I mean HONESTLY!.....

I have been a serious blog slacker- yeah,and I have pretty much abandoned my position as head family photographer, oh, that's right, and my pots in the kitchen have cob webs, I've lost 8 pounds (and not in a good kind of way), my bubbies- well, they might as well be black and blue cuz' they feel like two grapefruit sized bruises. My hair is thinning, my digestive system has turned against me, I get car sick driving Lilly to school, my nose is that of a Beagle, showering is a freaking chore, and to top it all off, I have zits, yes, like, real zits, like on my forehead AND my chin. That's right sweetheart, you guessed it, I am with child and it's just a happy rainbow colored parade over here in my life.

So I am 12 1/2 weeks along- due November 27th- and if all goes according to plan, #3 will join the family on the 22nd by induction.

Although I have felt terrible, nothing makes me happier than my girls. They are so excited to have a baby. Hearing the heartbeat this week even got Meg excited and Lilly has got Nate and I crying in laughter with the baby names she comes up with. Everyone has had to cross boundaries lately and do things they normally do not around the house. I'm not sure what they have experienced, but I have realized how much I really do DO and when you feel lousy and things don't get done, it helps you see.

I also have a great group of friends that have been good about checking up on me and my kids and are willing to bend over backwards for me. To you gals- I say, THANK YOU!

Disclaimer: Expect to see bare prego Jen belly pics in the coming months- I will try to crop out my balding head and pizza face.

 

Easter 2010

We got the girls all bundled up for our egg hunt with all our friends. It was 37*, gusty, and snowy but with 9 families, and over 400 eggs, who wouldn't love it?!

 The girls had a visit from Mr. E. Bunny himself. Lilly was worried he wouldn't know that we were at Nana's house, but he pulled through... They got books, candy, gardening gloves, candy, wellington boots, candy, and some punching balls.

Happy Easter!!

Sisters!

Easter morning we all watched the Semi-Annual LDS General Conference.

Papa "blinked" for some of it,

 and the mani/pedi needs of the girls were seen to by Nanny.

 After Conference, the girls had another egg hunt in the yard.

 Lilly ran ahead of Meg but would leave the eggs that were down low for her sister to find. Seriously?! What 5 year old does that?

 Last Sunday, I substituted for Lilly's sunday school teacher at church. I got to teach the Easter lesson and talk to the kids about our Savior- and the events leading up to his death and resurrection. It was amazing to me how much insight these 4 and 5 years old had, how much they had already been taught at home, and the questions they would ask. I have made it a point to remind Lilly of the true reason we celebrate this time of year and she never ceases to amaze me with her sweet spirit and love for her Savior.

 Thanks for the great weekend Nanny and Papa!! You're the best!

 Nate and me

 "Look at my face mom! It's yucky!"

What we've been up to...

This is Lilly's new favorite baby. Camden is the son of one of my high school friends and he is a doll face! Lilly asks me when the little boy in brown is coming back. She cracks me up.

Merrill Bowling Night

 Apparently, back in the day, Cliff and Patti played in a couples league... they came prepared with their own balls and shoes. Cliff had a cool ball bag too.

 Lilly was sweet enough to share her turns with Megan.

 The three sassafrases!

 Happy times!

 This cabinet in the kitchen now has no shelves in it because Megan has claimed it as her own. She hangs out in there sometimes... eating, reading, hiding, and stashing her prized possessions in there.

 "Washy washy! Washy washy!" is what Meg chants while she washes her hands all by herself!

 Being artistic.

 Lilly's picture of a tree with a tire swing, grass, mountains, and she added flowers.

 Megan's painting is more abstract. It was her first time painting and she loved it!

New Pictures of the Girls

Lilly Turns 5 & Valentine's

Lilly turned 5 on February 1st.

We had a friend/ family birthday party for Lil' at a local kid's gym.

 Everyone found something to do...the men had more fun than the kids I think.

 Opening presents.

On her way to school for her birthday. Lilly is a true peacemaker and her love for others seems to be infinite. She shares, considers other people's feelings, and is always respectful. She is creative, happy, fashionable, eats her vegetables, is particular about her socks, loves going to school, is very smart, takes jazz and ballet this year, has started taking tennis, loves going to church (yes, all 3 hours), has many friends, makes her bed, loves to play with her sister, is artistic, and is a great buddy to her mom. Love you Lil'!

 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

 We made old school valentines this year from scratch. Construction paper, stickers, markers, glitter, glue, and personalized love messages.

 Lilly would tell me what she wanted to write to each of her friends and then she would sign her name. Toward the end though, she was signing "Love, Lilly" all by herself.

 Sweet Valentines

 Paisley's birthday is the day after Lil's so we had fun with all the cake and presents!

Sweetness!

Ready for church on Sunday! Leaving the house is a task. Megan has to get her purse and as much stuff as she can to take with her. What a hoot!

Helping Dad cook some lunch.

Lilly's First Dance Performance

 

Starting position

So Lilly's dance group performed at the ISU Bengal Dance Send Off. They were number 19 in the program. Lilly sat and watched while all these high school aged girls danced and performed. I was worried she would become intimidated and not want to go out in front of all those people. When her time came, she walked out with her head held high and was just about walking on air. I haven't seen her practice this dance this well ever! She went all out and I was so proud!!

 

Flowers from Dad

Her #1 Fan!

The peanut gallery. Thanks also to Aunt Leslie and Aunt Stacy and Grandma for coming to support Lilly!