Announcements, Announcements, Annou-ouncements

(sung as if at Girls Camp)

So a few things have happened in the last couple of days.  Let us begin with Sunday.

At Church, the chapel was unusually full of extra family.  They had all come to be a part of Ted, (Doug's dad) being called as the new Bishop of our ward.  No one was really surprised that it is him...it was just a matter of time.  We have no doubt that he will be an incredible Bishop who is totally up for this heavy calling!  However, Doug being called as his 1st counselor was a little surprising for us.  It is sweet that he gets to serve with his dad again...just a tad different this time.  So, back to the stand Doug goes.  He's bummed that it wasn't 2nd counselor because that's who gets to control the height of the pulpit... ;)

Being as close as we are with our former Bishop and his family, my kids, well all of us really, are going to have a hard time not calling him Bishop.  They are confused as to what to call him.  We said they could call him Ron, Grandpa, Grandpa Ron.  We sure do love and appreciate Bishop Lambert and all he did to fulfill his calling and love our ward.  We are just grateful that we have built a strong friendship with him and his wife (and their kids) that nothing is really going to change other than what we call him.

And now today...

A few weeks ago out of the blue, Payton started having issues with his vision.  Mostly blurriness.  We let it go for a few days, but it just got worse.  He was getting rather frustrated with his new struggle.  So, his dad finally took him into the eye doctor.  Ironic thing is...we decided to not get vision insurance this year because we hadn't used it.  Go figure.  Anyway, he got in and less than a week later this is what he now looks like with his spectacles!  Surprisingly, he was more excited about it than embarrassed. 

AND...

Jillian got student of the month.  January was "Respectful."  Unfortunately, we didn't know she was getting it so we missed the assembly.  Sad we missed her very first school award, but I know (or hope) she will get more.  She came home grinning ear to ear and excited about her certificate and special pencil!

Progress and Boredom

Progress.  Last week my doctors office was closed on account of the weather, so I've been stuck not knowing where my progress stood with this whole delivery thing.  My curiosity was satisfied yesterday.  I am dilated to a 3 and still 80% effaced.  The doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if he saw me in the hospital this weekend...I would be surprised if he does.  My body likes to take it's time, so I'm not banking on going into labor yet.  My husband, on the other hand isn't shy about wanting to get things going, with his numerous suggestions on what we should do.  Any guesses what his number one suggestion is??

(Here are a few pictures my husband took of me. Traci wanted black and white shots to display at my baby shower.  I think he did a pretty good job!  I am 37 1/2 weeks in these.  And I feel about 42 weeks!

It's funny, when you are taking pregnant pictures that your hands automatically go to your belly.)

Boredom.  So, now I'm just waiting.  Trying to be patient and endure the pain that is taking over my body and robbing me of sleep.  I have things ready.  I've been keeping up with the housework and laundry, which in and of itself is pretty miraculous!  I do need to scrub my bathtub though, which I am totally stoked about.  Now that I am no longer the YW pres, there isn't that responsibility of planning my lesson for Sunday or worrying about next weeks activity.  So, I am just here.  Feeling a bit bored and just waiting.  I guess I should just enjoy it while it lasts.  Maybe I'll go read a book.

Showered!

My incredible friend, miss Traci, was adamant on throwing me a baby shower.  You see...she LOVES throwing parties and is pretty spectacular at it, so I let her.  No surprise...she did a beautiful job!!

~The Devine Decor~

                                                         

~The Fabulous Food~

~The Gorgeous Guests~

~The Hot Hostess~

Traci!

Several people were not able to make it because of the freak weather that decided to come and cause lingering chaos!  I missed all of them!

It was a fabulous night with wonderful people, awesome gifts and lots of laughter!  Huge thank you to Cheree-ree for bringing some of my favorite foods...(cheesecake and tortilla roll-ups! which I ate way too much of...Love you!), Tabitha for the all her help and the jalapeno jelly! And to every single person that came and showered me, and the baby, with gifts and love!

AND OF COURSE to Traci!  You outdid yourself and I loved every bit of it.  I truly appreciate all the time and effort you put into making my shower perfect!  Thank you so much my friend. You know I love you!



ALL ABOUT DOUG

This is Doug.

He is my very best friend.

He takes excellent care of me.

And embraces all my craziness.

I know exactly how he feels about me because he tells me every day.

He is the ultimate team mate and eternal companion.

I like him, a lot.

And love him immensely.

All Good Things Must Come to an End...

For the last 2 years and 7 months I have had the honor of serving as the Toledo Ward Young Women's President.  Sunday, I was released.

My heart is a little broken, and I have cried about it several times.  Yep...tears are welling up as I type.  It is so hard to let go of something that you have poured your heart and soul into and has become a part of who you are.  I will say that being released was not a shock.  For a few months now I have had a very strong impression that it would happen.  I think my Heavenly Father knew I would need time to get used to the idea beforehand. I have had such an amazing time with these girls.  There has been so many special, fun, crazy, spiritual, tender filled moments.  Which far outweighed the frustration, stress and anxiety filled ones. 

I never questioned why I was put in this calling.  It came at a time in my life when I needed it most.  To me, it was evidence that my Heavenly Father knew what was happening and knew I needed something to grab onto.  He was holding out his hand, asking me to take it.  It was up to me to grab on.  It took me a little bit, but eventually I did grab on with both hands and have been hanging on ever since.

Along with all the sadness, there is relief and comfort.  The comfort comes in knowing that this is what my Heavenly Father wants right now....(well, Him and my friend Jill!).  And the relief comes because there were a lot of concerns about how I would make it all work when this baby girl arrives.  Now, there isn't a question. Things are the way they should be...no matter how difficult it is...sniff sniff!

It's going to take a while to adjust to not think, dream or worry about the next activity, lesson, Presidency meeting, stake meeting, ward council meeting or each young woman individually.  Even this morning I caught myself wanting to get a hold of my remarkable counselors about what would have been this mornings presidency meeting.  I was very blessed to work with beautiful counselors and secretaries throughout the last few years that really supported, loved and helped me. Love all those ladies so much and appreciate who they are and their love for their callings and the Young Women.

I do have a new calling. I am now 2nd counselor in the Primary. My kids are really excited about that! I'm not worried that the ladies I will be working with will allow me to be (or not be) wherever I need to. I have been in the Primary before and know that I will enjoy all the little kids' sweet spirits.

I know I'm not really letting the girls go.  I'm not going anywhere and I will be keeping an eye on them and worrying about each one.  These girls will always be a part of me. I love them deeply and they will always be my girls...always.  My heart is full of love, memories and a deep gratitude for every single one of them.  It has been a huge blessing in my life to serve these incredible, beautiful Young Women. 

First...The New Year

 

The last 2 weeks haven't been the most fun 'round these parts. After D and Jilli got sick it made it's way to me and Izzy. Thankfully Iz got over it pretty quickly with her 4 year old immune system. But I have been a much different story. Fevers, cold sweats, a 70 year old smokers cough, chest pain, severe congestion, headache, nausea, 2 explosions of cold sores. Bronchitis and sinus infection. But, with some anti-biotics, an inhaler, sinus spray and a lot of love from some beautiful friends and my wonderful Douglas and I think I might be feeling better. Sickness is tough on this pregnant body. I'm ready to be better. So that is how this new year has started out for me.  I know, it could have been worse.  I could have ran into a brick wall or something.

I haven't really thought about any New Years resolutions.  It seems that I make resolutions every day.  Be a better wife.  Be a better, more loving, and compassionate mother. Pray more.  Read my scriptures more.  Stop yelling.  Be a better Young Women's president.  Be more organized.  The list goes on and on.  Every day I wake up with more resolve.  To be a little better than I was the day before. So, for my New Years resolutions I guess I should dig a little deeper and see what I can come up with.  IF I decide to do it at all.  Sometimes I feel that I'm just setting myself up for failure with this kind of thing. I'll let you know how it goes.

Second...the belly.
I know, it's been a while.

This is what I see...every day right now.  A 36 week lovely lump of baby.  Don't you want to just rub it? 

 

I look down and think, "wow, that is some belly."  I caught myself just watching my kids the other night and being amazed that I had 4 beautiful children.  I glanced at my husband and 13 years of memories flooded my brain.  Then, I looked down and thought, "we are having our 5th child."  Soon I will be the mother of 5.  Five.  F.I.V.E.  That's pretty unreal.  I giggled. 

As the time draws closer and closer I get a little undone with all the thoughts, worries and concerns that come along with giving birth and bringing home a brand new baby.  Then, I take deep breaths and remind myself that I've done this 4 times before, I can do it again.

I examined my belly pretty thoroughly the other night to see if I've developed any new stretch marks (with fingers crossed).  You see, this marvelous girl of mine has worked her way up so high, I feel that she just might kick my throat at times.  I've carried all my girls high, but this is quite remarkable.  My skin and ribs are experiencing pain they never have before. Thankfully, there are no new stretch marks at this time and no bruising all over my ribs which I expect to see every day...no evidence of the pain. It's like when you hit your shin bone crazy hard on something and expect to have this massive bruise the next day that you can show everyone as proof of what you went through...and then you wake up with nothing to show. No bruise, just pain. On the upside of things, I do look down at my cleavage and smile to myself.  I've missed those girls immensely and I'm glad they are back for a little while. And so is the hubby. 

Things are starting to move around as my body prepares for delivery, and my movement slows daily.  Everything feels a bit tender and the evidence of the upcoming transition is apparent.  I know these last few weeks will be spent doing last minute preparations and spending a lot of time off my swollen feet.  I think it's funny how everyone treats you so delicately when you're with child.  But, I do love it (to a point) and why not take advantage of it while it lasts? 

I'm hating the way I feel and look. But I have decided something and hope that I can just stick with it.  I'm embracing my pregnant self as best I can for these last 4 weeks.  I'm having a baby and that is a beautiful thing.  I have a life growing inside me and I shouldn't be ashamed of how that has changed every single inch of my body.  I struggle with loving myself at any stage, but especially right now.  So, this will be a fight for me I think, but one that I am determined to win. I will try not to examine my chubby face and thicker thighs with disgust and I'll try not to long for my body I had before I got pregnant.  Which when I look back at pictures I hit myself for.  (Note to self:  next time you get thin, appreciate it a lot more!)

Does this shirt make my belly look big?

We have yet to decide on a name for this little one.  Doug and I are of differing opinions.  Right now he and my Bishop are calling her Chuck.  And knowing Doug, that's probably what he will call her for the rest of her life.  I am leaning towards one name in particular at the moment but am still keeping my ears open for anything that might feel a bit more 'right'.  Naming your child is a special and delicate process.  I know that when she gets here we will know for sure what she should be known as.

Christmas

Christmas Eve brought us back to the church for our annual Christmas Eve dinner.  My Italian sister-in-law has brought her tradition to this Irish family.  She makes some mean spaghetti and meatballs.  Enough to feed an army...which is almost what we equal. 

We almost didn't go seeing as a nasty sickness had hit my husband and Jillian for several days at this point.  But Doug didn't want us to miss out, so we went, and he was miserable.  He suffered through the dinner, an exciting exchange of white elephant gifts, and the opening of grandma's handmade pajamas for all the grand kids.  A quick clean up after that and we were on our way back home to put the overly anxious kids and my sick husband to bed.  Funny that this is the one night a year they can't wait to be tucked in. Morning can never come quickly enough.

We always make the kids wait for everyone to wake up before we do anything.  So, slowly...one by one they venture into our bedroom and we all just cuddle and wiggle and giggle in excitement, letting the anticipation build. 

I think they were all pleased with what they got.  It was a little sad to have sickies in the house on what is supposed to be one of the best mornings of the year.  Jillian tried her best to enjoy the process, but just wasn't herself.  And Doug, well...he went back to bed.  I made the kids breakfast and watched them play with everything.  We visited with the in-laws next door for a bit and then came back home to quickly get ready for Church.  I love Christmas being on a Sunday...it just seems to fit!

Doug mustered up enough energy to go with us, and we both sang with the choir.  The primary kids sang a few songs that made me all teary-eyed.  It was a simple and lovely program.

The rest of the day was pretty laid back.  We visited some friends for a bit and then came home to eat our Christmas dinner.  I sent the kids to get ready for bed and then realized I hadn't taken a picture of them in their Christmas get-ups. So, I made them change back and snapped a few shots of them.

All in all...it was  a pretty good day.  Filled with sniffles, fevers, smiles, laughter, love and a great Christmas spirit.

Christmas Concert

just a day before 'winter break', the kids had their Christmas concert. the middle school gym was jam packed with parents, friends and other family members. it was kind of a rough night for savannah and jilli (they had both come home sick with fevers from school), but they didn't want to miss it and persevered through it all.

i'm so happy that mr. coyner (jilli's kindergarten teacher) takes the time out of his crazy schedule and volunteers to get this thing together every year.  it was a great night!

Graham Cracker Mayheim

About a week before Christmas, all of Doug's local-ish siblings and their kids got together for the graham cracker house decorating event.  Let's face it, this family is getting so big that pretty much all of our holiday celebrations end up at our church building.  So, that's where we headed. 

There was sooooo much candy, the kids loved it!!

Everyone was smart (except me, being the lazy one) and 'glued' their houses beforehand so it was just a matter of the decor.  There were a few extra pre-made houses that my kids scored so it all worked out.  Izzy and Jilli shared one and did pretty well (with my guidance) at deciding together how they wanted to embellish their digs.

Savannah, getting all creative!

Payton working away on his masterpiece.

The finished products...

Payton added rocket boosters to his.

And here are all (minus a sick one) of the kids.  I think there are more kids here than there is in our ward primary...and that's not all of the grandkids, just the local ones. Way to go Gifford family for trying to multiple and replenish the earth single-handedly.