway:)
Ready for another day!

Underage Driver

How did we get here? Carson eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in his new car?

It all started with this. Justin let Carson pretend to drive the redneck truck in the garage one day. See that smile? Should have known life as we knew it was over. At the time, he had never seen a stick shift so it was a microphone. I think he drove that truck for an hour before we brought him in kicking and screaming.Life will never be the same. Every single car...yes every one he passes he whines and cries at. Parking lots are nightmares for us. He believes he should drive every car he sees. The good news? Rainy days are so much fun. I get to sit in the car, listen to my country while Carson drives me to far off lands. Every walk we go on means chasing him up people's driveways as he cries to get in their cars. So we got this. Loves it. He also got to drive Grandpa Mark's jeep out on his property. yes, really drive. I am not sure who was more scared....me or the buffalo. Of course, this experience convinced him that he really should drive every car he sees.

This is where we shop now. I changed grocery stores to keep him happy. Oh...to have the world revolve around you:)

This is at Discovery Gateway. Again, kicking and screaming to get him to leave. However, I was proud of how he held his ground to much bigger boys. Don't mess with the Driver. He was not turning over that wheel to anyone.

My favorite was Mother's Day though. I was sitting at the computer when my special delivery car (pushed by Daddy) pulled up. Out the window he handed me a card, some candy, and then my very first coloring picture ever made by Carson. It was adorable.

Now if I could only get him to run to the store for me.

First Hike and Cabin Excursion

We took Carse on his first hike for Mother's Day weekend. Some friends let us borrow their "hiking backpack" for him. He spent about 2 minutes in it before he decided it was way more fun on the ground. I was very impressed with his "hiking" ability. Granted, there was not too much of an incline but Carson walked the majority of the 1.6 miles by himself. It took several hours because there were many distractions but it was so much fun!
This last weekend, my sis, her boyfriend and my adorable nephew came to visit! We went up to Grandpa Marks cabin and had a blast! We rented an ATV and it was definitely the highlight of the trip. I love seeing my boy outside, he is just totally content like his daddy!
Just a note: Cute Little Baron is not so little, he is 6 1/2 months compared to Carson's 16 months and they weigh the same! That noggin alone is at least a full pound!
We had a few exciting "mis" adventures... Carson pulled a hose on the ATV and the guys "fixed" it which caused the ATV to shut down in random locations--like when I was out by myself. The Bronco got a flat. And so on.. but we had a wonderful relaxing time.
We finished the trip by taking the long route through Heber--gorgeous and ending on the Olympic Park Zipline in Jeremy Ranch. We all did the EXTREME Zipline--pics to come later! I about passed out from fear--Justin says it is the most expensive ride ever since the only way I got on in the end is when he promised to buy Carson this yard helicopter teeter totter from Costco:0