...Everything as loss...FOR GREAT GAIN

So I begin this story by referencing what happened almost exactly one year ago. I'm not sure if I posted much about it but I will refresh every one's memory. On Dec. 14, 2008 we were rushing out the door with Aaron's parents and the kids to church. In the rush I placed my bible and notebook on the roof as I buckled Rachel in the car and hopped in. Needless to say the bible and notebook fell off on our way to church across town. I knew it once we got to church but I decided to wait till after church to search for it. After all it's in a huge purse like leather case and even though a foot of snow was on the ground I figured I'd find it. Three days of driving that road...and a few more times the next month nothing! I felt heartbroken. The bible...well...here's that story.    When I was 11 years old I had a pink old Bible my parents had given to me with my name on the outside and I remember sitting before the Lord and basically asking for a sign from Him. I asked t...

So here's our 21 week ultrasound...would have shown the action ultrasound but...our boy was NOT SHY! And I don't want to embarrass him before he's even entered this crazy world. So we are thrilled and really happy with this little boy. He is super healthy and as usual measures a few days bigger than my due date! The kids were with us and really mostly excited about hearing the heartbeat! Ha! So now comes the challenge of picking a name and the first votes from Malachi and Rachel are; from Malachi -"Tiger"...and Rachel - "Rachel"..ha ha! Love it!

And away we go...in the car, bundled up and ready to hit the hills at Epic where...mom(me) went ice block sleding in college. It was insanly busy and unbelievably cold...but to our surprise Malachi ended up being the star...and taking the round sled and going down the big hill all alone!!! Sweet Shanole, AJ and Sydney joined us and then were freezing so they left quickly! We tried to find a hill with less wind but it was too fluffy snow for Aaron so his pants were soaked!! And Avery...ha..we love you endlessly...you just aren't ready for wind or snow! And Rachel, aka miss independent, began walking up the hill alone and making snowballs to carry! Finally my sis just grabbed Avery and took her down...and it seemed she actually liked it!

So here's our fun adventure to the pumpkin patch with cousin Avery and Auntie Rachel and Uncle Brian. Fun family tradition just gets more fun every year. This is me showing off my handsome and slim husband who has lost 52 lbs!! He is so stinkin hot...always has been but I just want to say it again and show off his accomplishment. Here's precious Avery...so cute and very unsure of what to do!

Me at 18 weeks...and growing

So fun...but hard to see the change from her crazy curls! She does have shorter bangs and about an inch off the back...she did great. It was super fun because it was a family hair cut day...except for me. But that's ok... The final product...ha hillarious girl!

So I'm finally posting pictures from Rachel's birthday party...on September 12th. Sorry! It was a wonderful day and weekend. My parents came over from Grand Junction and my mom was a huge help with food and helping me with the cake. So fun! Here's Rachel early that morning when daddy took her to see her biggest gift...a new play kitchen that I got used and spiffed it up with paint and new stove top...so fun! And here's breakfast time...she has no idea that his whole day was about her! She's so used to Malachi trying to take the attention away...it was great to watch her with everyone there for her. And her special outfit for the day with minnie mouse, fake plastic dress shoes, a ring and her new minnie watch....so fun. She loves dress up. So here's the beginning of the spread of food and the cake. It turned out allright. I am a bit of a perfectionist so I see too many things I wanted to look different, but my mom was a huge help on dying the fondant and helping ...