Kub Kar Rally

This picture was the one that was taken that day. 

This was taken yesterday. 

Joel's Preparation for this year was quick. He had decided he wasn't going to participate then changed his mind at the last minute. The Saturday before the Tuesday event they haphazardly threw the car together. Some over zealous handiwork killed the car and they had to start again. But they didn't have another car. They got the new car Sunday and worked like crazy Monday night after family home evening. I was hoping he would learn a lesson about procrastination. But he didn't. He won 2nd place!! After he had been throwing up all night, due to stress. I didn't go. I was in early labor and not feeling well. 

Newborn pictures

A friend offered to take some newborn pictures of Molly.  I've never had them done before.  She did well, with the aid of the soother.  We were hoping for a few more with her cute mouth showing but it wasn't to be.  She captured some cuteness though.

--Spencer said today "Mom, the baby is breathing!"

Welcome to the world, Molly Guin

Here are the facts:

Natural labor inducing techniques don't work for me (I was not willing to try castor oil)

Labor began around 10 pm Tuesday night, March 17

Relaxation breathing during contractions really helped, as well as visualization

I woke Stan up around 4 am, to go to the hospital

9 cm dilated upon arrival

My doctor (who was also expecting a baby any time) was there and was an amazing help with the process

Molly Guin born around 7 am, 8 pounds 8 oz, 20.5 inches long

Felt amazing following the delivery

Happy to have reached this milestone

Anxious to get back home so I could sleep in my own bed

My mom came to help for almost a week, she is already missed

Book Review

I saw this book at the library in Otis Orchards, Washington while I was there for American Thanksgiving.  I knew immediately it was a book I would enjoy. It's a true story, it's about Washingtonians, it's about a sport, and it includes the Olympics. It also is history, which I love. What I couldn't have known was the way it would open my eyes to change that will help in my life. 

The author has a talent for weaving the sport of rowing with the lives of the men and the current political and economic situation of those years; the good times of the 1920s, the devastation of the Great Depression, the dust bowl era, widespread poverty, the rise of Adolf Hitler, World War II. 

A time period that those of us who didn't live through will never fully understand. We are so incredibly blessed to live now and to live in a free North American country, that is peaceful, prosperous, and we don't know what it means to be hungry or cold. 

Some thoughts as I read the book:

-"Where is the spiritual value of rowing?...The losing of self entirely to the cooperative effort of the crew as a whole."  This a true life principle, one that can and should be applied to family life, to life in the human family, to any group effort. Each of us has a part to play in our families, our friendships, our ward families, our communities, our work places. 

-exercising faith in our "team" takes trust, believing that our team members will help us when we fall short. Most importantly we can trust the savior will ALWAYS have our back and will always make up for what we lack. 

-strong relationships are so important to our souls as human beings. We really can't successfully live without them. Choose and work at creating good and positive relationships. It takes a lot of continual training and effort. 

Back in the game

This last month has been a little rough. Pregnancy hormones got the better of me and I was filled with too much anger. I had plenty of good times, but there was an underlying darkness and frustration. I've been trying all week to find the desire to repent and let go of what's bothering me, knowing that this has been blocking my ability to feel the spirit. We had a ward temple trip planned for last night and I didn't want to leave my kids. But I finally decided that even though I felt unworthy to be there, that was exactly where I needed to be. Elder Scott, an apostle, said in his last general conference talk, that we should seek the Savior at the temple and that we would better understand His atonement when we attend. So that was my goal for last night. The peace I felt was just what I needed. I am grateful and amazed that Heavenly Father loves me, despite my selfishness and pride, and that gives me strength to keep trying. 

Lunch

I have a friend that likes to come over, have lunch, work on projects, etc. 

this was yummy! Pho soup

A 3 year old

Potty training has been completely unsuccessful so far. And with it has emerged a much stronger willed boy. Tantrums are frequent, demands are many, and an unusual curiosity for attention has surfaced. It's so weird, all of it. 

His explanation for this little catastrophe was simply that he was trying to get Joel's candy and used the drawers as steps. Surprisingly he wasn't hurt but the dresser needs an operation. 

Who says 3 year olds need to be potty trained? Only the mom who is sick of doing the clean up job he is capable of doing himself!

Wow

We had some fun today. 

And while we waited for my awesome brothers in law to help us, spencer took some self portraits. 

The birthday boy

Spencer is a reason why I'm grateful I keep having kids. He stretched me beyond my limits much of his first year but he is such a joy to me and our family. He is sweet and kind, very sensitive and caring. He can play on his own now and is so fun to listen to and watch. 

Here's a reason

Part of why summer went by without my recording much is that I found out we are having a baby soon after school was out for the summer. So, the summer was all about survival. The kids kept me busy and out of the house so I couldn't dwell too much on how poorly I was feeling. I'm due in march, which is a great time to have a baby. 

Frank slide

After driving past frank slide Alberta for the past 11 years, we finally stopped at the interpretive center. It was amazing. We want to go back with Stan. 

Cousin fun

Canada Day

Good friends invited us to spend Canada Day with them in Waterton!  It was so awesome.  The weather was perfect, the hike to Bertha Falls was great.  Spencer even walked most of the way.  Not bad for an almost 3 year old.

 AND  Happy 4th of July too

With all the busy stuff of the week, we decided  to keep it low key.  We had a delicious dinner and dessert and sang the Star Spangled Banner together.  Next year we might go to Great Falls, they have awesome fireworks. 

I'm so grateful to be a citizen of two wonderful countries, where I enjoy many freedoms, especially the freedom to worship as I choose.  It is a huge blessing and one I probably don't think about enough since I've never lived any other way.

A quick trip

My sister was visiting Utah, from Texas, so, naturally, I had to go see her.  And my gracious sister-in-law was willing to keep Joel for a week to play with his cousin.  So I loaded up Joel and Macy and went on a road trip.
First stop, Idaho Falls:

Then a family reunion with my mom's family

We then drove down to Utah, dropped off Joel and continued on to Lehi.  We stayed with my brother that night.  Sunday morning we drove up to SLC to attend Music and the Spoken Word, in the conference center.  It was the Independence Day special so that was really awesome and patriotic.  And I just have to say that Richard Elliot is amazing on the organ!  His solo was outstanding.  There is nothing like being there in person.

Family time was fun.  Macy and I drove up to Brigham City and stayed with a foster sister there then we drove home all day Monday, just in time to spend Canada Day in Canada.

Running thoughts

This morning, as I was jogging, I was thinking of the reasons I jog.  For exercise, to keep in shape, but mostly for mental reasons.  It helps me cope with stress and anxiety and is a good antidote for depression.  I NEED the endorphin rush.

On another topic, here are some pictures from the last day of school.

We are so pleased with how the school year went.  Great teachers, staff, and school.  Brynn is learning that friendships are tough.  Especially at her age. Brynn is pretty loyal and doesn't understand the emotional ups and downs of junior high age friendships.  She is learning some good lessons and it has been great for our relationship, as she has chosen to confide in me, on occasion.