Bouncing Baby Boy

For those who don't know (which is basically everyone), I am pregnant. We are expecting our 4th child on September 21st. I am a little over 18 weeks along. I have been feeling great (I don't really get sick at all, which I feel so lucky about). Today I went in for my Ultra Sound, and we found out we are having a boy. Our Ultra Sound technician was taking a look at the tummy and legs when she said, "It's a boy. Wow - and he is PROUD! Oh my." HE HE HE. Sean got this happy little grin. He was very cooperative, showing us very clear views of everything we needed to see. He was VERY active as well: kicking his legs and moving his arms all over and yawning. It was pretty fun to watch. What a different experience that my Ultra Sound with Megan (she was curled up in a tiny ball and would NOT move - we were in there for over an hour and had to go back a second time, which also took an hour). Today I was in and out of the doctor's office in a half an hour (and very happy with everything we saw). So, I just thought I would pass along our good news.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

This was a little conversation we experienced in our home about a week ago:

Caelan: Mom, even though we can't see Jesus he is still watching us, right?
Mom (Me): Yep, that's right.

(Caelan runs off into the other room.)

Ben: Jesus! (He said slowly with a look of amazement as he jumps off the couch and follows Caelan).

(From the other room).

Ben: Is Jesus here?
Caelan: We can't see him, but he is here.
Ben: In our house?
Caelan: Yep, He is watching us.
Ben: Is he following me?
Caelan: Yah. We can't see him, but he is here.

For the rest of the afternoon, periodically Ben would stop and say, "Jesus is following me, huh?" to which Caelan would always respond with something like, "Even though we can't see Him, he is still here."

Oh, I love the things kids say (and they things that they learn and retain). One of my favorite parts of the whole incident was watching Ben's face as he got off the couch to follow Caelan into the other room where he though Jesus might be - the excitement!

Happy Day of Ascension Mom!

Today is the 4th anniversary since my Mom went "home"to her Heavenly Father. My brother and sister started referring to it as her "Day of Ascension" and it has just kind of stuck - it seems like an appropriate way to remember the day. As I was thinking about her today, I just wanted to write a little note in honor of someone who means so much to me. A few weeks ago I went to the YW General Broadcast (where the leaders of the Young Women of the church speak to all of the young women). Sis. Tanner gave a wonderful talk and spoke about her own mother's influence on her. She said, "I am the product of a righteous young woman who stood 'steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works.'" That is exactly how I feel. I am so grateful for her faith, courage, service, patience, diligence, commitment to truth, testimony and love. As a mother I have come to understand much more the sacrifices she made in my behalf, and I don't think I told her "thanks" enough (although, I think she probably knows how I feel). I am so thankful for the gospel and the eternal perspective it gives us on this life. I feel so blessed to KNOW that I will see her again. I love you MOM! Happy Day of Ascension!

Library

We love to take advantage of our local library, especially the children's programs that they offer. They have a fun story time every week (3 different times to choose from) which my kids love. They hear stories and sing songs and shake eggs and dance around. About 4 times a year they have a fun craft project to do as well. After story time the kids love to stay and play with the puzzles and puppet theater. This month the library is joining with In and Out Burger and offering an incentive for reading. Kids 4 years old and older can participate. They read five books (or have 5 books read to them) and then they get a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger. They can get a total of 3 certificates. Caelan cashed in her reading sheet for 2 certificates today, and there was no talking her out of going straight to In and Out for her "free hamburger."

General Conference

What a blessing it was this weekend to be able to watch and participate in General Conference where leaders of our church speak and give counsel and bear testimony. It was an especially unique experience this time around because on Saturday morning we were able to participate from our homes in a solemn assembly where we were able to sustain a new prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I am so grateful for a living prophet on the earth today who leads and guides this church according to the direction of the Lord himself. It was interesting to see the prophetic mantle come upon President Monson - he has been a wonderful leader for years and has been prepared to take on this responsibility (he will be great).
I was also very touched by the talk given by Elder Ballard at the close of the Sunday afternoon session where he spoke directly to and about the young mothers of the church and the world. He addressed things that I often think about, and it was a real blessing to hear him honor the calling of mothers and express his appreciation for the work we are doing. For those young moms who weren't able to hear this talk, look it up on LDS.org.

Happy Birthday Ben!

Ben celebrated his 3rd birthday on Saturday. He had fun opening his presents (he's at a fun age where he LOVES anything and everything). He got some coloring books and puzzles and a 3-wheel SpiderMan scooter and a nerf gun. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday dinner he said "Pizza," and so I asked him what kind of pizza to which his reply was "olive kind." He had a dalmation dog cake (he and Caelan helped put the spots on it). It was a fun day. We love our little Ben - we can't imagine our lives or family without him.